Verso
Annual Report 2019

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ANNUAL REPORT 2019 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 01 DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTENTS iii iv viii ix MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY x CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - VERIS RACING 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e i i 24 25 26 27 28 71 72 77 78 80 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT LEAD AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CORPORATE INFORMATION CORPORATE DIRECTORY VERIS LIMITED Executive Team SOLICITORS ABN : 80 122 958 178 ASX Code : VRS Level 12, 3 Hasler Road Osborne Park, WA, 6017 P: +61 8 9317 0600 www.veris.com.au Adam Lamond Managing Director Lisa Wynne Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary CORPORATE DIRECTORY PRINCIPAL REGISTERED ADDRESS Directors Derek La Ferla Non-Executive Chairman Adam Lamond Managing Director Brian Elton Executive Director Tom Lawrence Non-Executive Director Karl Paganin Non-Executive Director Veris Level 12, 3 Hasler Road Osborne Park, WA, 6017 P: +61 8 9317 0600 E: veris@veris.com.au www.veris.com.au AUDITOR KPMG 235 St George’s Terrace Perth, WA, 6000 P: +61 8 9263 7171 F: +61 8 9263 7129 Steinepreis Paganin Level 4, The Read Buildings 16 Milligan Street Perth, WA, 6000 P: +61 8 9321 4000 F: +61 8 9321 4333 SHARE REGISTRY Computershare Level 11 172 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 P: +61 8 9323 2005 F: +61 8 9323 2033 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e i i i In 2018 we commenced an Operational Review focussed on Veris Australia. In the 2019 financial year we embarked on Phase 2 of the review process, with a significant number of measures undertaken to increase margins and profitability. In parallel, we also reviewed our corporate structure, overhead costs, service lines and office locations in Veris Australia and Corporate, with the aim of driving further efficiencies and lowering expenditure. In total, these corrective measures and changes will result in ongoing annual cost reductions of approximately $3 million. These changes have not occurred in isolation – they align with a new five-year Strategic Plan 2019-2024, endorsed by the Board in June. The plan charts a clear future direction for the Veris Group, aligned with the needs of our shareholders, clients, employees and other stakeholders. This financial year we also launched the Group’s first Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy and our Reconciliation Action Plan, Veris Reflect, which was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. We are extremely proud to have these in place and look forward in sharing our success stories. our systems across the Group; purposeful rebuilding toward ongoing growth; and delivering to our Strategic Plan. There will be increased efforts to secure higher value, higher margin projects with greater technical content. This will include a greater focus on geospatial and 3D spatial work for Veris Australia, as well as capitalising on opportunities provided by government infrastructure policy, both federally and at a state level. In the coming year, we will continue to ensure excellent service delivery, and work toward continued growth in our pipeline across the Group’s surveying, professional and advisory (Elton Consulting), and technologies (Aqura) businesses. Revenue in the business remains stable and in line with expectations and we believe that the actions taken in the past year, whilst difficult, were essential to provide the solid base on which we will continue to build a more sustainable and profitable future for Veris. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our shareholders, clients, employees and suppliers for their support, patience and understanding during a challenging financial year. Our focus for the 2020 financial year will remain on streamlining Derek La Ferla Chairman It has been a year of consolidation for Veris, following a strategic and considered acquisition strategy across Australia. We can proudly call ourselves a national professional services business, offering our clients an integrated, multi-disciplinary service that supports urban planning, property and infrastructure development, and construction. MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e i v The 2019 financial year saw Veris successfully move to becoming a truly national business with a suite of brands that provide a diverse range of professional and advisory, surveying, geospatial and technology services to the infrastructure, policy and strategy, property and housing, resources, industrial and commercial, and retail sectors. Significant progress has been made in strengthening the company’s operational capability following a now-complete Operational Review focussed on optimising the strength of Veris Australia through increased efficiencies, improved margins and delivering greater value for shareholders and clients. VERIS AUSTRALIA A number of key changes for Veris Australia have resulted from the Operational Review undertaken during the 2019 financial year. Specifically, structural changes were made to Veris Australia’s management, reporting lines and systems to provide improved line of sight into the performance of the business. Improvements were made to local reporting and greater controls implemented over new contracts, margin targets and working capital management, all aimed at increasing operating margins. Immediate corrective measures resulting from the Operational Review, including restructuring of the organisation, resulted in a total reduction in costs of approximately $3 million on an annualised basis. Throughout the 2019 financial year, a number of key opportunities were identified to grow the business through its exposure to the large infrastructure pipeline on the east coast, with specific exciting growth areas in geospatial and 3D spatial services. During the year, a new Veris Australia office opened in Southbank, Melbourne, while three offices in Victoria and one in Tasmania were closed to enable further improvement across the region. Financial year 2020 is Veris Australia’s first full year budgeted as a single business; as we head into the new financial year, the business is well positioned to deliver improved earnings back into the Group through increasing our engagement with our people and clients. GROUP STRATEGY ELTON CONSULTING In June, our Board and Senior Executive Team approved the new five-year Strategic Plan 2019- 2024. The Strategic Plan seeks to align the focus of the business with our vision to be recognised as a leader in integrated urban, regional and community building services across Australia, supporting top tier businesses, community organisations and all levels of government. In the process of developing the Strategic Plan, our Group values were reviewed and refreshed to ensure they best represent what we stand for as a business. The new Veris values statement describes the way we are striving to work with our clients, each other and the broader community. Our values are: Integrity and authenticity We act ethically and demonstrate fairness, openness and transparency. Inclusiveness and respect We value differences and treat others with dignity and courtesy. Pride and optimism We celebrate achievements and are confident about our shared future. Quality and responsibility We are client focused and care deeply about the quality of our work. Collaboration and innovation We bring people together to spark ideas and solve problems. Leadership We commit to leadership that drives a culture of collaboration and performance. Commercial success We are committed to the commercial success of our business and our clients. Elton Consulting was our first acquisition in the professional advisory sector, and our focus for the business during the 2019 financial year was to drive cross- selling revenue from Elton into the Group. Despite earnings being impacted by multiple state and federal elections and overlaying macro-economic challenges, the Elton business continued its organic growth through expansion during the year, and now has a true national footprint with offices across Australia. An upside of the past year’s elections has been the resulting increase in government spending commitments on the eastern seaboard, especially in areas such as social, health, education and transport infrastructure. Traditionally, the Elton business recovers strongly after election years and we believe financial year 2020 will be no different, with promising signs of improvement across the business already visible from May this year. Elton achieved significant project awards this year in the health, education, social housing, transport and social infrastructure sectors, in addition to property development awards for local, state and federal governments and tier one companies. Elton’s presence in Victoria has continued to grow over the last 12 months and this underpins ongoing growth as we move forward into the new financial year. AQURA TECHNOLOGIES Aqura Technologies achieved another year of solid revenue growth, and the business has now established east coast offices in Melbourne and Brisbane through the Veris footprint. With a strong order book going into the new financial year, Aqura Technologies now also has increasing opportunities to continue its transition to annuity revenue through changes to its business model – from a project delivery model to operating as a service business. The opportunities are supported by long-term umbrella agreements with tier 1 clients that were confirmed during the year, indicating strong market demand for Aqura Technologies’ offerings. RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e v This year, we launched our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan, Veris Reflect, which represents a genuine commitment to: • increase the cultural competency of team members by increasing knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and contemporary issues; • build meaningful relationships with Aboriginal organisations, peoples and communities in our markets; and • explore new and innovative approaches to deepen cultural awareness across all facets of our business. Veris also introduced its Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy 2019 – 2024 during the year. The strategy aims to unlock key drivers of change within the organisation and couple these with clients’ efforts to elevate CSR across the diversity of sectors in which our Group operates. MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT continued 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e v i The broad priorities outlined in the Veris CSR Strategy relate to: • prioritising environmental sustainability; • increasing diversity across all levels of our organisation; • developing an engaged, healthy and safe workforce; • ensuring Veris team members receive appropriate training and development opportunities; and • partnering with organisations that align with our Group’s CSR priorities. In line with our CSR Strategy, Veris continues to work with the Cycling Development Foundation through its support of the Veris Racing national cycling team. The Veris Racing cycling team encourages women and junior cyclists into the sport and continues to develop on a national level. Through Veris Racing, the Cycling Development Foundation also gives back to the community through fundraising events such as the Perth-Laverton Cycling Classic. GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE During the year Veris achieved revenue growth across all businesses and diversified its revenue portfolio. While the Group’s underlying EBITDA was down 44 per cent on the prior period, and a non-cash impairment of $34 million before tax to the carrying value of goodwill of the national surveying business was recognised, Veris saw enhanced operational cash flow and a reduced net debt position during the period. New banking facilities were negotiated with Commonwealth Bank of Australia to support the Group’s growth strategy. These new facilities are a testament to the strength of the ongoing relationship developed with the Veris Group’s bankers, along with their continued support of the Group’s strategic direction. PRIORITIES FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2020 As we move into the new financial year, the business will seek to prioritise the following initiatives in line with the Strategic Plan 2019 - 2024: • improvement of Veris Australia margins with a clear direction away from lower margin survey work toward higher margin areas within the business; • fast-tracking of the Veris Leadership Elevation Program, centred around our Principal’s Academy and further investment into our team to deliver value for clients and maximise returns for shareholders; • continued development of a collaborative, communicative and commercially savvy culture throughout the Group; • continued growth for the Group’s geospatial and 3D spatial capability; • development and implementation of our pricing strategy; • commencement of a new digital transformation strategy; and • improvements in strategic client management across the Group. CONCLUSION Our people are the very cornerstone of the Veris business, and I thank each and every one of them for their continued tenacity and resilience throughout what can only be described as a challenging year. To close, I would like to thank our investors for their continued support this year. While the financial performance of the business has been disappointing, we now have the correct measures in place and are poised for great success in the 2020 financial year. Adam Lamond Managing Director 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e v i i RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN We will strive to build and promote better understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and heritage throughout Veris via cross cultural awareness training delivered to parts of the business. Our values state that we prioritise diversity and inclusion, and we believe that through our first RAP we can demonstrate this value in the ways that we work. The Veris RAP will guide us to act from a place of leadership in the reconciliation space, and we hope to demonstrate to other organisations how the creation and adoption of a plan such as Veris Reflect can have far reaching benefits. We are committed to the promotion of respect, awareness and understanding within our organisation and we look forward to sharing the ongoing benefits and outcomes of the first Veris RAP. This year marked an important milestone for Veris, with the creation of the Group’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Veris Reflect, developed in partnership with Reconciliation Australia for 2019 - 2020. Reconciliation Action Plan July 2019 - December 2020 Veris 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e v i i i Introduced in July, the new Veris Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) provides an 18-month framework upon which Veris can continue to foster a diverse and inclusive work culture, and respectfully work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and peoples. It outlines actions and deliverables around areas including relationships, governance, and the creation of better Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities. While we are only in the initial stages of the Veris reconciliation journey, the companies within our Group have a long history of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities on a philanthropic and project basis. We recognise that we have an important role to play in contributing to reconciliation. We provide employment opportunities, work with partners across the country, operate and support initiatives in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and communicate with shareholders and the wider community. Through the development and implementation of our RAP, we will continue to build meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, peoples and communities in our markets. HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY Health, Safety, Environment and Quality are essential components of the strategic platform driven throughout all levels of Veris, with leadership in these areas demonstrated through a rotation of site inspections and ongoing engagement with the Group’s workforce. This area of focus is reinforced through the Veris Frontline Leadership Program. The implementation of the Veris Access Portal (VAP) digital platform has improved commitment around personal risk evaluation and leadership engagement throughout the Group, and has provided a focus for safety in the field while maintaining ongoing procedural ownership. The inclusion of vehicle checks in this digital portal has provided additional risk mitigation capacity around the business-critical risk of light vehicle movement. Veris business service systems were stabilised during the 2019 financial year, alongside improvements to internal processes to meet the challenges and requirements of an ever-changing workforce. The alignment of processes, platforms and protocols has enabled all areas of the business to concentrate a coordinated focus on Safety, Environment and Quality, to keep our people safe, the environment protected and the quality of our service delivery at a higher-than-industry- leader standard. During the year, Veris Australia continued the process of certification under ISO9001:2015, ISO14001:2015 (Quality & Environment) and AS/ NZS4801:2001 (Safety) standards; the Group continues to meet Federal Safety Commission Accreditation requirements. The continuous improvement ethos of our teams ensures process never stands still. An endless evolution of improvement is supported by the Veris core value of sustainability, which manifests in the culture of the Group and enables employees to safely provide consistent service excellence without harm to the environment. OUTSTANDING HSEQ PERFORMANCE • 1.3 million hours completed lost time injury free in FY19 • FY19 Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) – 3.85 • FY19 All Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR) – 29.28 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES • Safe to Stop initiative • Business Resilience Protocol • Process Improvement Working 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e i x Group CERTIFICATION Accreditation to the following standards: • ISO 9001:2015 • ISO14001:2015 • AS/NZS 4801:2001 Jul-18Aug-18Sept-18Oct-18Nov-18Dec-18Jan-19Feb- 19Mar-19Apr-19May-19Jun-1912 MonthHours103,495121,410105,541122,710119,03181,618105,099109,930111,84698,466120,35898,3071,297,811FAC22236124512232RWI0020000001205OE0000000000101TRIFR0.000.009.480.000.000.000.00.00.010.1516.610.03.85AIFR19.3216.4737.9024.4550.4512.2519.0236.3844.7020.3141.5420.3429.28 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – VERIS RACING VERIS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY STRATEGY 2019-2024 June 2019 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e x Veris is very proud to have introduced its first Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy this year. The Strategy will support key levers of change within the Group across the areas of climate, environmental sustainability, diversity, the creation of healthy and safe workplaces across all Veris offices, employee training and development, and partnerships with organisations aligned with our CSR priorities. We believe that by bringing the Veris CSR strategy to life, we have the capacity to not only enact change ourselves, but to also influence our clients’ CSR efforts across a broad range of sectors. Veris has always believed in being actively involved with the communities in which we operate, and we are committed to making a difference through long-term, strategic and sustainable partnerships. To this end, we work closely with the Cycling Development Foundation, and we are proud to be the name sponsor of the Veris Racing national cycling team. This team focusses on encouraging women and junior cyclists into the sport, ensuring young and emerging athletes receive the support they require to compete at an elite international level. The program continues to develop on a national level. Through Veris Racing, Veris and the Cycling Development Foundation give back to the community through major fundraising events such as the Perth-Laverton Cycling Classic and initiatives such as road safety programs for primary school students and training programs at Western Australia’s Clontarf Aboriginal College. To encourage female high school leavers to undertake tertiary studies in surveying or Geospatial Engineering, Veris created the Veris Women in Engineering Scholarship through the University of New South Wales. The scholarship is awarded to one young woman per year, providing $10,000 in financial assistance per year for four years. Recipients are also given the opportunity to undertake up to 12 weeks of industrial training with Veris during the holiday periods at the end of their first, second and third years of study. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e x i DIRECTORS’ REPORT 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 0 1 Your Directors present their report together with the consolidated financial statements of Veris Limited ABN 80 122 958 178 (“the Company” or “Veris”) and the entities it controlled (together referred to as ‘’the Group’’) at the end of, or during, the year ended 30 June 2019. Information on Directors Directors of the Company during the whole of the financial year ended 30 June 2019 and up to the date of this report are as follows: NAME PERIOD OF DIRECTORSHIP Derek La Ferla Independent Non-Executive Chairman Appointed 28 October 2011 Tom Lawrence Independent Non-Executive Director Appointed 13 October 2011 Karl Paganin Independent Non-Executive Director Appointed 19 October 2015 Adam Lamond Managing Director Appointed 13 October 2011 (Managing Director from 29 March 2017) Brian Elton Executive Director Appointed 29 March 2018 The experience, other directorships or special responsibilities of the directors in office at the date of this report are as follows: Derek La Ferla - Independent Non-Executive Chairman Experience Mr Derek La Ferla has 30 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer and company director. In addition to his role as Non-Executive Chairman of Veris, he is currently chairman of ASX listed companies Sandfire Resources NL and Threat Protect Australia Limited, and deputy chairman of BNK Banking Corporation Limited. Mr La Ferla is also a member of the WA Council for the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of its National Board. Mr La Ferla has held senior positions with some of Australia’s leading law firms, and is currently a partner with Western Australian firm, Lavan, in the firm’s Corporate Services Group. Special Responsibilities Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee Member of the Audit and Risk Committee Other Listed Company Directorships in last 3 years Sandfire Resources Limited (May 2010 – Current) Threat Protect Australia Limited (September 2015 – Current) BNK Banking Corporation Limited (November 2015 – Current) Interests in Shares of Veris 598,417 fully paid ordinary shares DIRECTORS’ REPORT Adam Lamond - Managing Director Experience Mr Lamond has over 20 years’ commercial experience with particular expertise in construction and infrastructure activities across Australia. Mr Lamond held the position of Chief Executive Officer of OTOC Limited from its listing in October 2011 to January 2014. Mr Lamond held the role of Executive Director – Business Development from January 2014 to March 2017, when he was appointed Managing Director. During this time Mr Lamond led the Company into its new strategic direction and diversification and has continued an active role within the Company throughout, supporting the evolution of the national surveying strategy and continued growth across infrastructure, property and resource markets throughout Australia. Special Responsibilities Member of the OHS Committee Interests in Shares of Veris 46,041,815 fully paid ordinary shares Tom Lawrence - Independent Non-Executive Director Experience Mr Lawrence is a qualified accountant with a Bachelor of Laws and a Masters Degree in taxation. Mr Lawrence was the principal of Lawrence Business Management for over 15 years, providing tax and management advice to a diverse range of businesses. He now works as a solicitor for Capital Legal, advising clients on a broad range of business related transactions. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 0 2 Special Responsibilities Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee Member of the OHS Committee Interests in Shares of Veris 8,136,093 fully paid ordinary shares Karl Paganin - Independent Non-Executive Director Experience Mr Paganin has over 15 years' senior experience in Investment Banking, specialising in transaction structuring, equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and strategic management advice to listed companies. Mr Paganin was a Director of Major Projects and Senior Legal Counsel for Heytesbury Pty Ltd (the private trading company of the Holmes à Court Family) which was the proprietor of John Holland Group Pty Ltd. Mr Paganin holds degrees in Law (B.Juris, LLB) and Arts (BA) from the University of Western Australia and is a Non-Executive Director of ASX listed Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited. Special Responsibilities Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee Member of the Audit and Risk Committee Member of the OHS Committee Other Listed Company Directorships in last 3 years Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Ltd (June 2015 – current) Poseidon Nickel Limited (1 October 2018 – current) Interests in Shares of Veris 8,125,170 fully paid ordinary shares DIRECTORS’ REPORT Information on Directors (continued) Brian Elton – Executive Director Experience Mr Elton has over 40 years of experience in urban and regional planning in the UK and Australia focussing on urban strategy, urban policy and governance and the delivery of major projects. Mr Elton has expertise in the areas of strategic communications and engagement, housing, social planning and is a highly regarded strategic advisor to public and private sectors organisations and to not-for-profit groups. He has held senior executive positions in local and State Government and founded Elton Consulting in 1989. Mr Elton was appointed Executive Director on 29 March 2018 when Elton Consulting Pty Ltd was acquired by the Company. Mr Elton has been involved in some of Australia’s largest urban renewal, major infrastructure and city-making projects and in ground-breaking urban policy reforms. He is passionate about sustainable urbanism. Mr Elton is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His affiliations include the International Association of Public Participation, Green Building Council of Australia and the Urban Development Institute of Australia. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 0 3 Interests in Shares of Veris 14,835,733 fully paid ordinary shares Information on Company Secretary Lisa Wynne - Company Secretary & Interim Chief Financial Officer Experience Ms Wynne is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Secretary with significant experience across the commercial sector with particular experience in the finance, accounting, corporate services, urban planning and resources industries across ASX and TSX listed companies. Former owner of a consulting company, for 11 years Ms Wynne provided corporate and financial services to public companies and held the role of Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer of a number of ASX listed companies. Ms Wynne was appointed to the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer of Veris on 21 June 2019. Directors Meetings The number of directors’ meetings and number of meetings attended by each of the Directors of the Group during the financial year are: Director Board Meetings Audit & Risk Committee Derek La Ferla Adam Lamond Tom Lawrence Karl Paganin Brian Elton A 17 17 17 17 17 B 17 17 17 17 17 A 2 * 2 2 * B 2 * 2 2 * Remuneration & Nomination Committee A 3 * 3 3 * Occupational Health & Safety Committee A * 4 4 4 * B * 4 4 4 * B 3 * 3 3 * A B * = = = Number of Meetings attended Number of meetings held during the time the director held office during the year Not a member of the relevant committee DIRECTORS’ REPORT Dividends 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 0 4 Dividends paid or declared by the Company to members since the end of the previous financial year were: Declared and paid during the year 2018 Cents per share (cents) Franked amount per share (cents) Total Amount $’000 (1) Record Date Date of Payment Final FY2018 ordinary 0.5 0.5 1,770 11 September 2018 25 September 2018 (1) The Dividend was fully underwritten. On 25 September 3,332,125 shares were issued under the Veris Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) and on 26 September 5,096,593 shares were issued in accordance with the DRP Underwriting Agreement. Principal Activities Veris is a professional service business delivering surveying, professional and advisory and geospatial services to the infrastructure, land and property, energy, mining and resources, defence, agribusiness, tourism, leisure and government sectors throughout Australia. Veris Limited is the Group's holding company, listed on the ASX under the code VRS. Veris Limited had three operating segments in the 2019 financial year namely Veris Australia, Elton Consulting and Aqura Technologies. Veris Australia Veris Australia is a professional surveying business that covers a broad spectrum of service lines including cadastral, civil and construction, and engineering surveying along with 3D spatial services such as lidar, 3D laser scanning, ground penetrating radar, mobile laser scanning and hydrographic surveys. It also provides town planning and urban design services. Veris Australia markets include infrastructure, land and property, resources and defence. Elton Consulting Elton Consulting’s professional and advisory services include urban and regional planning, communications and engagement, strategy and policy, social sustainability, bid strategy and preparation and a design studio. It provides expert advice to businesses, governments and not-for-profit organisations across infrastructure, property, housing, resources, energy, public policy and human services. Aqura Technologies Aqura Technologies complements the accomplished existing spatial solution capabilities of the Veris Australia segment with highly specialised ICT and communications services, offering industry-leading technology solutions to the industrial communications sector. DIRECTORS’ REPORT Principal Activities (continued) Significant Changes The following significant changes in the nature of the activities of the Group occurred during the year: 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 0 5 • Payment of the Group’s third dividend of $0.005 per share in September 2018. • Commonwealth Bank of Australia continued supporting the business with the approval of new banking facilities for the Group. The facilities have a term to 30 November 2020. • A non-cash goodwill impairment charge to the carrying value of goodwill of the Veris Australia segment was recognised during the year. • Consolidation of Melbourne properties and closure of less profitable office locations in Veris Australia. • Operational review of the Veris Australia business conducted during the year, with final phase completed in June 2019. • Securing work on long term east coast projects such as Melbourne Metro, Westgate Tunnel, North Connex, Inland Rail, M4 Smart motorway project, Sydney Metro, West Connect and Eaton Range Realignment project. • First full year contribution for Elton Consulting following its acquisition in March 2018. • Strategic Plan 2019 – 2024 was endorsed by the Board in June 2019. Operating and Financial Review 2019 saw Veris Australia operating as one company and the achievement of multi state project awards. In late 2018, the Company commenced an Operational Review to improve gross margin in the Veris Australia business. Phase 1 of the Operational Review was completed in December 2018 with Phase 2 completed in June 2019. A significant number of measures have been undertaken to increase efficiency and improve margins, particularly across the Veris Australia business. During the year, Elton Consulting achieved a national footprint, building on its Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Darwin offices with start-up offices in Brisbane and Perth, co-located with Veris Australia. Elton had significant project awards in health, education, social housing, transport and social infrastructure as well as property development for state, federal and local governments and Tier 1 companies. After significant revenue growth in 2018, revenue was stable showing only minor growth in 2019, as a result of slowdowns in government awards associated with election periods in NSW, Victoria and federally. Aqura continued into 2019 to provide services to key tier 1 clients including awards of new works packages totalling in excess of $13 million across its key service lines, Industrial Wireless, Content Access Networks and Unified Communications. These awards are as a result of the a three-year services contract entered into with BHP in 2019 and in addition, in 2019 Aqura successfully entered into an umbrella supply agreement with Rio Tinto demonstrating Aqura’s ability to sustain strong revenue growth year-on-year. These awards signify the demand for Aqura’s diverse range of service capabilities across Australia and New Zealand. In addition to improving the Veris Australia operations and successfully diversifying into professional and advisory services, the Company has also approved the five-year Strategic Plan 2019-2024. This strategy was endorsed by the Veris Board in June 2019 and is supported by the Company’s bankers. At Veris Australia this strategy includes targeting opportunities in higher value, higher margin projects with greater technical content including 3D spatial and geospatial work. Investments made in geospatial in the 2019 financial year set a strong platform to grow this work in financial year 2020. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 0 6 DIRECTORS’ REPORT Operating and Financial Review (continued) For the year ended 30 June 2019, the Group reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $6,498,000 - down from $11,189,000 in 2018. Key points to assist in understanding Veris’ results are as below. Key Item FY2019 $000 FY2018 $000 Comments Revenue 125,884 106,834 EBITDA* 6,498 11,189 Acquisition costs 95 1,628 Restructuring costs 3,294 1,770 Impairment of intangibles 34,431 - Net assets 27,094 68,203 Working capital** 5,483 12,426 Revenue from continuing operations was up 18% mainly due to Elton Consulting contributing a full year followings its acquisition in 2018 and the increase in the Veris Australia segment as a result of organic growth. EBITDA from continuing operations decreased year-on-year primarily as a result of the decrease in the Veris Australia segment EBTIDA of $6,244,000, offset by increases in EBITDA of $964,000 from Aqura Technologies and a full year contribution from Elton Consulting contributing a year on year increase of $1,271,000. Decrease due to no material acquisition activity during the financial year Increase as a result of restructuring costs for Veris Australia of $2,589,000, following the Operational Review and in Corporate for $650,000 and $55,000 for Aqura Technologies. Impairment of the Veris Australia segment goodwill, refer Note 15 Intangible Assets Net assets decreased on prior year, with the non-cash impairment of goodwill in Veris Australia segment accounting for $34m of the decrease. Working capital reduced in FY19 due to a decrease in Trade and other receivables and Work in progress offset by a decrease in loans & borrowings; and a decrease in cash, even with the significant increase in cash generated from operations. * EBITDA is defined as earnings before depreciation, amortisation, interest, tax, impairment, restructuring, share-based payments and acquisition costs and is an unaudited non-IFRS measure. ** Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities. DIRECTORS’ REPORT Operating and Financial Review (continued) EBIT and EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure that in the opinion of Veris provides useful information to assess the financial performance of the Group. A reconciliation between statutory results and underlying results is provided below. The non-IFRS measure is unaudited. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 0 7 Statutory profit/(loss) after tax Add back: Tax benefit Net finance expense Restructuring costs Acquisition costs Share-based payment Impairment of Intangibles EBIT profit/(loss) Depreciation and amortisation Discontinued operations EBITDA Risks FY2019 $000 (40,089) (2,143) 1,339 3,294 95 586 34,431 (2,487) 8,985 - 6,498 FY2018 $000 (1,304) (871) 1,006 1,770 1,628 1,031 - 3,260 7,681 248 11,189 There are specific risks associated with the activities of the Group and general risks; some are within and some are beyond the control of the Company and the Directors. The most significant risks identified that may have a material impact on the future financial performance of the Company and the market price of the Group’s shares are: Project Delivery Risk Execution of projects involves professional judgment regarding scheduling, development and delivery. Failure to meet scheduled milestones could result in professional product liability, warranty or other claims against the Company. The Company maintains a range of review processes, insurance policies and risk mitigation programs designed to closely monitor progress and services and outputs delivered. Legal and Contractual Risk Errors, omissions or incorrect rates and quantities mean the Group may not achieve full benefits of project deliverables and may lead to a negative impact on financial performance. Additionally, accepting unfavourable and/or failing to understand contractual terms can lead to disputes with third parties and litigation. The Company seeks to mitigate these risks by defining the company’s commercial appetite for contractual and financial risk, following a tendering process and estimation programme and using the knowledge and experience of staff for pricing, contract reviews and screening. Political Risk Major infrastructure and civil work may depend on government approval and funding. Project timing may vary when government approval and funding is either delayed and/or withheld due to reasons such as political, economic and environmental changes. The Group has diversified its revenue base across multiple sectors, suppliers and states to mitigate and reduce potential impact to results. Integration Risk In the last 3 years Veris has integrated 9 companies as part of its strategy to create a national professional services surveying business. A key focus is embedding a ‘one business’ culture and approach, including clear articulation of our ‘one business’ vision across the business and standardisation of systems and processes. This ensures acquired businesses are integrated so that synergies and economies of scale can continue to be achieved, along with offering a better service to our growing national customer base. This will mitigate against companies operating in silos with increased costs and risks to the Group. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 0 8 DIRECTORS’ REPORT Risks (continued) Goodwill As a result of the acquisition of 9 companies Veris has purchased a significant amount of Goodwill. This Goodwill has been generated by the vendors of the acquired businesses over a number of years and has resided in a variety of business names. Veris has created a national corporate brand and has transitioned the goodwill generated by 9 of the individual vendors, to create corporate goodwill in the Veris Brand. This mitigates the risk associated with individuals as the business grows in scale. Goodwill for the Elton Consulting segment remains separate. The goodwill is attributable mainly to the skills and technical talent of workforce, and the synergies expected to be achieved from integrating the companies into the Group’s existing business. Growth Risk If the Group does not meet performance targets or adequately manage market expectations, the ability to fund growth opportunities may be compromised. Veris has a defined strategy which is supported by the Board and senior management and a comprehensive internal and external communications plan ensures transparency with the market and alignment with the workforce. Competition Risk There is potential for changes in the market, whereby a competitor’s product or technology may lead to loss of competitive advantage of the Group, or a competitor may become more aggressive in response to our strategy which may compromise our ability to achieve growth targets. The business has a process in place to monitor competitor behaviour, both in response to Veris’ strategy, as well as changing market conditions, business environment and innovations. Technology Risk Information technology and data are critical to Veris’ value-creating activities and lost access to its IT systems and data would have a major impact on the business. An IT security audit has been completed to understand our control environment in relation to information technology and data, and a plan has been established to address any shortfalls and to ensure appropriate cyber security, disaster recovering and business continuity planning are in place. Business Integrity and Reputation Risk As a listed company with a national presence, the Group is subject to numerous rapidly evolving and complex laws and regulations. Stakeholder trust is directly tied to ethical behaviour, compliance with applicable rules and regulations and internal policies and procedures. The Group has commenced an operation and enterprise risk assessment during the year to clearly identify and manage potential risks. Significant Changes in State of Affairs There were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group other than that referred to in the financial statements or notes thereto and sections of this report. Likely Developments The Veris Group continues on its national strategy of developing a national professional services business and increasing its capabilities and geographical market presence. Other than the matters discussed above, there has not arisen in the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report any item, transaction or event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the Directors of the Company, to affect significantly the operations of the Group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group, in future financial years. DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited The Directors are pleased to present the Company’s 2019 Remuneration Report which sets out the remuneration information for Veris Limited’s Non-Executive Directors, Executive Directors and other key management personnel. The information provided in this Remuneration Report has been audited as required by section 308(3C) of the Corporations Act 2001. This Remuneration Report forms part of the Directors’ Report. For the purposes of this report ‘Key Management Personnel’ (KMP) of the Company are defined as those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the major activities of the Company, directly or indirectly. The report contains the following sections: a) Directors and Executive Disclosures b) Remuneration Policy c) Remuneration Advice d) Performance linked compensation e) Details of share-based compensation and bonuses f) g) Contractual arrangements h) Details of remuneration i) j) k) Other Transactions with key management personnel Analysis of bonuses included in remuneration Equity Instrument Disclosure Relating to Key Management Personnel Voting and comments made at the Company’s 2019 Annual General Meeting 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 0 9 a) Director and Executive Disclosures The details of directors and key management personnel disclosed in this report are outlined below. Non-Executive Directors Derek La Ferla Tom Lawrence Karl Paganin Executive KMP Adam Lamond Brian Elton Brian Mangano Lisa Wynne Chairman Non-Executive Director Non-Executive Director (Independent) (Independent) (Independent) Managing Director Executive Director Chief Financial Officer Company Secretary and Interim Chief Financial Officer (Ceased Employment 1 July 2019) (Appointed Interim CFO 21 June 2019) b) Remuneration policy The Group has high expectations of its personnel and its executive leadership team. The Group aligns the performance outcomes of its executives with its own corporate outcomes and as such remuneration will be based on merit, performance and responsibilities assigned and undertaken. Remuneration & Nomination Committee The Group has a Remuneration and Nomination Committee, which is responsible for: • Assessing appropriate remuneration policies, levels and packages for Board Members, the MD, and (in consultation with the MD) other senior executive officers; • Monitoring the implementation by the Group of such remuneration policies; and • Recommending the Group’s remuneration policy so as to: o motivate directors and management to pursue the long-term growth and success of the Group within an appropriate control framework; and o demonstrate a clear relationship between key executive performance and remuneration. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 1 0 DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) Non-executive director remuneration policy The Constitution and the ASX Listing Rules specify that the aggregate remuneration of Non-Executive Directors shall be determined from time-to-time by a General Meeting. The Constitution was amended by special resolution of the members on 23 November 2016 with the aggregate remuneration increasing from $250,000 to $500,000 per annum, which is to be apportioned amongst Non-Executive Directors. The Company has entered into service agreements with its current Non-Executive Directors; refer to details of the contractual arrangements on page 17 of this remuneration report. Retirement payments, if any, are agreed to be determined in accordance with the rules set out in the Corporations Act 2001 at the time of the Directors retirement or termination. Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration may include an incentive portion consisting of bonuses and/or options, as considered appropriate by the Board, which may be subject to shareholder approval in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules. Executive remuneration policy The Company’s remuneration policy is to ensure the remuneration package appropriately reflects the person’s duties and responsibilities and that remuneration is competitive in attracting, retaining and motivating people of the highest quality. The Company aims to reward executives with a level of remuneration commensurate with their position and responsibilities within the Company so as to attract and retain executives of the highest calibre, whilst incurring a cost that is acceptable to shareholders. During the period, the overall executive remuneration framework was overhauled and a revised remuneration structure has been designed to link reward more directly to the strategy and drivers of Veris over a longer timeframe of 4 years creating long term shareholder value. Previously Veris had separate LTI and STI structures whereby the STI was an annual cash payment and the LTI was the issue of performance rights with TSR and EPS vesting hurdles over a 3 year period. On advice received from external consultants, Veris has now combined and simplified its incentive structures so that the LTI and STI are now combined and the hurdles are fit for purpose for the phase of the company’s life cycle. Veris is in a growth phase, acquiring 9 entities in the last 4 years. Veris now has a National footprint and over 700 staff. Veris has implemented a new operating model which is crucial to ensure success over the next 1-4 years. The primary objectives of the new plan were to reflect the new operating model implemented effective 1 July 2018 where each region is accountable for strategy execution and daily operational performance and improvement and to reward executives for share price growth, retention and stated objectives in line with the Veris strategy. The FY19 Plan allows for a payment equal to up to 50-80% of TEC based on the achievement of an annual scorecard encompassing, corporate (absolute EPS) financial (EBITDA and Budget), personal, behavioural and safety hurdles. The payment that will be made will be mandated to be taken 50% in cash and 50% in equity. The equity will be issued by way of performance rights, of which 60% will vest based on achievement of a 3 year absolute TSR hurdle and 40% will vest in a future period in time, depending on continued employment for 4 years post issue (33% year 2; 33% year 3, 33% year 4). The reasoning for the use of an absolute TSR hurdle as opposed to a comparator group is that Veris does not have a comparator group listed on the ASX, given it is the only listed Professional Advisory, Surveying & Geospatial group, hence a comparator group to measure TSR against does not exist. DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) The 2019 incentive structure is outlined as follows: 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 1 1 Key features of the Veris Incentive Plan (VIP) area summarised below. Plan design Eligibility Opportunity Initial performance period & score card (MD) Instruments Cash v Equity Equity allocation method Performance Periods & Restrictions TSR measure Dividends Leaver Clawback Details KMPs (currently 3, 4 as at 30 June 2019) MD target = 80% Other KMPs target = 50%-60% 1 year EPS: 30% (to be determined but circa min 5% growth for base) Budget EBITDA: 25% Personal: 20% Behavioural: 5% Cash and Performance Rights 50:50 ratio of cash and equity (with 40% in Retention Performance Rights (T1) and 60% in 3 Year Performance Rights linked to TSR (T2) The number of T1 & T2 Performance Rights issued is based on the dollar value of the Executive’s VIP outcome, multiplied by 50% divided by 30 cents. T1 Rights – vesting equally over 3 years (33% per year) with additional 1 year disposal restriction T2 Rights – 100% vesting over 3 year measurement period (4 year from plan inception) subject to achievement of absolute TSR hurdle. T2 Rights – will only vest into Veris ordinary shares if Veris share price achieves a 20%-30% compounded growth over the three year measurement period. No dividends are paid on Rights prior to vesting. Good leaver and Board discretion to apply Board has discretion to claw back Rights and Shares if certain clawback events occur during the performance periods. DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) The following graph represents the target remuneration mix for KMP in the current year. The incentive amount (at risk amount) is provided based on target levels and not the value granted during the year. Remuneration Framework 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 1 2 Notes: 1. 2. T1 Rights are Performance Rights issued (subject to the achievement of the Year 1 Balanced Score Card) which vest evenly over a 3 year period (1/3 per year) based on retention (with disposal restrictions). T2 Rights are Performance Rights issued (subject to achievement of a 3 year absolute TSR target). Total Fixed Remuneration The Base Salary is a monetary recognition for the undertaking of tasks and assumption of responsibilities in line with an individual’s role in the organisation. It is set against industry and regional benchmarking for role, market conditions and complexity of task. Where appropriate independent remuneration advice is obtained. There are no guaranteed base pay increases included in any executive contracts. Statutory superannuation is payable in addition to the base pay. Incentives (VIP) In 2019 the Group adopted a Veris Incentive Plan (VIP), a 4 year plan with 50/50 cash/equity split as an essential part of retaining senior executives in an increasingly competitive market. The VIP provides a combined short-term and long-term incentive component of the remuneration for executives and KMP to be identified by the Board. The purpose of the Plan is to encourage alignment of personal and shareholder interest and: • • • • • Foster a long term perspective within the employees necessary to increase shareholder return; Drive sustainable, long term performance of the Company; Retain key senior executives; Provide an opportunity for employees to participate in the Company’s share price performance; and Ensure that the Company has a remuneration model that makes it an attractive employment option for talented personnel DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) Executives have the opportunity to earn an annual incentive if predefined targets are achieved. The pre- defined targets are set by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee and comprise of a Balanced Score Card covering financial, non-financial, company and individual objectives, chosen as they represent the key drivers for the short-term success of the business and provide a framework for delivering long-term value: Balanced Scorecard and Weightings ' s P M K & D M Financial Market Individual Values Budgeted EBITDA (14%) Absolute EPS (19%) KPI's (20%) Behaviours (5%) 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 1 3 The Group’s incentives are paid in the form of cash and Performance Rights (mandated to be paid 50/50) and are calculated as a percentage of Total Fixed Remuneration, based on achievement of the Balanced Scorecard in year 1. The behaviours of our employees against the values of the Company are also assessed through a performance evaluation process. Incentives play a key role in aligning superior operational outcomes for shareholders with the remuneration outcomes for management. The Group bases its VIP on a combination of continued valued service of the particular executive and overall corporate performance of the Group as a whole so as to align each of the executives’ incentives with the total performance of the Group. For the financial year ended 30 June 2019 the KMP’s had target Incentives of between $210,000 and $356,000, which represents between 50% and 80% of the KMP’s individual Total Fixed Remuneration. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee is responsible for determining the Incentives payable based on an assessment of whether the KPIs are met. The performance evaluation in respect of the year ended 30 June 2019 has taken place and no Incentives have been paid or will be payable to the KMP’s. c) Remuneration Advice Remuneration is regularly compared with the external market by participation in industry salary surveys and during recruitment activities generally. During the year no consulting firms were engaged to provide advice in regards to remuneration. In the prior year, to assist with the design of the FY19 Incentive Plan, the Board engaged consulting firms, The Reward Practice and PWC to provide advice in regards to remuneration. The Reward Practice provided advice in the form of a written report detailing benchmarking of executive salaries. PWC provided advice in regards to long-term incentive structures to ensure effective alignment with business requirements and key shareholder group expectations. During the current and prior year, no remuneration recommendations, as defined by the Corporations Act, were provided by The Reward Practice and PWC. d) Performance Linked Compensation The following table shows key performance indicators for the Group over the last five years. LTI STI Financial Year Ended 30 June Closing Share Price ($) EPS (cents) Profit/(Loss) from Continuing Operations ($’000) EBITDA Average % of Maximum STI awarded to Executives (i) (%) Dividends paid ($’000) 2019 0.047 (11.13) (40,089) 2018 0.24 (0.39) (1,056) 2017 0.15 0.02 48 2016 0.23 7.4 19,698 2015 0.07 (3.6) (8,786) 6,498 - 11,189 29% 5,704 25% 16,176 92% 4,681 34% - (i) Represents STI payable/paid as a percentage of the maximum STI payable. 1,636 1,368 - - 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 1 4 DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) e) Details of share-based compensation and bonuses (i) Options No options were granted to directors and key management personnel during or since the end of the reporting period. (ii) Performance Rights granted as compensation to key management personnel 1,297,196 Performance Rights were granted to directors and key management personnel during the reporting period, however the Balanced Scorecard was not achieved for the FY19 year and all Performance Rights have lapsed. (iii) Exercise of Performance Rights Granted as Compensation in Prior Years During the year, the following shares were issued on the vesting of performance rights previously granted as compensation in previous financial years: Key Management Personnel Number of Shares Amount paid $/share Adam Lamond Brian Elton Brian Mangano Lisa Wynne - - 1,950,230 661,765 - - - - (iv) Details of Long-Term Incentives affecting current and future remuneration Key Management Personnel Instrument # Grant date % vested in year # vested in year (B) % forfeited/laps ed in year # forfeited /lapsed in year Brian Mangano Lisa Wynne 828,848 354,392 5 June 2017 12 April 2019 1,183,240 5 June 2017 12 April 2019 328,500 142,524 471,024 - - - - - - 328,500 142,524 - - - - - - - Financi al years in which grant vests 2020 2020 2019 2022 Face value of vested rights - - - - DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) (v) Vesting and Exercise of Performance Rights Granted as Remuneration FY2019 Veris Incentive Plan (VIP) Performance Outcomes During the current period, under the new VIP (a 4 year plan with 50/50 Cash/Equity split) to be paid/issued at the end of FY2019 following the achievement of KPIs outlined in the below Balanced Scorecard: Balanced Scorecard and Weightings ' s P M K & D M Financial Market Individual Values Budgeted EBITDA (14%) Absolute EPS (19%) KPI's (20%) Behaviours (5%) On the basis that the Balanced Scorecard is achieved, 50% will be paid in cash and 50% in equity by way of issue of Performance Rights, of which 60% will vest based on achievement of a 3 year absolute TSR hurdle and 40% will vest in a future period in time, depending on continued employment for 4 years post issue (33% year 2; 33% year 3, 33% year 4). The absolute TSR hurdle is outlined in the below table: 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 1 5 *Performance Vesting Hurdles: TSR over 3 years % of Grant to Vest < 75% >75 % 120% >120% 0% Pro-rata vesting between 25% & 100% 100% * Safety must be maintained at all times and no LTI’s will vest in the instance of a major safety breach such as a serious injury or fatality At the beginning of the year 1,297,196 Performance Rights were issued to KMPs under the VIP. With the exception of vesting on cessation of employment of a good leaver, no Performance Rights have vested under the VIP to remaining KMPs and all of the 1,297,196 Performance Rights have lapsed. FY2017 LTI Plan Performance Outcomes In the prior period, vesting of the Performance Rights was subject to the achievement of the two separate financial performance hurdles (over a three year vesting period) outlined in the table below. Subject to the achievement of the performance hurdles, each Key Executive Performance Right may be converted (on a one for one basis) into one Share. *Performance Vesting Hurdles: 50% Absolute TSR** <100% >100% < 180% 180%> Nil Pro-rata vesting between 25% and 100% 100% 50% Absolute EPS Pool (cents per share)*** <6c >6 < 6.5c 6.5c> Nil pro rata vesting between 25%- 100% 100% * Safety must be maintained at all times and no LTI’s will vest in the instance of a major safety breach such as a serious injury or fatality ** Performance of management measured against absolute shareholder return target *** Performance of management measured against a normalised EPS pooled approach setting an aggregate value of dollars of EPS that must be achieved over the three years (i.e. a pool consisting of year 1 EPS plus year 2 EPS plus year 3 EPS) DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) The achievement of the above hurdles was assessed in August 2018 against the base 3 year EPS pool for the period 2017 to 2019 and the base share price of Veris at 30 June 2017 of 15 cents. Absolute Total Shareholder Return Veris TSR was 59% during the performance period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2019, resulting in nil vesting of the FY2017 Performance Rights (with the exception of 637,500 relating to a good leaver on termination of employment). 3 Year EPS Pool Veris 3 year EPS Pool for the period 30 June 2017 to 30 June 2019 was 4.53 resulting in nil vesting of the FY2017 Performance Rights. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 1 6 f) Voting and comments made at the Company’s 2018 Annual General Meeting The adoption of the Remuneration Report for the financial year ended 30 June 2018 was put to the shareholders of the Company at the Annual General Meeting held 21 November 2018. The Company received more than 99% of votes, of those shareholders who exercised their right to vote, in favour of the remuneration report for the 2018 financial year. The resolution was passed without amendment on a show of hands. g) Contractual Arrangements On appointment to the board, all non-executive directors enter into a service agreement with the Company in the form of a letter of appointment. The letter summarises the board policies and terms, including remuneration, relevant to the office of director. DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) Remuneration and other terms of employment for the managing director, chief executive officer, chief financial officer and other key management personnel are also formalised in service agreements. Major provisions of the agreements relating to remuneration are set out below. Name Term of agreement Base Salary including superannuation Termination Derek La Ferla Mr La Ferla will hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company where he may be subject to retirement by rotation under the company’s constitution. $125,744 In accordance with the company’s constitution and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Adam Lamond (A) (B) (C) Until validly terminated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. $444,567 Termination by Company with reason – 1 months’ notice Termination by Company without reason – 3 months’ notice (or payment of the equivalent of 5 months’ salary to dispense of the notice period) 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 1 7 Tom Lawrence Karl Paganin Brian Elton Mr Lawrence will hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company where he may be subject to retirement by rotation under the company’s constitution. Mr Paganin will hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company where he may be subject to retirement by rotation under the company’s constitution. $77,305 In accordance with the company’s constitution and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). $77,305 In accordance with the company’s constitution and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). 24 Months or until validly terminated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. $350,000 Termination by Company with reason – 1 months’ notice Termination by Company without reason – Following the 24 months, 3 months’ notice (or payment of the equivalent of 5 months’ salary to dispense of the notice period) Termination by Company with reason – 1 months’ notice Termination by Company without reason – 3 months’ notice (or payment of the equivalent of 5 months’ salary to dispense of the notice period) Termination by Company with reason – 1 months’ notice Brian Mangano (A) (B) (C) (D) Until validly terminated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. $331,538 Lisa Wynne (A) (B) (C) (E) Until validly terminated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. $290,175 Termination by Company without reason – 3 months’ notice (or payment of the equivalent of 5 months’ salary to dispense of the notice period) (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Key management personnel are also entitled to receive on termination of employment their statutory entitlements of accrued annual and long service leave, together with any superannuation benefits. Key management personnel’s contracts allow for participation in the Company’s Incentive Plan (subject to Board and Shareholder approval, if applicable). These contracts provide for the provision of short-term incentives by way of a cash bonus subject to key performance indicators to be determined by the Remuneration & Nomination Committee annually. Brian Mangano held the role of Chief Financial Officer until 21 June 2019. Lisa Wynne assumed the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer effective 21 June 2019. Lisa holds the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary at the date of this report. DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) h) Remuneration of directors and key management personnel of the group for the current and previous financial year Short-term employee benefits Post- employ- ment benefits Termination Benefits Share- based Payments Accounting Value (at risk)(F) Salary & fees $(A) Incentive Cash bonus $(B) Non- monet ary $ Super- annuation $ Cash $ Perfor- mance Rights $ (D) Perfor- mance Rights $ (E) Total $ Proportion of remuneration performance related Directors Non-Executive Directors Derek La Ferla (Chairperson) 2019 125,744 2018 130,580 Tom Lawrence Karl Paganin 2019 77,305 2018 77,305 2019 77,305 2018 77,305 Executive Directors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 125,744 130,580 77,305 77,305 77,305 77,305 - - - - - - 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 1 8 2019 415,286 - - 20,531 - - - 435,817 0% Adam Lamond (Managing Director) 2018 399,136 49,754 Brian Elton Exec Director 2019 319,638 2018 94,138 - - - - - 20,049 30,365 8,943 Total Directors’ Remuneration 2019 1,015,278 - - 50,896 2018 778,465 49,754 - 28,992 - - - - - - 468,939 11% - - - - 350,003 - 103,081 - 1,066,174 - 902,515 0% - 0% 7% 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 1 9 DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) Short-term employee benefits Post- employ- ment benefits Termination Benefits Share- based Payments Accountin g Value (at risk)(E) Salary & fees $(A) Incentive Cash bonus $(B) Non- monet ary $ Super- annuation $ Cash $ Perfor- mance Rights $ (D) Perfor- mance Rights $ (E) Total $ Proportion of remuneration performance related Other Executives Brian Mangano (CFO) to cessation of employment Lisa Wynne (Company Secretary) (C) 2019 311,640 - 2018 308,598 31,828 2019 158,322 - 2018 150,000 19,200 Total Executives’ Remuneration Total Directors’ and Executives’ Remuneration 2019 469,962 - 2018 458,598 51,028 2019 1,485,240 - 2018 1,237,062 100,782 - - - - - - - - 32,629 363,385 18,874 - 726,528 29,317 16,225 15,243 - - - - - 155,010 523,576 2,377 176,924 - 6% 1% 54,135 238,112 8% 48,854 363,385 18,874 2,377 903,452 - 44,560 - - 207,503 761,688 34% 99,750 363,385 18,874 2,377 1,969,626 - 118,856 - - 207,503 1,664,202 17% Notes in relation to the table of directors’ and executive officers’ remuneration (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Salary and Fees includes annual leave and long service leave. Short-term incentive bonus is for the achievement of KPIs within their individual roles for the financial year ended 30 June 2018. The performance evaluation in respect of the year ended 30 June 2019 has taken place and no short-term incentive bonuses will be paid. Pro-rata based on annual salary of $213,786. The value of the Performance Rights granted in the year is the fair value of the rights calculated at grant date. This amount is allocated to remuneration over the vesting periods for the FY17 Rights Plan (in years 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2019), and over a one year period for the FY19 Rights Plan which were issued to Brian Mangano on cessation of employment. As announced on 1 July 2019, no other KMP’s received incentives during the year. The fair value of the Performance Rights has been measured using Monte Carlo simulation model. The value of the Performance Rights granted in the year is the fair value of the rights calculated at grant date that had not yet fully vested at the commencement of the financial year. This amount is allocated to remuneration over the vesting periods (in years 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2022). The fair value of the Performance Rights has been measured using Monte Carlo simulation model. This value includes an assumption that the instruments will vest at the end of the vesting period unless forfeited during the financial year, which they did. DIRECTORS’ REPORT Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) i) Analysis of bonuses included in remuneration – audited 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 2 0 Details of the vesting profile of the cash component of the Veris VIP combined short-term and long-term incentives awarded as remuneration to key management personnel during the period are detailed below. Key Management Personnel Adam Lamond Brian Elton Brian Mangano Lisa Wynne Maximum Potential Value of Cash Incentive Payment $ (A) 194,720 105,000 106,318 42,757 Incentive bonus – Cash Component Included in remuneration $ % of Maximum Potential Incentive Payment Awarded % Maximum Potential STI Payment Forfeited - - - - - - - - 100%(B) 100%(B) 100%(B) 100%(B) (A) (B) These amounts represent the cash component of the Incentive bonus, KMP’s also had the opportunity to receive the equal value outlined in the table above in Performance Rights in accordance with the Veris VIP combined short-term & long term Incentives. The amounts forfeited are due to the KPIs in the balanced scorecard not being met in relation to the financial year. j) Equity Instrument Disclosure Relating to Key Management Personnel Analysis of movements in Performance Rights issued, held and transacted by directors and key management personnel KMP # Held 1 July 2018 Granted in year Grant Value Grant Face Value Adam Lamond Brian Elton Brian Mangano Lisa Wynne - - 491,113 309,167 828,848 354,392 328,500 142,524 - - - - - - - - Number Vested in year Number forfeited / lapsed in year (491,113) (309,167) Number held at 30 June 2019 - - - 1,183,240(A) (471,024) - - - - - (A) Subsequent to the end of the financial year, 1,183,240 Performance Rights held by former CFO, Brian Mangano vested on cessation of employment. DIRECTORS’ REPORT 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 2 1 Remuneration Report – Audited (continued) Analysis of movements in shares issued, held and transacted by Directors and key management personnel The number of ordinary shares in the Company held during the reporting period by each director and key management personnel of the Group, including their personally related parties, are set out below. There were no shares granted as compensation during the reporting period. Balance at 30/06/2018 Movement Balance at 30/06/2019 Directors Derek La Ferla Adam Lamond Tom Lawrence Karl Paganin Brian Elton KMP Brian Mangano (A) Lisa Wynne Total 584,501 45,841,815 3,222,598 5,662,721 11,179,560 2,919,234 373,089 69,783,518 13,916 200,000 4,913,495 2,462,449 3,656,173 1,880,766 483,768 13,610,567 598,417 46,041,815 8,136,093 8,125,170 14,835,733 4,800,000 856,857 83,394,085 (A) KMP shareholding at cessation of employment. k) Other Transactions with Key Management Personnel The Company rents office space from Elton Property, a company controlled by Director Brian Elton. Amounts paid during the year of $372,514.11 are based on market rates and normal commercial terms. This amount has not been included as remuneration in the tables above. THIS CONCLUDES THE AUDITED REMUNERATION REPORT DIRECTORS’ REPORT Shares Under Option As at 30 June 2019 there are no shares under option. Indemnification and Insurance of Officers 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 2 2 During the financial year the Group paid insurance premiums of $43,500 (2018: $54,950) to insure the directors, secretaries and executive officers of the Group and its subsidiary companies. The liabilities insured are legal costs that may be incurred in defending civil or criminal proceedings that may be brought against the directors and officers in their capacity as directors and officers of Veris Limited and its subsidiary companies, and any other payments arising from liabilities incurred by the officers in connection with such proceedings, other than where such liabilities arise out of conduct involving wilful breach of duty by the officers or the improper use by the officers of their position or of information to gain advantage for themselves or someone else to cause detriment to the Group. The directors have not included details of the nature of the liabilities covered or the amount of the premium paid in respect of the directors’ and officers’ liability and legal expenses insurance contracts, as such disclosure is prohibited under the terms of the contract. Non-Audit Services During the year KPMG, the Group’s auditor, has performed certain other services in addition to its statutory duties. The board has considered the non-audit services provided during the year by the auditor and in accordance with advice provided by 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 following reasons: All non-audit services were subject to the corporate governance procedures adopted by the Group and have been reviewed by the Audit Committee to ensure they do not impact the integrity and objectivity of the auditor; and the non- audit services provided do not undermine the general principals relating to the auditor independence as set out in APES110 Code of Ethics for the Professional Accountants, as they did not involve reviewing or auditing the auditors own work, acting in a management or decision making capacity for the Group, acting as an advocate for the Group or jointly sharing risks and rewards. Details for the amounts paid to KPMG, the Group’s auditor, and its related practices for audit and non-audit services to the Group provided during the year are set out below. Audit services: Audit and review of the financial reports Services other than audit services: Other services (Due Diligence) Other services (Integration) Consolidated 2019 $000 226 - 9 235 2018 $000 254 51 551 856 DIRECTORS’ REPORT 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 2 3 Environmental Regulations and Performance It is the policy of the Group to comply with all applicable environmental regulations. The Company confirms, for the purposes of section 299(1)(f) of the Corporations Act 2001 that it is not aware of any breaches by the Group of any environmental regulations under the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia, or of a State of Territory of Australia. In the majority of the Veris’ business situations, Veris is not the owner or operator of plant and equipment requiring environmental licences. Veris typically assists its clients with the management of their environmental responsibilities, rather than holding those responsibilities directly. The Group is not aware of any breaches by Veris of any environmental regulations under the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia, or of a State or Territory. Proceedings on Behalf of the Group There are no proceedings on behalf of the Group under Section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001 in the financial year or at the date of the report. Lead auditor’s independence declaration The lead auditor’s independence declaration is set out on page 77 and forms part of the Directors' Report for the year ended 30 June 2019. Rounding off The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Instrument 2016/191 and in accordance with that Instrument, amounts in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and Directors' Report have been rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise stated. Corporate Governance Statement Veris is committed to implementing sound standards of corporate governance. In determining what those standards should involve, the Group has had regard to the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (3rd Edition) (“ASX Recommendations”). This corporate governance statement outlines the key principles and practices of the Company which in the terms of the Group’s Corporate Governance Charter, define the Group’s system of governance. A copy of the Group’s Corporate Governance Statement has been placed on the Group’s website under the Investors tab in the corporate governance section – https://www.veris.com.au/media/2781/corporate-governance-statement-2019-final-final.pdf Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors: Derek La Ferla Chairman Dated at Perth 30 August 2019 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Revenue Operating expenses Depreciation Amortisation Acquisition related Restructuring costs Share-based payment Impairment of Intangibles Note 3 1 14 15 4 15 2019 $000 125,884 (119,386) 6,498 (5,087) (3,898) (95) (3,294) (586) (34,431) 2018 $000 106,834 (95,645) 11,189 (3,585) (4,096) (1,628) (1,770) (1,031) - 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 2 4 Results from operating activities (40,893) (921) Financial income Finance costs Net finance costs 3 (1,342) 18 (1,024) (1,339) (1,006) Profit / (loss) before income tax (42,232) (1,927) Income tax benefit 16 2,143 871 Profit / (loss) from continuing operations (40,089) (1,056) Profit / (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 2 - (248) Profit / (loss) for the period (40,089) (1,304) Total comprehensive income/ (loss) for the year (40,089) (1,304) Earnings/ loss per share Basic earnings cents per share Diluted earnings cents per share Earnings/ loss per share – Continuing operations Basic earnings cents per share Diluted earnings cents per share 5 5 (11.13) (11.13) (11.13) (11.13) (0.39) (0.39) (0.32) (0.32) The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2019 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 2 5 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Work in progress Other current assets Total current assets Non-current assets Plant and equipment Intangible assets Deferred tax asset Total non-current assets Total assets Liabilities Current Liabilities Trade and other payables Deferred vendor payments Loans and borrowings Employee benefits Current tax liability Total current liabilities Non-current liabilities Loans and borrowings Deferred vendor payments Employee benefits Total non-current liabilities Total liabilities Net assets Equity Share capital Share based payment reserve (Accumulated losses)/retained earnings Total equity Note 30 Jun 2019 $000 30 Jun 2018 $000 18 11 14 15 17 12 8 20 13 20 8 13 21 21 3,685 25,864 8,280 3,039 40,868 13,551 19,190 8,913 41,654 82,522 18,765 3,554 3,356 9,176 534 35,385 18,403 - 1,640 20,043 55,428 27,094 43,051 2,949 (18,906) 27,094 5,588 30,932 10,538 1,705 48,763 15,242 58,598 6,275 80,115 128,878 17,532 2,286 6,381 9,505 533 36,337 19,647 3,625 1,066 24,338 60,675 68,203 40,887 2,349 24,967 68,203 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Balance at 1 July 2018 Adjustment on initial application of AASB 9 Adjustment on initial application of AASB 15 Adjusted balance at 1 July 2018 Total comprehensive income for the year Loss for the year Total comprehensive loss for the year Transactions with owners of the Company, recognised directly in equity Issue of ordinary shares (net of costs) Dividends paid Share-based payment transactions Total transactions with owners of the Company Note 30 30 21 22 Share Based Payment Reserve $000 Share Capital $000 40,887 2,349 40,887 2,349 Retained Earnings $000 Total Equity $000 24,967 (721) (1,293) 22,953 68,203 (721) (1,293) 66,189 - - 2,164 - - 2,164 - - - - (40,089) (40,089) (40,089) (40,089) - 2,164 (1,770) (1,770) 600 600 - (1,770) 600 994 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 2 6 Balance at 30 June 2019 43,051 2,949 (18,906) 27,094 Note Share Capital $000 Share Based Payment Reserve $000 Retained Earnings $000 Total Equity $000 Balance at 1 July 2017 37,283 1,747 29,907 66,937 Total comprehensive income for the year Profit for the year Total comprehensive profit for the year Transactions with owners of the Company, recognised directly in equity Issue of ordinary shares (net of costs) Dividends paid 21 22 Share-based payment transactions Total transactions with owners of the Company - - 3,604 - - 3,604 - - - - (1,304) (1,304) (1,304) (1,304) - 3,604 (1,636) (1,636) 602 602 - (1,636) 602 2,570 Balance at 30 June 2018 40,887 2,349 24,967 68,203 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 2019 $000 2018 $000 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 2 7 Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from customers Payments to suppliers and employees Cash generated from operations Tax received Interest paid Interest received Net cash from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Purchase of property, plant and equipment Deferred vendor payment Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash acquired Net cash (used in) investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Dividends paid Repayment of borrowings and lease liabilities Proceeds from loans Proceeds from share issues (net of costs) Net cash (used in) from financing activities 19 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 18 143,784 (136,212) 7,572 101,980 (101,021) 959 - (1,330) 3 6,245 1,769 (1,858) (2,140) 266 (1,963) - (6,185) - - (6,185) (1,903) 5,588 3,685 14 (1,133) 22 (138) 3,828 (1,844) (1,928) (14,071) (14,015) (1,258) (4,575) 11,000 - 5,167 (8,986) 14,574 5,588 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BASIS OF PREPARATION REPORTING ENTITY Veris Limited (the “Company” or “Veris”) is a for-profit company domiciled in Australia. The Company’s registered office is at Level 12, 3 Hasler Road, Osborne Park WA 6017. The consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended 30 June 2019 comprises the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”). The Group is a professional service business delivering surveying, professional and advisory, and geospatial services to the infrastructure; property; energy, mining & resource; defence; agribusiness; tourism; leisure and government sectors throughout Australia. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE The consolidated financial statements are general purpose financial statements 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). This consolidated annual report was approved by the board of directors on 30 August 2019. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 2 8 NOTE INDEX GROUP PERFORMANCE Operating Segments……………………………….… Discontinued Operations……………………….……. Revenue………………………………………………. Acquisitions………………………………………….… Earnings per share…………………………………… Subsequent events…………………………………... RISK MANAGEMENT Critical accounting estimates and judgements……………………………………………. Financial instruments………………………………... Commitments for expenditure………………………. Contingent liabilities……………………………..…… WORKING CAPITAL Trade and other receivables…………………………. Trade and other payables……………………………. CAPITAL EMPLOYED Employee benefits……………………………………. Property, plant and equipment and impairment…… Intangible assets……………………………………… TAXATION Income taxes……………………………………..…… Deferred tax assets/liabilities……………………….. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 NET DEBT Cash and cash equivalents…………………………..…… Reconciliations of operating profit after income tax to net cash inflow from operating activities………………………………………… Loans and borrowings……………………………………. EQUITY Share capital………………………………………………. Dividends………………………………………………….. Share-based payments…………………………………... 8 9 10 OTHER INFORMATION Related party transactions………………………………. Remuneration of auditors……………………………….. 11 12 GROUP STRUCTURE Subsidiaries……………………………………………….. Deed of cross guarantee………………………………… 13 Parent entity financial information………………………. 14 15 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparation……………………………………… Summary of significant accounting policies New standards and interpretations not yet adopted….. 17 Determination of fair values……………………………… 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS GROUP PERFORMANCE 1. OPERATING SEGMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 2 9 The Group has three reportable segments that are being managed separately by the service provided. In 2019 the segments include Veris Australia, Aqura Technologies and Elton Consulting. The 2019 reportable segments and the services they provide are: • • • Veris Australia – examine and record the features of a piece of land or infrastructure in order to create maps, plans, detailed descriptions and to facilitate construction Aqura Technologies – provides specialised ICT and Communications services Elton Consulting – provide expert advice to businesses, governments and not-for-profit organisations to support them to make considered and informed decisions on policy, strategy, city-making and service delivery. Information regarding the results of each reporting segment is detailed below for the year ended 30 June 2019. Veris Australia* 2019 $000 93,058 (111) 2018 $000 94,214 (4,812) Aqura Technologies 2019 $000 14,710 (99) 2018 $000 12,430 (140) Elton Consulting** 2019 $000 18,396 (70) 2018 $000 5,142 - Total 2019 $000 126,164 (280) 2018 $000 111,786 (4,952) 92,947 89,402 14,611 12,290 18,326 5,142 125,884 106,834 Revenues Inter-segment revenues External revenues Costs Inter-segment costs External costs (87,279) 111 (87,168) (82,191) 4,812 (77,379) (12,846) 99 (12,747) (11,530) 140 (11,390) (16,093) 70 (16,023) (4,110) - (4,110) (116,218) 280 (115,938) (97,831) 4,952 (92,878) EBITDA*** 5,779 12,023 1,864 900 2,303 1,032 9,946 13,956 Depreciation Amortisation EBIT**** for reportable segments (4,811) (2,908) (1,940) (3,440) (3,848) 4,735 (171) - 1,693 (38) - 862 (90) (990) 1,223 (26) (248) 759 (5,072) (3,898) 976 (3,503) (4,096) 6,357 Segment assets Segment liabilities 2019 $000 45,648 (29,093) 2018 $000 92,012 (29,558) 2019 $000 6,605 (7,380) 2018 $000 6,378 (5,149) 2019 $000 21,196 (2,335) 2018 $000 22,891 (3,010) 2018 $000 73,449 (38,808) 2019 $000 121,281 (37,716) *Relates to Veris Australia and legacy surveying businesses **2018 comparative relates to 3 months from acquisition ***EBITDA is defined as earnings before depreciation, amortisation, interest, tax, impairment, restructuring, share-based payments and acquisition costs. ****EBIT is defined as earnings before interest, tax, impairment, restructuring, share-based payments and acquisition costs. During the year there were no major customers of the Group, individually representing more than 10% of total Group revenue (2018: none). NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. OPERATING SEGMENTS (CONTINUED) Reconciliations of reportable segment revenues, profit or loss, assets and liabilities Revenues Total revenue for reportable segments Elimination of inter-segment revenue Consolidated revenue Expenses Total expenses for reportable segments Elimination of inter-segment costs Corporate overheads Consolidated operating expenses Profit (loss) EBIT for reportable segments Unallocated amounts (including corporate overheads) Acquisition related cost/income Restructuring costs Impairment of Intangibles (Note 15) Net finance expense Consolidated profit (loss) before income taxes Assets Total assets for reportable segments Other unallocated amounts Consolidated total assets Liabilities Total liabilities for reportable segments Other unallocated amounts Consolidated total liabilities 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 3 0 2019 $000 126,164 (280) 125,884 116,218 (280) 3,448 119,386 976 (4,049) (95) (3,294) (34,431) (1,339) (42,232) 2019 $000 73,449 9,073 82,522 38,808 16,620 55,428 2018 $000 111,786 (4,952) 106,834 97,831 (4,952) 2,766 95,645 6,357 (3,880) (1,628) (1,770) - (1,006) (1,927) 2018 $000 121,281 7,597 128,878 37,716 22,959 60,675 In July 2017, the construction operations of Aqura’s Infrastructure business were discontinued. The Communications business has been extracted from the Infrastructure operations and forms part of the continued operations of the group. The construction operations were not previously classified as held-for-sale or as a discontinued operation. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED) Results of Discontinued Operations 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 3 1 Revenue Expenses Depreciation Restructuring Net finance costs Profit (loss) from discontinued operations for the period before tax Income tax (expense)/ benefit Profit (loss) from discontinued operations for the period, net of tax Earnings per share Basic earnings cents per share Diluted earnings cents per share Cash flows from (used in) discontinued operations Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities Results from discontinued operating activities 3. REVENUE Veris Australia Aqura Technologies Elton Consulting 2019 $000 2018 $000 - - - - - - - - - - - 2,449 (2,405) 44 (217) - (112) (285) 37 (248) (0.07) (0.07) 2019 $000 2018 $000 - - - - (769) 3,826 (395) 2,662 2019 $000 92,947 14,611 18,326 125,884 2018 $000 89,402 12,290 5,142 106,834 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 3 2 4. ACQUISITIONS Prior Year Acquisitions The following entities were acquired during the year ended 30 June 2018 and the original disclosures made in the 2018 Annual Report were on a provisional basis. Elton Consulting Group Pty Ltd (i) 2019 Goodwill $000 2018 Goodwill $000 11,172 12,251 Adjustments made in relation to KMP and vendor leaving employment at Elton Consulting Group, 180 day adjustment and associated tax adjustments. Other acquisition costs of $95,000 have been incurred in relation to previous and potential acquisitions. 5. EARNINGS PER SHARE 2019 2018 Earnings/ (losses) used to calculate basic EPS ($000) (40,089) (1,304) Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year used in calculating basic EPS (number of shares) 360,068,213 331,684,479 Basic earnings per share (cents per share) (11.13) (0.39) Diluted Earnings per share Dilutive potential shares relate to Performance Rights granted to eligible employees under the Group’s Long Term Incentive Plan (refer Note 23). There is no material impact on basic EPS arising from dilutive potential shares due to loss in 2019. 6. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS There has not arisen in the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report any item, transaction or event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the directors of the Company, to affect significantly the operations of the Group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group, in future financial years. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RISK MANAGEMENT 7. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 3 3 The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with AASBs require management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements relate to contract revenue, contract work in progress, deferred vendor payments, contingent consideration and impairment of assets such as goodwill (refer Note 15). Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. Going Concern For the year ended 30 June 2019, the Group recorded a loss before income tax of $42,232,000, this included an impairment of intangible assets of $34,431,000. The Group’s net cash flow from operating activities was $7,572,000 with a net current asset position of $5,483,000. During the year the Group negotiated new covenant and payment terms with its primary bankers for the remainder of the FY19 financial year and for the FY20 financial year. The facilities were utilised to $18,987,417 as at 30 June 2019 and have a term to 30 November 2020. The loan covenants state that the Group is to maintain EBITDA in line with bank agreed forecasts as set out in note 20, which is dependent on the Group achieving its FY20 budget. Prior to the expiration of the term of these facilities, it is the intention by both parties to revisit the terms beyond this period. Should these terms not be agreed with the Group’s bankers, the company may pursue other funding alternatives available to it to support the ongoing requirements of the business. For these reasons the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements. Contract revenue and work in progress Revenue is recognised when a customer obtains control of the goods or services. Determining the timing of the transfer of control – at a point in time or over time – requires judgement such as the assessment of the probability of customer approval of variations and acceptance of claims, estimation of project completion date and assumed levels of project execution productivity. In making these assessments we have considered, for applicable contracts, the individual status of legal proceedings, including arbitration and litigation. Revenue from the Group arises from providing professional services to our customers whereby we deliver surveying, professional and advisory, and geospatial services to various industries. These are to be predominately recognised over time with reference to inputs on satisfaction of the performance obligations. The services that have been determined to be one performance obligation are highly inter-related and fulfilled over time, therefore revenue continues to be recognised over time. Incentives, variations and claims exist which are subject to the same higher threshold criteria of only recognising revenue to the extent it is highly probable that a significant reversal or revenue will not happen. Deferred vendor payments As part of the purchase price of the two acquisitions during the prior year, the Group agreed to pay the vendors performance payments subject to the acquisitions reaching certain targeted earn out values – one of these acquisitions was based on Gross Margin & Revenue, and the other is based on EBITDA. The value for deferred vendor payment is estimated based on actual results to date plus forecasts. Actual results may differ from these estimates. This information is set out under Note 4 and 8. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 3 4 7. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS (CONTINUED) Deferred tax assets relating to tax losses The Group recognises a deferred tax asset relating to tax losses incurred, as detailed in Note 17. The recoverability of this deferred tax asset is dependent on the generation of sufficient taxable income to utilise those tax losses. Management judgements and estimates are required in the assessment of this recoverability, including forecasting sufficient future taxable income. 8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the risk management framework. The Board has established an Audit & Risk Committee, which is responsible for overseeing how management monitors risk and reviewing the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Group. The Committee reports regularly to the Board of Directors on its activities. Risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Group’s activities. The Group, through their training and management standards and procedures, aim to develop a disciplined and constructive control environment in which all employees understand their roles and obligations. The fair values and carrying amounts of various financial instruments recognised at reporting date are noted below: 2019 2018 Carrying Amount $000 Fair Values $000 Carrying Amount $000 Fair Values $000 Hire purchase liabilities (10,349) (10,349) (12,403) (12,403) Cash advance facility (11,410) (11,410) (13,625) (13,625) The carrying amounts of the financial instruments are a reasonable approximation of their fair values, on account of their short maturity cycle. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 3 5 8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED) Measurement at fair values i. Valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs The following table shows the valuation technique used in measuring Level 3 fair values at 30 June 2019, as well as the significant unobservable inputs used. Type Valuation Technique Significant unobservable inputs Inter-relationship between significant unobservable inputs and fair value measurement Deferred vendor payments The Company forecast that LandData and Elton will reach their targeted earn out values for the performance milestones and therefore have recognised the maximum amount payable under the contract for contingent consideration. Given that payments are due within two years of acquisition the amount recognised approximates to fair value. Elton also have a deferred payment which is based on the lapse of time. For Elton the target is EBITDA, for LandDATA it’s a combination of Gross Margin and Revenue. For further details refer to the Deferred Vendor Payment note below. The estimated fair value of the deferred vendor payments would decrease if any of the conditions were not met. Generally, a change in the annual revenue will impact Elton and LandDATA. We expect a change in revenue to be accompanied by a directionally similar change in margin. ii. Level 3 fair values Sensitivity analysis For the fair values of deferred vendor payments, reasonably possible changes at 30 June 2018 to one of the significant unobservable inputs, holding other inputs constant, would have the following effects. Movements in the value of Deferred Vendor Payments Lawrence Lester Franks LANDdata Elton Consulting Opening Balance Acquired in the year Paid in the year Adjusted in the year Closing Balance $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 500 700 947 3,864 6,011 - - - - - (500) (647) (518) (475) (2,140) - (53) 62 (326) (317) - - 491 3,063 3,554 Landdata Deferred Vendor Payment Provision at 30 June 2019 is based on Earnout Period 2 which runs from 31 July 2018 to 30 July 2019. Earn-out is conditional on a percentage Gross Margin being achieved and of minimum revenues of $8,625,000 in Earnout Period 2. An incentive bonus of 25% is payable at the end of Earnout Period 2 if Gross margin is greater than $4,400,000. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED) Elton Deferred Vendor Payment Provision at 30 June 2019 is based on Earn-out Period 2 for $1,000,000 which runs from 30 March 2019 to 29 March 2020 and is payable 50% in cash and 50% in shares. Earn-out requires EBITDA to be over $2,600,000 and is capped at $3,100,000. In addition, there is an additional deferred payment of $2,000,000 payable 50% in cash and 50% in shares and will be paid 2 years after completion of the acquisition. Risk Management Strategies The Group is primarily exposed to (i) credit risks; (ii) liquidity risks; and (iii) interest rate risks. The nature and extent of risk exposure, and the Group's risk management strategies are noted below. Credit risks 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. As detailed in Note 1, the Company has successfully implemented its diversification strategy, through the acquisition surveying businesses, and thus mitigated the risk of dependence on key customers. Credit risk is kept continually under review and managed to reduce the incidence of material losses being incurred by the non-receipt of monies due. Credit risk is managed through monitoring and follow-up of accounts receivable on a regular basis, and follow up on overdue customer balances. Bad debts are written off in the year in which they are identified. Specific provisions are made against identified doubtful debts. There has been no change in the above policy since the prior year. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 3 6 The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is: Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Work in progress 2019 $000 3,685 25,864 8,280 37,829 2018 $000 5,588 30,932 10,538 47,058 The Group does not hold collateral against the credit risks, however, management considers the credit risks to be low on account of the risk management policy noted above. The trading terms generally offer 30 days credit from the date of invoice. As of the reporting date, none of the receivables have been subject to renegotiated terms. The ageing analysis of past due trade and other receivables at reporting date are: Current (not past due) Past due 1 – 30 days Past due 31 – 60 days Past due 61 – 90 days Past due 90 days Provision for impairment Total 2019 $000 14,289 7,441 2,046 816 2,092 (820) 25,864 2018 $000 14,996 10,534 2,672 1,045 1,892 (207) 30,932 The Group is also subject to credit risks arising from the failure of financial institutions that hold the entity’s cash and cash equivalents. However, management considers this risk to be negligible. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 3 7 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED) The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk for trade and other receivables at the reporting date by geographic region was $25,864,000 (2017: $30,932,000) for Australia. The allowance for impairment for 2019 amounted to ($820,000) (2018: $207,000). Based on historic default rates, the Group believes that no impairment allowance is necessary in respect of trade receivables not past due or past due by up to 30 days. The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows: Balance 1 July under IAS 39 Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 9 Balance 1 July under IFRS 9 Impairment loss reversed Impairment loss provided Total 2019 $000 207 721 928 (203) 95 820 2018 $000 261 - 261 (247) 193 207 Liquidity risks Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. 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. Liquidity risk is constantly monitored and managed through forecasting short term operating cash requirements and the committed cash outflows on financial liabilities. The table below details the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments and excluding the impact of netting agreements. The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities including interest: 2019 Non-derivative financial liabilities Hire purchase liabilities Trade and other payables Deferred vendor payments Cash advance facility Carrying Amount $000 10,349 Contractual Cash Flows $000 11,131 6 Months or less $000 1,752 6 – 12 Months $000 1,751 1 – 2 Years $000 3,447 18,765 18,765 18,765 - 3,554 3,681 491 3,190 - - 2 – 5 Years $000 4,181 >5 Years $000 - - - - - 11,410 44,078 13,405 46,982 287 21,295 287 5,228 3,359 6,806 8,737 12,918 735 735 Deferred vendor payment Contractual Cash Flows is the amount payable under the contingent consideration arrangement discussed above before any adjustments for the time value of money NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 3 8 8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED) 2018 Non-derivative financial liabilities Hire purchase liabilities Trade and other payables Deferred vendor Payments Cash advance facility Carrying Amount $000 12,403 Contractual Cash Flows $000 13,154 6 Months or less $000 2,022 6 – 12 Months $000 1,842 1 – 2 Years $000 3,229 17,532 17,532 17,532 - - 6,011 6,147 1,406 980 3,761 2 – 5 Years $000 6,061 - - 13,625 49,571 16,059 52,892 1,843 22,803 1,818 4,640 3,405 10,395 8,993 15,054 >5 Years $000 - - - - - It is not expected that the cash flows included in the maturity analysis could occur significantly earlier, or at significantly different amounts. Market risk Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as interest rates and equity prices will affect the Group’s income. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return. Interest rate risk Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair values and cash-flows of the Group's financial instruments will be affected by changes in the market interest rates. The Group's cash and cash equivalents, and loans and borrowings are exposed to interest rate risks. The average nominal interest rate is 4.42% for loans and borrowings (2018: 4.70%) detailed in note 20. Interest sensitivity is calculated for a 1% change below: Consolidated Group Cash and cash equivalents Loans and borrowings 2019 +1% $000 37 218 255 -1% $000 (37) (218) (255) 2018 +1% $000 56 (260) 204 -1% $000 (56) 260 (204) 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 has not implemented a formal capital management policy or a dividend policy. There were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital management during the year other than updated loan covenants (refer Note 20). The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements. Capital comprises share capital and retained earnings. Currency risk The Group receivables are all denominated in Australian dollars and accordingly no currency risk exists. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 9. COMMITMENTS Operating leases Commitments in relation to future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases: 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 3 9 Not later than one year Later than one year but not later than five years Later than five years Total commitments not recognised in financial statements 2019 $000 4,206 8,676 1,597 14,479 2018 $000 3,244 3,668 - 6,912 The non-cancellable operating leases are predominately for the lease of office accommodation and motor vehicles. The leases are generally for a term of between 1 to 5 years and the leases typically have options to extend the term. The above figures do not contain values for these options as the group is not committed to taking the options as at 30 June 2019 10. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES A contingent liability is a possible obligation arising from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one of more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Group. A contingent liability may also be a present obligation arising from past events but is not recognised on the basis that an outflow of economic resources to settle the obligation is not viewed as probable, or an amount of the obligation cannot be reliably measured. When the Group has a present obligation, and an outflow of economic resources is assessed as probable and the Group can reliably measure the obligation, a provision is recognised. As a result of operations the Group may receive contractual claims from clients or end users seeking compensation or litigation. The Group maintains professional indemnity insurance or other contractual arrangements that would severally apply to such claims. At 30 June 2019 no individually significant matters exist where the Group estimates a more than remote likelihood of economic outflow. WORKING CAPITAL 11. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade receivables Other receivables 2019 $000 25,864 - 25,864 2018 $000 30,829 103 30,932 The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risk is disclosed in note 8. Payment terms are typically 30 days end of month. 12. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Trade and other payables 2019 $000 18,765 18,765 2018 $000 17,532 17,532 The Group’s exposure to liquidity risk related to trade and other payables is disclosed in note 8. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CAPITAL EMPLOYED 13. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Current Annual leave Long service leave Superannuation Other employee provisions Shares Non-current Long service leave Shares 14. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Leasehold Improvements at cost Less: accumulated depreciation Plant and equipment at cost Less: accumulated depreciation Motor vehicles at cost Less: accumulated depreciation Total written down value 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 4 0 2019 $000 4,396 2,697 1,693 390 - 9,176 1,640 - 1,640 2019 $000 1,669 (627) 1,042 2018 $000 4,081 3,502 1,558 181 183 9,505 920 146 1,066 2018 $000 1,300 (368) 932 22,998 (13,598) 9,400 20,838 (10,702) 10,136 5,402 (2,293) 3,109 7,941 (3,767) 4,174 13,551 15,242 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 4 1 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 14. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED) Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of each class of plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current financial year are set out below 2019 Leasehold Improvements $000 Plant & Equipment $000 Motor Vehicles $000 Carrying amount at 1 July 2018 Acquired through business acquisitions Additions at cost Disposals at carrying value Depreciation Transfers between classes at carrying value Carrying amount at 30 June 2019 2018 Carrying amount at 1 July 2017 Acquired through business acquisitions Additions at cost Disposals at carrying value Depreciation Transfers between classes at carrying value 932 - 319 - (209) - 1,042 10,136 - 2,975 (23) (3,688) - 9,400 Total $000 15,242 - 3,774 (378) (5,087) 4,174 - 480 (355) (1,190) - 3,109 - 13,551 Leasehold Improvements $000 Plant & Equipment $000 Motor Vehicles $000 353 353 425 (36) (236) 73 7,899 349 5,860 (1,619) (2,280) (73) 2,797 180 2,873 (466) (1,210) - Total $000 11,049 882 9,158 (2,121) (3,726) - Carrying amount at 30 June 2018 932 10,136 4,174 15,242 The carrying value of finance leased assets at 30 June 2019 is $5.9 million (2018: $8.7 million). Impairment Loss The Group assesses whether there are indicators that assets, or groups of assets, may be impaired at each reporting date. There were no indicators present in 2019 however goodwill is assessed annually regardless of indicators, refer Note 15. In this regard a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made. Veris has made an assessment of the recoverable amount of its assets as at 30 June 2019. No impairment loss was recognised in the year ended 30 June 2019 (2018: $nil). NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 4 2 15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS Carrying amount at 1 July 2017 Veris Australia Elton Consulting Movements during the year Additions: Veris Australia Elton Consulting Amortisation: Veris Australia Elton Consulting Adjustments: Veris Australia Elton Consulting Carrying value 1 July 2018 Veris Australia Elton Consulting Movements during the year Amortisation: Veris Australia Elton Consulting Adjustments: Veris Australia Elton Consulting Impairment: Veris Australia Elton Consulting Carrying amount at 30 June 2019 Veris Australia Elton Consulting Goodwill $000 Customer Relationships $000 Brands Total $000 $000 31,661 - 31,661 3,395 11,070 8,864 - 8,864 - - - 40,525 - 40,525 3,360 3,496 - 292 6,755 14,858 - - (3,848) (228) - (20) (3,848) (248) (625) 1,181 34,431 12,251 46,682 - - 8,376 3,268 11,644 - - - 272 272 (625) 1,181 42,807 15,791 58,598 - - (2,908) (912) - (78) (2,908) (990) - (1,079) (34,431) - - 11,172 11,172 - - - - - - - - - (1,079) (34,431) - 5,468 2,356 7,824 - 194 194 5,468 13,722 19,190 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS (CONTINUED) Goodwill has arisen on businesses purchased and an impairment review is carried out annually. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill has been allocated to CGU’s as per the above. Impairment Assessment 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 4 3 The Group tests annually whether the above intangible assets or goodwill are impaired, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in note 30 e (ii). An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of goodwill and other intangible assets are determined based on value in use of the company’s CGU’s which management have assessed to be its operating divisions. The discounted cash flow method (value in use) estimates the value of the CGU as being equal to the present value of the future cash flows which are expected to be derived from the CGU. At 31 December 2018 reporting date, there were two indicators of impairment: - Market capitalisation was less than net asset value (Veris Group) - Revenue and EBITDA % was not meeting budgeted expectations (Veris Australia CGU) The Group determined value in use to be higher than fair value and therefore the recoverable amount of goodwill and other intangible assets are determined based on value in use of the company’s CGU’s, which management have assessed to be its operating businesses. The discounted cash flow method (value in use) estimates the value of the CGU as being equal to the present value of the future cash flows which are expected to be derived from the CGU. Recoverable amount testing Key assumptions – Veris Australia CGU The recoverable amount of the Veris Australia CGU has been determined using a value in use discounted cash flow model. In determining value in use, it is necessary to make a series of assumptions to estimate future cash flows. The key assumptions requiring judgement include projected cash flows, growth rate estimates, discount rates, working capital and capital expenditure. The key assumptions utilised in the “value in use” calculations for the Veris Australia CGU are budgeted EBITDA, long term growth rate (2.5%) (2018: 2.0%) and discount rate (9.9%) (2018: 9.3%). (i) Projected cash flows The Group determines the recoverable amount based on a “value in use” calculation, using five years cash flow projections. The projections are based on the approved budget for the year ending 30 June 2020 and the management forecast for the subsequent financial years ending 30 June 2024. Budgeted EBITDA has been based on past experience and the Group’s assessment of economic and regulatory factors affecting the industry within which the Group operates. (ii) Long term growth rate The future annual growth rates for FY2024 onwards to perpetuity are based on a growth rate of 2.5% (2018: 2.0%) (iii) Discount rate (9.9%) (2018: 9.3%) Post tax nominal discount rate of 9.9% (2018: 9.3%) reflect the Group’s estimate of the time value of money and risks specific to each CGU. (iv) Terminal value (2.5%) (FY18: 2.0%) NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 4 4 15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS (CONTINUED) As a result of changes in key assumptions, impairment testing of the Veris Australia CGU for the current reporting period resulted in an impairment loss of $34,431,000 being recognised to reflect the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. Recoverable amount testing Key assumptions – Elton Consulting CGU The recoverable amount of the Elton Consulting CGU has been determined using a value in use discounted cash flow model. In determining value in use, it is necessary to make a series of assumptions to estimate future cash flows. The key assumptions requiring judgement include projected cash flows, growth rate estimates, discount rates, working capital and capital expenditure. The key assumptions utilised in the “value in use” calculations for the Elton Consulting CGU are budgeted EBITDA, long term growth rate (2.5%) and discount rate (9.9%). There are no comparative rates for the Elton Consulting CGU for FY18, as it was only acquired in the months prior to 30 June 2018 year end, in March 2018. (i) Projected cash flows The Group determines the recoverable amount based on a “value in use” calculation, using five years cash flow projections. The projections are based on the approved budget for the year ending 30 June 2020 and the management forecast for the subsequent financial years ending 30 June 2024. Budgeted EBITDA has been based on past experience and the Group’s assessment of economic and regulatory factors affecting the industry within which the Group operates. (ii) Long term growth rate (2.5%) The future annual growth rates for FY 2024 onwards to perpetuity are based on a growth rate of 2.5%. (iii) Discount rate (9.9%) Post tax nominal discount rate of 9.9% reflect the Group’s estimate of the time value of money and risks specific to each CGU. (iv) Terminal value (2.5%) Following impairment testing for the current reporting period, no impairment of Elton Consulting intangible assets has been recognised as the recoverable amount of the Elton Consulting CGU which all of its assets are assigned exceeds the carrying amount of the CGU. Sensitivities – Elton Consulting CGU The directors and management have performed an assessment of reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions. Management has identified that a reasonably possible change in two key assumptions could cause the carrying amount to exceed the recoverable amount. The following table shows the amount (in percent) by which these two assumptions would need to change individually for the estimated recoverable amounts to be equal to the carrying amount. Discount rate Budgeted EBITDA growth rate 2019 $000 3.0 (3.2) 2018 $000 - - NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 16. INCOME TAX BENEFIT Current tax - Australia Deferred tax Adjustment for prior periods Adjustment - other Income tax benefit reported in income statement 2019 $000 - (2,130) (13) - (2,143) 2018 $000 - (60) (697) (114) (871) The prima facie tax on the result from ordinary activities before income tax is reconciled to the income tax as follows: Reconciliation of effective tax rate 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 4 5 (Loss)/ Profit before income tax – continuing operations Income tax at 30% (2018: 30%) Add (less) tax effect of: Other non-allowable/ assessable items Research and development offset Adjustment for prior periods Adjustment - other 2019 $000 2018 $000 (42,232) (12,670) (1,927) (578) 10,540 - 4 (17) 518 - (697) (114) Income tax expense/ (benefit) – continuing operations (2,143) (871) (Loss)/ Profit before income tax – discontinued operations Income tax at 30% (2018: 30%) Add (less) tax effect of: Other non-allowable/ assessable items Adjustment for prior periods Income tax expense/ (benefit) – discontinued operations 17. DEFERRED TAX ASSETS/ LIABILITIES - - - - - (285) (86) (3) 126 37 Deferred tax liability Work in progress Plant & Equipment Employee Benefits Provisions Intangibles Carried offset available Carried losses available Other forward forward R&D tax Assets 2019 $000 - - 3,182 747 - 8,453 916 145 2018 $000 - - 3,046 579 - 8,453 262 245 Liabilities Net 2019 $000 (1,524) (526) - - (2,425) - - (55) 2018 $000 (2,645) (30) - - (3,594) - - (31) 2019 $000 (1,524) (526) 3,182 747 (2,425) 8,453 916 90 2018 $000 (2,645) (30) 3,046 579 (3,594) 8,453 262 214 Tax assets/ (liabilities) 13,443 12,585 (4,530) (6,309) 8,913 6,276 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 17. DEFERRED TAX ASSETS/ LIABILITIES (CONTINUED) Movement in deferred tax balances 2019 $000 2018 $000 Opening balance 6,276 7,636 Deferred tax liability on intangibles – Business Combinations Subsidiaries acquired opening balances Prior year adjustments Other adjustment Charge to profit or loss – continuing operations Charge to profit or loss – discontinued operations - - 490 17 2,130 - (2,145) 10 628 - 61 86 Closing deferred tax asset 8,913 6,276 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 4 6 NET DEBT 18. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash at bank and in hand 2019 $000 3,685 2018 $000 5,588 Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows 3,685 5,588 The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk and a sensitivity analysis for the financial assets and liabilities disclosed in note 8. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 19. RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS WITH PROFIT AFTER INCOME TAX Cash flows from operating activities Profit/(loss) after income tax Non-cash flows in profit: Depreciation (Note 14) Amortisation of intangible assets (Note 15) Impairment of Intangible assets Profit on sale of fixed assets Other Share based payment Income tax expense/ (benefit) from all operations 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 4 7 Change in trade and other debtors Change in other assets Change in work in progress Change in trade creditors Change in provisions and employee benefits 2019 $000 2018 $000 (40,089) (1,304) 5,087 3,898 34,431 (1,391) 24 586 (2,143) 403 4,347 (1,208) 965 1,219 519 3,585 4,096 - (2,254) 265 1,031 (908) 4,511 (11,512) (1,939) (4,222) 10,507 2,517 Net cash used in operating activities 6,245 (138) Significant non-cash investing and financing transactions Property, plant and equipment of $1.9 million (2018: $7.3 million) was acquired under finance leases. Movements in borrowings Opening balance 1 July 2018 Movements: Proceeds from borrowings Repayments of borrowings and lease liabilities Closing balance 30 June 2019 $000 26,028 1,916 (6,185) 21,759 Proceeds from borrowings relates to $1,916,000 of Hire Purchase borrowings which were paid directly to the supplier of the asset. 20. LOANS AND BORROWINGS Current liabilities Hire purchase liabilities (HP) Cash advance facility Non-current liabilities Hire purchase liabilities Cash advance facility 2019 $000 3,356 - 3,356 6,993 11,410 18,403 2018 $000 3,431 2,950 6,381 8,972 10,675 19,647 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 4 8 20. LOANS AND BORROWINGS (CONTINUED) TERMS AND DEBT REPAYMENT SCHEDULE Terms and conditions of outstanding loans were as follows: Nominal interest rate% 4.15 – 5.35 Year of maturity 2019 – 2024 2019 $000 Carrying Amount 2018 $000 Carrying Amount 10,349 12,403 4.0 – 4.6 2019 – 2024 11,410 13,625 21,759 26,028 Hire purchase liabilities (HP) Cash advance facility Hire purchase rate is fixed at contract agreement stage. The cash advance facility has a variable interest rate. All loans and borrowings are denominated in Australian Dollars. Facility Available 2019 $000 17,000 5,000 8,500 30,500 Used 2019 $000 (11,410) (56) (433) (11,899) Unused 2019 $000 5,590 4,944 8,067 18,601 Facility Available 2018 $000 25,000 5,000 10,300 40,300 Used 2018 $000 (13,625) (812) (432) (14,869) Unused 2018 $000 11,375 4,188 9,868 25,431 Cash advance facility (a) Insurance Bonds Other (b) Total financing facilities a) The carrying amount of this facility was $11.4 million as at 30 June 2019 (2018: $13.6 million). The funds are available for business acquisitions. The facility is repayable in tranches over the next three years. The loan contains covenants stating that at the end of each quarter the Group is to maintain EBITDA in line with Bank agreed forecast. b) Other facilities include a $5.5 million bank overdraft, $2.5 million contingent instrument facility and $500,000 credit card facility. c) Lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights to leased assets revert to the lessor in the event of default. Hire Purchase Liabilities Hire purchase liabilities of the Group are payable as follows: Future minimum HP payments 2019 $000 3,802 7,329 11,131 Interest 2019 $000 (448) (334) (782) Present value of minimum HP payments 2019 $000 Future minimum HP payments 2018 $000 Interest 2018 $000 Present value of minimum HP payments 2018 $000 3,354 6,995 10,349 3,814 9,340 13,154 (383) (368) (751) 3,431 8,972 12,403 Less than 1 year Between 1 & 5 years Financing is arranged for major leasehold improvements, plant & equipment, and motor vehicle additions NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS EQUITY 21. CAPITAL AND RESERVES Share capital 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 4 9 Balance at the beginning of the year Issued via Dividend Reinvestment Plan Conversion of Performance Rights Issued as consideration for business combinations Balance at the end of the year Issues of ordinary shares 2018 $000 40,887 1,696 - 468 2018 $000 37,283 379 - 3,225 2019 No. of Shares 345,358,386 8,428,718 9,249,495 6,977,990 2018 No. of Shares 325,705,364 2,238,596 1,289,426 16,125,000 43,051 40,887 370,014,589 345,358,386 • On 12 July 2018, 37,037 ordinary shares were issued as an incentive for continued employment to key personnel following the acquisition of Lester Franks in November 2016. The shares were issued for nil cash consideration with a fair value of $0.24 per share. • On 8 August 2018, 4,305,997 ordinary shares were issued for $nil consideration on vesting of Performance Rights to a key executive under the Veris FY17 Employee Incentive Scheme. • On 10 September 2018, 4,305,998 ordinary shares were issued for $nil consideration on vesting of Performance Rights to a key executive under the Veris FY17 Employee Incentive Scheme. • On 25 September 2018, 3,332,125 ordinary shares were issued and on 26 September 2018, 5,096,593 ordinary shares were issued, all at a price of $0.21 in accordance with the DRP. • On 9 November 2018, 637,500 ordinary shares were issued for $nil consideration on vesting of Performance Rights to a key executive under the Veris FY17 Employee Incentive Scheme on cessation of employment. • On 12 December 2018, 425,926 ordinary shares were issued as an incentive for continued employment to key personnel following the acquisition of Lester Franks in November 2016. The shares were issued for nil cash consideration with a fair value of $0.10 per share. • On 9 April 2019, 4,098,360 ordinary shares were issued as an incentive for continued employment to key personnel following the acquisition of Elton Consulting in March 2018. The shares were issued for nil cash consideration with a fair value of $0.061 per share. • On 8 May 2019, 7,916,667 ordinary shares were issued to the vendors of Elton Consulting as part consideration for the Milestone Payment One under the Share Sale Agreement. The shares were issued for nil cash consideration with a fair value of $0.069 per share. The Group 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 Group. All shares rank equally with regard to the Group’s residual assets. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21. CAPITAL AND RESERVES (CONTINUED) Reserves 2019 $000 Share Based Payments 2018 $000 Share Based Payments Balance at the beginning of the year Profit/ (loss) for the year Dividends paid Adoption of new standards Share based payment transactions 2,349 - - - 600 1,747 - - - 602 2019 $000 Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated Losses) 24,967 (40,327) (1,770) (2,014) - 2018 $000 Retained Earnings 27,907 (1,304) (1,636) - - 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 5 0 Balance at the end of the year 2,949 2,349 (19,144) 24,967 The retained earnings reserve represents profits of entities within the Group. Such profits are available to enable payment of franked dividends in future years. Dividends amounting to $1.8 million were distributed during the year (2018: $1.6 million). 22. DIVIDENDS On 30 August 2018 the Company declared a fully franked dividend for 2018 of 0.5 cents per share, totalling $1,770,000 (2018: $1,636,000). On 25 September 3,332,125 shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) at 21.0 cents per share and on 26 September a further 5,096,593 shares were issued at 21.0 cents per share in accordance with the DRP Underwriting Agreement. The 21.0 cents price per share was based on 5% discount to the VWAP on each day during the Price Determination Period which was 5 days. Franking Credit Balance The amount of franking credits available for the subsequent financial year are: 2019 $ 2018 $ Franking account balance as at the end of financial year at 30% (2018:30%) 5,535,898 6,295,357 The ability to utilise the franking credits is dependent upon there being sufficient available profits to declare dividends. The above available amounts are based on the balance of the dividend franking account at year-end adjusted for: • • • • franking credits that will arise from the payment of the current tax liabilities; franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the year-end; franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables by the tax consolidated group at the year-end; and franking credits that the entity may be prevented from distributing in subsequent years. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 5 1 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 23. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (a) Share – Based Payment Arrangements As at 30 June 2019, the Group had the following share-based payment arrangements. (i) 2017 Performance Rights Plan On 5 June 2017, the Group granted further Performance Rights to eligible employees under the Group’s Long Term Incentive Plan in respect of the three financial years 30 June 2017 to 30 June 2019. Subject to continued employment and achievement of financial performance hurdles absolute total shareholder return and absolute earnings per share growth), the Performance Rights will vest as follows: Number of Performance Rights granted Vesting Date (A) Lapsed (B) Vested during the Period (C) - 30 June 2019 1,443,500 637,500, Vesting Hurdles 50% TSR (D) 50% 3 Year Absolute EPS Pooling (E) <100% Nil < 6 c Nil 100% < 180% Pro-rata vesting between 25% and 100% >6- <6.5 c pro rata vesting between 25%- 100% 180% 100% 6.5 c > 100% - 1,443,500 637,500 (A) On vesting, Performance Rights will automatically convert to ordinary shares on a one for one basis. Performance Rights that do not vest will lapse. An unvested Performance Right will lapse upon the earlier to occur of: i. ii. failure to satisfy the applicable vesting conditions; the holder purporting to transfer the Performance Right otherwise than with the consent of the Board or by force of law; the employment of the holder ceasing, where such a condition was imposed on the grant of the Performance Right; in the opinion of the Board, the holder commits any fraudulent or dishonest act or is in breach of his or her obligations to the Company or subsidiary; the expiry date; or the seven year anniversary of the date of grant of the Performance Rights. iii. iv. v. vi. (B) During the period, 334,000 Performance Rights lapsed due to cessation of employment (C) During the period, 637,500 Performance Rights vested on cessation of employment and 1,109,500 lapsed due to the hurdles not being achieved. (D) Performance of management measured against an absolute shareholder return target of VRS (E) Performance management measured against a normalised EPS pooled approach setting an aggregate value of dollars of EPS that must be achieved over the three years (i.e. a pool consisting of year 1 EPS plus year 2 EPS plus year 3 EPS NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 23. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (CONTINUED) 2019 Performance Rights Plan (ii) DIRECTORS & KMP’S On 20 December 2018, the Group granted Performance Rights to the Managing Director, Adam Lamond and Executive Director, Brian Elton and on 12 April 2019, the Group granted Performance Rights to Key management Personnel under the Group’s new Veris combined Incentive Plan (“VIP”) relating to financial years 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2022 based on the achievement KPIs outlined in the below Balanced Scorecard: Financial Budgeted EBITDA (14%) Balanced Scorecard and Weightings Individual KPI’s (20%) Market Absolute EPS (19%) Values Behaviours (5%) On the basis that the Balanced Scorecard was achieved, 50% will be paid in cash and 50% in equity by way of issue of Performance Rights, of which 60% would have vested based on achievement of a 3 year absolute TSR hurdle and 40% would have vested in a future period in time, depending on continued employment for 4 years post issue (33% year 2; 33% year 3, 33% year 4). The Balanced Scorecard was not achieved for the FY19 year and all Performance Rights have lapsed. The absolute TSR hurdle is outlined in the below table: Number of Performance Rights granted Vesting Date (A) Lapsed (B) Vested during the Period Vesting Hurdles* 60% TSR (C) 40% 3 Year Retention (D) 1,297,196 30 June 2022 942,804 - <75% Nil Yr 2 1/3 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 5 2 75% < 120% Pro-rata vesting between 25% and 100% Yr 3 1/3 1,297,196 942,804 - * Safety must be maintained at all times and no LTI’s will vest in the instance of a major safety breach such as a serious injury or fatality 120% 100% Yr 4 1/3 (A) On vesting, Performance Rights will automatically convert to ordinary shares on a one for one basis. Performance Rights that do not vest will lapse. An unvested Performance Right will lapse upon the earlier to occur of: vii. viii. failure to satisfy the applicable vesting conditions; the holder purporting to transfer the Performance Right otherwise than with the consent of the Board or by force of law; the employment of the holder ceasing, where such a condition was imposed on the grant of the Performance Right; in the opinion of the Board, the holder commits any fraudulent or dishonest act or is in breach of his or her obligations to the Company or subsidiary; the expiry date; or the seven year anniversary of the date of grant of the Performance Rights. ix. x. xi. xii. (B) During the period, 942,804 Performance Rights lapsed due to the KPI’s outlined in the Balanced Scorecard not being achieved (C) Performance of management measured against an absolute shareholder return target of VRS (D) Based on continued employment and disposal restrictions NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 23. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (CONTINUED) SENIOR MANAGEMENT On 12 April 2019 the Group granted 2,419,949 Performance Rights to eligible employees which will vest subject to their continued employment over a two year period. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 5 3 Number of Performance Rights granted Vesting Date (A) Lapsed (B) Vested during the Period 2,419,949 30 June 2021 1,334,622 - Vesting Hurdles* 100% 2 Year Retention (C) 2,419,949 1,334,622 - (A) On vesting, Performance Rights will automatically convert to ordinary shares on a one for one basis. Performance Rights that do not vest will lapse. An unvested Performance Right will lapse upon the earlier to occur of: xiii. xiv. failure to satisfy the applicable vesting conditions; the holder purporting to transfer the Performance Right otherwise than with the consent of the Board or by force of law; the employment of the holder ceasing, where such a condition was imposed on the grant of the Performance Right; in the opinion of the Board, the holder commits any fraudulent or dishonest act or is in breach of his or her obligations to the Company or subsidiary; the expiry date; or xvii. xviii. the seven year anniversary of the date of grant of the Performance Rights. xv. xvi. (B) During the period, 104,960 Performance Rights lapsed due to cessation of employment and 1,229,662 Performance Rights lapsed due to a portion of the KPI’s outlined in the Balanced Scorecard not being met. (C) Based on continued employment for two years to 30 June 2021 (b) Measurement of Fair Values of Share-Based Payments During the period, 3,717,145 Performance Rights were issued (2018: nil). The fair value of the Tranche A, Tranche B, Tranche C and Tranche E Rights Performance Rights issued under the Group’s VIP during 2019 has been measured using the Black Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the Tranche D Rights has been measured using the Monte Carlo simulation, which simulates the Company’s share price at the test date and incorporates the probability of the TSR vesting condition being met. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 23. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (CONTINUED) The inputs used in the measurement of the fair values at grant date of the equity-settle share-based payment plans were as follows: Performance Measure Grant Date Share Price at Grant Date Exercise Price Commencement of Annual Balanced Scorecard Performance Period Annual Scorecard Measurement Date Annual Scorecard Measurement Period (Years) Commencement Period Performance Measurement Date Vesting Period/Life of Rights (Years) Volatility Risk-free Rate Number of Rights Fair Value at Grant Date of Performance Tranche A (A) 1 Yr Retention 20 Dec 2018 $0.095 Nil 1 Jul 2018 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS RIGHTS Tranche C (A) 1 Yr Retention 20 Dec 2018 $0.095 Tranche B (A) 1 Yr Retention 20 Dec 2018 $0.095 Nil 1 Jul 2018 Nil 1 Jul 2018 Tranche D (B) TSR 20 Dec 2018 $0.095 Nil 1 Jul 2018 30 Jun 2019 1 30 Jun 2019 1 30 Jun 2019 1 30 Jun 2019 1 1 Jul 2019 1 Jul 2019 1 Jul 2019 1 Jul 2019 30 Jun 20 1.53 60% 1.93% 106,704 $0.091 30 Jun 21 2.53 60% 1.93% 106,704 $0.089 30 Jun 22 3.53 60% 1.87% 106,704 $0.087 30 Jun 22 3.53 60% 1.87% 480,168 $0.043 (A) (B) 40% of Rights subject to retention (1/3 Year 2; 1/3 Year 3; 1/3 Year 4) 60% of Rights subject to achievement of a 3 year absolute TSR target 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 5 4 Performance Measure Grant Date Share Price at Grant Date Exercise Price Commencement of Annual Balanced Scorecard Performance Period Annual Scorecard Measurement Date Annual Scorecard Measurement Period (Years) Commencement Period Performance Measurement Date Vesting Period/Life of Rights (Years) Volatility Risk-free Rate Number of Rights Fair Value at Grant Date of Performance KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL RIGHTS Tranche A (A) 1 Yr Retention 12 Apr 2019 $0.058 Tranche B (A) 1 Yr Retention 12 Apr 2019 $0.058 Tranche C (A) 1 Yr Retention 12 Apr 2019 $0.058 Nil Nil Nil Tranche D (B) TSR 12 Apr 2019 $0.058 Nil SNR MGMT RIGHTS Tranche E (C) 2 Yr Retention 12 Apr 2019 $0.058 Nil 1 Jul 2018 1 Jul 2018 1 Jul 2018 1 Jul 2018 1 Jul 2018 30 Jun 2019 1 30 Jun 2019 1 30 Jun 2019 1 30 Jun 2019 1 30 Jun 2019 1 1 Jul 2019 1 Jul 2019 1 Jul 2019 1 Jul 2019 1 Jul 2019 30 Jun 20 1.22 60% 1.50% 66,255 $0.055 30 Jun 21 2.22 60% 1.50% 66,255 $0.053 30 Jun 22 3.22 60% 1.44% 66,256 $0.052 30 Jun 22 3.22 60% 1.44% 298,150 $0.025 30 Jun 21 2.22 60% 1.50% 2,419,949 $0.053 (A) (B) (C) 40% of Rights subject to retention (1/3 Year 2; 1/3 Year 3; 1/3 Year 4) 60% of Rights subject to achievement of a 3 year absolute TSR target 100% of Rights subject to retention (continued employment to 30 June 2021) The measure of volatility used in option pricing models is the annualised standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a period of time. For the Rights, the recent volatility of the share price of Veris was calculated for one, two, and three-year periods, using data extracted from Bloomberg. (c) Unvested Unlisted Performance Rights 828,848 Performance Rights issued during 2017 remain unvested at 30 June 2019 (2018: 2,909,848 Performance Rights issued 2017). 1,439,719 Performance Rights issued during 2019 remain unvested at 30 June 2019 (2018:N/A). NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION 24. RELATED PARTIES Key management personnel compensation The key management personnel compensation included in ‘employee benefits’ is as follows: 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 5 5 Short-term employee benefits Post-employment benefits Share-based payment Termination benefit - Cash Termination benefit – Share-based 2019 $ 2018 $ 1,485,240 99,750 2,377 363,385 18,874 1,337,843 118,856 207,503 - - 1,969,626 1,664,202 During the year, the Company did not have or repay any loans from related parties (2018: $nil). Individual directors and executives compensation disclosures Information regarding individual directors and executive’s compensation and some equity instruments disclosures as required by Corporations Regulations 2M.3.03 is provided in the remuneration report section of the directors’ report on pages 9 to 21. Key management personnel transactions The aggregate value of transactions and outstanding balances related to key management personnel and entities over which they have control of significant influence was as follows. Transaction Rent (a) Transaction values for the year ended 30 June 2019 $ 372,514 372,514 2018 $ 83,201 83,201 Balance outstanding as at 30 June 2019 $ 2018 $ - - - - (a) The Company rents office space from Elton Property, a company controlled by a director. Amounts billed were based on market rates and were due and payable under normal payment terms. Apart from the details disclosed in this note, no director has entered into a material contract with the Group since the end of the previous financial year and there were no material contracts involving directors’ interests existing at year-end. 25. AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION Audit and review services KPMG Audit and review of financial reports Due Diligence Integration 2019 $ 2018 $ 226,448 - 8,724 235,172 254,000 51,413 551,031 856,444 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS GROUP STRUCTURE 26. SUBSIDIARIES The following entities are consolidated: Name of Entity Parent Entity Veris Limited Controlled Entity Veris Australia Pty Ltd Elton Consulting Group Pty Ltd Aqura Technologies Pty Ltd (previously named OTOC Australia Pty Ltd) Emerson Stewart Pty Ltd Whelans Australia Pty Ltd Whelans International Pty Ltd Bosco Jonson Pty Ltd Geo-metric Surveying Pty Ltd Linker Surveying Pty Ltd Queensland Surveying Pty Ltd Southern Hemisphere Investments Pty Ltd A Perfect Day Elise Pty Ltd TBBK Pty Ltd Lawrence Group Pty Ltd Lester Franks Survey & Geographic Pty Ltd 27. DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 5 6 Country of Incorporation Ownership Interest 2019 % 2018 % Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Pursuant to ASIC Corporation (wholly-owned companies) Instrument 2016/785, all the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Veris Limited are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of financial reports, and Directors’ report. It is a condition of the Instrument that the Company and each of the subsidiaries (referenced in Note 26) enter into a Deed of Cross Guarantee (“the Deed”). The effect of the Deed is that the Company guarantees to each creditor payment in full of any debt in the event of winding up of any of the subsidiaries under certain provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. If a winding up occurs under other provisions of the Act, the Company will only be liable in the event that after six months any creditor has not been paid in full. The subsidiaries have also given similar guarantees in the event that the Company is wound up. The consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated statement of financial position, comprising the Company and controlled entities which are a party to the Deed as at 30 June 2019, after eliminating all transactions between parties to the Deed of Cross Guarantee, as of and for the year ended 30 June 2019 is the same as the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated statement of financial position of the Group as of and for the year ended 30 June 2019. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 5 7 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 28. PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES As at, and throughout, the financial year ended 30 June 2019 the parent company of the Group was Veris Limited. Results for the Year Profit/(loss) for the year Other comprehensive income 2019 $000 (35,000) - 2018 $000 2,758 - Total comprehensive profit/ (loss) for the year (35,000) 2,758 Financial position of parent entity at year end Current assets Total assets Current liabilities Total liabilities Total equity of the parent entity comprising of: Share capital Accumulated loss & Reserves Total equity 29. BASIS OF PREPARATION (a) Presentation Currency 2019 $000 8,504 48,847 (14,774) (26,273) 43,051 (20,477) 22,574 2018 $000 14,462 84,732 (6,772) (29,910) 40,887 13,935 54,822 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) Instruments 2016/191 dated 1 April 2016. All financial information presented in Australian dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand unless otherwise stated. (b) Basis of measurement The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following material items in the statement of financial position: • financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements, and have been applied consistently by Group entities. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 5 8 (a) Basis of consolidation (i) Business combinations The Group accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method when control is transferred to the Group. The consideration transferred in the acquisition is generally measured at fair value, as are the identifiable net assets acquired. Any goodwill that arises is tested annually for impairment. Any gain on a bargain purchase is recognised in profit or loss immediately. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred, except if related to the issue of debt or equity securities. The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are generally recognised in profit or loss. Any contingent consideration payable is measured at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, then it is not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised in profit or loss. If share-based payment awards (replacement awards) are required to be exchanged for awards held by the acquiree’s employees (acquiree’s awards), then all or a portion of the amount of the acquirer’s replacement awards is included in measuring the consideration transferred in the business combination. This determination is based on the market-based measure of the replacement awards compared with the market- based measure of the acquiree’s awards and the extent to which the replacement awards relate to pre- combination service. (ii) 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 on which control commences until the date on which control ceases. (iii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation Intra-group balances, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. (b) Financial instruments (i) Non-derivative financial assets The Group initially recognises loans and receivables and deposits 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 risks 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. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 5 9 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the Group has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The Group has the following non-derivative financial assets: cash, loans and receivables. 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 directly 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 purpose of the statement of cash flows. (ii) Non-derivative financial liabilities The Group initially recognises financial liabilities (including liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss) 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 statement of financial position when, and only when, the Group has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either 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 for all others. (iii) Share capital Ordinary shares Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and share options are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. Dividends on ordinary shares are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are declared. (c) Property, plant and equipment (i) Recognition and measurement Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalised as part of that equipment. 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. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 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 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 the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognised in profit or loss as incurred. (iii) Depreciation Depreciation is recognised in profit or loss on either a straight-line or diminishing value basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment. Items of property, plant and equipment are depreciated from the date that they are installed and are ready for use. The depreciation rates for the current and comparative periods are as follows: 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 6 0 • • • Plant and equipment Motor vehicles Leasehold Improvements 14-33% 14-33% 20% Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date. (d) Intangible assets and goodwill (i) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is not amortised. Instead goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. Goodwill is allocated to individual cash generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. (ii) Other intangible assets Other intangible assets including customer relationships and brands that are acquired by the Group, which have finite useful lives, are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. (iii) 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, including expenditure on internally generated goodwill and brands, is recognised in profit or loss as incurred. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 6 1 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) (iv) Amortisation Amortisation is recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, other than goodwill, from the date that they are available for use. The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows: • Customer relationships and Brands 3-5 years (e) Impairment (i) Non-derivative financial assets (including receivables) A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset. Objective evidence that financial assets are impaired can include default or delinquency by a debtor, restructuring of an amount due to the Group on terms that the Group would not consider otherwise, indications that a debtor or issuer will enter bankruptcy, the disappearance of an active market for a security. The Group considers evidence of impairment for receivables and they are assessed for specific impairment. All individually significant receivables found not to be specifically impaired are then collectively assessed for any impairment that has been incurred but not yet identified. Receivables that are not individually significant are collectively assessed for impairment by grouping together receivables with similar risk characteristics. In assessing collective impairment the Group uses historical trends of the probability of default, timing of recoveries and the amount of loss incurred, adjusted for management’s judgment as to whether current economic and credit conditions are such that the actual losses are likely to be greater or less than suggested by historical trends. 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 the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics. All impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised. For financial assets measured at amortised cost, the reversal is recognised in profit or loss. (ii) Non-financial assets The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than 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 each year at the same time. The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a 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. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its 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 the other assets in the unit (group of units) 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. Any impairment loss on a disposal group first is allocated to goodwill, and then to 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. Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains of losses on re-measurement are recognised in profit or loss. Gains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss. Once classified as held for sale, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are no longer amortised or depreciated. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 6 2 (f) Employee benefits (i) Other long-term employee benefits The Group’s net obligation in respect of long-term employee benefits 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. (ii) 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. (iii) Share-based payment transactions The grant date fair value of rights granted to employees is recognised as an employee expense, with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period that the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of performance rights for which the related service and non-market vesting conditions are met. (g) 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. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) (h) Revenue 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 6 3 Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the customers. Construction contract revenue is recognised in profit or loss in proportion to the stage of completion of the transaction at the reporting date. The stage of completion is assessed by reference to surveys of work performed. Contract revenue includes the initial amount agreed in the contract plus any variations in contract work, claims and incentive payments, to the extent that it is probable that they will result in revenue and can be measured reliably. As soon as the outcome of a construction contract can be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised in profit or loss in proportion to the stage of completion of the contract. Contract expenses are recognised as incurred unless they create an asset related to future contract activity. (i) Work in progress Work in progress represents the gross unbilled amount expected from customers for contract work performed to date. It is measured at cost plus profit recognised to date less progress billings and recognised losses. Cost includes all expenditure related directly to specific projects and an allocation of fixed and variable overheads incurred in the Group's contract activities based on normal operating capacity. (j) Leased assets (i) Lease payments Payments made under operating leases 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. 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. (ii) Lease classification Leases in terms of which the Group assumes substantially all 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 statement of financial position. Investment property held under an operating lease is recognised on the Group's statement of financial position at its fair value. (k) Finance income and expense Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested. Interest income is recognised as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest method. Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings. Borrowing costs that are not directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are recognised in profit and loss using the effective interest method. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 6 4 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) (l) Income tax Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income 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. Additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends are recognised at the same time as the liability to pay the related dividend is recognised. Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, providing for 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 it is probable that they will 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 to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary difference 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. (i) Tax consolidation The Group and its wholly-owned entities are part of a tax-consolidated group. As a consequence, all members of the tax-consolidated group are taxed as a single entity from that date. The head entity within the tax-consolidated group is Veris Limited. The Group 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. (ii) Nature of tax funding arrangements and tax sharing arrangements 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 head entity in conjunction with other members of the tax-consolidated group has also entered into a tax sharing agreement. The tax sharing agreement provides for the determination of the allocation of income tax liabilities between the entities should the head entity default on its tax payment obligations. No amounts have been recognised in the financial statements in respect of this agreement as payment of any amounts under the tax sharing agreement is considered remote. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) (iii) Goods and services tax 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 6 5 Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of 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 ATO 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 ATO are classified as operating cash flows. (m) 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 Group 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 dilutive potential ordinary shares, which comprise performance rights granted to employees. (n) Segment reporting The Group determines and presents operating segments based on the information that internally is provided to the Managing Director, who is the Group's chief operating decision maker. 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' operating results are regularly reviewed by the Group's Managing Director to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available. Segment results that are reported to the Managing Director include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly corporate assets (primarily the Group's headquarters), head office expenses, and income tax assets and liabilities. (o) Prior year comparatives Certain comparative information has been re-presented so it is in conformity with the current year classification. (p) Changes in accounting policies Veris has adopted all of the new and revised Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the AASB that are relevant to the operations of Veris and effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2018. AASB 9 Financial instruments The Group has initially adopted AASB 9 Financial Instruments from 1 July 2018. AASB 9 sets out requirements for recognising and measuring financial assets, financial liabilities and some contracts to buy or sell non-financial items. This standard replaces AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) The following table summarises the impact, net of tax, of transition to AASB 9 on the opening balance of retained earnings. Retained earnings Recognition of expected credit losses under AASB 9 2018 $000 721 The effect of adopting AASB 9 on the carrying amounts of financial assets at 1 July 2018 relates solely to the new impairment requirements. The following table explains the original measurement categories under AASB 139 and the new measurement categories under AASB 9. Trade and other receivables Classification Original (AASB 139) New (AASB 9) Loans and receivables Amortised cost 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 6 6 Trade and other receivables that were classified as loans and receivables under AASB 139 are now classified as financial assets measured at amortised cost. An increase of $651,000 in the allowance for impairment over these receivables was recognised in opening retained earnings at 1 July 2018 on transition to AASB 9. AASB 9 replaces the ‘incurred loss’ model in AASB 139 with an ‘expected credit loss’ (ECL) model. The new impairment model applies to financial assets measured at amortised cost, contract assets and debt investments at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI) but not to investments in equity instruments. Under AASB 9, credit losses are recognised earlier than under AASB 139. The financial assets at amortised cost consist of trade receivables, cash and cash equivalents, and corporate debt securities. Under AASB 9, loss allowances are measured on either of the following bases: - 12 month ECLs: these are ECLs that result from possible default events within the 12 months after reporting date; and - Lifetime ECLs: these are ECLs that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. The Group measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs, except for the following, which are measured as 12-month ECLs: - debt securities that are determined to have low credit risk at the reporting date; and - other debt securities and bank balances for which credit risk has not increased significantly since initial recognition NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 6 7 The Group has elected to measure loss allowances for trade receivables and contract assets at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs. When determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition and when estimating ECLs, the Group considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available without undue cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on the Group’s historical experience and informed credit assessment and including forward-looking information. Measurement of ECLs ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls (i.e. variance between contractual cash inflow and cash flow expected by the Group). ECLs are discounted at the effective interest rate of the financial asset. Credit-Impaired financial assets At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried at amortised cost are credit impaired. A financial asset is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred. Presentation of impairment Loss allowances for financial assets measured at amortised cost are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets. The Group has determined that the application of AASB 9’s impairment requirements at 1 July 2018 result in an additional impairment as follows: Loss allowance at 30 June 2018 under AASB 139 Additional impairment recognised at 1 July 2018 on: 2018 $000 313 Trade and other receivables as at 30 June 2018(A) 721 Loss allowance at 1 July 2018 under AASB 139 1,034 (A) $651k was disclosed at 31 December 2018 Trade Receivables The ECLs were calculated on actual credit loss experience over the past 12-18 months. The ECL analysis was limited in the absence of a sufficient timeframe of historical data, which would prove difficult to collate without undue cost or effort. The Group considers the approach and some of the assumptions used in calculating these ECLs as key sources of estimation uncertainty. AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers The Group has initially adopted AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers from 1 July 2018. AASB 15 establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much and when revenue is recognised. It replaces existing guidance, including AASB 118 Revenue and AASB 111 Construction Contracts and related interpretations. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) The Group has adopted AASB 15 using the cumulative effect method, with the effect of initially applying this standard recognised at the date of initial application. Accordingly, the information presented for 2018 has not been restated. The following table summarises the impact, net of tax, of transition to AASB 15 on retained earnings at 1 July 2018: Retained earnings Work in progress(A) Impact at 1 July 2018 (A) $780k was disclosed at 31 December 2018 2018 $000 1,293 1,293 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 6 8 Under AASB 15, revenue is recognised when a customer obtains control of the goods or services. Determining the timing of the transfer of control – at a point in time or over time – requires judgement such as the assessment of the probability of customer approval of variations and acceptance of claims, estimation of project completion date and assumed levels of project execution productivity. In making these assessments we have considered, for applicable contracts, the individual status of legal proceedings, including arbitration and litigation. Revenue from the Group arises from providing professional services to our customers whereby we deliver surveying, professional and advisory, and geospatial services to the infrastructure; property; energy, mining & resource; and defence, agribusiness, tourism & leisure markets. Under AASB 15, these are predominantly to be recognised over time with reference to inputs on satisfaction of the performance obligations. The services that have been determined to be one performance obligation are highly inter-related and fulfilled over time therefore revenue continues to be recognised over time. Incentives, variations and claims exist which are subject to the same higher threshold criteria of only recognising revenue to the extent it is highly probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not happen. 31. NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS NOT YET ADOPTED A number of new accounting standards and amendments have been issued but are not yet effective, none of which have been early adopted by the Group in this financial report. These new standards and amendments, when applied in future periods are not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Group, other than as set out below. AASB16 Leases A new accounting standard AASB16 Leases has been published but is not mandatory for 30 June 2019 reporting periods. The Group’s assessment of the impact of this new standard is set out below. AASB 16 Leases specifies how to recognise, measure and disclose leases. It will result in almost all leases being recognised on the balance sheet by lessees, as the distinction between operating and finance leases is removed for lessees. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31. NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS NOT YET ADOPTED (CONTINUED) 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 6 9 The standard provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognise assets (the right to use the leased item) and lease liabilities (obligations to make lease repayments) for almost all leases. The Group plans to apply the practical expedients in relation to short term leases (less than or equal to 12 months) and leases of low value assets whereby lease accounting remains similar to current practice. The standard will affect primarily the accounting for the Group’s operating leases of offices and motor vehicles. As at the reporting date, the Group has non-cancellable operating leases commitments of $14,479,000 refer to Note 9. Right of-use assets will be measured at the amount of the lease liability on adoption. This will be different to the approximate values of the operating leases disclosed in Note 9, as the new standard requires that optional renewable periods are included in the leases liability where reasonably certain an extension will occur. The Group’s property leases, which make up the majority of lease commitments, generally include significant optional renewal periods which if reasonably certain will significantly impact the lease liability upon transition to AASB16 Leases. Operating EBITDA used to measure segment results is expected to significantly increase as most occupancy costs will be excluded from EBITDA calculations and sit below the line as amortisation of the right-of-use assets and interest on the lease liability. Motor vehicle operating lease payments are not expected to have a material impact on EBITDA as these leases commenced in June 2019. Interest expenses will increase due to the unwinding of the effective interest rate implicit in the lease. Interest expense will be greater earlier in a leases life due to the higher principal value causing profit variability over the course of a lease life. Operating cash flows will increase under IFRS16 as the element of cash paid attributable to the repayment of principal will be included in financing cash flows. The net increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents will remain the same. The lease term is determined at inception of the lease. Leases allow for options to extend the term of the lease. Exercising or letting an option lapse can have a material impact on the lease valuations for the larger offices within the group. The Group will apply the standard from its mandatory adoption date of 1 July 2019. The Group intends to apply the modified retrospective transition approach and will not restate comparative amounts for the year prior to first adoption, which will be presented in the 31 December 2019 half year financial report. There are no other standards that are not yet effective and that would be expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 7 0 32. DETERMINATION OF FAIR VALUES A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Fair values have been determined for measurement and / or disclosure purposes based on the methods set out below. Where 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, prudently and without compulsion. The market value of items of plant, equipment, fixtures and fittings is based on the quoted market prices for similar items. (ii) Intangible assets The fair value of customer relationships acquired in a business combination is determined using the multi- period excess earnings method, whereby the subject asset is valued after deducting a fair return on all other assets that are part of creating the related cash flows. (iii) 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. (iv) Share-based payment transactions The fair value of employee stock options is measured using a binomial option pricing model. The fair value of share performance rights is measured using the Monte Carlo formula. Measurement inputs include share price on measurement date, exercise price of the instrument, expected volatility (based on weighted average historic volatility adjusted for changes expected due to publicly available information), weighted average expected life of the instruments (based on historical experience and general option holder behaviour), expected dividends, and the risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds). Service and non-market performance conditions attached to the transactions are not taken into account in determining fair value. (v) Deferred Vendor Payments Any contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. If an obligation to pay contingent consideration that meets the definition of a financial instrument is classified as equity, then it is not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, other contingent consideration is remeasured at fair value at each reporting date and subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised in profit or loss. DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION 1. In the opinion of the directors of Veris Limited (“the Company”): (a) the consolidated financial statements and notes set out on pages 24 to 70 and the Remuneration report on pages 9 to 21 in the Directors’ report, are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 including: (i) giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 2019 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date; and (ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and (b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable. There are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company and the group entities identified in note 26 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 Class Order 2016/191. The directors have been given the declarations required by Section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 from the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer for the financial year ended 30 June 2019. The directors draw attention to page 28 to the consolidated financial statements, which includes a statement of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 7 1 2. 3. 4. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors: Derek La Ferla Chairman Dated at Perth 30 August 2019 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Independent Auditor’s Report To the shareholders of Veris Limited Report on the audit of the Financial Report Independent Auditor’s Report Independent Auditor’s Report Opinion To the shareholders of Veris Limited We have audited the Financial Report of Veris Limited (the Company). In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report To the shareholders of Veris Limited Report on the audit of the Financial Report of the Company is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: • giving a true and fair view of the Group's Report on the audit of the Financial Report Opinion financial position as at 30 June 2019 and of its financial performance for the year ended on that date; and We have audited the Financial Report of Veris Limited (the Company). Opinion • complying with Australian Accounting Standards In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report and the Corporations Regulations 2001. of the Company is in accordance with the We have audited the Financial Report of Veris Corporations Act 2001, including: Limited (the Company). • • 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 7 2 The Financial Report comprises: Consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2019. Consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, Consolidated statement of changes in equity, and Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended. The Financial Report comprises: The Financial Report comprises: • • Notes including a summary of significant Consolidated statement of financial position as accounting policies. at 30 June 2019. Directors' Declaration. • • Consolidated statement of profit or loss and The Group consists of Veris Limited (the Company) other comprehensive income, Consolidated and the entities it controlled at the year end or from statement of changes in equity, and time to time during the financial year. Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended. Consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2019. • • giving a true and fair view of the Group's In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report financial position as at 30 June 2019 and of its of the Company is in accordance with the financial performance for the year ended on that Corporations Act 2001, including: date; and Basis for opinion • giving a true and fair view of the Group's • complying with Australian Accounting Standards financial position as at 30 June 2019 and of its We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. We believe that the audit and the Corporations Regulations 2001. financial performance for the year ended on that evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. date; and Consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, Consolidated Notes including a summary of significant statement of changes in equity, and accounting policies. Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended. Directors' Declaration. The Group consists of Veris Limited (the Company) Notes including a summary of significant Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the and the entities it controlled at the year end or from • complying with Australian Accounting Standards accounting policies. audit of the Financial Report section of our report. time to time during the financial year. and the Corporations Regulations 2001. • • • • 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 Basis for opinion 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. 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. The Group consists of Veris Limited (the Company) and the entities it controlled at the year end or from time to time during the financial year. • Directors' Declaration. Basis for 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 conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. We believe that the audit We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the Financial Report in Australia. We audit of the Financial Report section of our report. have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. 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 Professional Standards Legislation. 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. 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. INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Key Audit Matters The Key Audit Matters we identified are: Key Audit Matters • Goodwill and intangible assets value. • Recognition of revenue and WIP. The Key Audit Matters we identified are: • Goodwill and intangible assets value. • Recognition of revenue and WIP. Goodwill and intangible assets value ($19.2m) Refer to Note 15 to the Financial Report Goodwill and intangible assets value ($19.2m) Key Audit Matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the Financial Report of the current period. Key Audit Matters are those matters that, in our These matters were addressed in the context of our professional judgement, were of most significance in audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in our audit of the Financial Report of the current period. forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 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. The key audit matter How the matter was addressed in our audit Refer to Note 15 to the Financial Report 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 7 3 • The key audit matter The Group’s consideration of impairment indicators and testing of goodwill (annually or where an impairment indicator exists) and intangible assets was a key audit matter, given the size of the balance. The Group’s consideration of impairment indicators We focused on the significant forward looking and testing of goodwill (annually or where an assumptions of the Group applied in their value in use impairment indicator exists) and intangible assets models, specifically Veris Australia and Elton was a key audit matter, given the size of the balance. Consulting CGUs, including: We focused on the significant forward looking assumptions of the Group applied in their value in use models, specifically Veris Australia and Elton Consulting CGUs, including: Forecast cash flows – The estimation by the Group of industry conditions and operating costs, including labour, lead to greater audit effort to gather evidence about forecast market activity and cost assumptions. Forecast cash flows – The estimation by the Group of industry conditions and operating costs, including labour, lead to greater audit effort to Forecast growth rates and terminal growth rates – gather evidence about forecast market activity and the Group’s models are sensitive to small changes cost assumptions. in these assumptions. This drives additional audit effort specific to their feasibility and consistency with observable macro economic assumptions. Forecast growth rates and terminal growth rates – the Group’s models are sensitive to small changes in these assumptions. This drives additional audit effort specific to their feasibility and consistency varies according to the conditions and with observable macro economic assumptions. environments that the specific CGUs are subject to from time to time. • Discount rate – it is complicated in nature and • Discount rate – it is complicated in nature and • • • varies according to the conditions and The carrying amount of the net assets of the Group environments that the specific CGUs are subject exceeded the Group’s market capitalisation at year to from time to time. end, increasing the possibility of goodwill and intangibles being impaired. This further increased our The carrying amount of the net assets of the Group audit effort in this key audit area. exceeded the Group’s market capitalisation at year end, increasing the possibility of goodwill and In the current year, the Group recorded an intangibles being impaired. This further increased our impairment charge of $34.4 million against goodwill, audit effort in this key audit area. resulting from below budget performance of the Veris Australia CGU, increasing the sensitivity of the model In the current year, the Group recorded an to small changes in assumptions. This further impairment charge of $34.4 million against goodwill, increased our audit effort in this key area. resulting from below budget performance of the Veris Australia CGU, increasing the sensitivity of the model to small changes in assumptions. This further increased our audit effort in this key area. Our procedures included: Our procedures included: How the matter was addressed in our audit • We considered the appropriateness of the value in use method applied by the Group to perform the annual test of goodwill for impairment and the assessment of the carrying value of intangible • We considered the appropriateness of the value in assets, given impairment indicators, against the use method applied by the Group to perform the requirements of the accounting standards. annual test of goodwill for impairment and the assessment of the carrying value of intangible • We assessed the accuracy of previous forecast assets, given impairment indicators, against the cash flows by comparing to actuals to challenge requirements of the accounting standards. the ability of the Group to estimate future cash flows. • We assessed the accuracy of previous forecast cash flows by comparing to actuals to challenge • We assessed management’s analysis of group net the ability of the Group to estimate future cash flows. assets exceeding market capitalisation. • We recalculated the impairment charge against • We assessed management’s analysis of group net the recorded amount disclosed. assets exceeding market capitalisation. • Working with our valuation specialists, we used • We recalculated the impairment charge against our knowledge of the Group and their industry, to challenge the value in use model and key assumptions, including: the recorded amount disclosed. • Working with our valuation specialists, we used our knowledge of the Group and their industry, to Comparing forecast cash flows to the Group’s challenge the value in use model and key board approved budget and challenging these assumptions, including: by analysing the forecast pipeline of work and industry drivers of this growth. - Comparing forecast cash flows to the Group’s board approved budget and challenging these Comparing the Group’s growth assumptions to by analysing the forecast pipeline of work and historical averages and relevant external data industry drivers of this growth. of industry trends. Analysing the discount rate against publicly available data of a group of comparable companies. Comparing the Group’s growth assumptions to historical averages and relevant external data of industry trends. Analysing the discount rate against publicly available data of a group of comparable companies. - - - - - INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT In assessing this key audit matter, we involved senior audit team members, including valuation specialists, who understand the Group’s business, In assessing this key audit matter, we involved industry and the economic environments it senior audit team members, including valuation operates in. specialists, who understand the Group’s business, industry and the economic environments it operates in. - - We assessed the Group’s underlying methodology and documentation for the allocation of corporate costs, to the We assessed the Group’s underlying forecast cash flows contained in the value methodology and documentation for the in use model. We assessed for allocation of corporate costs, to the consistency with our understanding of the forecast cash flows contained in the value business and the criteria in the accounting in use model. We assessed for standards. consistency with our understanding of the We considered the sensitivity of the models by business and the criteria in the accounting varying key assumptions such as forecast operating standards. expenses, forecast growth rates, terminal growth We considered the sensitivity of the models by rate and discount rate, within a reasonably possible varying key assumptions such as forecast operating range, to identify those assumptions at higher risk expenses, forecast growth rates, terminal growth of bias or inconsistency in application and to focus rate and discount rate, within a reasonably possible our further procedures. range, to identify those assumptions at higher risk of bias or inconsistency in application and to focus our further procedures. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 7 4 Recognition of Revenue and Work In Progress (WIP) (Revenue $125.9m, WIP $8.3m) Refer to Note 30 to the Financial Report Recognition of Revenue and Work In Progress (WIP) (Revenue $125.9m, WIP $8.3m) The key audit matter Refer to Note 30 to the Financial Report How the matter was addressed in our audit Recognition of revenue is a Key Audit Matter due to the: The key audit matter Our procedures included: How the matter was addressed in our audit • We assessed the Group’s estimation in • • • Recognition of revenue is a Key Audit Matter due to the: Significance of revenue to the financial statements, including a large number of contracts with customers, and the degree of estimation and judgement involved in revenue recognition. Significance of revenue to the financial statements, including a large number of contracts with customers, and the degree of First time transition adjustment arising from the estimation and judgement involved in revenue adoption of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts recognition. with Customers resulting in additional audit focus. This effort is due to the complex nature of the changes to the accounting standard requiring senior team involvement. First time transition adjustment arising from the adoption of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers resulting in additional audit focus. This effort is due to the complex nature We focused on the Group’s assessment of the of the changes to the accounting standard following elements of revenue recognition: requiring senior team involvement. • • • • The Group’s determination of the amount of We focused on the Group’s assessment of the revenue recognised from variable consideration following elements of revenue recognition: being highly probable of not reversing. The The Group’s determination of the amount of Group’s determination of an amount that is revenue recognised from variable consideration highly probable requires a degree of estimation being highly probable of not reversing. The and judgement. This increased the audit effort Group’s determination of an amount that is we applied to gather sufficient appropriate audit highly probable requires a degree of estimation evidence that the variable consideration is and judgement. This increased the audit effort highly probable. we applied to gather sufficient appropriate audit evidence that the variable consideration is highly probable. The Group’s determination of contractual entitlement to Work In Progress balances including assessment of performance obligations. The Group’s determination of contractual entitlement to Work In Progress balances including assessment of performance obligations. • Our procedures included: recognising revenue to the extent it is highly probable that a significant reversal will not • We assessed the Group’s estimation in occur, through corroborating to underlying recognising revenue to the extent it is highly evidence including project spend and probable that a significant reversal will not correspondence with customers accepting occur, through corroborating to underlying contract terms. evidence including project spend and • We assessed management’s line-by-line WIP correspondence with customers accepting analysis to corroborate the findings of our contract terms. detailed testing of WIP balances, to support • We assessed management’s line-by-line WIP that the recognition criteria in AASB 15 had analysis to corroborate the findings of our been met. This included obtaining evidence of detailed testing of WIP balances, to support an enforceable right and achievement of that the recognition criteria in AASB 15 had performance obligations. been met. This included obtaining evidence of • We assessed the basis for management’s WIP an enforceable right and achievement of provision against the findings of our testing, performance obligations. and evaluated the conclusions reached by the • We assessed the basis for management’s WIP Group using our understanding of the contracts provision against the findings of our testing, obtained in the procedures noted above, in the and evaluated the conclusions reached by the context of the requirements of AASB 15. Group using our understanding of the contracts • We assessed management’s assumptions obtained in the procedures noted above, in the used in calculating the transition adjustment context of the requirements of AASB 15. arising from the adoption of AASB 15. • We assessed management’s assumptions • We evaluated the related disclosure of the used in calculating the transition adjustment impact of adoption of AASB 15 in the financial arising from the adoption of AASB 15. statements for appropriateness. • We evaluated the related disclosure of the impact of adoption of AASB 15 in the financial statements for appropriateness. INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Other Information 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 7 5 Other Information Other Information is financial and non-financial information in Veris 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. Other Information is financial and non-financial information in Veris 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. The Other Information we obtained prior to the date of this Auditor’s Report was Directors’ Report, Remuneration Report, Corporate Governance Statement and Shareholder Information. The Chairman’s Report, Managing Director’s Report and Overview of operations are expected to be made available to us after the date of the Auditor's Report. The Other Information we obtained prior to the date of this Auditor’s Report was Directors’ Report, Remuneration Report, Corporate Governance Statement and Shareholder Information. The Chairman’s Report, Managing Director’s Report and Overview of operations are expected to be made available to us after the date of the Auditor's Report. 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. Our opinion on the Financial Report does not cover the Other Information and, accordingly, we do not and will In connection with our audit of the Financial Report, our responsibility is to read the Other Information. In doing not express an audit opinion or any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the so, we consider whether the Other Information is materially inconsistent with the Financial Report or our Remuneration Report and our related assurance opinion. knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. In connection with our audit of the Financial Report, our responsibility is to read the Other Information. In doing We are required to report if we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this Other Information, and so, we consider whether the Other Information is materially inconsistent with the Financial Report or our based on the work we have performed on the Other Information that we obtained prior to the date of this knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. Auditor’s Report we have nothing to report. 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 the Directors for the Financial Report The Directors are responsible for: Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report • preparing the Financial Report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting The Directors are responsible for: Standards and the Corporations Act 2001. • implementing necessary internal control to enable the preparation of a Financial Report that gives a true and • preparing the Financial Report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Standards and the Corporations Act 2001. fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. • assessing the Group and Company's ability to continue as a going concern and whether the use of the going • implementing necessary internal control to enable the preparation of a Financial Report that gives a true and concern basis of accounting is appropriate. 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 and • assessing the Group and Company's ability to continue as a going concern and whether the use of the going Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. concern basis of accounting is appropriate. 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 and Company 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: Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report • to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Report as a whole is free from material Our objective is: misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and • to issue an Auditor’s Report that includes our opinion. • to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and 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. • to issue an Auditor’s Report that includes our opinion. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error. They are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the accordance with Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Financial Report. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error. They are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report is located at the Auditing and they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the Assurance Standards Board website at: http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar1.pdf. This Financial Report. description forms part of our Auditor’s Report. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report is located at the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar1.pdf. This description forms part of our Auditor’s Report. INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Report on the Remuneration Report Opinion Report on the Remuneration Report Directors’ responsibilities In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Veris Limited for the year ended 30 June 2019, complies with Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Opinion In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Veris Limited for the year ended 30 June 2019, complies with Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. KPMG KPMG Directors’ responsibilities The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Remuneration Report in accordance with Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Remuneration Report in accordance with Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibilities We have audited the Remuneration Report included on pages 0 to 22 of the Directors’ report for the year ended 30 June 2019. Our responsibilities We have audited the Remuneration Report included on pages 0 to 22 of the Directors’ report 21 for the year ended 30 June 2019. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the 9 Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 7 6 Jane Bailey Partner Perth Jane Bailey Partner 30 August 2019 Perth 30 August 2019 Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration under LEAD AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 To the Directors of Veris Limited I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in relation to the audit of Veris Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2019 there have been: i. no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and ii. Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 7 7 To the Directors of Veris Limited KPMG Jane Bailey Partner I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in relation to the audit of Veris Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2019 there have been: Perth 30 August 2019 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 Jane Bailey Partner Perth 30 August 2019 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. 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. 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 7 8 Additional Information per ASX Listing Rules - Unaudited Additional information requires by ASX Listing Rules and not disclosed elsewhere in this report is set out below. Corporate Governance Statement ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Group’s Corporate Governance Statement can be found at: https://www.veris.com.au/media/2781/corporate-governance-statement-2019-final-final.pdf Shareholder Information as at 26 August 2019 Top 20 Shareholders of Quoted Securities Rank Name Shares % of Issued Capital 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 16 18 19 20 NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 56,502,792 15.14 OCEAN TO OUTBACK ELECTRICAL PTY LTD CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED MR CRAIG GRAEME CHAPMAN CONCEPT WEST COMMUNICATIONS PTY LTD MR BRIAN ELTON CARRIER INTERNATIONAL PTY LIMITED BERTOLI CONTRACTING PTY LTD 44,844,315 12.01 26,765,922 25,078,591 16,000,000 11,508,540 10,558,035 7,500,000 7.17 6.72 4.29 3.08 2.83 2.01 6,303,597 1.69 MR BRIAN FRANCIS MANGANO 5,993,240 1.61 MR THOMAS BRIAN LAWRENCE ICON HOLDINGS PTY LTD MR PETER HOWELLS SILCHESTER INVESTMENTS PTY LTD ELTON PROPERTY PTY LTD MRS JASMINE KRKLJES INSIDE-OUT CARPENTRY SERVICES PTY LTD EVANS FAMILY NOMINEES PTY LTD MR SIMON PAUL CLODE TELDAR CORPORATION PTY LIMITED 5,690,153 4,435,820 4,300,000 4,286,625 4,277,698 3,875,415 1.52 1.19 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.04 3,200,000 0.86 2,994,792 0.80 2,755,147 2,500,000 0.74 0.67 Total 249,370,682 66.80 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 7 9 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Substantial Holders of 5% or more of fully paid ordinary shares Shareholder IOOF HOLDINGS LIMITED OCEAN TO OUTBACK ELECTRICAL MITSUBISHI UFJ FINANCIAL GROUP, INC PARADICE INVESTMENT MGT CRAIG GRAEME CHAPMAN Number Shares 51,082,305 51,082,305 Voting Power 13.68% 45,841,815 45,841,815 12.28% 26,260,962 26,260,962 21,281,655 21,281,655 19,800,000 19,800,000 7.07% 6.56% 5.33% Distribution of Shareholders Spread of Holdings 1 – 1,000 1,001 – 5,000 5,001 – 10,000 10,001 – 100,000 100,001 – Total on Register Ordinary Shares Performance Rights 37 106 126 479 280 1,028 - - - 1 3 4 Non-Marketable Parcels Number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel is 207. Voting Rights Ordinary Shares Voting rights on a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall have one vote. Performance Rights There are no voting rights attached to Performance Rights Restricted Securities Number of Securities Type of Securities Escrow Type Date Escrow Ends 15,625,000 Ordinary Shares Voluntary 29-Mar-20 Unquoted Equity Securities There are 1,085,327 unquoted Performance Rights on issue with 4 holders. Securities Exchange The Group is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. The Home exchange is Perth. The ticker code is VRS CORPORATE INFORMATION The registered office of the company is: Veris Limited Level 12, 3 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017 Company Secretary: Lisa Wynne The principal place of business is: Veris Limited Level 12, 3 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017 Telephone: (08) 9317 0600 Share Registry: Computershare Level 11, 172 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Telephone: (08) 9323 2005 2 0 1 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t | p a g e 8 0 HEAD OFFICE PERTH Level 12, 3 Hasler Road Locked Bag 9 Osborne Park WA 6017 T 08 9317 0600 F 08 9317 0611 veris@veris.com.au

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