Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited logo

Half Yearly Report and Accounts as at 31 December 2018

Half Year Results21 January 2019AFIFinancials

Appendix 4D Statement
for the Half-Year ending

31 December 2018

90

YEARS OF INVESTMENT

EXPERIENCE

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

2018 Annual Report.

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited

ABN 56 004 147 120

1



RESULTS FOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE MARKET

The reporting period is the half-year ended 31 December 2018 with the previous corresponding

period being the half-year ended 31 December 2017. The results have been reviewed by the

Company’s auditors.

Results for announcement to the market

 Revenue from operating activities was $250.3 million, up $96.3 million or 62.5% from the

previous corresponding period. This excludes capital gains on investments. The increase

was predominantly due to a demerger dividend received as a consequence of the Coles

demerger from Wesfarmers and participation in the Rio Tinto and BHP off-market buy-backs.

 Profit after tax was $239.8 million (up 75.4% on the previous corresponding period’s $136.7

million).

 Profit after tax attributable to members was $239.4 million (up 75.5% on the previous

corresponding period’s $136.4 million).

 The interim dividend is 10 cents per share, fully franked, the same as last year. In addition,

the Directors have declared a special dividend of 8 cents to distribute the proceeds of the

Company’s participation in the Rio Tinto and BHP off-market buy-backs. The dividends will

be paid on 25 February 2019 to ordinary shareholders on the register on 11 February 2019

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

2019. 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 2.5% 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 2019.

 The final dividend for the 2018 financial year was 14 cents per share (fully franked), and it

was paid to shareholders on 31 August 2018.

 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 2018 were $5.69, down from $6.15

at the end of the previous corresponding period (both before allowing for any announced

dividends).


2



8 cent special dividend from buy backs as profit lifts

Half Year Report to 31 December 2018



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

income and capital growth over the medium to long term at a low cost.

 Half Year Profit was $239.8 million, up 75.4% from $136.7 million in the

corresponding period last year:

- A number of one-off factors increased investment income by 62.5% to $250.3

million. This included participation in the Rio Tinto and BHP off-market share

buy-backs and the recognition of a dividend because of the Coles demerger

from Wesfarmers.

- Income from the Trading Portfolio (which includes the marking-to-market of

open option positions) was $4.2 million, whereas in the corresponding period

last year, these portfolios incurred a loss of $6.6 million.

 Interim dividend maintained at 10 cents per share, fully franked.

 A special dividend of 8 cents per share, fully franked has also been declared. This

distributes the proceeds of the Company’s participation in the recent Rio Tinto and

BHP off-market share buy-backs.


 Sharp falls in the market towards the end of the period meant the six-month portfolio

return, including franking, was negative 6.4%. For 12 months including franking, it

was negative 2.3%. The S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index over these periods,

including franking, was negative 6.2% and negative 1.4% respectively. AFIC’s

performance numbers are after costs.


Investment of $1,000 (including benefit of franking) − 10 Years to 31 December 2018



3


Portfolio Performance



Following a period where the Australian market reached post GFC highs in August, volatility towards

the end of the period resulted in negative returns across most of the market. This reversal was a

result of concerns arising from ongoing global trade tensions, rising interest rates in the US and

large swings in the oil price, which severely tested investor sentiment during the period. As the US

market reacted negatively to these issues, large falls were also experienced across the Australian

share market. This was particularly evident in smaller companies as they moved back towards more

realistic levels from previously very high valuations.

AFIC’s portfolio was down 6.4% for the six months to 31 December 2018 compared with the

S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index, which fell 6.2% over the same period (these figures include the

benefit of franking credits).


Companies in the portfolio that contributed positively to relative returns through the six-month period

were Mainfreight, Brambles, TPG Telecom, Qube Holdings and Transurban. In contrast,

participation in the BHP and Rio Tinto off-market buy-backs, which had the advantage of generating

significant franking credits for the Company, provided some headwind to performance as holdings

were sold at a 14% discount to the market.


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

timeframes, was 10.6% per annum for the ten years to 31 December 2018, which is in line with the

Index return over the same period. These figures include the benefit of franking credits, although

AFIC’s performance numbers are after costs.


Portfolio Adjustments


Major sales arose because of participation in the Rio Tinto and BHP off-market share buy-backs

(AFIC was previously well overweight the index in Rio Tinto). There was also a reduction in holdings

of AGL Energy, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Perpetual. In addition, the Company disposed of

its entire position in QBE Insurance Group and Bega Cheese during the period.


More significant purchases included adding to holdings in James Hardie Industries, Transurban

Group via participation in its rights issue to fund the WestConnex purchase, Adelaide Brighton,

Reliance Worldwide, Woolworths Group and Sydney Airport, all of which have strong positions in

their respective market segments. Purchases in Qantas Airways and CYBG plc (Clydesdale Bank)

also involved call option strategies to help generate some additional income from these investments.


Going Forward



The significant correction in the market has produced a more conducive environment for long term

investing. Valuations have moved towards longer term averages, which make for a sensible starting

point to invest. Volatility is likely to persist at least in the short term as the market digests the

changing environment, with interest rates likely to increase further in the US and no short-term

solution to trade and geopolitical dislocations. In this environment, AFIC will continue to look for

opportunities to add positions in companies that have a sustainable competitive advantage, sound

balance sheets and, importantly, strong management that can deliver long term benefits to

shareholders.


Refundability of Franking Credits Policy Proposal


We continue to receive feedback from our shareholders about the significant negative impact

they will experience from the current policy proposal from the Federal Opposition to end the

refundability of franking credits. AFIC will continue to advocate for a reassessment of this

proposal on our shareholders’ behalf. We believe the proposal is more likely to significantly

impact our investors who have a low income, and for them we believe it to be both inequitable

and very unfair.


Please direct any enquiries to:

Mark Freeman Geoff Driver

Managing Director General Manager

(03) 9225 2122 (03) 9225 2102



21 January 2019

4




MAJOR TRANSACTIONS IN THE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO



Acquisitions

Cost

($’000)




Coles Group

(Demerger from Wesfarmers) 73,544

James Hardie Industries 37,665

Transurban Group

(10 for 57 share issue at $10.80 per share) 37,557

Adelaide Brighton 35,208

Qantas Airways* 34,841

CYBG plc

(Clydesdale Bank)* 27,025

Reliance Worldwide 25,633

Woolworths Group 22,027

Sydney Airport 20,167


*Subject to call options during the period



Disposals

Proceeds

($’000)


Rio Tinto

(participation in off-market share buy-back) 105,737

QBE Insurance Group

#

42,603

AGL Energy 37,371

Washington H. Soul Pattinson 31,516

Bega Cheese

#

21,191

Perpetual 18,387

BHP

(participation in off-market share buy-back) 15,970

#

Complete disposal from the portfolio.

5





TOP 25 INVESTMENTS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018


Includes investments held in both the Investment and Trading Portfolios.




Total Value % of

$ million Portfolio

1 Commonwealth Bank of Australia571.9 8.6%

2 * BHP462.6 7.0%

3 Westpac Banking Corporation389.2 5.9%

4 CSL 355.5 5.4%

5 * Transurban Group270.6 4.1%

6 National Australia Bank 234.3 3.5%

7 Wesfarmers 216.6 3.3%

8 Australia and New Zealand Banking Group 207.6 3.1%

9 Macquarie Group 193.7 2.9%

10 * Woolworths Group 178.1 2.7%

11 Amcor 166.0 2.5%

12 Rio Tinto 152.7 2.3%

13 * Woodside Petroleum 131.6 2.0%

14 Brambles 123.2 1.9%

15 * Sydney Airport120.4 1.8%

16 Oil Search 118.0 1.8%

17 Telstra Corporation 114.5 1.7%

18 James Hardie Industries91.7 1.4%

19 Qube Holdings88.8 1.3%

20 Mainfreight 87.7 1.3%

21 * Ramsay Health Care 86.9 1.3%

22 * Sonic Healthcare 81.7 1.2%

23 Treasury Wine Estates 80.7 1.2%

24 Computershare 80.1 1.2%

25 Coles Group 78.9 1.2%

4,683.0

As % of Total Portfolio Value 70.8%

(excludes Cash)

* Indicates that options were outstanding against part of the holding

Valued at closing prices at 31 December 2018



6



P

ORTFOLIO

P

ERFORMANCE TO

31


D

ECEMBER

2018







P

ERFORMANCE

M

EASURES TO

31


D

ECEMBER

2018

6


M

ONTHS


1

YEAR


5

YEARS


%


PA

10

YEARS


%


PA

P

ORTFOLIO

R

ETURN



N

ET

A

SSET

B

ACKING

R

ETURN INCLUDING

DIVIDENDS REINVESTED


-7.3% -3.9% 3.8% 8.6%

S&P/ASX


200


A

CCUMULATION

I

NDEX


-6.8%

-2.8%

5.6%

9.0%



P

ORTFOLIO

R

ETURN



N

ET

A

SSET

B

ACKING

G

ROSS

R

ETURN

INCLUDING DIVIDENDS REINVESTED

*


-6.4% -2.3% 5.5% 10.6%

S&P/ASX


200

GROSS

A

CCUMULATION

I

NDEX

*

-6.2%

-1.4%

7.2%

10.6%


* Incorporates the benefit of franking credits for those who ca

n fully utilise them.

Note: AFIC net asset per share growth plus dividend series is

calculated after management expenses, 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 2018





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:

John Paterson, Chairman

Ross E. Barker

Graeme R. Liebelt

David A. Peever

Catherine M. Walter AM

Peter J. Williams

R. Mark Fre

eman, 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

in

vest@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 ov

erseas)

(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 2018 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:


J. Paterson (appointed June 2005)

R.E. Barker (appointed September 2001)

T.A. Campbell AO (appointed September 1984, retired October 2018)

J.C. Hey (appointed July 2013, retired January 2019)

G.R. Liebelt (appointed June 2012)

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 $239.8 million, up 75.4% from the previous corresponding period. The

increase was predominantly due to a demerger dividend received as a consequence of the Coles

demerger from Wesfarmers and participation in the Rio Tinto and BHP off-market buy-backs.

The net profit per share for the six months to 31 December 2018 was 20.1 cents per share with an

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

additional 8 cents per share fully-franked special dividend, as a consequence of the participation

in the aforementioned buy-backs.

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

dividends reinvested) was -7.3% compared to the return of the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index

for the same period which was -6.8%. 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 $33.0 million of capital (after costs).

10

11

12


CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE HALF-YEAR ENDED 31

DECEMBER 2018

Note Half-year

2018

Half-year

2017


$’000 $’000

Dividends and distributions 246,708 150,792

Revenue from deposits and bank bills 1,136 810

Other revenue 2,430 2,380

Total revenue

250,274


153,982

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

investments

4,187


(6,553)

Income from operatin

g activities 3 254,461 147,429

Finance & related costs (400) (425)

Administration expenses (6,280) (6,240)

Profit before income tax expense


247,781 140,764

Income tax expense (7,977) (4,023)

Profit for the half-year 239,804 136,741

Profit is attributable to :

Equity holders (members) of Australian Foundation

Investment Company Ltd

239,430 136,402

Minority Interest 374 339


239,804 136,741



Cents


Cents

Basic earnings per share 8 20.11 11.56





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


13

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE
HALF-YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Half-Year to 31 December 2018

Half-Year to 31 December 2017

Revenue Capital Total

Revenue Capital Total

$’000 $’000 $’000

$’000 $’000 $’000

Profit for the half-year 239,804 - 239,804136,741

-

136,741

Other Comprehensive Income

Items that will not be recycled through the Income Statement

Gains/(losses) for the period on equity

securities in the investment portfolio

- (745,125)

(745,125)

-

317,183

317,183

Deferred tax on above

-

215,197

215,197

- (95,707)

(95,707)

Total other comprehensive income

1

- (529,928) (529,928)-221,476 221,476

Total comprehen

sive income

2

239,804 (529,928) (290,124) 136,741 221,476 358,217

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 2018

Half-Year to 31 December 2017

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

239,430 (529,928)

(290,498)

136,402 221,476

357,878

Minority Interest 374 -

374

339 -

339

239,804 (529,928) (290,124) 136,741 221,476 358,217

This Statement of Compr

ehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying


notes.

14


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018

31 Dec


30 June

2018 2018


Note $’000


$’000

Current assets


Cash 178,266 99,183

Receivables 14,379 77,234

Total current assets 192,645 176,417


Non-current assets


Investment portfolio 6,617,237 7,280,706

Deferred tax assets 1,241 1,257

Total non-current assets 6,618,478 7,281,963


Total assets 6,811,123 7,458,380


Current liabilities


Payables 1,346 712

Tax payable 24,522 8,245

Borrowings – bank debt


- 100

Trading portfolio

4

4,164 6,757

Provisions 3,145 4,385

Total current liabilities 33,177 20,199


Non-current liabilities


Provisions 1,049 1,394

Deferred tax liabilities - investment portfolio

5

857,527 1,097,527

Total non-current liabilities 858,576 1,098,921


Total liabilities 891,753 1,119,120


Net Assets 5,919,370 6,339,260


Shareholders' equity


Share Capital

6

2,844,755 2,811,721

Revaluation Reserve 1,845,981 2,422,568

Realised Capital Gains Reserve 472,294 448,892

General Reserve 23,637 23,637

Retained Profits 731,612 631,725

Parent Entity Interest 5,918,279 6,338,543

Minority Interest 1,091 717

Total equity 5,919,370 6,339,260




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

15

C
ONSOLIDATED

S

TATEMENT OF

C

HANGES IN

E

QUITY FOR THE

H

ALF

-Y

EAR ENDED

31


D

ECEMBER

2018


Attributable to members of Australian Foundation Investment Company

Ltd

Half-Year to 31 December 2018

Note

S

hare

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

2,811,721 2,422,568 448,892 23,637 631,725 6,338,543

717 6,339,260

Dividends paid

7

-

- (23,257)

-

(139,543)

(162,80

0)

-

(

1

62,800)

Sha

res issued - Dividend Reinvestment Plan

6

33,099 - -

-

-

33,099

-

33

,099

Other Share Capital Adjustments

6

(65) - -

-

-

(65)

-

(65)

Tot

al transactions with shareholders

33,034

- (23,257)

- (139,

543) (129,76

6)

-

(1

29,766)

Profit for the half-year

-

-

-

- 239,430

239,

430

374


239,804

Ne

t losses for the period on equity securities

in the investment portfolio

-

(529,928)

-

-

-

(529,928)

-

(

5

29,928)

Othe

r Comprehensive Income for the half-

year

-

(529,928)

-

-

- (529,928)

- (5

29,928)

Transfer to Realised Capital Gains Reserve of net cumulative gains on investments sold

-

(46,659) 46,659

-

-

-

-

-

Total equity at the end of the half-year

2,844,755 1,845,981 4

72,294 23,637 731,612 5,918,279 1,091 5,919,370

This Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjuncti

on with the accompanying notes.

16


C

ONSOLIDATED

S

TATEMENT OF

C

HANGES IN

E

QUITY FOR THE

H

ALF

-Y

EAR ENDED

31


D

EC

.


2018


(

CONT

)




Attributable to members of Aus

tralian 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

p

aid

7

-

-

-

-

(

161

,

955

)


(

161

,

955

)


-

(161,955)

Shares issued - Dividend Reinvestment Plan


32,249

-

-

-

-

32,249

-

32,249

Other Share Capital Adjustments


(69) - - - -

(69)

-

(69)

Total transactions with shareholde

rs

32,180

-

-

- (161,955) (129,775)

- (129,775)





Profit for the half-year


-

-

-

- 136,402

136,402

339

136,741







Other Comprehensive Income for the half-year






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 4

32,768 23,637 605,517 6,193,187

758 6,193,945

This Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjuncti

on with the accompanying notes


17

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE HALF-YEAR
ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Half-year


Half-year

2018


2017


$’000


$’000


INFLOWS/


INFLOWS/


(OUTFLOWS)


(OUTFLOWS)

Cash flows from operating activities


Sales from trading portfolio 11,511 52,731

Purchases for trading portfolio (9,485) (6,253)

Interest received 1,184 800

Dividends and distributions received 222,626 141,036

225,836 188,314


Other receipts 2,434 2,380

Administration expenses (7,792) (7,692)

Finance costs paid (400) (425)

Taxes paid (9,272) (9,410)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 210,806


173,167


Cash flows from investing activities


Sales from investment portfolio 434,560 181,877

Purchases for investment portfolio (430,281) (228,247)

Taxes paid on capital gains (6,653) -

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities (2,374)


(46,370)


Cash flows from financing activities


Share issue costs (65) (69)

Repayment of borrowings (100) -

Dividends paid (129,184) (129,497)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities (129,349)


(129,566)


Net increase/(decrease) in cash held 79,083 (2,769)

Cash at the beginning of the half-year 99,183 105,125

Cash at the end of the half-year 178,266


102,356












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 2018

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 2018 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.” The Company’s investments in

listed securities are valued at the closing price on the ASX on the last trading day before the

period end.

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

unrealised 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 2018 and 31 December 2017 were as follows:

2018

$



2017

$

Net tangible asset backing per share


Before Tax 5.69 6.15

After Tax 4.97 5.24


(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 Wesfarmers (as a consequence of

the demerger of Coles Group) : 20.3% and Rio Tinto (as a consequence of the off-market buy-

back) : 17.9% comprising more than 10% of the Group’s income (including trading portfolio) for

the half-year ending 31 December 2018 (2017 : Commonwealth Bank : 12.5% and Westpac:

10.0%).

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3. Income from operating activities

Half-year

2018

$'000


Half-year

2017

$'000

Income from operating activities is comprised of the following:


Dividends & distributions

 securities held in investment portfolio

246,597 150,683

 securities held in trading portfolio

111 109

246,708 150,792

Interest income

 deposits and income from bank bills

1,136 810

1,136 810

Net gains/(losses) and write downs

 net gains from trading portfolio sales

4,166 49

 unrealised gains/(losses) in trading portfolio

21 (6,602)

4,187 (6,553)


Administration fees received from other Listed Investment

Companies

2,179 2,180

Expenses recovered from other Listed Investment

Companies

189 147

Other expenses recovered 62 53


254,461 147,429




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 $167.1 million (30 June 2018: $61.7

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 $17.4 million worth of securities prior to the respective

expiry dates if they were all exercised (30 June 2018 :$19.7 million).








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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 $857.5 million (30 June 2018 : $1,097.5 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

01/07/2018 Opening Balance


1,186,147 2,811,721

31/08/2018 Dividend Reinvestment Plan

i

5,355

6.18

33,099

31/08/2018 Dividend Substitution Share Plan

ii

527

6.18

-

Various Other Share Capital adjustments


-


(65)

31/12/2018 Balance 1,192,029 2,844,755


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

2018

$’000

Half-year

2017

$’000





Dividends (fully franked) paid during the period 162,800 161,955

(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, plus a special dividend of

8 cents, both fully franked. The aggregate amount of the

proposed interim and special dividends expected to be paid on

25 February 2019, but not recognised as a liability at the end of

the half-year is 214,565








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8. Earnings per Share

Half-year

2018


Half-year

2017



Number


Number

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the

denominator

1,190,047,001 1,180,025,058


$’000 $’000

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

Company 239,430 136,402



Cents


Cents

Basic earnings per share 20.11 11.56


There are no dilutive instruments on issue and consequently diluted earnings per share are the

same as basic earnings per share.

9. Events subsequent to balance date

Since 31 December 2018 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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Data sourced from publicly available filings. Our datasets may not be complete. Automated analysis can produce errors. If you believe any data on this page is incorrect, please contact us at hello@nzxplorer.co.nz. For informational purposes only. Not investment advice.