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Half Yearly Report and Accounts as at 31 December 2017

Half Year Results21 January 2018AFIFinancials

Appendix 4D Statement
for the Half-Year ending

31 December 2017

Contents

• Results for Announcement

to the Market


Media Release

•Appendix 4D Accounts

• Independent Auditors’

Review Report

This half-year report is presented under

listing rule 4.2A and should be read in

conjunction with the Company’s 2017

Annual Report.

Australian Foundation Investment

Company Limited ABN 56 004 147 120

RESULTS FOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE MARKET
The reporting period is the half-year ended 31 December 2017 with the previous corresponding

period being the half-year ended 31 December 2016. The results have been reviewed by the

Company’s auditors.

Results for announcement to the market

•Revenue from operating activities was $154.0 million, up $ 18.5 million or 13.6% from the

previous corresponding period. This excludes capital gains on investments.

•Profit after tax attributable to members was $136.4 million (up 15.6% on the previous

corresponding period’s $118.0 million).

•The interim dividend is 10 cents per share, fully franked, the same as last year. It will be

paid on 23 February 2018 to ordinary shareholders on the register on 9 February 2018 and

the shares are expected to commence trading on an ex-dividend basis on 8 February 2018.

There is no conduit foreign income component of the dividend.

•A Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) and Dividend Substitution Share Plan (DSSP) are

available, the price for which will be set at a nil discount

to the Volume Weighted Average

Price of the Company’s shares traded on the ASX and Chi-X automated trading systems

over the five trading days from when the shares trade ex-dividend. The last date for the

receipt of an election notice for participation in the DRP & DSSP is 5.00 pm (Melbourne

time) on 12 February 2018.

•The final dividend for the 2017 financial year was 14 cents per share (fully franked), and it

was paid to shareholders on 30 August 2017.

•Net tangible assets per share before any provision for deferred tax on the unrealised gains

on the long-term investment portfolio as at 31 December 2017 were $ 6.15, up from $5.83 at

the end of the previous corresponding period (both before allowing for interim dividends).

2




Global Growth Fuels Market


Half Year Report to 31 December 2017



Key Themes –



 AFIC invests in a diversified portfolio of Australian equities, seeking to provide

shareholders attractive income and capital growth over the medium to long term at a

low cost.

 Global equity markets have risen over the period with many major economies

showing improved growth. Volatility is very low.

 Resource and energy stocks have lifted in response to economic growth, however

some sectors within the Australian index have been less buoyant. M any large

companies face increased competition and the prospect of disruption to their

business.

 It is difficult to find stand out value in the Australian equity market at present.

Companies with good growth prospects continue to be very expensive.

 AFIC will continue to look for quality companies that can provide good long term

growth, including dividends, but will only do so where long term value is on offer.



Result Summary –


 Half Year Profit of $136.7 million, up 15.6% from $118.3 million in the corresponding

period last year:

- Investment income increased $18.5 million primarily due to a lift in dividends

across a range of companies, particularly resource companies including

participation in the Rio Tinto off market buy back

 Interim Dividend maintained at 10 cents per share fully franked.

 Management expense ratio of 0.11% (annualised).

 Six month portfolio return was 6.9%; including franking it was 7.9%.

 Twelve month portfolio return was 9.9%; including franking it was 11.8%.








3




Portfolio Performance



The emergence of a synchronised expansion in growth across many major economies has seen

equity markets, including Australia, reach post GFC highs. The renewed confidence about global

growth has led to rising commodity prices, with the Australian resources index up 26% over the six

month period. During the same period the industrial and banking sectors were up only 5% and 3%

respectively as many large companies encountered increased competition and the banks face an

outlook of lower growth and intense scrutiny.

AFIC’s portfolio was up 6.9% for the 6 months to 31 December 2017 compared with S&P/ASX

200 Accumulation Index which increased 8.4%. In the resources sector AFIC primarily invests in

companies with long life assets and low cost production such as BHP and Rio Tinto. The portfolio

was not exposed to the significant rise in the more cyclical small and mid-sized resource

companies which increased by 41.5% and 21.1% respectively over the period.

The best performing companies in the AFIC portfolio outside the large resource companies were

Wesfarmers, Westpac Banking Corporation, Treasury Wine Estates and Transurban.

The long term performance of the portfolio, which is more in line with the Company’s investment

timeframes, was 8.8% per annum for the 5 years to 31 December 2017 versus the Index return of

10.2% per annum. Including the full benefit of franking, these returns are 10.7% per annum for

AFIC and 11.9% per annum for the Index. AFIC’s performance numbers are after expenses and

tax paid.


Portfolio Adjustments


Given the generally strong market conditions AFIC looked to selectively add to existing holdings,

often during periods of temporary weakness. Major purchases included Macquarie Group, Westfield

Corporation (which is now subject to a takeover offer), CSL, Origin Energy, Boral, CYBG

(Clydesdale Bank) and Scentre Group. The only new holding added during the period was Adelaide

Brighton Group. AFIC also participated in the Transurban rights issue which was completed toward

the end of the period.


Major sales included a reduction in the holdings of Incitec Pivot, Coca-Cola Amatil, QBE Insurance

and Japara Healthcare. There was also the complete sale of Australian Agricultural Company from

the portfolio. AFIC also participated in the Rio Tinto off-market buy back given the high level of fully

franked income that was available.



Going Forward



It is difficult to find stand out value in the current market. Companies that are displaying prospects

for strong growth are being sought by investors and are fully valued.


Another remarkable feature of 2017 was the very low level of volatility. Further increases in

interest rates in the US or a slowdown in China may provide some scope for adjustments in

markets, including a move to more normal levels of volatility. Our view is that many investors are

in a similar position to AFIC, waiting for better prices. In this context, any pullback may be modest

unless there is a major correction arising from an unexpected coordinated tightening in global

interest rates by central banks or an unforeseen geopolitical event. AFIC will continue to look for

quality companies that can provide good long term growth, including dividends, but will only do so

where sensible long term value is on offer.


Please direct any enquiries to:

Mark Freeman Geoff Driver

Managing Director General Manager

(03) 9225 2122 (03) 9225 2102


22 January 2018

4



MAJOR TRANSACTIONS IN THE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO


Acquisitions (above $10 million)

Cost

($’000)


Macquarie Group 32,128

Westfield Corporation 17,483

Transurban Group (participation in 3 for 37 Rights Issue at $11.40 per share) 16,948

CSL 16,152

Origin Energy 13,849

Boral 12,924

CYBG 12,808

Scentre Group 10,798

Adelaide Brighton 10,092


Disposals (above $10 million)

Proceeds

($’000)


Incitec Pivot 27,848

Coca-Cola Amatil 23,623

QBE Insurance 17,317

Australian Agricultural Company

#

14,220

Rio Tinto (participation in off-market buy back) 12,409

Japara Healthcare 10,454


#

complete disposal from the portfolio



New Companies Added to the Investment Portfolio


Adelaide Brighton






5




TOP 25 INVESTMENTS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2017


Includes investments held in both the Investment and Trading Portfolios


Total Value

% of

$ millionPortfolio

1

Commonwealth Bank of Australia634.78.9%

2

Westpac Banking Corporation487.36.8%

3 *

BHP419.15.9%

4

Wesfarmers298.64.2%

5 *

National Australia Bank294.74.1%

6 *

CSL262.63.7%

7

Rio Tinto262.13.7%

8

Transurban Group246.43.4%

9

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group243.93.4%

10

Telstra Corporation190.42.7%

11

Amcor189.72.7%

12*

Woolworths143.12.0%

13

Brambles135.41.9%

14

Oil Search128.41.8%

15

Woodside Petroleum108.61.5%

16*

Treasury Wine Estates107.11.5%

17

AGL Energy104.91.5%

18

AMP104.31.5%

19*

Macquarie Group102.71.4%

20

Ramsay Health Care99.21.4%

21

Qube Holdings90.61.3%

22*

James Hardie Industries81.21.1%

23

Computershare76.01.1%

24*

Westfield Corporation75.21.1%

25*

Origin Energy71.51.0%

4,957.6

As % of Total Portfolio Value 69.4%

(excludes Cash)

* Indicates that options were outstanding against part of the holding

Valued at closing prices at 29 December 2017





6



PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE TO 31 DECEMBER 2017





PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO 31 DECEMBER 2017 6 MONTHS 1 YEAR 5 YEARS

%PA

10 YEARS

%PA

NET ASSET BACKING RETURN INCLUDING DIVIDENDS REINVESTED

6.9% 9.9% 8.8% 4.7%

S&P/ASX 200 ACCUMULATION INDEX

8.4% 11.8% 10.2% 4.1%



NET ASSET BACKING GROSS RETURN INCLUDING DIVIDENDS

REINVESTED

*

7.9% 11.8% 10.7% 6.6%

S&P/ASX 200 GROSS ACCUMULATION INDEX*

9.2% 13.4% 11.9% 5.7%


*Incorporates the benefit of franking credits for those who can fully utilise them.



Note: AFIC net asset per share growth plus dividend series is calculated after management fees, income tax and capital gains

tax on realised sales of investments. It should also be noted that Index returns for the market do not include the impact of

management expenses and tax on their performance.


7




A

USTRALIAN

FOUNDATION

INVESTMENT

C

OMPANY

LIMITED

ABN 56 004 147 120









HALF-YEAR REPORT

31 DECEMBER 2017





8

COMPANY PARTICULARS
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited (“AFIC”)

ABN 56 004 147 120

AFIC is a Listed Investment Company. As such it is an investor in equities and similar securities on the

stock market primarily in Australia.

Directors:

Terrence A. Campbell AO, Chairman

Ross E. Barker

Jacqueline C. Hey

Graeme R. Liebelt

John Paterson

David A. Peever

Catherine M. Walter AM

Peter J. Williams

R. Mark Freeman, Managing Director

Company Secretaries:

Matthew J. Rowe

Andrew J.B. Porter

Auditor:

PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chartered Accountants

Country of

incorporation:

Australia

Registered office:

Level 21

101 Collins Street

Melbourne, Victoria 3000

Contact Details:

Mail Address:

Telephone :

Facsimile:

Email:

Internet address:

Level 21, 101 Collins St., Melbourne, Victoria 3000

(03) 9650 9911

(03) 9650 9100

invest@afi.com.au

www.afi.com.au

For enquiries regarding net asset backing (as advised each month to the

Australian Securities Exchange):


Telephone: 1800 780 784 (toll free)

Share Registrar:

Computershare Investor Services Limited


Mail Address:



AFIC Shareholder

enquiry lines :


Facsimile:

Internet:

GPO Box 2975, Melbourne, Victoria 3001

Yarra Falls, 452 Johnston Street, Abbotsford, Victoria

3067

1300 662 270 (Aus)

0800 333 501 (NZ)

+613 9415 4373 (from overseas)

(03) 9473 2500

www.investorcentre.com/contact



For all enquiries relating to shareholdings, dividends and related matters, please

contact the share registrar.

Securities Exchange

Codes:


AFI Ordinary shares (ASX and NZX)



9


DIRECTORS' REPORT


The Directors present their report in relation to the half-year to 31 December 2017 on the

consolidated entity (“the Group”) consisting of Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited

(“the Company” and “AFIC”) and its subsidiary, Australian Investment Company Services Limited

(“AICS”).


Directors

The following persons were Directors of the Company during the half-year and up to the date of

this report:


T.A. Campbell AO (appointed September 1984)

R.E. Barker (appointed September 2001)

J.C. Hey (appointed July 2013)

G.R. Liebelt (appointed June 2012)

J. Paterson (appointed June 2005)

D.A. Peever (appointed November 2013)

C.M. Walter AM (appointed August 2002)

P.J. Williams (appointed February 2010)

R.M. Freeman (appointed January 2018)


Review of the Group's operations and results

Overview

The Company maintains a diversified portfolio of equity and similar securities, predominantly in

entities listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. There has been no change in the nature of

the Company’s activities during the period. Its primary objectives are to pay dividends which, over

time, will grow at a faster rate than inflation, and to generate attractive total returns in terms of

growth in net asset backing plus dividends.


Profit Performance and Dividend

Profit for the half-year was $136.7 million, up 15.6% from the previous corresponding period.

The net profit per share for the six months to 31 December 2017 was 11.6 cents per share with an

interim dividend declared of 10 cents per share fully-franked, the same as last year.

The portfolio return for the 6 months (measured by change in net asset backing per share plus

dividends reinvested) was 6.9% compared to the return of the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index

for the same period which was 8.4%. AFIC’s portfolio return is calculated after management fees,

income tax and capital gains tax on realised sales of investments and does not reflect the value of

franking credits or LIC credits attached to the dividends. Index returns for the market do not

include the impact of management expenses and tax on their performance.

During the half-year 5.9 million shares were issued under the DRP and the DSSP resulting in an

additional $32.2 million of capital (after costs).

Auditors’ independence declaration

A copy of the auditors’ independence declaration as required under section 307C of the

Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 12.

10

11

12


CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE HALF-YEAR ENDED 31

DECEMBER 2017

Note Half-year

2017

Half-year

2016

$’000 $’000


Dividends and distributions 150,792 132,043

Revenue from deposits and bank bills 810 928

Other revenue 2,380 2,523


Total revenue

153,982


135,494


Net gains/(losses) on trading portfolio and non-equity

investments

(6,553)


(363)


Income from operating activities 3 147,429 135,131


Finance & related costs (425) (6,597)

Administration expenses (6,240) (6,502)

Profit before income tax expense


140,764 122,032

Income tax expense (4,023) (3,745)

Profit for the half-year 136,741 118,287



Profit is attributable to :

Equity holders (members) of Australian Foundation

Investment Company Ltd

136,402 118,023

Minority Interest 339 264

136,741 118,287


Cents


Cents

Basic earnings per share 8


11.56 10.40

Diluted earnings per share 8 11.56 10.45






This Income S tatement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.


13


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE

HALF-YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017


Half-Year to 31 December 2017

Half-Year to 31 December 2016



Revenue Capital Total

Revenue Capital Total


$’000 $’000 $’000

$’000 $’000 $’000



Profit for the half-year 136,741 - 136,741 118,287 - 118,287



Other Comprehensive Income



Items that will not be recycled through the Income Statement

Gains for the period on equity securities in

the investment portfolio

- 317,183

317,183

-

418,915

418,915

Deferred tax on above - (95,707)

(95,707)

- (130,335)

(130,335)

Total other comprehensive income

1

- 221,476 221,476


- 288,580 288,580




Total comprehensive income

2

136,741 221,476 358,217


118,287 288,580 406,867




1

Net capital income not accounted for through the Income Statement



2

This is the company’s Net Return for the half-year, which includes the Net Profit plus the net realised and

unrealised gains or losses on the Company’s investment portfolio.





Half-Year to 31 December 2017

Half-Year to 31 December 2016


Revenue Capital Total

Revenue Capital Total


$’000 $’000 $’000

$’000 $’000 $’000

Total Comprehensive Income is

attributable to:





Equity holders of Australian Foundation

Investment Company Ltd

136,402 221,476

357,878

118,023 288,580

406,603

Minority Interest 339 -

339

264 -

264


136,741 221,476 358,217


118,287 288,580 406,867




This Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying


notes.



14


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2017

31 Dec 30 June

2017 2017

Note $’000 $’000

Current assets

Cash 102,356 105,125

Receivables 9,486 52,011

Tax refund 5,388 -

Total current assets 117,230 157,136


Non-current assets

Investment portfolio 7,156,793 6,790,368

Deferred tax assets 9,735 349

Total non-current assets 7,166,528 6,790,717


Total assets 7,283,758 6,947,853


Current liabilities

Payables 1,068 6,953

Tax payable - 1,980

Trading portfolio 4 10,926 546

Provisions 3,158 4,448

Total current liabilities 15,152 13,927


Non-current liabilities

Provisions 1,083 1,332

Deferred tax liabilities - investment portfolio 5 1,073,578 967,091

Total non-current liabilities 1,074,661 968,423


Total liabilities 1,089,813 982,350


Net Assets 6,193,945 5,965,503


Shareholders' equity

Share Capital 6 2,788,436 2,756,256

Revaluation Reserve 2,342,829 2,123,209

Realised Capital Gains Reserve 432,768 430,912

General Reserve 23,637 23,637

Retained Profits 605,517 631,070

Parent Entity Interest 6,193,187 5,965,084

Minority Interest 758 419

Total equity 6,193,945 5,965,503




This Balance Sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

15

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE HALF-YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Attributable to members of Australian Foundation Investment Company

Ltd


Half-Year to 31 December 2017



Note



Share

Capital

$’000



Revaluation

Reserve

$’000


Realised

Capital

Gains

$’000



General

Reserve

$’000



Retained

Profits

$’000


Total

Parent

Entity

$’000



Minority

Interest

$’000




Total

$’000

Total equity at the beginning of the half-

year

2,756,256 2,123,209 430,912 23,637 631,070 5,965,084 419 5,965,503

Dividends paid

7

- - - - (161,955)

(161,955)

-

(161,955)

Shares issued - Dividend Reinvestment Plan

6

32,249 - - - -

32,249

-

32,249

Other Share Capital Adjustments

6

(69) - - - -

(69)

-

(69)

Total transactions with shareholders 32,180 - - - (161,955) (129,775) - (129,775)


Profit for the half-year


- - - - 136,402

136,402

339

136,741







Net gains for the period on equity securities in

the investment portfolio


- 221,476 - - -

221,476

-

221,476

Other Comprehensive Income for the half-

year

- 221,476 - - - 221,476 - 221,476

Transfer to Realised Capital Gains Reserve

of net cumulative gains on investments sold


- (1,856) 1,856 - -

-

-

-







Total equity at the end of the half-year 2,788,436 2,342,829 432,768 23,637 605,517 6,193,187 758 6,193,945


This Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.




16



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE HALF-YEAR ENDED 31 DEC. 2017 (CONT)



Attributable to members of Australian Foundation Investment

Company Ltd

Half-Year to 31 December 2016



Note



Share

Capital

$’000



Revaluation

Reserve

$’000


Realised

Capital

Gains

$’000



General

Reserve

$’000



Retained

Profits

$’000


Total

Parent

Entity

$’000



Minority

Interest

$’000




Total

$’000

Total equity at the beginning of the half-

year

2,521,441 1,767,628 457,593 23,637 637,094 5,407,393 1,148 5,408,541

Dividends paid

7

- - (16,698) - (139,154)

(155,852)

-

(155,852)

Shares issued - Dividend Reinvestment Plan


32,493 - - - -

32,493

-

32,493

- Convertible Note Conversion


5,133 - - - -

5,133

-

5,133

- Share Purchase Plan


(61) - - - -

(61)

-

(61)

Other Share Capital Adjustments

37,565 - (16,698) - (139,154) (118,287) - (118,287)

Total transactions with shareholders




Profit for the half-year


- - - - 118,023

118,023

264

118,287







Other Comprehensive Income for the half-year







Net gains for the period on equity securities in

the investment portfolio


- 288,580 - - -

288,580

-

288,580

Other Comprehensive Income for the half-

year

- 288,580 - - - 288,580 - 288,580

Transfer to Realised Capital Gains Reserve

of net cumulative losses on investments sold


- 208 (208) - -

-

-

-







Total equity at the end of the half-year 2,559,006 2,056,416 440,687 23,637 615,963 5,695,709 1,412 5,697,121

This Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes



17

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE HALF-YEAR
ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Half-year Half-year

2017 2016

$’000 $’000

INFLOWS/ INFLOWS/

(OUTFLOWS) (OUTFLOWS)

Cash flows from operating activities

Sales from trading portfolio 52,731 20,119

Purchases for trading portfolio (6,253) (13,810)

Interest received 800 924

Dividends and distributions received 141,036 163,702

188,314 170,935


Other receipts 2,380 2,521

Administration expenses (7,692) (7,982)

Finance costs paid (425) (6,349)

Taxes paid (9,410) (9,797)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 173,167 149,328


Cash flows from investing activities

Sales from investment portfolio 181,877 103,555

Purchases for investment portfolio (228,247) (207,522)

Taxes paid on capital gains - (7,635)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities (46,370) (111,602)


Cash flows from financing activities

Share issue costs (69) (61)

Dividends paid (129,497) (123,171)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities (129,566) (123,232)


Net increase/(decrease) in cash held (2,769) (85,506)

Cash at the beginning of the half-year 105,125 155,903

Cash at the end of the half-year 102,356 70,397












This Cash Flow Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.


18


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE HALF-YEAR ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2017

1. Basis of preparation of half-year financial report

This general purpose half-year financial report has been prepared in accordance with Accounting

Standard AASB 134 Interim Financial Reporting and the Corporations Act 2001.

This interim financial report does not include all the notes of the type normally included in an

annual financial report. This report should be read in conjunction with the 2017 Annual Report

and public announcements made by the Group during the half-year, in accordance with the

continuous disclosure requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year and

corresponding interim reporting period.

In the interests of transparency in its reporting, the Group uses the phrase “market value” in place

of the AASB terminology “fair value for actively traded securities.”


2. Financial reporting by segments

The Group consists of a Listed Investment Company and a subsidiary which provides

administration services to it and to other Listed Investment Companies in Australia. It has no

reportable business or geographic segments.

(a) Segment information provided to the Board

The internal reporting provided to the Board for the Group’s assets, liabilities and performance is

prepared on a consistent basis with the measurement and recognition principles of Australian

Accounting Standards, except that net assets are reviewed both before and after the effects of

capital gains tax on investments (as reported in the Group’s Net Tangible Asset announcements

to the ASX).

The relevant amounts as at 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 were as follows:

2017

$



2016

$

Net tangible asset backing per share

Before Tax 6.15 5.83

After Tax 5.24 5.01


(b) Other segment information

Segment Revenue

Revenues from external parties are derived from the receipt of dividend, distribution and interest

income, and income arising on the trading portfolio.

The Company is domiciled in Australia and the Group’s dividend and distribution income is

predominantly from entities which maintain a listing in Australia. The Group has a diversified

portfolio of investments, with only the Group’s investment in Commonwealth Bank : 12.5% and

Westpac Bank : 10.0% comprising more than 10% of the Group’s income (including trading

portfolio) for the half-year ending 31 December 2017 (2016 : Commonwealth Bank : 13.0%,

Westpac Bank 10.8%).

19


3. Income from operating activities

Half-year

2017

$'000


Half-year

2016

$'000

Income from operating activities is comprised of the following:


Dividends & distributions

• securities held in investment portfolio

150,683 131,934

• securities held in trading portfolio

109 109

150,792 132,043

Interest income

• securities held in investment portfolio

- -

• deposits and income from bank bills

810 928

810 928

Net gains/(losses) and write downs

• net gains from trading portfolio sales

49 655

• unrealised gains/(losses) in trading portfolio

(6,602) (1,018)

• gains/(losses) on non-equity investments

- -

(6,553) (363)


Administration fees received from other Listed Investment

Companies

2,180 2,256

Expenses recovered from other Listed Investment

Companies

147 133

Other expenses recovered 53 51

Other income - 83

147,429 135,131




4. Current liabilities – trading portfolio


The Company enters into option contracts in the trading portfolio for the purpose of enhancing

returns, offsetting risk or providing opportunities to acquire or sell securities at advantageous

prices.

As at balance date there were call options outstanding which, if they were all exercised, would

require the Company to deliver securities to the value of $193.5 million (30 June 2017: $82.4

million).

As at balance date the Company had outstanding put options which at the option of the purchaser

may have required the Company to buy $41.1 million worth of securities prior to the respective

expiry dates if they were all exercised (30 June 2017 :$18.4 million ).






20



5. Deferred tax liabilities – investment portfolio

In accordance with AASB 112 Income Taxes, deferred tax liabilities have been recognised for

Capital Gains Tax on the unrealised gain in the investment portfolio at current tax rates (30%)

totalling $1,073.6 million (30 June 2017 : $967.1 million). As the Directors do not intend to

dispose of the portfolio, this tax liability may not be crystallised at this amount.

6. Shareholders’ equity – share capital

Movements in Share Capital of the Company during the half-year were as follows:

Date Details Notes Number

of shares

’000

Issue

price

$

Paid-up

Capital

$’000

01/07/2017 Opening Balance

1,176,079 2,756,256

30/08/2017 Dividend Reinvestment Plan i 5,448 5.92 32,249

30/08/2017 Dividend Substitution Share Plan ii 455 5.92 n/a

Various Other Share Capital adjustments - (69)

31/12/2017 Balance 1,181,982 2,788,436


i The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan under which some shareholders elected to

have all or part of their dividend payment reinvested in new ordinary shares. Pricing of the

new DRP shares was based on the average selling price of shares traded on the Australian

Securities Exchange & Chi-X automated trading systems in the five days from the day the

shares begin trading on an ex-dividend basis.

ii The Company has a Dividend Substitution Share Plan under which some shareholders

elected to forego all or part of their dividend payment and receive shares instead. Pricing of

the new DSSP shares was done on the same basis as the DRP.

iii The Company introduced an on-market Buy-Back Programme in December 2000. This plan

remains active. No shares were bought back during the period.


7. Dividends

Half-year

2017

$’000

Half-year

2016

$’000


Dividends (fully franked) paid during the period 161,955 155,852

(excluding DSSP shares) (14 cents per

share)

(14 cents per

share)

Dividends not recognised at period end

Since the end of the half-year the Directors have declared an

interim dividend of 10 cents per share fully franked. The

aggregate amount of the proposed interim dividend expected to

be paid on 23 February 2018, but not recognised as a liability at

the end of the half-year is 118,198







21


8. Earnings per Share

Half-year

2017


Half-year

2016


Number Number

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the

denominator

1,180,025,058 1,135,136,382


$’000 $’000

Profit after tax for the half-year attributable to members of the

Company 136,402 118,023


Cents Cents

Basic earnings per share 11.56 10.40


Diluted*

Number Number


Weighted average number of ordinary shares attributable to

members of the Company

1,180,025,058 1,135,136,382

Weighted maximum number of potential shares as a result of

possible conversion

0 36,779,110

1,180,025,058 1,171,915,492


$’000 $’000

Profit after tax for the half-year attributable to members of the

Company

136,402 118,023

Interest & fees on convertible notes (after tax) 0 4,396

Adjusted profit after tax attributable to members of the Company 136,402 122,419


Cents Cents

Diluted earnings per share 11.56 10.45


*The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the half-year ended 31 December 2016 adjusts

the profit or the net operating result attributable to ordinary equity holders and the weighted

average number of shares on issue for the effect of the convertible notes on issue at 31 December

2016.

9. Events subsequent to balance date

Since 31 December 2017 to the date of this report there has been no event specific to the

Company of which the Directors are aware which has had a material effect on the Group or its

financial position.

10. Contingencies

At balance date Directors are not aware of any material contingent liabilities or contingent assets

other than those already disclosed elsewhere in the financial report.

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