market release
Transcription
market release
MARKET RELEASE 30 August 2004 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED FULL YEAR RESULTS TO 30 JUNE 2004 30 August 2004, Sydney – Challenger Financial Services Group Limited (CGF) today announced a statutory “Margin on Services” net profit after tax but before goodwill of $97 million for the year ending 30 June 2004. On a historical cost basis net profit after tax and before goodwill was $47 million. The statutory result after goodwill (amortisation and a write down in the carrying value) was a loss of $203 million. The Board of Challenger has determined to write down the carrying value of goodwill as at 30 June 2004 by $280 million (after goodwill amortisation in 2004 of $20 million). This decision has been taken after giving consideration to the high standard of corroborative evidence associated with the impairment test under the pending introduction of International Accounting Standards, and reflects a conservative approach to the outlook for annuity sales post September following changes in the Federal Government’s retirement income policy. It also assumes a more conservative perspective of the Group’s broad business plans even though more favourable outcomes may eventually result. Earnings per share before goodwill were 3.7 cents and (7.8) cents per share after goodwill. Underlying business performance was sound in a year of significant change and restructuring: • Challenger Life produced strong earnings and defined new investment strategies. • Challenger Wholesale Finance grew assets from $2.1 billion to $16.2 billion. • Challenger Wealth Management made a commitment to major expansion and funds under management grew strongly. At the half year, Challenger introduced a modified accounting methodology for its Life business to increase transparency in the accounts and improve comparability with its other core businesses of Wholesale Finance and Wealth Management. Challenger’s modified accounting has been further refined at the full year and now reflects historical cost accounting for Challenger Life. Further enquiry: Tanya Atkins, Head of Shareholder & Media Relations, Challenger Financial Services Group. 02 9994 7125 Angela Warburton, Senior Manager, Media Relations, Challenger Financial Services Group. 02 9994 7509 2004 was a year in which both the company’s strategy and business model were refined and new businesses integrated. Highlights for the Challenger group include: • Establishment of a clear strategy for Challenger Life; and the development and successful implementation of a comprehensive compliance, credit and risk management framework to support the business. • Successful acquisition of Interstar Securities, and the successful launch of a new nonconforming mortgage business in Challenger Wholesale Finance. • Significant investment in Challenger Wealth Management with the introduction of new products, growth in funds under management, strong investment performance, an increase in the number of researcher ratings for many Challenger managed funds and the agreement to acquire Associated Planners. In the coming year, Challenger will focus on enhancing shareholder value by pursuing growth in its existing businesses and managing capital and costs more effectively. In total, funds under management and administration from all of these activities exceeded $24 billion at the end of June 2004. Every operation of Challenger involves Challenger earning fees or margins for managing or advising on the management of other people’s assets. Revenue growth in the year ahead, will be achieved by enhancing investment returns within Challenger Life, strong annuity sales ahead of 20 September retirement income changes, continuance of the strong growth in assets in the Challenger Wholesale Finance business, and growth in funds under management and funds under advice (including the acquisition of Associated Planners) in Challenger Wealth Management. These efforts will be supported by a company wide commitment to improve the cost to revenue ratio and achieve an 18 per cent return on the historic cost of net assets (RONA) benchmark in each of the company’s three core businesses within the next three years. It is anticipated that Challenger Wholesale Finance will achieve this benchmark in the 2005 financial year. Challenger Life Overall pre-tax profit for Challenger Life was $124 million on a statutory basis. Pre-tax profit for the business using historic cost accounting was $55 million for the 2004 year. Annuity sales were $545 million for the year with sales of long-term annuities (> than 6 years) accounting for $351 million. Further enquiry: Tanya Atkins, Head of Shareholder & Media Relations, Challenger Financial Services Group. 02 9994 7125 Angela Warburton, Senior Manager, Media Relations, Challenger Financial Services Group. 02 9994 7509 During the year, Challenger Life commenced the review and reorganisation of its investing activities with the successful sale of 12 non-core properties for $160 million and the announcement of its intention to sell its overseas property holdings. Challenger Life invests in a wide range of financial products. Challenger Life had approximately $1.6 billion of cash and liquid securities at 30 June 2004 and will grow its earnings through the investment of these funds in property, fixed interest securities, mezzanine debt, mortgages, infrastructure and other appropriate asset classes where the unique differentiated nature of Challenger Life’s investment profile can generate superior returns. Challenger Wholesale Finance The Wholesale Finance business contributed strongly to Challenger earnings reporting a pretax profit of $33 million for the year of which Interstar Securities contributed $21 million. The Challenger Wholesale Finance mortgage loan book grew to $16.2 billion up 21 per cent in the nine months to 30 June 2004. Highlights within this business include the completion of the largest ever residential mortgage backed security (RMBS) transaction by an Australian non-bank issuer, the first ever RMBS issuance in GBP Sterling and the launch in early May of its non-conforming mortgage provider, The Mortgage Alternative (TMA) which celebrated its first $100 million of loan applications after only six weeks of operations. Challenger Wholesale Finance is a high growth, low capital intensity business. Challenger Wealth Management Challenger has been a minor participant in funds management for some years. A decision was made in July 2003 to commit to a major expansion and investment in Wealth Management using existing funds, such as the Challenger Australian Share Fund, the Challenger High Yield Fund and the Challenger Smaller Companies Fund, as a base for this investment. 205 new people were recruited either as replacements or in new roles and approximately $8 million was invested in new registry and portfolio systems. Equity and fixed interest funds under management more than doubled during 2004, while funds under management in the Howard Mortgage Trust rose by 21 per cent to $3.1 billion. Growth was achieved through Challenger’s existing stable of fund managers and products. New fund manager hires and the launch of new products together with outstanding researcher ratings will contribute to growth in the year ahead. Further enquiry: Tanya Atkins, Head of Shareholder & Media Relations, Challenger Financial Services Group. 02 9994 7125 Angela Warburton, Senior Manager, Media Relations, Challenger Financial Services Group. 02 9994 7509 Agreement was reached to acquire financial planning firm Associated Planners Limited and this acquisition was completed at a cost of $91.3 million on 13 August 2004, boosting funds under advice to more than $7.5 billion at that date. Wealth Management incurred a loss before tax of $9 million for the year to 30 June 2004 and is likely to continue to be unprofitable, although at a lower level, in the 2005 year. It is anticipated that Wealth Management will achieve regular profitable operation in the January to June half 2006. Capital management Challenger will not pay a dividend in respect of the year ended 30 June 2004. Challenger will continue to monitor and assess its capacity to pay dividends to shareholders. The Board of Challenger continues to manage Challenger’s capital position while building the Wealth Management business. The Challenger Board and management desire to commence paying dividends from the 2005 financial year retained earnings. Share consolidation Challenger’s Annual General Meeting will be held in Sydney on 25 November 2004. It is intended the Challenger Board will ask shareholders to approve a five into one share consolidation at that time. The company believes the consolidation to be in the best interest of shareholders, as it is likely to increase the nominal value of Challenger shares to levels more commonly expected for companies of Challenger’s size. Further details will be included in a notice of meeting that will be posted to shareholders in October. Foreign property divestment In May 2004, Challenger announced its intention to dispose of overseas properties owned by Challenger Life. The company has entered into contracts for the sale of four properties in the United Kingdom and a property in the United States for AU$828 million. No agreements have been reached in respect of the remaining properties located in Boston, Massachusetts and Denver, Colorado. ENDS Further enquiry: Tanya Atkins, Head of Shareholder & Media Relations, Challenger Financial Services Group. 02 9994 7125 Angela Warburton, Senior Manager, Media Relations, Challenger Financial Services Group. 02 9994 7509 Appendix 4E Challenger Financial Services Group Limited Period 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 The directors of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited (Challenger) announce the audited consolidated results of the company and its subsidiaries for the period 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 (incorporating the trading result for the period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004) as follows . The Appendix 4E is to be read in conjunction with Challenger's announcement to the market, the attached audited financial statements and the pro-forma financial report . Results for announcement to the market The Company presents the following information as required under listing rule 4 .3A. $'000's % Change 446,475 N/A 2.1 Revenue from ordinary activities 2.2 Loss from ordinary activities after tax attributable to members (235,445) N/A 2 .3 Net Loss for the period attributable to members (235,445) N/A 2.4 No Dividend is proposed to be paid for the period 2.5 Not applicable Explanation of the figures reported above: The Company was incorporated on 6 November 2003 and the period ended 30 June 2004 is the first reporting period that a financial report has been prepared for the Company. Accordingly comparative information is not available for the Company . A full explanation of the above figures are documented in Challenger's announcement to the market and audited financial report . Net tangible assets per security The net tangible asset per security is $0 .19 . This has been calculated based on the following information . Net tangible assets at 30 June 2004 ($'000) Shares on issue at 30 June 2004 (including LTIP) Options on issue at 30 June 2004 $597,063 2,663,435,735 319,044,185 All other information requiring disclosure to comply with listing rule 4 .3A is contained in Challenger's announcement to the market, pro-forma financial report and audited financial report . challenger Financial Services Group Challenger Financial Services Group Limited and its controlled entities Pro-Forma Financial Report For the Year Ended 30 June 2004 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES OVERVIEW Challenger Financial Services Group Limited ("Challenger") commenced operations on 23 December 2003 when it acquired 100% of the issued units in Challenger Financial Services Group ("CFSG Trust") and its controlled entities . The Pro-Forma Statement of Financial Performance, Pro-Forma Statement of Financial Position and Pro-Forma Statement of Cash Flows present the results of the operations of the combined group for the year ended 30 June 2004 . Comparative information has not been provided as the nature of the operations of CFSG Trust fundamentally changed on 27 June 2003 upon the merger of CPH Investment Corp and Challenger International Limited. The Challenger consolidated Pro-Forma reported net loss after tax after adjusting for a $280,000,000 write-down in goodwill for the year ended 30 June 2004 was $202,838,000 . The Board of Challenger has determined to write down the carrying value of goodwill as at 30 June 2004 by $280 million (after goodwill amortisation in 2004 of $20 million). This decision has been taken after giving consideration to the high standard of corroborative evidence associated with the impairment test under the pending International Accounting Standards, and reflects a conservative approach to the outlook for annuity sales post September 2004 following changes to the Federal Government's retirement income policy. It also assumes a more conservative perspective of the Group's broad business plans even through more favourable outcomes may eventually result . The Pro-Forma Financial Report has been prepared to report the financial performance and financial position of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited and its controlled entities for the year ended 30 June 2004 . Notes to the Pro-Forma Financial Report have been provided to enable a reconciliation between the Pro-Forma Financial Report and the statutory reported results of CFSG Trust for the period ended 21 December 2003 and Challenger for the period ended 30 June 2004, which have been subject to audit review and audit, respectively . The Pro-Forma Financial Report provides an aggregation of the results and cashflow statements for the two discrete statutory reporting periods noting that prior to 22 December 2003 Challenger did not trade, and accordingly its individual contribution to the Pro-Forma net profit after tax is for the period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004. The Pro-Forma Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2004 is a direct extract from the statutory (audited) Statement of Financial Position of Challenger. The accounting policies used in the preparation of the Pro-Forma Financial Report are the same as those used in the preparation of the audited 30 June 2004 Challenger Financial Services Group Limited Annual Financial Report. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES Pro-Forma Statement of Financial Performance For the year ended 30 June 2004 Notes Consolidated 2004 $000's Revenue from ordinary activities 818,261 Expenses from ordinary activities Borrowing costs Write-down in goodwill Share of net profits of associates accounted for using the equity method 552,303 152,515 280,000 3,857 3 Profit from ordinary activities before income tax expense (162,700) 40,138 Income tax expense Net profit attributable to shareholders after tax from ordinary activities 1 (202 838) Total revenue, expenses and valuation adjustments attributable to shareholders recognised directly in equity Total changes in shareholders' funds from non shareholder transactions Basic earnings per share (cents) Diluted earnings per share (cents) (202,838) (7.82) (7.00) The above Pro-Forma Statement of Financial Performance should be read in conjunction with the notes to the Pro-Fonna Financial Report. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES Pro-Forma Statement of Financial Position As at 30 June 2004 Notes Assets Cash assets Receivables Debt securities Other financial assets Equity securities Investment properties Fixed assets Deferred tax assets Investment in associates Intangible assets Other assets Excess of net market value of the interests of Challenger Life No.2 Limited in its subsidiaries over their net assets Total assets Liabilities Payables Interest bearing liabilities Provisions Deferred tax liabilities Life insurance policy liabilities Total liabilities Net assets Shareholders Equity Shares on issue Reserves Retained Profits Total Shareholders Equity 3 Consolidated 2004 S000's 626,388 420,021 1,217,687 332 204,641 2,535,134 21,947 7,530 17,788 255,974 143,800 224,381 5,675,623 295,251 2,144,969 39,531 58,921 2,052,003 4,590,675 1,084,948 1,258,693 61,700 (235,445) 1,084,948 The above Pro-Forn:a Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the notes to the Pro-Forma Financial Report . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVI CES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES Pro-Forma Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 30 June 2004 Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST) Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST) Dividends received Interest received Borrowing costs Income taxes paid Net cash inflow from operating activities Notes Consolidated 2004 $000's 1,166,170 (960,654) 22,807 93,288 (150,417) (8,471) 162,723 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of investments Advances of Loans Repayment of advances of Loans Payment for purchases of controlled entities, net of cash acquired Purchase of fixed assets Capitalised acquisition costs paid Proceeds from sale of investments Net cash outflow from investing activities (348,686) (3,729) 1,351 (122,960) (15,530) (11,662) 230,257 (270,959) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from borrowings Repayment of borrowings Net cash outflow from financing activities 193,254 (141,051) 52,203 Net decrease in cash held Cash at the beginning of the period Prior year reclassification of cash held by controlled Property Trusts Effects of exchange rate changes on cash Cash at the end of the financial period (56,033) 660,421 19,334 2,666 626,388 The above Pro-Forma Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the notes to the ProForrna Financial Report. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES Notes to the Pro-Forma Year End Financial Report Note 1 . Reconciliation to statutory net prorit Revenue from ordinary activities Rental income earned by property trusts controlled by Life Company subsidiaries Management fee income Interest income Dividend income Change in net market value of investments held by Life Company subsidiaries - Properties (net of exchange fluctuations) - Property valuation and foreign currency debt movements attributable to exchange fluctuations - Interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts - Trading securities Net realised gains on sale of investments and subsidiaries Foreign exchange gains Other income 1/7/2003 to 23/12/2003 to 21/12/2003* 30/06/2004** $000's $000's Year ended 30/06/2004 $000's 116,240 81,728 44,590 14,862 129,654 147,250 49,501 11,789 245,894 228,978 94,091 26,651 (587) 23,180 22,593 (16,550) 102,330 1,528 8,642 288 18,715 23,877 (31,401) 20,143 17,267 36,006 19,209 7,327 70,929 21,671 25,909 36,294 37,924 371,786 446,475 818,261 (96,689) (3,366) (75,549) (6,286) - (172,238) (6,286) (3,366) (13,362) (17,774) (45,479) (48,509) (5,535) (6,941) (2,857) (13,959) (254,471) (11,623) (31,920) (58,441) (62,336) (5,945) (6,386) (3,628) (35,718) (297,832) (24,985) (49,694) (103,920) (110,845) (11,480) (13,327) (6,485) (49,677) (552,303) (58,424) (12,276) (70,700) (66,426) (15,389) (81,815) (124,850) (27,665) (152,515) (325,171) (379,647) (704,818) 2,405 1,452 3,857 49,020 68,280 117,300 - (280,000) (280,000) Income tax expense (16,413) (23,725) (40,138) Net profit attributable to shareholders after tax from ordinary activities 32,607 (235,445) (202,838) Revenue from ordinary activities Expenses from ordinary activities (Increase)/decrease in Net Policy Liabilities Provision for unrealised Loss on Investments Responsible entity fee Property management expenses incurred by Property Trusts controlled by Life Company subsidiaries Amortisation & depreciation Employee expenses Commission expense Occupancy expense Professional fees Communications Other expenses Expenses from ordinary activities (excluding borrowing costs) Borrowing costs - incurred by Property Trusts controlled by Life Company subsidiaries - incurred by other entities Total expenses from ordinary activities Share of net profits of associates accounted for using the equity method Profit from ordinary activities before income tax expense Write-down in goodwill (refer Note 3) * Source: Challenger Financial Services Group Statutory Interim Financial Report for the period ended 21 December 2003 . ** Source : Challenger Financial Services Group Limited Statutory Annual Financial Report for the period ended 30 June 2004 . Note that the Statutory Annual Financial Report was prepared for the period beginning 6 November 2003 (date of incorporation) to 30 June 2004 . However, no transactions were entered into by Challenger until the acquisition of CFSG on 23 December 2003 . 4 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES Notes to the Pro-Forma Year End Financial Report Note 2. Reconciliation of Pro-Forma Cash Flow Statement Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST) Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST) Dividends received Interest received Borrowing costs Income taxes paid Net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of investments Advances of Loans Repayment of advances of Loans Payment for purchases of controlled entities, net of cash acquired Purchase of fixed assets Capitalised acquisition costs paid Proceeds from sale of investments Net cash inflow / (outflow) from investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from borrowings Repayment of borrowings Net cash inflow outflow from financing activities Net increase/(decrease) in cash held Cash at the beginning of the period Prior year reclassification of cash held by controlled Property Trusts Effects of exchange rate changes on cash Cash acquired upon corporatisation of CFSG Cash at the end of the financial period 1/7/2003 to 21/12/2003* 23/12/2003 to 30/06/2004** Year ended 30/06/2004 $000's $000's $000's 585,160 (510,030) 11,609 44,289 (75,265) (6,712) 49,051 581,010 (450,624) 11,198 48,999 (75,152) (1,759) 113,672 1,166,170 (960 654) 22,807 93,288 (150,417) (8,471) (319,809) (856) 345 (122,960) (1,547) (11,551) 50,281 (406,097) (28,878) (2,873) 1,006 1 (13,983) (111) 179,976 13 5,138 (348,687) (3,729) 1,351 (122,959) (15,530) (11,662 230,257 (270,959) 73,608 (47,776) 25,832 119,646 (93,275) 26,371 193,254 (141,051) 52,203 (331,214) 660,421 19,344 (672) 275,181 3,328 347,879 626,388 (56,033) 660,421 19,334 2,666 626,388 347,879 162,723 * Source : Challenger Financial Services Group Statutory Interim Financial Report for the period ended 21 December 2003 . Please note that certain items have been reclassified to conform to the disclosures made in the audited financial report for the period ended 30 June 2004 . ** Source : Challenger Financial Services Group Limited Statutory Annual Financial Report for the period ended 30 June 2004 . Note that the Statutory Annual Financial Report was prepared for the period beginning 6 November 2003 (date of incorporation) to 30 June 2004. However, no transactions were entered into by Challenger until the acquisition of CFSG on 23 December 2003 . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AN D CONTROLLED ENTITIES Notes to the Pro-Forma Year End Financial Report Note 3 . Write-down in Goodwill In accordance with the Board resolution noted in the directors report the Board of directors of Challenger have approved a write-down of $280,000,000 in the Parent Entity's investment in the Challenger Group subsidiaries . The following outlines the impact of the write-down on the Consolidated Entity net profit and net assets as reported in the Statement of Financial Performance and Statement of Financial Position, respectively. Impact on net profit Impact on net profit before tax Tax expense benefit attributable to write-down Impact on net profit after tax Net profit after tax prior to goodwill write-off Net profit after tax after goodwill write-off Impact on Goodwill and net assets Goodwill Written down value of Goodwill prior to write-down Goodwill write-off Net assets Net assets prior to goodwill write-off Net assets after goodwill write-off Consolidated 2004 $000's (280,000) (280,000) 77,162 (202,838) 2004 $000's 535,974 (280,000) 255,974 1,364,948 1,084,948 Impact on earnings per share Basic earnings per share prior to write-off of goodwill Basic earnings per share after write-off of goodwill 2.97 cents (7.82) cents Diluted earnings per share prior to write-off of goodwill Diluted earnings per share after write-off of goodwill 2.66 cents (7.00) cents CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES Notes to the Pro-Forma Year End Financial Report Note 4. Segment information The consolidated entity operates predominantly in one geographical area, being Australia. The primary business segments of the Group have been identified as follows: 2004 Life $000's Total Wholesale Wealth Finance Management ** Corporate * Consolidated $000's $000's $000's $000's Total revenue 496,337 150,998 141,248 33,535 822,118 Expenses (372,337) (117,928) (150,702) (63,851) (704,818) Net profit before tax and goodwill write-down 124,000 33,070 (9,454) (30,316) 117,300 Goodwill write-down (280,000) Net profit before tax (156,000) Segment assets prior to write-down in goodwill Goodwill write-down 4,865,793 (280,000) - 33,070 (280,000) (9,454) (30,316) 569,059 316,851 203,920 - - - (162,700) 5,955,623 (280,000) Segment assets 4,585,793 569,059 316,851 203,920 5,675,623 Segment liabilities (3,960,204) (151,198) (189,949) (289,324) (4,590,675) * Corporate segment relates to non-core activities of the Group (including businesses to be restructured or sold as previously announced to the Australian Stock Exchange) and other group/head office activities including goodwill amortisation and corporate borrowings and associated borrowing costs. ** Represents Funds Management, Administration & Financial Planning . challenger Financial Services Group Challenger Financial Services Group Limited and its controlled entities ACN 106 842 371 Annual Report For the Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 (Incorporating the trading result for the period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004) DIRECTORY Principal registered office in Australia Level 41 Aurora Place 88 Phillip Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Tel (02) 9994 7500 Fax (02) 9994 7777 Directors Peter Leith Polson (Chainnan) Michael Tilley (Chief Executive Officer) Graham Allan Crbbin Russell Richard Roberts Hooper Ashok Peter Jacob James Douglas Packer James Glen Service Brenda Mary Shanahan Secretary Anne Gardiner Share Register Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited Level 3, Carrington Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Tel (02) 8234 5000 Fax (02) 8234 5050 Website : www.computershare .com Auditor Emst Bs Young 321 Kent Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Internet Address www.challen er.com.au CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICIES OF THE COMPANY Introduction The Board of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited ("Challenger") actively participates in the evolution of corporate governance in Australia . Throughout the reporting period, Challenger has undertaken a review of its compliance with the ASX Corporate Governance Council's Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations ("Guidelines") . This report provides details of Challenger's compliance with those recommendations or, where appropriate, indicates a departure from the Guidelines and Challenger's explanation as to why . Governance Framework in Context Challenger's corporate governance framework must be considered in the context of a period of significant structural change. In July 2003 CPH Investment Corp merged with Challenger International Limited to create the Challenger Financial Services Group, a listed trust. In December 2003 the business of the trust transferred to Challenger Financial Services Group Limited following approval by the unitholders to corporatise. Challenger was listed on 23 December 2003 . Where appropriate, references to Challenger's Corporate Governance practices include those practices in place since I July 2003 . Throughout the reporting period and as a foundation of becoming a public company, the Board's review of Challenger's compliance with the Guidelines has meant the progressive implementation of measures to ensure it meets its objectives of having in place a robust corporate governance framework . Where it is indicated a policy is available on the Challenger web site, such availability has occurred since February 2004. This report applies to Challenger and its subsidiaries, however some subsidiaries have adopted their own policies and procedures to deal with specific issues relevant to their business, for instance investment management compliance . Where such policies and procedures have been adopted they have been developed in line with the standards referred to throughout this report. The Board Challenger's constitution provides for a minimum of 3 directors and a maximum of 12 directors . At the date of this report there are seven non-executive directors, four of whom are independent, and one executive Director. The members of the Board, including their experience, independent status and membership of committees is set out below . The Chairman is selected by non executive Directors of the Board . Members of The Board Peter Poison Chairman (from 10 June 2004) Independent Peter Poison retired from Commonwealth Bank in October 2002, where he held the position of Group Executive, Investment and Insurance Services, responsible for all investment and insurance services for the group, including the funds management, master funds, superannuation, insurance and third party support services for brokers, agents and financial advisers. Mr Poison joined the Colonial group in 1994 . Previously, Mr Poison was Managing Director of the National Mutual Funds Management (International) Limited . Other Directorships Mr Poison is also a director of AWE Limited, Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group Ltd, and Professional and Indemnity Company Australia Limited Committees Mr Poison is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and Chairman of the Nomination Committee. Michael Tilley Chief Executive Officer (from 2 August 2004) (Mr Tilley was an independent director until his appointment as Chief Executive Officer on 2 August 2004) Most recently, Michael Tilley was Vice-Chairman, Investment Banking Group, JP Morgan, a position he resigned from upon his appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Challenger. Until 31 March 2003, Mr Tilley was a Director of Incitec Limited . Prior to that, Mr Tilley was employed with investment bank Merrill Lynch where he held the positions of Chairman, Merrill Lynch (Australia), Head of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Asia Pacific region, and was a member of the Merrill Lynch Asia Executive Committee . Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Mr Tilley was principal and managing partner of Centaurus Corporate Finance Pty Limited and a partner at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu . Mr Tilley is a member of the Australian Takeovers Panel . CHALLENGER FINAN CIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICIES OF THE COMPANY (Cont'd) Other Directorships Mr Tilley is also a non-executive director of Orica Limited . Committees Mr Tilley was a member of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Nomination Committee. He has resigned both of these positions upon becoming CEO. Graham Cubbin Non-Executive Director Graham Cubbin has been the Finance Director of Consolidated Press Holdings Limited (CPH) since 1991 and is a director of Publishing and Broadcasting Limited . Prior to joining CPH, Mr Cubbin held senior finance positions with a number of major companies including Capital Finance Group and Ford Motor Company . Committees Mr Cubbin is a member of the Group Audit and Compliance Committee and the Nomination Committee. Russell Hooper Non-Executive Director Independent of the Russell Hooper was previously a director of and chaimran of the audit committee for Commonwealth Insurance Limited, a subsidiary George Bank Limited and prior to Manager, Funds Management at St also previously Chief General Bank. Mr Hooper was Commonwealth that held various positions within the financial services group at St George Bank Limited and Advance Bank Limited for more than thirteen years . Accountants and the Mr Hooper is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Australian Institute of Banking and Finance . Committees Nomination Committee . Mr Hooper is a member of the Remuneration Committee, the Group Audit and Compliance Committee and the AshokJacob Non-Executive Director the managing Ashok Jacob is joint Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Press Holdings Limited (CPH) . Prior to joining CPH he was of companies . director of the investment amp of the Pratt group Other Directorships Mr Jacob is also a director of Publishing and Broadcasting Limited, Hoyts Cinemas Limited, Crown Limited and MRF Limited . Committees Compliance Committee. Mr Jacob is a member of the Nomination Committee. Mr Jacob was formerly a member of the Group Audit and James Packer Non-Executive Director Limited . Prior to James Packer is joint Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Press Holdings Limited and Chairman of CPH Management Limited . Officer of CPH Management was Chief Executive that, Mr Packer Other Directorships Mr Packer is a Mr Packer is also Executive Chairman of Publishing and Broadcasting Limited a position he has held since May 1998 . Limited, Regal Pty Limited, Hoyts Cinemas Limited, Foxtel Management director of various companies including Qantas Airways Entertainment Group and Puma AG . Committees Mr Packer is a member of the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination Committee. James Service, AM Non-Executive Director Independent James Service was a non-executive director of Challenger International Limited and joined the Board of CPH Management Limited Service is following the merger in July 2003 . Mr Service has extensive experience in the areas of the financial services and property . Mr with St Bank Limited prior to its merger Chairman of Advance Council of Australia and was National President of the Property also a past George Bank Limited . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICIES OF THE COMPANY (Cont'd) Other Directorships Mr Service is Executive Chairman of JG Service Pry Limited a specialist property consulting company and Deputy Chairman of Australand Holdings Limited . Committees Mr Service is a member of the Nomination Committee and Mr Service is Chairman of the Property Investment Committee, which was formerly a committee of the Board but became a committee of the Challenger Life Limited and Challenger Life No .2 Limited with effect from 19 February 2004. Brenda Shanahan Non Executive Director Independent Brenda Shanahan was also a non-executive director of Challenger International Limited and joined the Board of CPH Management Limited following the merger with Challenger International Limited in July 2003. Ms Shanahan is a finance specialist who possesses extensive marketing and promotion experience in the financial services sector . Ms Shanahan is also a former member of the Australian Associated Stock Exchange, and former executive director of a stockbroking firm, a fund management company and an actuarial company. Other Directorships Ms Shanahan is a non-executive director of JM Financial Group Limited and chair of St Vincent's Health and St Vincent's Medical Research Institute Committees Ms Shanahan is Chairman of the Group Audit and Compliance Committee and a member of the Nomination Committee. Board Changes All directors who were previously directors of CPH Management Limited, the responsible entity of the Challenger Financial Services Group Trust, were appointed to the Board of Challenger upon corporatisation on 22 December 2003 with the exception of Mr Graham Cubbin who was appointed to the Board on 6 January 2004. On 10 June 2004, Mr Packer resigned as Chairman of Challenger as a result of other commitments and was replaced by Mr Pelson, an independent director . Mr Packer remains a director of Challenger. In late June 2004, Mr Cuffe announced his intention to resign as CEO of Challenger to concentrate on further developing Challenger's wealth managementbusiness. Mr Cuffe resigned from the Board on 2 August 2004. Role of the Board and Board Delegations The Board is accountable to shareholders for the activities and performance of Challenger by overseeing the development of sustainable shareholder value within an appropriate framework of risk and regard for all stakeholder interests . The Board has identified the key functions which it has reserved for itself. These duties are outlined below and set out in the Board Charter, a copy of which is available on Challenger's web site : " Establishment, promotion and maintenance of the strategic direction of Challenger; Approval of business plans, budgets and financial policies; Consideration of management recommendations on strategic business matters ; " Establishment, promotion and maintenance of proper processes and controls to maintain the integrity of accounting and financial records and reporting; Fairly and responsibly rewarding executives, having regard to the interests of shareholders, the performance of executives, market conditions and the Challenger's performance ; Adoption and oversight of implementation of appropriate corporate governance practices ; Oversight of the establishment, promotion and maintenance of effective risk management policies and processes; " " Determination and adoption of Challenger's dividend policy ; " Review of the board's composition and performance ; e Appointment, evaluation, duration and remuneration of the CEO and approval of the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer, the General Counsel and the Company Secretary ; Determination of the extent of the CEO's delegated authority. The Board has delegated to the CEO the authority and powers necessary to implement the strategies approved by the Board and to manage the business affairs of Challenger within the policies and specific delegation limits specified by the Board from time to time . The CEO may further delegate within those specific policies and delegations limits, but remains accountable for all authority delegated to management . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICIES OF THE COMPANY (Cont'd) Independence The Board does not have a specific policy in respect of independence and has not to date established specific materiality thresholds, but has considered the independence of each director on a case by case basis using the criteria set out in Section 2 of the Guidelines. The Board believes that those directors identified as independent are free from any interest and any business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the directors' ability to act in the best interests of Challenger or their ability to bring independent judgment to bear in considering matters brought to the Board . Messrs Cubbin and Jacobs are not considered independent due to their association with a major shareholder. The Board recognised that, during his period as Chairman, Mr Packer did not meet the criteria for independence as set out in the Guidelines, predominantly because he is directly associated with a substantial shareholder . Notwithstanding that Mr Packer was not independent the Board believed it to be appropriate and in the best interests for all stakeholders that Mr Packer remained as Chairman after Corporatisation in December 2003 . As a result of the appointment of Mr Tilley as CEO from 2 August 2004, the Board no longer has a majority of independent directors as recommended within guidelines . The Board, with the assistance of the Nomination Committee, has considered this departure from the Guidelines and believes it is appropriate for Challenger in the immediate future. The Board believes that shareholder interests are best served by a Board which is at optimal size for effective decision making and has identified its current configuration as meeting that criteria. The Board will however, keep this issue under consideration to ensure it remains relevant. Conflicts of Interest In accordance with the Board Charter and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), any Director with a material personal interest in a matter being considered by the Board must declare such an interest and may only be present when the matter is being considered at the Board's discretion . Directors with a material interest may not vote on any matter in which they have declared a personal interest. Meetings of the Board During the year the Board met formally at least monthly. In addition, the Board may meet whenever necessary to deal with specific matters needing attention between scheduled meetings. The CEO, in consultation with the Chairman establishes the meeting agenda's to ensure adequate coverage of strategic, financial and material risk areas throughout the year. Senior executives are invited to attend Board meetings and are available for contact by non-executive directors between meetings . The non-executive directors also meet without any executive involvement from time to time at the end of meetings . Succession Planning In conjunction with the Nomination Committee, the Board considers the succession of its members, the CEO and the Chief Financial Officer as required . Review of Board and Senior Executive Performance The Board Charter sets out the requirement for a formal review of the Board's performance at least every two years . Since the Board has not been in place for this period, no formal review has taken place to date . However, the Board is currently reviewing the methodology for the formal review and intends to undertake the review prior to the end of December 2005 . Senior management performance is assessed as part of Challenger's annual formal Performance Reviews . Nominations and Appointment of New Directors Recommendations for nominations of new directors are made by the Nomination Committee and considered by the Board as a whole. If a new director is appointed during the year, that person will stand for election by shareholders at the next annual general meeting. Shareholders are provided with appropriate information to judge the adequacy of candidates. All new directors are provided with an appropriate induction into Challenger's business. Retirement and Re-election of Directors Challenger's constitution requires that, excluding the CEO one third of the remaining directors must retire each year. In addition, any director who is appointed during the year must retire at the next annual general meeting . Given this is the first year of operation for Challenger, all directors, with the exception of the CEO, are required to retire and stand for re-election at the first annual general meeting . Board Access to Information and Advice All directors have unrestricted access to Challenger records and information . The Company Secretary provides directors with guidance on corporate governance issues and developments and on all other matters reasonably requested by the directors and monitors compliance with the Board Charter. The Board or each individual director has the right to seek independent professional advice at Challenger's expense to assist them to discharge their duties. Whilst the Chairman's prior approval is required, it may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICIES OF THE COMPANY (Cont'd) Board Committees To assist it in undertaking its duties, during the year the Board established the following committees : The Audit and Compliance Committee The Nomination Committee The Remuneration Committee The Property Investment Committee (on 19 February 2004 this Committee was transferred to become a committee of the Challenger Life Limited and Challenger Life No.2 Limited .) Each committee has its own charter, copies of which are available on Challenger's web site at www.Challenger .com .au. The Charters specify the composition, responsibilities, duties, reporting obligations, meeting arrangements, authority and resources available to the committees and the provisions for review of the charter. Details of directors' membership of each committee and their attendance at meetings throughout the period is set out below. Board Director P L Poison Chairman M Tille G A Cubbin C E Cuffe RRRHoo er A P Jacob J D Packer J G Service 13 M Shanahan Eligible to attend 8 8 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 Audit & Compliance Committee Attended 7 7 6 8 7 7 8 7 7 Eligible to attend Attended 2 2 3 1 3 3 3 Remuneration Committee Eligible to attend 7 7 Attended 7 6 6 7 The Nomination Committee held its inaugural meeting on 22 July 2004 . Integrity of Challenger Financial Reporting In accordance with its charter, Challenger's Audit and Compliance Committee must have at least 3 members and is comprised of all nonexecutive directors and a majority of independent members. A principal aim of the Audit and Compliance Committee is to assist the Board in overseeing the integrity of Challenger's financial reporting . The committee makes recommendations to the Board in relation to the appointment, review and removal of an external auditor, assessment of the external auditor's independence and the appropriateness of nonaudit services that the external auditor may provide. The CEO and CFO periodically provide formal assurance to the Board that : " " Challenger's financial statements present a true and fair view of Challenger's financial condition and operational results; and The risk management and internal compliance and control systems ar sound, appropriate and operating effectively. Challenger requires its independent audits to: " provide stakeholders with true and fair financial reports; and " ensure accounting practices comply with applicable accounting rules and policies. Challenger's independent external auditor is Emst & Young (E&Y) . E&Y were appointed upon constitution of the Company in November 2003 . Their appointment is due to be ratified by the shareholders at the first annual general meeting . E&Y will attend Challenger's first annual general meeting in November 2004. Risk Management and Compliance The management of risks is fundamental to Challenger's business and to building shareholder value . The Board recognises the broad range of risks which apply to a participant in the financial services industry, including, but not limited to, market risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, legal risk, operational risk and reputational risk . The Board is responsible for Challenger's risk management strategy . Management is responsible for implementing the Board's strategy and for developing policies and procedures to identify, manage and mitigate risks across the whole of Challenger's operations . In January 2004 the Board approved and adopted an Operational Risk Framework and formal policies in respect of Compliance and Operational Risk Management which were developed, approved by management, reviewed and approved by the Audit and Compliance Committee and made available to all staff of Challenger and its subsidiaries . Challenger has implemented an Operational Risk Management function which has day to day responsibility for monitoring the implementation of the framework and policy and reporting regularly to the Audit and Compliance Committee on the adequacy and effectiveness of management controls for risk. The Committee reports regularly to the Board on compliance with the framework and policy. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICIES OF THE COMPANY (Cont'd) Code of Conduct Challenger's Code of Conduct was approved in May 2004 and applies to all Directors, executives, management and employees of Challenger and its subsidiaries. The Code articulates the standards of honest, ethical and law-abiding behaviors expected by Challenger. Employees are actively encouraged to bring any problems to the attention of management or the Board, including activities or behaviour which may not comply with the Code of Conduct, other policies and procedures in place, or other regulatory requirements or laws. Staff Trading Policy Directors : and staff are subject to restrictions under the law relating to dealing in securities, including the securities issued by Challenger if they are in possession of insider information . The Board approved Challenger's Staff Trading Policy in February 2004: A summary of the policy is available on Challenger's web site . The policy applies to all Directors and staff and places restrictions and reporting requirements on staff, including limiting trading in Challenger (or other listed entities within the Group) to specific trading windows and in a specified manner. Those staff designated as potentially having access to insider information are required to seek prior approval to trades in other securities . Continuous Disclosure Policy and Shareholder Communication Processes Challenger is committed to providing relevant information about its operations to all shareholders and to fulfill its duties to comply with its continuous disclosure obligations to the market generally . The Board approved and implemented its Continuous Disclosure Policy in January 2004 . The policy is designed to ensure compliance with ASX Listing Rules continuous disclosure requirements . Challenger has a Continuous Disclosure Committee which is responsible for : making decisions on what should be disclosed publicly under the Continuous Disclosure Policy; maintaining a watching brief on information ; and ensuring disclosure is made in a timely and efficient manner. Challenger also publishes annual and half yearly reports, announcements, media releases and other relevant information on its web site at www .challenger.com .au . Internet web-casting and teleconferencing facilities are provided for market briefings to encourage participation from all stakeholders, regardless of their location . Challenger is also intending to encourage greater use of electronic media by providing shareholders with greater access to the electronic receipt of reports and meeting notices and the facility to ask questions about Challenger and have them answered directly or at general meeting . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITE D AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICIES OF THE COMPANY (Cont'd) REMUNERATION REPORT Non-Executive Director Remuneration Challenger's remuneration policy for non-executive directors aims to ensure that the Company can attract and retain suitably skilled, experienced and committed people to serve on the Board . Total remuneration for non-executive directors is required to be approved by shareholders, and members approved a payment up to a maximum of $950,000 at corporatisation to non-executive directors . The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining and reviewing compensation arrangements for the non-executive directors having regard to market trends and shareholder interests . Non-executive directors are not entitled to receive performance related remuneration or to receive shares through participation in any Challenger incentive plan . There are no schemes for retirement benefits with the exception of statutory superannuation for non-executive directors . The nature and amount of remuneration paid to each non-executive director of Challenger for the period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004 is set out below : Specified Directors Primary Salary & Fees $ 72,355 64,547 Post Employment Retirement Superannuation Benefits $ $ 5,727 5,727 - P L Poison (Chairman) G A Cubbin* 77,561 5,727 R R R Hoo er Jacob* AP J D Packer* 59,863 J G Service 72,535 5,727 B M Shanahan 346 861 22,908 Total remuneration * Act as a director in connection with discharging their duties as an executive of CPH. Total $ 78,082 70,274 83,288 59,863 78,262 369,7691 Details of directors' and senior executives' holdings in Challenger shares and schemes are set out in Note 26 to the accounts . Executive Remuneration Chief Executive Officer The Committee is responsible for reviewing the remuneration of the CEO, which must be approved by the full Board. The employment contract with Mr Cuffe in his capacity as CEO was approved by the unit holders at the time of Corporatisation in December 2003 . The principal elements of that package were: Base salary of $675,000 ; Participation in the Challenger short term incentive plan up to 150% of base salary package; Allocation of 40,000,000 shares under the CEO Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) at an issue price of 53 cents, subject to a hurdle of 15% per annum compound total return to shareholders (including dividends) for releases of these shares after the initial release in April 2005 . A non-recourse loan in respect of the purchase of the LTIP shares. However upon transition to his role as Chief Executive, Wealth Management, Mr Caffe's contract was altered, the material details of which are as follows : Base salary of $600,000; Participation in the Challenger Employee Incentive Plan up to 100% of base salary package; Allocation of 18,000,000 shares under the LTIP at an issue price of 53 cents, subject to a hurdle of 15% per annum compound total return to shareholders (including dividends) for releases of these shares after the initial release in April 2005 ; A non-recourse loan in respect of the purchase of the LTIP shares. New CEO Remuneration Upon Mr Tilley's appointment as CEO, under the terms of his appointment Mr Tilley will be entitled to : A base salary of $675,000 ; A short-term incentive of up to 150% of the base salary package, subject to achieving qualitative and quantitative hurdles set by the Board ; A $500,000 interest free loan for the purpose of investing in Challenger investment products, other than Challenger shares; A retention bonus of $250,000 after 3 years of employment as CEO and a further retention bonus of $250,000 at the end of year 5 . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICIES OF THE COMPANY (Cont'd) REMUNERATION REPORT (Cont'd) Mr Tilley will not be entitled to participate in the Challenger LTIP . However, subject to Challenger shareholder approval, Mr Tilley will be allocated 5,000,000 restricted Challenger shares, funded via limited recourse loan and issued at 53 cents, at the time that shareholder approval is granted. These shares will be issued substantially on the same terms as the long-term incentive plan limited recourse loan and escrow conditions . Mr Tilley may terminate his service agreement by giving 12 months notice to Challenger, in which event he will receive accrued statutory and contractual entitlements, but he will not be entitled to any termination payment, short term incentive payments, unvested shares or future retention payments . Challenger may terminate Mr Tilley's service agreement, in which event (other than in the case of termination for cause, poor performance or incapacity), Mr Tilley will be entitled to a payment of $2 million, if termination is within the first 3 years ; a $1 .75 million payment if termination is during years 3-5 or a $1 .5 million payment if termination is after year 5, in all cases, in addition to accrued entitlements . These arrangements are subject to shareholder approval . Where termination is for cause or poor performance, Mr Tilley will be entitled to accrued entitlements, but he will not be entitled to a termination payment, except where termination is due to incapacity in which case he will be entitled to a termination payment of $750,000 . Senior Executives Executive remuneration and incentive policies and practices will be performance based and aligned with the Group's vision, values and overall business objectives . Challenger's ability to attract and retain talented executives, and to align their interests with those of shareholders, is critically important to Challenger's ability to deliver sustained shareholder value. At the same time, the Board recognises that it has a responsibility to ensure that executive remuneration is fair and reasonable, and is effectively structured to produce superior results for shareholders . Accordingly, the Board has adopted remuneration policies designed to achieve these important objectives . Remuneration packages for senior executives typically comprise three components: a fixed pay component, a short-term bonus component and a component related to longer-term performance and retention . The fixed pay component is calculated on the basis of total cost, including employee benefits together with fringe benefits tax applicable to those benefits . Short-term bonus incentives at Challenger are based on the achievement of specific annual goals and objectives related to the performance of the Group as a whole and its operating divisions . Bonuses may take the form of cash or shares issued under the Group's Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan (LTIP). Senior and other key executives have been granted long-term incentives designed to retain the loyalty of those executives over the medium to long term . In general, the long temr variable element will take the form of a grant of shares under the LTIP described in more detail in the section of this report titled Long Temr Equity Based Incentive Plan. The nature and amount of each component of remuneration paid and accrued to the CEO and each of the five executive officers who have the greatest authority for managing operations of Challenger in the period 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004 is set out below: Senior Executives Prima Salary & Cash Bonus* ann ation Fees LTIP** Other*** Total 5,727 531,044 882,414 345,643 C E Cuffe Chief Executive Officer ^ 5,727 254,526 514,800 254,547 R Adams Executive - Wealth Management) 5,727 238,813 747,032 202,492 300,000 B Benari Executive - Wholesale Finance 5,727 109,998 190,000 469176 163,451 T H Foster Chief Financial Officer 241,154 5,727 __20_5,046 602,364 150,437 R Howes (Executive Life)-5,727 375,325 635 599 254,547 D Stevens Executive - Capital, Risk & Strategy) 190,0001 3,851,3851 1,371 117 541,154 34,3621 1,714,7521 Total remuneration * In respect of Messrs Benari and Howes, cash bonus amounts represent guaranteed bonus amounts that were negotiated as part of their respective executive remuneration packages. ** Represents accrued fair value during the period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004 . Fair value has been determined in accordance with the principles outlined in Note 28 to the financial statements. *** Mr Foster's other payment represents a compensation payment made by a related party in respect of previously foregone employment retention rights . ^ LTIP amounts have been calculated on the original entitlement and have not been adjusted to reflect changes in entitlements subsequent to his change in role as noted above in the section titled "Chief Executive Officer". ^^ Subsequent to year end, Messrs Howes stepped down as Executive -Life to accept the role of Chief Investment Officer Life . Accordingly there will be a reduction to his respective LTIP entitlements subsequent to 30 June 2004 . Prior to corporatisation, certain executives were entitled to incentive payments under a cash based shadow scheme. Following the approval of the LTIP the executives continue to have an entitlement to receive cash payments capped at $0.53 share price. The amount of this remuneration has been included under the heading "Equity LTIP" in the above table and represents the accrued fair value during the period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004 . Fair value has been determined in accordance with the same principles as the LTIP (as outlined in Note 28 to the financial statements) . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICIES OF THE COMPANY (Cont'd) REMUNERATION REPORT (Cont'd) Executive director & Senior Executives' total holdings in Challenger Shares and managed investment schemes are set out in Note 26 to the accounts . Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan (LTIP) The Board considered it necessary and appropriate to establish the LTIP for senior Challenger executives to retain key players and encourage behaviour in the long term best interests of Challenger . The Board considered that a reward strategy for senior executives with a heavy weighting on long term incentives was essential in aligning executive and shareholders interests . The LTIP was approved at the time of Corporatisation by unit holders. The LTIP design principles seek to satisfy the following requirements : " to incentvee senior executives within Challenger Group and reward them in alignment with growing share prices over the long term ; to attract and retain an outstanding executive team with a proven track record in a scarce skills labour market; for Challenger to keep abreast of its competitors in providing suitable long term incentive arrangements for its senior executives; and to follow through on the intentions expressed at the time of the Merger between Challenger Financial Services Group (Trust) and Challenger International Limited . Under the terms of the LTIP, eligible employees may acquire Challenger shares, with the cost being financed by a non-recourse, interest bearing loan from Challenger which is repayable when the shares vest. Dividends paid on the shares issued under the plan are to be paid to the Company as interest on the non-recourse loan . There are two types of participants of Challenger's LTIP : " Participants ; and " Initial Participants . The performance hurdles in respect of Participants are summarised as follows : Subject to performance hurdles being met, 20% of the participating shares issued to participants will be released on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date the shares are issued with the remaining 40% balance released on the fifth anniversary; The performance hurdle is 15% per annum compounded annually, based on total shareholder return (TSR) . The TSR is determined by reference to the 20 day volume weighted average share price (VWAP) for Challenger Shares adjusted for capital restructures and distributions (dividends, capital returns and other distributions excluding franking credits) ; If the TSR for a period equals or exceeds the performance hurdle for that period, the relevant proportion of participating shares will be immediately released . This may include participating shares that have not been released in an earlier period because the TSR for that earlier period was not achieved; and On the release of participating shares (once vesting and performance hurdles have been met) participants may, but are not obliged to sell the shares. The Board has identified a number of Initial Participants for whom special conditions will apply, having regard to : " The improvement in the share price since the relevant senior executives were recruited ; e The significant efforts made to date by the relevant senior executives in re-structuring the Challenger business to prepare for future growth ; and The fact that Challenger will continue to be in a significant development phase for the next few years and the Board wishes to ensure that absolute performance hurdles do not drive short-term behaviour at the expense of long-term planning and decision-making . The special conditions to apply to Initial Participants are as follows : The release dates of shares will be calculated from a reference date which is nominated by the Board (rather than the date of issue of shares), being no earlier than April 2003 ; " The issue price for the initial participating shares to be allocated to the initial participants will be 53 cents (rather than the market price at the date of issue); No performance hurdle will be required to be met for the initial 20% of the participating shares to be released after two years from the reference date; and A 15% per annum compound TSR performance hurdle will be required to be met for the release of shares after the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries from the reference date, with the starting price for that calculation being $0 .53 and the starting date for that calculation being the second anniversary of the reference date. Any unreleased participating LTIP shares will be sold by the Custodian to reduce any outstanding loan, bought back under the LTIP or cancelled by Challenger, subject to compliance with the Law. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES DIRECTORS'REPORT Challenger Financial Services Group Limited (Challenger), presents its report, together with the financial statements of the Company and its controlled entities (the Group) for the period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 ("the reporting period") and the auditors report thereon . The names of the directors of Challenger holding office during the period beginning 6 November 2003, the date of incorporation, until the date of this report, and details of their attendance at Board and Committee Meetings are as set out in the Corporate Governance Report . Company Information The Company was incorporated in New South Wales on 6 November 2003 and its shares were admitted to the Official List for quotation on the Australian Stock Exchange on 23 December 2003 . The registered office of the Company is Level 41, Aurora Place, 88 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 . Principal Activities The principal activities of the Group are the provision of financial services, in particular: Challenger Life (previously known as Challenger Annuities) ; " " Challenger Wholesale Finance (previously known as Challenger Mortgage Finance); " Challenger Wealth Management (comprising Funds Management and Financial Planning). Consolidated Results The consolidated net loss after tax attributable to the members of Challenger after adjusting for a $280,000,000 write-down in goodwill was ($235,445,067) . The net loss reported in the Statement of Financial Performance represents the net loss for period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004, which represents the period from the date Challenger commenced trading and 30 June 2004. The Board of Challenger has determined to write down the carrying value of goodwill as at 30 June 2004 by $280 million (after goodwill amortisation in 2004 of $20 million) . This decision has been taken after giving consideration to the high standard of corroborative evidence associated with the impairment test under the pending International Accounting Standards, and reflects a conservative approach to the outlook for annuity sales post September 2004 following changes to the Federal Government's retirement income policy. It also assumes a more conservative perspective of the Group's broad business plans even through more favourable outcomes may eventually result . No comparative results are provided as this is the first reporting period for the entity. Dividends No dividend has been paid during the reporting period and no final dividend has been proposed for the reporting period. Review of Operations A review of the operations and the results for the Group for the reporting period are contained in the Chairman's Report to shareholders . State of Affairs Challenger was incorporated on 6 November 2003 . On 22 December 2003, the unitholders of Challenger Financial Services Group (CFSG) approved a restructure of CFSG involving the corporatisation of CFSG . Under the restructure, CFSG unitholders exchanged their units for Challenger shares (on a one for one basis) and Challenger became the sole holder of CFSG units. Challenger was admitted to the official list of the ASX on 23 December 2003 . As a result of the restructure of CFSG : " The Chief Executive Officer entered into an employment contract with Challenger, the material terms of which were disclosed as part of the restructure information; Challenger issued to Consolidated Press Holdings Limited 300 million non-transferable call options over unissued " shares with an exercise price of $0.65 and a 10-year tern ; " A Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan for senior executives of Challenger was approved ; " The issue of 40,000,000 shares in Challenger to the CEO as part of the CEO Long Term Incentive Plan, as approved by unit holders as part of the corporatisation ; and " During the period 184,400,000 shares in Challenger were issued under the Long Term Incentive Plan to satisfy the senior executive incentive and retention program, as approved by unit holders as part of the corporatisation in December 2003 . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES DIRECTORS' REPORT (Coned) Likely Developments Further information on likely developments in the operations of the consolidated entity and the expected results of operations have not been included in this report because the directors believe it would be likely to result in unreasonable prejudice to Challenger. Environmental Performance The Challenger Group acts as responsible entity for a number of property trusts, which have major properties throughout the country. These properties are subject to environmental regulations under both Commonwealth and state legislation . The Directors are satisfied that adequate systems are in place for the management of its environmental responsibilities and compliance with various legislative, regulatory and licence requirements . Further, the Directors are not aware of any breaches to these requirements and to the best of their knowledge all activities have been undertaken in compliance with environmental requirements . Indemnification of Directors and Officers In accordance with its Constitution, and where permitted under relevant legislation or regulation, Challenger indemnifies the directors and officers of Challenger, against all liabilities to another person that may arise from their position as directors or officers of Challenger and its subsidiaries, except where the liability arises out of conduct involving lack of good faith, wilful misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misbehaviour or fraud. The indemnity provides for the full amount of any claim, including costs and expenses . Insurance of Directors and Officers In accordance with the provisions of the Corporations Act 2001, Challenger has insured the directors and officers against liabilities incurred in their role as directors and officers of the Challenger Group. The terms of the insurance policy, including the premium are subject to confidentiality clauses and as such Challenger is prohibited from disclosing the nature of the liabilities covered and the premium. Challenger has not given or agreed to give any indemnity to an auditor of the Challenger Group and has not paid any premium for insurance against those auditors' liabilities for legal costs. Subsequent events The following significant events have occurred post 30 June 2004 : Mr Chris Cuffe stepped down as Chief Executive Officer to accept the role as Executive, Wealth Management. On 2 August 2004 Mr Mike Tilley was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Challenger . On 13 August 2004, Challenger Financial Services Group Limited acquired Associated Planners Limited and its controlled entities for consideration in shares of $91 .3 million. The consideration was calculated on the 203,146,130 shares issued as outlined in the relevant 3B notice, by reference to Challenger's share price on 13 August 2004. Under the scheme of arrangement, each ordinary and Z class Associated Planners shareholder received 5.69 Challenger shares for each Associated Planners share they hold . Fifty percent of the Challenger shares issued to Associated Planners shareholders are subject to a trading lock, which is similar to an escrow arrangement . These shares will be released in two tranches, 18 months (30 per cent) and three years (70 per cent) after issue. Challenger shares issued to Zurich Financial Services Australia Limited, which holds all Z class shares and accounts for approximately 30 per cent of Associated Planners Group Limited, were fully vested on issue. The number of shares issued under the schemes represented approximately seven per cent of the issued capital of Challenger . Challenger intends to merge Associated Planners with its existing financial planning arm, Garrisons Financial Planning . Since 30 June 2004, the company has entered into sale contracts in relation to the following properties that, while unconditional, are subject to completion : Property Las Cimas I I and 111 Senator House Minster Court Hayes Park Heathrow World Country USA UK UK UK UK Date Signed 19 August 2004 27 August 2004 27 August 2004 27 August 2004 27 August 2004 The net proceeds of these proposed sales amounts to approximately $828 million, which is approximately $52 million above the 30 June 2004 carrying value of the relevant properties, at current exchange rates. The profit on these disposals has yet to be confirmed or recognised, due to uncertainty surrounding completion and related interest rate and currency movements and break costs on debt . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES DIRECTORS' REPORT (Cont'd) No other matter or circumstance has arisen that has affected or may significantly affect : (a) the consolidated entity's operations in future financial years; or (b) the results of those operations in future financial years; or (c) the consolidated entity's state of affairs in future financial years. Shares Under Option Un-issued ordinary shares of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited under option plans at 30 June 2004 are set out in the following table: Expiry Exercise Number Date Price Series G Option Plan options 30/07/2004 $0 .813 16,627,500 31/01/2005 $0 .788 169,641 Garrisons GD12-1999 509,832 Garrisons GD 6 - 2000 31/01/2005 $0 .638 12-2000 31/01/2005 $0 .946 503,451 Garrisons GD 604,359 Garrisons GD6-2001 31/01/2005 $0 .782 Garrisons GD 12-2001 31/01/2005 $0 .720 629,402 22/12/2013 $0 .650 300,000,000 Consolidated Press Holdings Limited The Series G Option Plan options were exercisable at any time on or before the expiry date (30 July 2004) . As at the date of this report these options have expired. The Garrisons Option Plan options are exercisable one third 31 December 2003 and one third on 31 December 2004 . Options issued to Consolidated Press Holdings Limited are non-transferable call options and may be exercised at any time within ten years from their grant date (22 December 2003). No options were granted to employees of the Group during the year. No options were exercised during the period 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 . Rounding The amounts contained in this report and in the financial statements have been rounded off to the nearest $1,000 under the option available to Challenger under ASIC Class Order 98/0100. Challenger is an entity to which the class order applies. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Challenger. /L 14 - e"?f ef-e~ Tilley Director G A Cubbin Director Sydney 27th August 2004 Sydney 27th August 2004 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES Financial Statements 30 June 2004 Contents Page Financial Report Statement of financial performance 14 Statement of financial position 15 Statement of cash flows 16 Notes to the financial statements 18 Directors' Declaration 72 Independent audit report This financial report covers both Challenger Financial Services Group Limited and its controlled entities "the Group" . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVIC ES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES Statements of financial performance For the period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 Notes Consolidated 2004 $000's Parent Entity 2004 $000's Revenue from ordinary activities 2 446,475 Expenses from ordinary activities 3 297,832 1,620 Write-down in goodwill & investment in controlled entities 3 81,815 - 4 280,000 280,000 32 1,452 - Borrowing costs Share of net profits of associates accounted for using the equity method (Loss) from ordinary activities before income tax expense Income tax expense (211,720) 5 (Loss) attributable to shareholders after tax from ordinary activities (281,620) 23,725 (235,445) (281,620) (235,445) (281,620) Total revenues, expenses and valuation adjustments attributable to shareholders recognised directly in equity Total changes in shareholders' funds from non shareholder transactions Basic earnings per share 23 (9 .08) cents Diluted earnings per share 23 (8 .13) cents The Group traded for the periodfrom 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004. The above statement of financial performance should be read in coijunction with accompanying notes. the CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES Statements of financial position As at 30 June 2004 Notes Assets Cash assets Receivables Debt securities Other financial assets Equity securities Investment properties Fixed assets Deferred tax assets Investment in controlled entities Investment in associates Intangible assets Other assets Excess of net market value of the interests of Challenger Life No.2 Limited in its subsidiaries over their net assets Total assets Liabilities Payables Interest bearing liabilities Provisions Deferred tax liabilities Life insurance policy liabilities Total liabilities 6 7 8 8 8 9 10 11 31 32 12 13 ParentEntity 2004 $000's 626,388 420,021 1,217,687 332 204,641 2,535,134 21,947 7,530 17,788 255,974 143,800 177,093 7,530 922,221 - 295,251 2,144,969 39,531 58,921 2,052,003 4,590,675 9,150 58,921 68,071 1,084,948 1,038,773 1,258,693 61,700 (235,445) 1,084,948 1,258,693 61,700 (281,620) 1,038,773 14 15 16 17 18 19 Net assets Shareholders' equity Contributed equity Reserves Retained (Loss) Total shareholders' equity Consolidated 2004 $000's 20 21 22 The above statement offinancial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES Statements of Cash Flows For the period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 Consolidated Parent Entity Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST) Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST) Dividends received Interest received Borrowing costs Income taxes paid Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities Notes 29 (a) 2004 $000's 581,010 (450,624) 11,198 48,999 (75,152) (1,759) 113,672 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of investments Advances of Loans Repayments of Loan Advances Purchase of fixed assets Capitalised costs of acquisition paid Proceeds from sale of investments Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities (28,877) (2,873) 1,006 (13,983) (111) 179,976 135,138 Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from borrowings Repayment of borrowings Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities 119,646 (93,275) 26,371 Net increase/(decrease) in cash held Cash at the beginning of the period Effects of exchange rates on cash Cash acquired upon corporatisation of CFSG Cash at the end of the financial year 275,181 29 (b) The above statement ofcash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 3,328 347,879 626,388 2004 $000's - CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Contents Page Note 1 2 3 Summary of significant accounting policies Revenue from ordinary activities 4 Expenses from ordinary activities Write-down in Goodwill 5 Income tax 6 _Assets Cash assets 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Receivables Investment assets Investment properties Fixed assets Deferred tax assets Intangible assets Other assets Excess of net market value over net book value of life insurance subsidiaries Liabilities 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Payables Interest bearing liabilities Provisions 18 27 27 28 29 30 31 31 32 35 36 36 36 37 38 38 39 Deferred tax liabilities Life insurance business Total equity 40 41 Reserves 44 44 Contributed equity 43 22 23 Retained profits Earnings per share 24 Segment information Financial instruments 46 47 Employee entitlements 52 55 25 45 Related parties Directors' and Executives' remuneration 50 Statement of cashflow Remuneration of auditors 57 Investments in controlled entities 60 61 Investments in associates Deed of cross guarantee 66 67 35 Contingent liabilities 36 Subsequent events International Financial Reporting Standards 69 70 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 37 Commitments for expenditure 68 71 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 . Summary of significant accounting policies Challenger was incorporated on 6 November 2003, and the period ended 30 June 2004 is the first reporting period that an annual financial report has been prepared for Challenger. This financial report covers the period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 . Accordingly comparative information is not available for Challenger . This general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views and the Corporations Act 2001 . The financial report is prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention except for all life insurance assets and liabilities and certain other assets and liabilities which are stated at valuation as described in the summary of significant accounting policies . The statement of financial position is presented in order of liquidity. (a) Principles of consolidation The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all entities controlled by Challenger Financial Services Group Limited ("Parent Entity") as at 30 June 2004 and the results of all controlled entities for the period then ended. Challenger Financial Services Group Limited and its controlled entities together are referred to in this financial report as the Consolidated Entity. The effects of all transactions between entities in the Consolidated Entity are eliminated in full . Where control of an entity is obtained during a financial year, its results are included in the consolidated statement of financial performance from the date on which control commences. Where control of an entity ceases during a financial year its results are included for that part of the year during which control existed. Life Insurance Controlled Entities Both the shareholders' and policy owners' interests in the life insurance funds of the controlled entities are consolidated . Some aspects of generally accepted Australian accounting practices applicable to life insurers, in particular net market value accounting, differ from generally accepted practices for non life insurers . Where a life insurer consolidates a subsidiary, any differences between the values consolidated line by line and the market value of the controlled entity recorded in the life insurer's financial statements is shown as "Excess of the net market values of its interests in its subsidiaries over their net assets". Non Life Insurance Controlled Entities Where controlled entities of non-life insurance companies are consolidated the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of controlled entities is goodwill and is amortised as described in 1(m). Invesments in Associates Investments in Associates are carried at the lower of equity accounted amount or recoverable amount in the consolidated financial report. Life Insurance financial reporting Assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are measured on the following basis. (i) Premiums are separated into their revenue and liability components. Premium amounts received which are akin to deposits, are recognised as an increase in policy liabilities. (ii) Claims are separated into their expense and liability components. Claims expenses paid are akin to withdrawals and are recognised as a decrease in policy liabilities . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (Contd) (iii) Investment assets within Challenger Life No .2 Limited relating to policy liabilities have been recorded at net market value including an allowance for estimated realisation costs. Where no quoted market values exist, various methods determined by the Directors have been adopted . They include the following: " Investments in unit trusts that are not controlled entities are recorded at their latest available market value. " Investments in controlled property trusts consist of income units (entitlements to rental income less financing and hedging costs) and capital units (entitlements to residual net assets upon the maturity of the income units) . The values of investments in income and capital units are derived from net market valuations on the underlying properties, undertaken periodically by independent accredited valuers, less the costs of related debt and foreign exchange hedging contracts. " " " Revaluation gains and losses on property investments arise where the net market value differs to cost . Net market value (fair value) is the most probable price reasonably obtainable in the market from a willing and knowledgeable buyer. The cost of acquired properties includes its purchase price, and any directly attributable expenditure including professional fees for legal services, property transfer taxes and other related transaction costs. Investments in controlled entities that do not have a market price are recorded at fair value as determined by the Directors. For details refer to note 14. Interest-bearing securities listed on exchanges are shown at quoted prices at balance date . Loans are recorded at market value based on discounting the estimated recoverable amount using prevailing interest rates. Gains and losses arising from the revaluation of investments are included as part of investment income in the statement of financial performance . (iv) Overview of Margin on Services (MoS) methodology MoS is the financial reporting methodology for Australian life insurance companies as prescribed in the Life Insurance Act 1995 ("the Act'). MoS is designed to recognise profits on life insurance as services are provided to policyholders and income is received. Services used to determine profit recognition include the cost of the expected claims, maintaining policies, and investment management . Policy liabilities are valued by the Life Insurance Actuarial Standard 1 .03 "Valuation of Policy Liabilities" issued by the Life Insurance Actuarial Standards Board under the Life Insurance Act 1995 . Policy liabilities are amounts which, when taken together with future premiums and investment earnings : " " are required to meet the payment of future benefits and expenses; and incorporate profit margins on existing business to be released when earned in future periods. Life insurance policy liabilities are not categorised as current or non-current which is consistent with the presentation of investment assets backing those liabilities. On the basis of an actuarial assessment under the MoS methodology the excess of net assets over policy liabilities accrues to the benefit of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited. MoS profit can be analysed in the following categories : Planned margins of revenues and expenses . " At the time of writing a policy and at each balance date, best estimate assumptions are used to determine all expected future payments and premiums . Where actual experience replicates best estimate assumptions, the expected profit margins will be released to profit over the life of the policy. The difference between actual and assumed experience. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont'd) Experience profits/(losses) are realised where actual experience differs from best estimate assumptions. Instances giving rise to experience profits/(losses) include variations in claims, expenses, mortality, discontinuance and investment returns. For example, an experience profit will emerge when the expenses of maintaining all in-force business in a year are lower than the best estimate assumption in respect of those expenses . Changes to underlying assumptions . Assumptions used for measuring policy liabilities are reviewed each period by the Appointed Actuary. Where the review leads to a change in assumptions, the change is deemed to have occurred from the end of the financial year . The financial effect of changes to the assumptions underlying the measurement of policy liabilities made during the reporting period are recognised in the statement of financial performance over the future reporting periods during which services are provided to policyholders. However, if based on best estimate assumptions, written business for a group of related products is expected to be unprofitable, the whole expected loss for that related product group is recognised in the statement of financial performance immediately. When loss making business becomes profitable, it is necessary to reverse previously recognised losses . (v) Basis of expense apportionments Direct expenses are allocated on the basis of statutory fund, class and category of business. Other expenses have been apportioned between statutory funds, classes and categories of business in accordance with Division 2 of Part 6 of the Life Insurance Act 1995, with general management expenses being apportioned on a similar basis. Apportionment between policy acquisition, policy maintenance and investment management has been made in line with principles set out in the Life Insurance Actuarial Standards Board (LIASB) Valuation Standard (Actuarial Standard AS 1 .03) . (vi) Policy acquisition costs are the fixed and variable costs of acquiring new business and include the related commission, policy issuing and underwriting costs, agency expenses and other sales costs . The actual acquisition costs incurred in life business are recorded in the statement of financial performance . In determining life insurance policy liabilities, the Appointed Actuary takes account of the deferral and the future recovery of acquisition costs. The acquisition costs deferred are determined as the greater of actual costs incurred and any explicit policy charges for the recovery of those costs, subject to an overall limit that the value of future profits at inception cannot be negative. Acquisition losses are recognised at inception to the extent the latter situation arises . (vii) Consolidated payables include all of Challenger Life's creditors, other liabilities and borrowings. The non-current borrowings and "other liabilities" relating to life insurance operations are measured at net present values, and changes to those net present values, as well as borrowing costs, are recognised as expenses (and, in some cases, revenues) of the period . The borrowings and other liabilities relating to the retail operations are measured at their face values with only borrowing costs recognised as expenses of the period . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 . Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont'd) (c) Income tax Tax effect accounting is applied using the balance sheet liability method, which focuses on the tax effect of transactions and other events that affect amounts recognised in either the statement of financial position or tax based balance sheet. The income tax expense or revenue for the period is the tax payable on the current period's taxable income adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to amounts recognised as assets or liabilities, and to unused tax losses . Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised for temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and the tax bases of those assets and liabilities, and for unused tax losses. The tax rates expected to apply when the assets are recovered or liabilities are settled, based on those tax rates which are enacted or substantively enacted for each jurisdiction, are applied to the cumulative amounts of deductible and assessable temporary differences to measure the deferred tax asset or liability. A deferred tax asset is recognised for the carry forward of unused tax losses and temporary differences id respect of unrealised capital losses to the extent, and only to the extent, that it is probable that future taxable amounts within the company or consolidated entity will be available against which the unused losses can be utlised . (d) Foreign currency translation (i) Transactions Foreign currency transactions are initially translated into Australian currency at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction . At balance date amounts payable and receivable in foreign currencies are translated to Australian currency at rates of exchange current at that date . Resulting exchange differences are brought to account in determining the profit or loss for the year. (ii) Foreign controlled entities As the foreign controlled entities are integrated, their assets and liabilities are translated into Australian currency at rates of exchange current at balance date, while their revenues and expenses are translated at the average of rates ruling during the year . Resulting exchange differences arising on translation are brought to account in determining the profit or the loss for the year. Acquisitions of assets The purchase method of accounting is used for all acquisitions of assets, except for those assets held by Challenger Life, regardless of whether shares or other assets are acquired . Cost is determined as the fair value of the assets given up, shares issued or liabilities undertaken at the date of acquisition plus costs incidental to the acquisition . Where shares are issued in an acquisition, the value of the shares is determined having reference to the assessed fair value of the assets or net assets acquired, including goodwill or discount on acquisition where applicable . Goodwill is brought to account on the basis described in note 1(m). The fair value of acquired tax losses is determined via their recoverability in the hands of the acquirer and probability of recognition in future periods. (~ Revenue Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the entity and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue and expenses are generally recognised on an accruals basis. Revenue from fees and commissions is income derived from the provision of investment management services to Challenger's managed investment products and fee and distribution income from managed loan securitisation trusts . Revenue is recognised when the services are provided, or when the fee or commission in respect of services provided is receivable . Interest income is recognised as it accrues taking into account the effective yield of the financial asset. Dividends are recognised as income on the date the share is quoted ex-dividend . Dividends from unlisted companies are recognised when the dividend is received . Rents are shown net of outgoings. Imputed rent is calculated for owner-occupied premises at commercial rates and is recognised as investment income and charged as a management cost . Imputed rent is eliminated in preparing the financial statements except for required specific disclosures. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont'd) (g) Receivables All trade debtors are recognised at the amounts receivable . Trade debtors are due for settlement no more than 120 days from the date of recognition, and other debtors no more than 30 days from the date of recognition . The recoverability of trade debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debtors which are known to be uncollectable are written off. A provision for doubtful debts is raised where it is probable the debt will not be fully recoverable. Bills of exchange have been purchased in the market at a discount to face value. The bills are carried at an amount representing cost and a portion of the discount recognised as income on an effective yield basis. The discount brought to account each period is accounted for as interest income . (h) Recoverable amount of non-current assets The recoverable amount of an asset is the net amount expected to be recovered through the net cash inflows arising from its continued use and subsequent disposal . Where the carrying amount of a non-current asset is greater than its recoverable amount, the asset is written down to its recoverable amount . Where net cash inflows are derived from a group of assets working together, recoverable amount is determined on the basis of the relevant group of assets . (i) Investments Investments held outside Challenger Life in listed and unlisted securities, other than investments in controlled entities and associates, are brought to account at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Controlled entities and associates are accounted for in the consolidated financial statements as set out in note 1(a) . Depreciation of fixed assets Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis to write off the net cost or revalued amount of each item of property, plant and equipment (excluding land) over its expected useful life to the consolidated entity. Estimates of remaining useful lives are made on a regular basis for all assets, with annual reassessments for major items. The expected useful lives are as follows: Plant and equipment - 3 to 5 years Core operating software - 5 years (k) Leaselrold improvements The cost of improvements to or on leasehold properties is amortised over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement to the consolidated entity, whichever is the shorter. Leasehold improvements held at the reporting date are being amortised over 5 years. (1) Leased assets Leases are classified as either operating leases or finance leases at the date of inception of the lease. A distinction is made between finance leases which effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all of the risks and benefits incident to ownership of leased non-current assets, and operating leases under which the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks and benefits . Finance leases are capitalised. A lease asset and liability are established at the present value of minimum lease payments . Lease payments are allocated between the principal component of the lease liability and the interest expense. The lease asset is amortised on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, or where it is likely that the consolidated entity will obtain ownership of the asset, the life of the asset. Lease assets held at the reporting date are being amortised over periods ranging from 3 to 5 years . Incentives received on entering into operating leases are recognised as liabilities and amortised over the life of the lease. Other operating lease payments are charged to the statement of financial performance in the periods in which they are incurred, as this represents the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets. Surplus lease space The present value of future payments for surplus leased space under non-cancellable operating leases is recognised as a liability, net of sub-leasing revenue, in the period in which it is determined that the leased space will be of no future benefit to the consolidated entity. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 . Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont'd) (m) (n) Intangible assets On acquisition of some, or all, of the assets of another entity or, in the case of an investment in a controlled entity, on acquisition of some, or all, of the equity of that controlled entity, the identifiable net assets acquired are measured at fair value . The excess of the fair value of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired, including any liability for restructuring costs, is brought to account as goodwill and amortised on a straight line basis over the period during which the benefits are expected to arise, being no more than twenty years. Deferred portfolio and origination costs Deferred portfolio costs Portfolio costs represent the costs associated with establishing securitised mortgage backed pools of funds which are funded via the issue of residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS) to investors . The amortisation policy is to match the portfolio costs with the expected repayment profile of each securitised pool so that the amortisation charge as a proportion of the outstanding securitisation pool is consistent over the life of the securitisation, creating an effective yield. The amortisation rate is determined based on the forecast prepayment rate of the loans underlying the RMBS. This is calculated on a trust by trust basis, thereby matching each pool of relevant costs with the forecast prepayment rate of the'issue' they relate to. Deferred origination costs Deferred origination costs are costs associated with origination of loans including commissions paid to mortgage originators and Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) premiums. The amortisation policy is to match the amortisation of the origination costs with the average repayment profile of a loan so that the amortisation charge as a proportion of the outstanding loan balance is consistent over the average life of a loan, creating an effective yield . The basis of amortisation is determined by the amortisation of the loan book or Cumulative Prepayment Rates (CPR) curve (excluding discharges) . Any origination costs (remaining written down value) associated with a loan which has discharged during the period is written off immediately. (o) Payables These amounts represent unsecured liabilities for goods and services provided to the consolidated entity prior to the end of the financial year and short term financing of deferred origination costs by managed warehouse trusts. Interest bearing liabilities Loans are carried at their principal amounts which represent the present value of future cash flows associated with servicing the debt. Interest is accrued over the period it becomes due and is recorded as part payables. Derivative financial instruments The consolidated entity is exposed to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates and may use interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge these risks . Derivative financial instruments are held for risk management purposes and not for the purpose of speculation . The Group does not hold a derivative trading portfolio . Other than in the life insurance company, costs arising at the time of entering into hedge transactions are brought to account in the statement of financial performance over the lives of the hedge contracts . For the life insurance company or controlled entities of the life insurance company, costs arising at the time of entering into hedge transactions are recognised in the statement of financial performance in the period in which the costs are incurred. Derivative financial instruments designated as hedges are accounted for on the same basis as the underlying exposure. Derivatives not meeting the definition of a hedge, or held within the life insurance group, are accounted for on a fair value basis and changes in value are recorded in the statement of financial performance in the period in which they arise. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 . Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont'd) Goods and services tax Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of the GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of the 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 an asset or liability in the statement of financial position . 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 . (s) Employee entitlements (i) Wages and salaries, and annual leave Liabilities for wages and salaries and annual leave expecting to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised in provisions in respect of employees' services up to the reporting date and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. (ii) Long service leave (ili) Termination benefits A liability for long service leave is recognised, and is measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service . Expected future payments are discounted using interest rates on national government guaranteed securities with terms to maturity that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. Liabilities for termination benefits relating to an acquired entity or operation that arise as a consequence of acquisition are recognised as at the date of acquisition ii; at or before the acquisition date, the main features of the termination were planned. These liabilities are disclosed in aggregate with other restructuring costs as a consequence of the acquisition. Liabilities for termination benefits expected to be settled within 12 months are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when they are settled. (t) Restructuring costs Liabilities for the cost of restructuring entities or operations acquired are recognised as at the date of acquisition of an entity, or part thereof, if the main features of the restructuring were planned and there was a demonstrable commitment to the restructuring at the acquisition date. The cost of restructurings provided for, other than related employee termination benefits, is the estimated cash flows, having regard to the risks of the restructuring activities . Liabilities for employee termination benefits associated with restructurings are brought to account on the basis described in the accounting policy note for employee entitlements (note 1 (s)) . Liabilities for costs of restructurings and related employee termination benefits are disclosed in aggregate where the restructuring occurs as a consequence of an acquisition . Restatement of part or all of a provision for restructuring relating to an acquisition due to changes in the costs associated with the restructuring activity are adjusted against goodwill on acquisition . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont'd) (u) Borrowing costs Borrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred . Borrowing costs include: " interest on bank overdrafts and short-term and long-term borrowings amortisation of ancillary costs incurred in connection with the arrangement of borrowings finance lease charges. " (v) Cash For purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash includes deposits at call which are readily convertible to cash on hand and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. (w) Earnings per share (i) Basic earnings per share Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing net profit after income tax attributable to members of the Company by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the financial period . (it) (x) Diluted earningspershare Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share by taking into account amounts unpaid on shares and any reduction to earnings per share that will probably arise from the exercise of options outstanding during the financial year. Funds under management Within the economic entity certain controlled entities act as the single responsible entity/manager for a number of registered schemes and property syndicates. Registered schemes and property syndicates have not been consolidated in the financial statements, as individual entities within the economic entity do not have control of the schemes and syndicates as defined by AASB 1024 "Consolidated Accounts". (y) Restrictions on assets Investments held in Challenger Life No .2 Limited can only be used within the restrictions imposed under the Life Insurance Act 1995 . The main restrictions are that the assets in a Fund can only be used to meet the liabilities and expenses of that Fund, to acquire investments to further the business of the Fund or as distributions when solvency and capital adequacy requirements are met. Participating policyholders can receive a distribution when solvency requirements are met, whilst shareholders can only receive a distribution when the higher level of capital adequacy requirements are met. (z) Dividends Provision is made for the amount of any dividend declared, determined or publicly recommended by the directors of the Company on or before the end of the financial year but not paid at balance date. (aa) Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan Shares issued to employees under Challenger's Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan that have not yet vested have been recognised in equity as "Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan" and have been included in "Shares on Issue" . Non-recourse loans issued to employees to finance the purchase of shares, that have vested in accordance with the terms of the Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan (LTIP), have been recognised as an asset in the Statement of Financial Position . Non-recourse loans are not carried at an amount above their recoverable amount . The recoverable amount of non-recourse loans is assessed at each balance date by reference to the fair value of the underlying unvested shares issued under the LTIP . Fair value has been determined in accordance with the principles outlined in Note 28 . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (Cont'd) (bb) Contributed equity Issued and paid up capital is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received by the Company. Shares issued in respect of LTIP are recognised at the amount receivable under the terms of the LTIP . Any transaction costs arising on the issue of ordinary shares are recognised directly in equity as a reduction of the share proceeds . (cc) Rounding of amounts The entity is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/0100, issued by the Australian Securities & Investment Commission, relating to the "rounding off' of amounts in the financial report . Amounts in the financial report have been rounded off in accordance with the class order to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 2. Revenue from ordinary activities Rental income Management fee income Change in net market value of investments held by Life Company subsidiaries - Properties (net of exchange fluctuations) - Property valuation movement attributable to exchange fluctuations - Interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts - Trading securities Net realised gains on sale of investments and subsidiaries Net realised foreign exchange gains Dividend income Interest income Other income Revenue from ordinary activities Note 3. Expenses from ordinary activities Borrowing costs Interest expense - Controlled Property Trusts - Other entities Expenses from ordinary activities, excluding borrowing costs Increase in net policy liabilities Provision for unrealised loss on investments Property management expenses incurred by Property Trusts controlled by Challenger Life No.2 Limited Goodwill amortisation Amortisation of deferred portfolio and origination costs Depreciation Employee expenses Commission expense Occupancy expense- operating lease Professional fees Communications Other expenses Total expenses from ordinary activities Consolidated Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 $000's 129,654 147,250 Parent Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 $000's 23,180 23,877 (31,401) 20,143 17,267 36,006 11,789 49,501 19,209 446,475 Consolidated Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 $000's Parent Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 $000's 66,426 15,389 81,815 75,549 6,286 11,623 11,297 18,690 1,933 58,441 62,336 5,945 6,386 3,628 35,718 297,832 379,647 1,620 1,620 1,620 27 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 4. Write-down in Goodwill As reported in the directors report in the section titled "consolidated results" the Board of directors of Challenger have approved a write-down of $280,000,000 in the Parent Entity's investment in the Challenger Group subsidiaries . The following outlines the impact of the write-down on the Parent Entity and Consolidated Entity net profit and net assets as reported in the Statement of Financial Performance and Statement of Financial Position, respectively. Impact on net profit Impact on net profit before tax Tax expenselbenefit attributable to write-down Impact on net profit after tax Net profit/(loss) after tax prior to goodwill/investment write-down Net (loss) after tax after goodwill/investment write-down Impact on net assets Consolidated entity Written down value of Goodwill prior to write-down Goodwill write-off Net assets prior to goodwill write-off Net assets after goodwill write-off Parent entity Written down value of investment in controlled entities prior to write-down Write-down in investment Net assets prior to goodwill write-off Net assets after goodwill write-off Impact on earnings per share Basic earnings per share prior to write-off of goodwill Basic earnings per share after write-off of goodwill Diluted earnings per share prior to write-off of goodwill Diluted earnings per share after write-off of goodwill Consolidated Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 $000's (280,000) Parent Entity Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 $000's (280,000) (280,000) (280,000) 44,555 (235,445) (1,620) (281,620) 2004 $000's 535,974 280,000 255,974 1,364,948 1,084,948 1,202,221 (280,000 922,221 1,318,773 1,038,773 Consolidated Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 1 .72 cents (9.08) cents 1 .54 cents (8.13) cents CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 5. Income tax The income tax expense for the financial year differs from the amount calculated on the profit/(loss) . The differences are reconciled as follows: Profit/(Loss) from ordinary activities before income tax expense Income tax calculated @ 30% Tax effect of amounts that are not deductible/(assessable) in calculating the taxable amount : Non-allowable expenses - Write-down in goodwill - Write-down in investment in controlled entities - Other Non-assessable items Other items Income tax expense Income tax expense comprises: Deferred income tax (revenue) / expense Tax losses Potential deferred tax asset at 30 June 2004 in respect of tax losses not brought to account estimated by the directors Consolidated Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 $000's Parent Entity Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 $000's (211,720) (281,620) (63,516) (84,486) 84,000 6,564 (3,827) 504 23,725 84,000 486 23,725 23,725 69,739 This benefit for tax losses will only be obtained if: (i) the consolidated entity derives future assessable income of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the benefit from the deductions for the losses to be realised; and (ii) the consolidated entity continues to comply with the conditions for deductibility imposed by tax legislation ; and (iii) no changes in tax legislation adversely affect the consolidated entity in realising the benefit from the deductions for the losses . 69,739 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 5 . Income tax (cont'd) Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised for amounts relating to investments in subsidiaries where the Company controls the timing of distributions and dividends, and it is probable that temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future . Tax consolidation legislation Effective 1 July 2002, for the proposes of income taxation, Challenger Financial Services Group and its 100% owned eligible subsidiaries have formed a tax consolidated group. Members of the group will enter into a tax sharing agreement in order to allocate income tax expense to the wholly-owned subsidiaries on a pro-rata basis. In addition, the agreement will provide for the allocation of income tax liabilities between the entities should the head entity default on its tax payment obligations . At balance date, the possibility of default is remote. The head entity of the tax consolidated group is Challenger Financial Services Group Limited. Challenger Financial Services Group Limited, as the head entity of the tax consolidated group, has recognised current and deferred tax amounts relating to transactions, events and balances of the wholly-owned Australian subsidiaries in the group as if those transactions, events and balances were its own, in addition to the current and deferred tax balances arising in relation to its own transactions, events and balances. Amounts receivable or payable under the proposed tax sharing agreement have been recognised separately by Challenger Financial Services Group Limited as tax-related amounts receivable or payable . Under the revised AASB 1020 Income Taxes, the balances of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities have been adjusted as a consequence of resetting tax values of the assets and liabilities of wholly owned subsidiaries . Challenger Financial Services Group has formally notified the Australian Tax Office of its adoption of the tax consolidation regime. Franking credits Franking credits available for subsequent financial years based on a tax rate of 30% Consolidated 2004 000's 35,136 Parent Entity 2004 000's 35,136 The above amount represents the balance of the franking account as at the end of the financial year, adjusted for: (a) (b) (c) (d) franking credits that will arise from the payment of the current tax liability franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables at the reporting date, and franking credits that maybe prevented from being distributed in the subsequent year. Note 6. Cash assets Cash at bank and on hand Deposits at call Consolidated Parent Entity 2004 $000's 144,796 481,592 626,388 2004 $000's - CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 7. Receivables Secured loans * Trade debtors Bills of exchange Non-recourse LTIP loans to employees** Amounts recoverable from managed trusts Dividends receivable Interest receivable Other debtors Amount receivable from related parties -controlled entities Consolidated 2004 $000's 190,304 10,817 9,570 118,172 12,512 2,540 7,085 69,021 Parent Entity 2004 $000's 118,172 - 420,021 58,921 177,093 * Includes margin lending receivables amounting to $155,375,581 **Refer Note 28 for further information in respect of the terms and conditions attaching to the non-recourse LTIP loans to employees. Bills of exchange The Bills of exchange have a face value of $9,635,000 and mature at various dates over the 3 months following balance date. The average interest rate is 5.51 %. Note 8. Investment Assets Debt Securities Fixed Interest Notes Preference Shares Bonds Other Other Financial Assets Equity Securities Shares in listed corporations Unit trusts and managed funds Shares in listed corporations held in relation to endowment warrants* Other equity investments Consolidated 2004 $000's Parent Entity 2004 $000's 628,117 191,824 221,226 176,520 1,217,687 332 332 70,380 46,180 75,031 13,050 204,641 *Benefits derived from this asset have been assigned to a third party and accordingly do not accrue to the benefit of Challenger, refer Note 3I(b) for further information. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 9. Investment Properties Unit trusts at fair value Land & buildings at fair value Reconciliation Carrying amount at 6 November 2003 Additions through acquisition of entity Capital Expenditure Sale of properties Net revaluation Closing balance at 30 June 2004 Consolidated 2004 S000's 11,441 2,523,693 2,535,134 2,558,902 15,345 (134,212) 95,099 2,535,134 Parent Entity 2004 $000's - CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 9. Investment Properties (Cont'd) Consolidated Entity Acquisition Date CinemalRetail Century City Walk, VIC Innaloo Cinema Centre, WA Jam Factory, VIC Rivoli, VIC George Street Cinemas, NSW Sub-sector CinennalRetail Total Retail Chapel Street Air rights, VIC Kings Langley,NSW $000's Carrying Value* 30/06/2004 $000's 4-Jul-00 17-Dec-01 4-Jul-00 4-Jul-00 4-Jul-00 24,100 20,300 74,900 12,700 68,500 200,500 22,503 23,024 90,036 13,675 71,067 220,305 23,884 25,900 106,653 20,000 79,177 255,614 M3 M3 M3 M3 M3 Dec-03 Jun-04 Dec-03 Dec-03 Jun-04 15-May-01 29-Jul-01 6,000 14,100 20,100 6,014 14,639 20,653 13,250 15,933 29,183 M3 M3 Jun-04 Jun-04 30-Jun-00 153,725 186,401 230,000 M3 Jun-04 27-Jun-01 13-Nov-02 23-Feb-01 7-Jan-00 28-Jun-02 18-Dec-99 136,989 17,260 35,200 12,845 24,140 15,120 241,554 150,722 18,488 35,416 13,601 25,742 16,242 260,211 145,000 18,500 41,754 14,462 25,850 18,216 263,782 FPD Savills M3 DTZ DTZ M3 FPD Savills Dec-03 Jun-04 Dec-03 Dec-03 Jun-04 Dec-03 31-Jan-01 29-Dec-99 17-Feb-99 11-May-00 15-May-02 29-Dec-99 29-Dec-99 18,900 10,500 15,600 12,100 17,400 6,435 4,467 85,402 20,047 11,044 16,678 12,862 18,539 6,438 4,525 90,133 21,850 11,000 20,252 14,350 18,711 6,536 4,905 97,604 M3 CBRE FPD Savills M3 FPD Savills M3 Urbis Jun-04 Jun-04 Dec-03 Jun-04 Dec-03 Jun-04 Jun-04 1-Jan-00 1-Dec-01 28-Apr-98 21-Jun-02 30-Mar-01 14-Dec-00 27-Jun-02 16-May-01 5-Jan-01 5-Jan-01 35,200 43,400 30,550 40,200 20,650 38,000 73,000 35,000 96,000 61,000 473,000 78,490 87,851 32,938 42,748 21,575 40,339 74,090 37,303 101,411 65,800 582,545 119,151 84,745 35,084 44,000 24,500 44,000 70,000 39,393 102,737 65,027 628,637 Colliers Colliers Colliers JLL M3 CBRE M3 M3 FPD Savills FPD Savills Dec-03 Jun-04 Dec-03 Jun-04 Jun-04 Jun-04 Jun-04 Jun-04 Dec-03 Dec-03 1,174,281 1,360,248 1,504,820 Sub-sector Retail Total Social Infrastructure County Court, VIC Industrial Hi-Tech CSIRO, NSW Globe, Port Melbourne, VIC Goodman Fielder, North Ryde, NSW Heidelberg, Waterloo, NSW Kraft, Port Melbourne, VIC Rexel, North Ryde, NSW Sub-sector Industrial Hi-Tech Total Industrial Distribution Centre Toll Drive, Altona North, VIC API, Richlands, QLD Auto Group, Enfield, NSW Spotlight, Laverton North, VIC Tetra Pak, Fairfield, NSW CPI Braeside, VIC (JV) CPI Wetherill Park, NSW (JV) Sub-sector Industrial Distribution Centre Total Office ABS Building, ACT DIMIA Building, ACT Discovery House, ACT Elders House, SA Executive Building, Hobart, TAS Makerston, QLD 417 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC TaylorsInstitute, Waterloo, NSW The Forum, Cisco, NSW The Forum, UUNet, NSW Sub-sector Office Total Total Australia _ Date of Latest Valuation Total Cost Including Additions $000's Australian Properties Acquisition Price Valuer 33 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 9. Investment Properties (Cont'd) Consolidated Entity Acquisition Date Acquisition Price $000'5 Total Cost Including Additions $000'5 Carrying Value* 30/06/2004 $000'5 Valuer Date of Latest Valuation United Kingdom-Office 3 World Business Centre, Heathrow Hayes Park Minster Court Senator House Sub-sector UK Office Total 22-Mar-02 8-Oct-01 7-Jul-01 3-May-01 63,724 192,791 224,228 218,074 698,817 65,331 196,070 227,672 222,872 711,945 67,726 182,339 225,918 223,170 699,153 Knight Frank Knight Frank CBRE CBRE Dec-03 Dec-03 Sun-04 Jun-04 United States- Office Las Cimas 11 & 111, USA 50 Milk Street, Boston, USA Invesco, Denver, USA Sub-sector US Office Total 15-1ul-02 15-Oct-02 31-Dec-02 86,619 154,472 83,069 324 ,160 92,568 160,018 83,638 336,224_ . 91,631 155,630 83,900 331,161 C& W CBRE CBRE Jun-04 Dec-03 Dec-03 Grand Total 2,197,258 2,408,417 2,535,134 * The carrying value of all properties reflects their latest independent valuation with the exception of the following properties : Capitalised Provision Carrying costs Costs to complete for Exit Tax on Independent subsequent Value disposal Valuation to valuation development 30/06/2004 $000'5 $000'5 $000'5 $000's $000'5 George St Cinema's, NSW Century City Walk, VIC Jam Factory, VIC Kings Largely, NSW Goodman Fielder, North Ryde, NSW Heidelberg,Waterloo, NSW Rexel, North Ryde, NSW Auto Group, Enfield, NSW Tetra Pak, Fairfield, NSW ABS Building, ACT DIMIA Building, ACT Discovery House, ACT Taylors Institute, Waterloo, NSW The Forum, Cisco, NSW The Forum, UUNet, NSW 81,000 23,750 105,500 16,300 42,600 14,570 18,400 20,600 18,700 118,800 89,000 35,000 40,300 102,700 65,000 792,220 (1,823) 134 1,153 112 56 230 116 11 351 84 37 27 2,311 (367) (958) (164) (414) (464) (4,255) (907) (4,255) (5,097) . 79,177 23,884 106,653 15,933 41,754 14,462 18,216 20,252 18,711 119,151 84,745 35,084 39,393 102,737 65,027 785,179 Qualifications of Valuers The Valuer or Valuation Practice are authorised to practice as a Valuer under the law of the relevant jurisdiction where the valuation takes place. The Valuer performing the valuation has at least five years of continuous experience in the valuation of property of a similar type to the property being valued. Neither the Valuer or Valuation Practice has a pecuniary interest that could conflict with the valuation of the property. The Valuer and Valuation Practice comply with the Australian Property Institute (API) Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct. Methodology Valuations are prepared on the basis of Market Value as defined by The International Assets Valuation Standards Committee (T1AVSC) and endorsed by the API, being: Market value is the estimated amount for which an asset could exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and willing seller in an arms length transaction after property marketing costs wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion . In determining Market Value, Values have examined available market evidence and applied this analysis to both the traditional capitalisation approach and discounted cash-flow approach . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 10. Fixed Assets Consolidated Parent Entity 2004 2004 $000's $000's Plant & equipment - at cast Less: Accumulated depreciation 12,589 (7,291) 5,298 Software - at cost Less: Accumulated depreciation 16,561 (648) 15,913 Fixed assets under finance lease Less: Accumulated amortisation 4,869 (4,133) 736 Total fixed assets 21,947 Reconciliations Reconciliations of the consolidated entity carrying amounts of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current financial period are set out below. Consolidated Opening balance Additions through acquisition of entity Additions Disposals Depreciation / amortisation expense Carrying amount at 30 June 2004 Plant & equipment Software Leased fixed assets Total $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 3,700 3,261 (893) (770) 5,298 5,860 10,722 (22) (647) 15,913 1,252 (516) 736 10,812 13,983 (915) (1,933) 21,947 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 11 . Deferred tax assets The balance arises as a result of temporary differences attributable to: Surplus lease space Restructure provision Provision for doubtful debts Employee entitlements Note 12. Intangible assets Goodwill Goodwill on corporatisation Re-appraisal of fair value of net assets acquired Transfer from EMVONA* Accumulated amortisation Written down value prior to write-down Write-down (refer Note 4) Consolidated Parent Entity 2004 2004 $Goo's $000's 3,946 1,042 1,135 1,407 7,530 3,946 1,042 1,135 1,407 7,530 Consolidated ParentEntity 2004 2004 $000's $000's 401,953 (5,482) 150,800 (11,297) 535,974 (280,000) 255,974 *In respect of Part 9 merger of Challenger Life Limited and Challenger Life No.2 Limited . Note 13. Other assets Deferred portfolio & origination costs Prepayments Other Consolidated Parent Entity 2004 2004 $000's $000's 125,204 14,665 3,931 143,800 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 14 . Excess of net market values over the net book value of life insurance subsidiaries (EMVONA) Consolidated Parent Entity Controlled entities Management rights Howard Mortgage Trust (a) Management rights Garrisons & Synergy (a) Other controlled entities (a) 2004 2004 $000's $000's 175,000 38,881 10,500 224,381 (a) The net market value of management rights and other controlled entities is at Directors' valuation. In making their assessment of the valuation of management rights the Directors have considered independent valuations performed as at 30 June 2004 . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 15. Payables Consolidated Parent Entity 2004 $000's Trade creditors and accruals Unsettled trades payable Warrant liability* Swaps and forwards at fair value Funded expenses ** Other creditors Amounts payable to related parties -controlled entities 2004 $Goo's 145,954 84,515 34,011 10,824 18,282 1,665 1,620 295,251 7,530 9,150 * Does not represent an in substance liability of Challenger, refer Note 31(b) for additional information . ** Funded expenses represent origination costs initially funded by trusts managed by Challenger. The liabilities are non interest bearing, and repayable on terms as agreed between parties . Note 16. Interest bearing liabilities Outstanding $000's Bank Loans Corporate Interstar Controlled property trusts Securitised trust borrowings Warrants facility* Total bank loans Non-Bank Loans Controlled property trusts Share finance Total non-bank loans Lease liabilities Total interest bearing liabilities Facility $000's Unused $000's 85,000 149,994 1,187,445 37,171 41,647 1,501,257 100,000 150,000 1,195,086 100,000 41,647 1,586,733 15,000 6 7,641 62,829 85,476 502,000 138,800 640,800 502,000 180,000 682,000 41,200 41,200 2,912 2,912 2,144,969 2,271,645 126,676 Security for borrowings The corporate facility has a maturity date of February 2006 . The corporate banking and Interstar facility amounting to $100,000,000 and $150,000,000 respectively are secured by fixed and floating charges granted by Challenger and Iroka Pty Limited and an Equitable Group Mortgage of Shares over the shares in Challenger Howard Mortgage Management Limited granted in favour of ANZ Banking certain Group companies . Limited . In addition, there are cross guarantees in place between The Interstar facility matures on 28 September 2004 and subsequent to balance date has been refinanced via the issue of a Net Interest the Margin Bond issued by a special purpose vehicle, which on lends the funds to Interstar . The facility is limited in its recourse to and has an initial that Interstar manages securitised and warehouse trusts residual income from the various manager and service fees and term of 1 year. Bank loans and non-bank loans in the controlled property trusts are secured solely by first mortgages over properties . The remaining non-bank loans, $138,800,000, in relation to the share finance business are secured over shares . Lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights to the leased asset revert to the lessor in the event of default . Securitised trust borrowings are limited in recourse to assets of the trust. Interest on bank loan facilities accrues at a floating interest rate based on market index rates plus a margin of between 0 .5% and 1 .65% per annum . Interest on non-bank loan facilities accrues at a floating interest rate based on market index rates plus a margin of between 0 .1% and 1 perannum . * Does not represent an in substance liability of Challenger, refer Note 31 (b) for additional information . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 17. Provisions Restructuring on acquisition Deferred acquisition consideration Employee entitlements (Note 28) Movements in provisions Restructuring on acquisition: Opening balance Provisions acquired at 23 December 2003 Amounts utilised Additional provisions Carrying amount at 30 June 2004 Consolidated 2004 $000's 19,254 15,500 4,777 39,531 Parent Entity 2004 $000's - Consolidated 2004 $000's 25,345 (8,015) 1,924 19,254 Parent Entity 2004 $000's - Restructuring provision on acquisition includes provisions for corporate entity restructuring, surplus lease space and employee termination benefits . Employee entitlements excludes termination benefits . Consolidated Parent Entity 2004 2004 : $000's $000's Deferred acquisition consideration Opening balance 12,707 Provisions acquired at 23 December 2003 2,793 Restatement in provision 15,500 Carrying amount at 30 June 2004 Provision for deferred acquisition consideration is in respect of the acquisition of Interstar Securities Holdings Pty Limited and its controlled entities ("Interstar") which was acquired as part of the acquisition of Zed Capital Markets Australia Structured Finance Pty Limited and its controlled entities on 29 September 2003 . The consideration payable in respect of this acquisition is contingent upon the future performance of Interstar . The contingent consideration payable in respect of this acquisition is outlined as follows : A one off performance payment which is calculated by reference to the excess of the loan portfolio over $4.9 billion, the EBIT margin being achieved by the business and the average duration of the loan book as at 30 June 2006 ; and trailer based payment of 3.5 basis points per annum of the outstanding value of all new loans settled between 30 June 2006 and 31 December 2011 . This consideration is revised annually by reference to the above noted variables. Restatements in this provision are adjusted against goodwill on acquisition . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 18. Deferred Tax Liabilities The balance arises as a result of temporary differences attributable to: Revaluation of properties Other Consolidated 2004 $000's 28,488 30,433 58,921 Parent Entity 2004 $000's 28,488 30,433 58,921 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 19. Life insurance business (a) Actuarial policies and methods The amount of policy liabilities has been determined in accordance with methods and assumptions disclosed in this financial report and with the standards of the Life Insurance Actuarial Standards Board (LIASB) under section 114 of the Life Insurance Act 1995 . Policy liabilities These amounts, together with future premiums and investment earnings, are required to : (i) meet the payment of future benefits and expenses ; and provide for future profits . (ii) The policy liabilities have been calculated using the Margin on Services ("MoS") method in accordance with the requirements of Actuarial Standard 1 .03 "Valuation of Policy Liabilities" under section 114 of the Life Insurance Act 1995 . The Actuarial Standard requires the policy liabilities to be calculated in a manner that allows for the systematic release of planned margins as services are provided to policyholders and premiums are received . The methods and profit carriers for particular policy types are as follows: Business Type Individual Investment linked Investment account Annuity Allocated Pension Method (projection or other) Profit Carrier Accumulation Projection and accumulation Projection Projection Account balance Annuity payments Account balance Investment earnings/discount rate The expected future earnings rate is used as the discount rate . The assumption is based on the proportion of the fund that each asset sector represents. Expected earnings rates for each sector are then applied to these proportions with an appropriate allowance for tax dependent on the class of the business being valued . The expected earnings rates are reviewed annually for changes in the market environment . Where the products being valued are matched by a fixed interest portfolio, the earnings rate is determined with reference to the actual yield to maturity of those assets . Maintenance expenses The assumption is based on budgeted maintenance expenses for the year ended 30 June 2005 . These expenses are converted to a per policy unit cost based on an expense analysis for each fund . Inflation The assumption is based on long term expectations of inflation and is reviewed annually for changes in the market environment . The current assumption is 2.5% pa. Voluntary discontinuances The assumption is based on an investigation of recent experience . The current assumption range is 0.5% to 5.0%. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 19. Life insurance business (Contd) Surrender values Current and future surrender values have been calculated using the surrender bases under the products . Where appropriate, surrender values have taken into account the requirements of AS4 .02 "Minimum Surrender Values and Paid Up Values" standard issued by the Life Insurance Actuarial Standards Board. Mortality- annuity products The mortality assumption is based on IM/11790 (mortality tables developed by the Institute of Actuaries and the Faculty of Actuaries based on United Kingdom annuitant lives experience from 1990 to 1992) and adjusted for future mortality improvements . Shareholder tax Tax has been projected in a manner consistent with the tax environment applying from 30 June 2000 . The corporate tax rate of 30% has been used. Solvency position of the life insurers These are amounts required to meet the prudential standards specified by the Life Insurance Act 1995 to provide protection against the impact of fluctuations and unexpected adverse circumstances on the Company. The methodology and bases for determining Solvency Requirements are in accordance with the requirements of Actuarial Standard 2.03 "Solvency Standard" and 6 .02 "Management Capital Standard" under section 65 of the Life Insurance Act 1995 . As at 30 June 2004, the statutory funds of Challenger Life No . 2 Limited satisfied the requirements of the solvency standard . (b) Policy bolder liabilities Consolidated Parent Entity 2004 2004 $000's $000's Policy liabilities Made up of: Value of future policy benefits Value of future expenses Value of future premiums Planned margins of revenues over expenses 2,052,003 1,908,509 114,449 29,045 2,052,003 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 20 . (a) Contributed Equity Shares on issue Ordinary shares Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan * Consolidated and Parent Entity 2004 Shares 2,439,035,735 224,400,000 2,663,435,735 Consolidated and Parent Entity 2004 $000's 1,140,521 118,172 1,258,693 * The cost of shares issued under the Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan ("LTIP") have been financed by a nonrecourse loan from Challenger which is due and payable upon vesting of the shares . Dividends received on LTIP shares that have been issued under the LTIP are required to be paid to the Company as interest on the respective non-recourse loans. Refer Note 28 for further information in respect of the LTIP. Consolidated and Consolidated Parent Entity and Parent Entity ( ) Movement in shares on issue 2004 Shares 2004 $000's Ordinary shares 1 Issue of share on incorporation ** 2,439,035,734 1,140,521 Issue of shares as part of corporatisation equity restructure *** 2,439,035,735 1,140,521 Closing Balance ** Issued at consideration of$1 . *** Represents shares issued in respect of the corporatisation equity restructure which was approved by unitholders on 22 December 2003 . Refer Note 29(b) for additional information . Consolidated and Consolidated Parent Entity and Parent Entity 2004 2004 Shares $000's Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan Opening balance 224,400,000 118,172 Shares issued and held on trust 224,400,000 118,172 Closing balance (c) Terms and conditions of shares Ordinary shares A holder of a share is entitled to certain rights, including rights : (a) to receive dividends as declared ; (b) to be provided with copies of annual reports and other information in respect of the company; (c) to receive notice of, and vote at, meetings of holders of shares, either in person or by proxy; (d) after liquidation of the company, to receive the distribution of the net proceeds of company assets according to the number of shares registered at termination; and (e) to transfer shares and on death, to pass the shares to a surviving joint holder, or by will or otherwise to the holder's estate . A holder of a share is entitled to one vote on a show of hands and on a poll, each shareholder will have one vote for each dollar of the total value of shares, determined from the sale of such shares on the ASX on the trading day immediately before the day on which the poll is taken. Shares issued under LTIP The terms and conditions of shares issued under the LTIP are disclosed in Note 28 of the financial report . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 21 . Reserves Equity option premium reserve Movements in reserves Equity option premium reserve Opening balance Issue of options to previous option holders of CFSG Issue of options to related party as part of corporatisation equity restructure* Closing balance Consolidated 2004 $000's 61,700 61,700 1,700 60,000 61,700 Parent Entity 2004 $000's 61,700 61,700 1,700 60,000 61,700 * Represents the fair value at grant date (as determined by an Independent Expert) of 300,000,000 non-transferable call options over ordinary shares of Challenger that have been issued to Consolidated Press Holdings Limited . These options have an exercise price of $0.65, a ten year term and may be exercised at any time within ten years from their grant date (22 December 2003). The options were issued as part of the consideration in respect of the equity restructure of CFSG (refer Note 29(b) for additional information) . Nature and purpose of reserves Equity option premium reserve Represents the valuation assigned to options that were issued to previous option holders of CFSG and Consolidated Press Holdings Limited as a result of the equity restructure of the parent entity . Note 22 . Retained Profits Opening balance Net profit / (loss) Balance at the end of the year Consolidated 2004 $000's (235,445) (235,445) Parent Entity 2004 $000's (281,620) (281,620) CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 23 . Earnings per share Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share Consolidated Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 Cents (9.08) (8 .13) Consolidated Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 Number Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic earnings per share Effect of dilutive securities : Share options Adjusted weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share Reconciliations of earnings used in calculating earnings per share Earnings per share Earnings used in calculating basic earnings per share Earnings used in calculating diluted earnings per share 2,593,772,384 302,416,685 2,896,189,069 Consolidated Period from 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 $000's (235,445) (235,445) CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 24 . Segment information The primary business segments of the Group as at 30 June 2004 have been identified as follows: Life $000's Wholesale Finance $000's Wealth Management ** $000's Corporate * $000's Total Consolidated $000's 255,120 93,689 86,081 13,037 447,927 113 1,358 462 11,297 13,230 Expenses-excluding depreciation and amortisation 189,690 71,309 88,520 16,898 366,417 Net profitt(loss) before tax and goodwill write-down 65,317 21,022 (2,901) (15,158) 68,280 280,000 - - - 280,000 Netprofit/(loss)before tax (214,683) 21,022 (2,901) (15,158) (211,720) Segment assets prior to write-down in goodwill 4,865,793 569,059 316,851 203,920 5,955,623 280,000 - - - 280,000 4,585,793 569,059 316,851 203,920 5,675,623 (3,960,204) (151,198) (189,949) (289,324) (4,590,675) 286 8,562 5,135 - 13,983 2004 Total revenue Depreciation & amortisation Goodwill write-down Goodwill write-down Segment assets Segment liabilities Acquisition of non-current assets * Corporate segment relates to non-core activities of the Group (including businesses to be restructured or sold as previously announced to the Australian Stock Exchange) and other group/head office activities including goodwill amortisation, corporate borrowings and associated borrowing costs. ** Represents Funds Management, Administration & Financial Planning . The consolidated entity operates predominantly in one geographical area, being Australia. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 25 . (a) Financial instruments Derivative instruments Certain controlled entities of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited are parties to derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business in order to hedge exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currencies . Interest rate derivatives The consolidated entity has entered into interest rate derivatives as part of its policy to protect part of the borrowings from exposure to movements in interest rates. The contracts require settlement of net interest receivable or payable between 60 - 120 days . The settlement dates coincide with the dates on which interest is payable on the underlying debt. Interest rate derivatives currently in place cover approximately 91% of the loan principal outstanding and are timed to expire as each loan repayment falls due. The fixed interest rates range between 2.6% and 7.6%. The 180 day bank bill rate at balance date was 5.5% . At 30 June 2004, the notional principal amounts and periods of expiry of the interest rate deriviatives were as follows: Less than 1 year 1 - 2 years 2 - 3 years 3 - 4 years 4- 5 years Greater than 5 years Consolidated 2004 $000's 183,124 109,444 160,091 212,233 111,505 1,445,871 2,222,268 Interest rate derivatives are accounted for on a fair value basis. The loss on the Interest rate derivatives outstanding at 30 June 2004 amounted to $30.7 million. Forward foreign exchange contracts Challenger Life No . 2 Limited owns property in the United Kingdom and the United States . In order to protect against exchange rate movements Challenger Life has entered into forward foreign exchange contracts. The contracts are timed to mature when major cashflows from the investment properties (held in controlled property trusts) are scheduled to be paid . Forward foreign exchange contracts are accounted for on a fair value basis. The net gain for the period ended 30 June 2004 on the forward exchange contracts outstanding at 30 June 2004 amounted to $39.8 million. At balance date, the details of the outstanding contracts are: Sell GBP Sterling Less than 1 year 1 - 2 years 2-3 years 3 - 4 years 4 - 5 years Greater than 5 years Consolidated Buy Australian Dollars 2004 $000's 57,820 10,095 9,379 8,950 9,645 123,600 219,489 Average Exchange Rate 0.3751 0.3571 0 .3544 0.3513 0.3482 0.3281 47 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 25. Financial instruments (Cont'd) Sell US Dollars Less than 1 year 1 - 2 years 2 - 3 years 3 - 4 years 4 - 5 years Greater than 5 years (b) Consolidated Buy Australian Dollars 2004 $000's 15,985 19,264 16,221 14,695 17,708 116,030 199,903 Average Exchange Rate 0.4805 0.5240 0.5218 0.5104 0.5060 0.5071 Credit risk exposures The credit risk on financial assets of the consolidated entity which have been recognised on the statements of financial position, other than investments in shares, is generally the carrying amount, net of any provisions for doubtful debts. Bills of exchange which have been purchased at a discount to face value, are carried on the statements of financial position at an amount less than the amount realisable at maturity . The total credit risk exposure of the consolidated entity could also be considered to include the difference between the carrying amount and the realisable amount . (c) Interest rate risk exposures The consolidated entity's exposure to interest rate risk and the effective weighted average interest rate by maturity period is set out in the following table. For interest rates applicable to each class of asset or liability refer to individual notes to the financial statements . Exposures arise predominantly from assets and liabilities bearing variable interest rates as the consolidated entity intends to hold fixed rate assets and liabilities to maturity . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 25 . Financial instruments (Cont'd) Consolidated 2004 $000's Financial assets Cash and deposits Receivables Debt securities Other Financial liabilities Payables Interest bearing liabilities** Interest rate deriviatives* Net financial assets Weighted Average Floating Interest interest rate Note, Rate 6 7 15 16 4.8% 7.6% 6.4% 6 .8% Fixed interest maturing in : 1 year or less Over 1 to 5 years More than 5 years Noninterest bearing Total 618,642 207,607 8,194 834,443 20,864 418,116 438,980 4,147 643,625 647,772 146,087 146,087 7,746 187,403 1,665 2,757,895 2,954,709 626,388 420,021 1,217,687 2,757,895 5,021,991 225,818 (1,964,854) (1,739,036) 784,007 183,124 967,131 865,612 593,273 1,458,885 266,538 1,188,457 1,454,995 295,251 2,994 298,245 295,251 2,144,969 2,440,220 2,573,479 (528,151) (811,113) (1,308,908) 2,656,464 2,581,771 *Notional principal amounts (excludes forward dated swaps). **Interest bearing liabilities includes accrued interest of $2,994,000 The entity has financial assets and liabilities that are subject to a right of set off. The interest rate for both counterparties financial assets and liabilities are matched and fixed for the term of the deals. Accordingly, they do not give rise to interest rate risk. Reconciliation of net financial assets to net assets per statement of financial position Net financial assets as above Non-financial assets and liabilities: Plant and equipment Intangibles Deferred tax assets EMVONA Other assets Deferred tax liabilities Provisions Policy liabilities Net assets per statement of financial position Consolidated 2004 $000's 2,581,771 21,947 255,974 7,530 224,381 143,800 (58,921) (39,531) (2,052,003) 1,084,948 Net fair value of financial assets and liabilities The net fair value of cash and cash equivalents and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and financial liabilities of the consolidated entity approximates their carrying amounts. The net fair value of financial assets or financial liabilities arising from interest rate swap agreements and forward exchange contracts have been determined as the carrying amount, which represents the amount currently receivable or payable at the reporting date, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows . Net fair value of financial assets, excluding investments relating to Challenger Life No.2 Limited, is exclusive of costs which would be incurred on realisation of an asset, and inclusive of costs which would be incurred on settlement of a liability. 49 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 26. Related parties Directors The directors of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited at any time during the financial year are as follows : Peter Leith Polson (Chairman) Christopher Edgar Cuffe (Chief Executive Officer) Michael Tilley (Vice-Chairman) Graham Allan Cubbin Russell Richard Roberts Hooper Ashok Peter Jacob James Douglas Packer James Glen Service Brenda Mary Shanahan Transactions with related parties in the wholly owned group : Transactions with related parties (except otherwise disclosed) are conducted on an arms length basis under normal commercial terms and conditions . Amounts payable and receivable in respect of transactions between entities in the consolidated group are disclosed in Notes 7 and 15 . Ultimate parent entity Challenger Financial Services Group Limited is the ultimate parent entity . Shareholdings in Challenger Financial Services Group Limited of directors and senior executives Details of the Directors and Senior Executives sbareholdings in the Company as at 30 June 2004 and their affiliates are set out below: Granted as remuneration Vested Net change other Balance 30 June 2004 Units in registered schemes Balance 30 June 2004 # # # # # Shareholdings Shares held in Challenger Financial Services Group Limited Directors P L Polson Chairman C E Cuffe Chief Executive Officer M Tille Vice-Chairman G A Cubbin R R R Hoo er A P Jacob J D Packer J G Service B M Shanahan 40,000,000 110,000 1,000,000 114,994 888,506 300,000 100,000 110,000 41,000 000 114,994 888,506 300,000 100,000 182,714, 5,754,267 182,714 5,754,267 Senior Executives 15,000,000 15 000,000 R Adams Executive - Wealth Management) 15,000,000 B Benari (Executive- Wholesale Finance 159 000,000 6,000,000 6000,000 T H Poster Chief Financial Officer 15,000,000 15000,000 R Howes (Executive-Life 27,500,000 27,500 000 D Stevens Executive - Capital, Risk & Strategy) 118,500,000 8,450,481 126,950,481 Total Shares acquired by the directors were at arms length prices . Dividends paid/payable to the directors and their affiliates were $nil . - 38,255 38,255 Loans to directors and senior executives The following table outlines total loans made to directors and specified executives as at 30 June 2004 . Total Directors Total Specified Executives Balance 6 November 2003 $ Balance 30 June 2004 - $ 21,200,000 - 41,605,000 Total 62,805,000 *represents the difference between market interest rates and interest paid/payable on loans . Interest paid/ payable $ - Market Number in Interest Group 30 June Differential* 2004 $ 965,616 21,200,000 1,895,022 41,605,0001 2,860,638 62,805,000 Loans made to specified executives were advanced in accordance with the terms of the LTIP which have been disclosed in Note 28 to the financial statements . They are non-recourse in nature and interest payable is detern ined in line with the dividends paid on shares issued under the LTIP . 50 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 26. Related parties (Cont'd) Loans in excess of $100,000 that were outstanding as at 30 June 2004, were issued to the following directors and specified executives: Directors C E Cuffe (Chief Executive Officer) Balance 6 November 2003 $ Balance 30 June 2004 Interest paid/ payable $ $ 21,200,000 Senior Executives 7,950,000 R Adams Lxecutive- Wealth Mana " ement 7,950,000 BBenari (Executive- Wholesale Finance 3,180,000 TH Foster (Chief Financial Officer) 7,950,000 RHowes Executive-Life 14,571 00( D Stevens (Executive - Calaital, Risk & Strate(" v *represents the difference between market interest rates and interest paid/payable on loans . - - Market Interest Differential* $ Maximum balance during the period $ 965,616 21,200,000 362,106 362,106 144,842 362,106 663,862 7,950,000 7,950,000 3,180,000 7,950,000 14,575,000 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS , Note 27. Directors' and Executives' remuneration Non-Executive Directors' Remuneration Challenger's remuneration policy for non-executive directors aims to ensure that the Company can attract and retain suitably skilled, experienced and committed people to serve on the Board. Total remuneration for non-executive directors is required to be approved by shareholders, and members approved a payment up to a maximum of $950,000 at corporatisation to non-executive directors The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining and reviewing compensation arrangements for the nonexecutive directors having regard to market trends and shareholder interests. Non-executive directors are not entitled to receive performance related remuneration or to receive shares through participation in any Challenger incentive plan . The nature and amount of remuneration paid to each non-executive director of Challenger in the period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004 is set out below: Specified Directors Prima Salary & Fees Cash Bonus $ 72,355 64,547 $ - Post Em to ment SuperRetirement annuation Benefits $ $ 5,727 5,727 P L Polson (Chairman) M Tille Vice-Chairman G A Cubbin* 77,561 5,727, R R R Hoo er A P Jacob* J D Packer* 59,863 J G Service 72,535 5,727 B M Shanahan 346,8611 22,908 Total remuneration * Act as a director in connection with discharging their duties as an executive of CPH. - Total $ 78,082 70,274 83,288 59,863 78,29 369,7691 Details of directors' and senior executives' holdings in Challenger shares and managed investment schemes are set out in Note 26 to the financial statements . Executive Remuneration Chief Executive Officer The Committee is responsible for reviewing the remuneration of the CEO, which must be approved by the full Board. The employment contract with Mr Cuffe in his capacity as CEO was approved by the unit holders at the time of Corporatisation in December 2003 . The principal elements of that package were : " Base salary of $675,000 ; " Participation in the Challenger short term incentive plan up to 150% of base salary package; " Allocation of 40,000,000 shares under the CEO Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) at an issue price of 53 cents, subject to a hurdle of 15% per annum compound total return to shareholders (including dividends) for releases of these shares after the initial release in April 2005 . " A non-recourse loan in respect of the purchase of the LTIP shares . However upon transition to his role as Chief Executive, Wealth Management, Mr Cuffe's contract was altered, the material details of which are as follows: " Base salary of $600,000 ; " Participation in the Challenger Employee Incentive Plan up to 100% of base salary package; " Allocation of 18,000,000 shares under the LTIP at an issue price of 53 cents, subject to a hurdle of 15% per annum compound total return to shareholders (including dividends) for releases of these shares after the initial release in April " A non-recourse loan in respect of the purchase of the LTIP shares . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 27. Directors' and Executives' remuneration (cont'd) Upon Mr Tilley's appointment as CEO, under the terms of his appointment Mr Tilley will be entitled to : " A base salary of $675,000; " A short-term incentive of up to 150% of the base salary package, subject to achieving qualitative and quantitative hurdles set by the Board; " A $500,000 interest free loan for the purpose of investing in Challenger investment products, other than Challenger shares; " A retention bonus of $250,000 after 3 years of employment as CEO and a further retention bonus of $250,000 at the end of year 5 . Mr Tilley will not be entitled to participate in the Challenger LTIP . However, subject to Challenger shareholder approval, Mr Tilley will be allocated 5,000,000 restricted Challenger shares, funded via limited recourse loan and issued at 53 cents, at the time that shareholder approval is granted . These shares will be issued substantially on the same terms as the longterm incentive plan limited recourse loan and escrow conditions. Mr Tilley may terminate his service agreement by giving 12 months notice to Challenger, in which event he will receive accrued statutory and contractual entitlements, but he will not be entitled to any termination payment, short term incentive payments, unvested shares or future retention payments . Challenger may terminate Mr Tilley's service agreement, in which event (other than in the case of termination for cause, poor performance or incapacity), Mr Tilley will be entitled to a payment of $2 million, if termination is within the first 3 years; a $1 .75 million payment if termination is during years 3-5 or a $1 .5 million payment if termination is after year 5, in all cases, in addition to accrued entitlements . Where termination is for cause or poor performance, Mr Tilley will only be entitled to accrued entitlements, but he will not be entitled to a termination payment, except where termination is due to incapacity in which case he will be entitled to a termination payment of $750,000 . Senior Executives Executive remuneration and incentive policies and practices will be performance based and aligned with the Group's vision, values and overall business objectives . Challenger's ability to attract and retain talented executives, and to align their interests with those of shareholders, is critically important to Challenger's ability to deliver sustained shareholder value. At the same time, the Board recognises that it has a responsibility to ensure that executive remuneration is fair and reasonable, and is effectively structured to produce superior results for shareholders . Accordingly, the Board has adopted remuneration policies designed to achieve these important objectives . Remuneration packages for senior executives typically comprise three components : a fixed pay component, a short-term bonus component and a component related to longer-term performance and retention . The fixed pay component is calculated on the basis of total cost, including employee benefits such as motor vehicles, superannuation, car parking and any other form of compensation, together with fringe benefits tax applicable to those benefits . Short-term bonus incentives at Challenger are based on the achievement of specific annual goals and objectives related to the performance of the Group as a whole and its operating divisions. Bonuses may take the form of cash or shares issued under the Group's Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan (LTIP) . Senior and other key executives have been granted long-term incentives designed to retain the loyalty of those executives over the medium to long term . In general, the long term variable element will take the form of a grant of shares under the LTIP described in Note 28 of this report . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 27. Directors' and Executives' remuneration (cont'd) The nature and amount of each component of remuneration paid and accrued to the CEO and each of the five executive officers who have the greatest authority for managing operations of Challenger in the period 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004 is set out below: Senior Executives C E Cuffe Chief Executive Officer)^ R Adams Executive- Wealth Management) B Benari Executive - Wholesale Finance T H Foster Chief Financial Officer R Howes Executive - Life ^^ D Stevens Executive - Capital, Risk & Strategy) To tal remuneration Prima Salary & Fees 345,643 254,547 202,492 163,451 150,437 254,547 1,371,117 Superannuation Cash Bonus * 300,000 241,154 541,154 5,727 5,727 5,727 5,727 5,727 5,727 34,362 Equity LTIP** 531,044 254,526 238,813 109,998 205,046 375_,325 1,714,7521 - Total Other*** 190,000 190,0001 882,414 ' 514,800 747,032 469,176' 602 364 635,599 3,851,385 In respect of Messrs Benari and Howes, cash bonus amounts represent guaranteed bonus amounts that were negotiated as part of their respective executive remuneration packages . Represents accrued fair value of LTIP and cash based shadow scheme during the period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004 (refer remuneration report for additional information in respect of cash based shadow scheme). Fair value has been determined in accordance with the principles outlined in Note 28 . *** Mr Foster's other payment represents a compensation payment made by a related party in respect of previously foregone employment retention rights. LTIP amounts have been calculated on the original entitlement and have not been adjusted to reflect changes in entitlements subsequent to his change . in role as noted above in the section titled "Chief Executive Officer" . Subsequent to year end, Mr Howes stepped down as Executive - Life to accept the role of Chief Investment Officer Life . Accordingly there will be a reduction to his respective LTIP entitlements subsequent to 30 June 2004 . During the financial year shares were granted as part of the Challenger LTIP to Senior Executives as disclosed in the below table. Senior Executives C E Cuffe Chief Executive Officer ^ R Adams (Executive - Wealth Management) B Benari Executive- Wholesale Finance T H Foster Chief Financial Officer RHowes (Executive -Life^ D Stevens (Executive - Capital, Risk & Strategy) Total ^ Granted 40,000,000 15,000,000 15,000,000 6,000,000, 15,000,000 27,500,000 118,500,000 Terms & conditions Grant date First Vest Last Vest Date Date Vested - 22/01/2004 23/02/2004 23/02/2004 23/02/2004 23/02/2004 23/02/2004 10/04/2005 1/08/2005 10/04/2005 10/04/2005 1/08/2005 1/08/2005 10/04/2008 1/08/2008 10/04/2008 10/04/2008 1/08/2008 1/08/2008 - As noted above LTIP shares granted have been calculated on the original entitlement and have not been adjusted to reflect changes in entitlements subsequent to their respective changes in role subsequent to 30 June 2004 . LTIP shares issued during the period represent the total shares issued to Senior Executives as remuneration during the period ended 30 June 2004 . As at 30 June 2004 no LTIP shares had vested during the period ended 30 June 2004. The terms and conditions in respect of the shares issued under the LTIP are outlined in Note 28 to the financial statements . Directors & Senior Executives total holdings in Challenger Shares and Managed Investment Schemes are set out in Note 26 to the accounts . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 28 . Employee Entitlements Employee entitlements Consolidated 30 June 2004 $000's - - 4,777 Parent entity 30 June 2004 $000's - Employees of the Group totalled 904 at balance date. Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan (LTIP) The LTIP was approved by unitholders as part of the equity restructure resolutions of Challenger as part of the corporatisation of Challenger . These resolutions were approved at a meeting of unitholders of CFSG on 22 December 2003. Under the terms of the LTIP, eligible employees may acquire Challenger shares, with the cost being financed by a non-recourse, interest bearing loan from Challenger which is repayable on the earlier of the sixth anniversary of the reference date and the date when the participating shares are sold. The reference date is the date of issue of the participating shares, a date determined by the Board not being earlier than 10 April 2003. Dividends received on shares that have been issued under the LTIP must be paid to the Company as interest on the associated nonrecourse loans. All grants of shares during the period were issued and placed on Trust on behalf of the employee . There are two types of participants of Challenger's Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan: . Participants ; and Initial Participants . The performance hurdles in respect of Participants are summarised as follows: Subject to performance hurdles being met, 20% of the participating shares issued to participants will be released on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date the shares are issued with the remaining 40% balance released on the fifth anniversary ; The performance hurdle is 15% per annum compounded annually, based on total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is determined by reference to the 20 day volume weighted average share price (VWAP) for Challenger Shares adjusted for capital restructures and distributions (dividends, capital returns and other distributions excluding franking credits) ; If the TSR for a period equals or exceeds the performance hurdle for that period, the relevant proportion of participating shares will be immediately released. Thus may include participating shares that have not been released in an earlier period because the TSR for that earlier period was not achieved; and On the release of participating shares (once vesting and performance hurdles have been met) participants may, but are not obliged to sell the shares . The performance hurdles in respect of Initial Participants are summarised as follows : The release dates of shares will be calculated from a reference date which is nominated by the Board (rather than the date of issue of shares), being no earlier than April 2003; The issue price for the initial participating shares to be allocated to the initial participants will be 53 cents (rather than the market price at the date of issue) ; No performance hurdle will be required to be met for the initial 20% of the participating shares to be released after two years from the reference date; and A 15% per annum compound TSR performance hurdle will be required to be met for the release of shares after the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries from the reference date, with the starting price for that calculation being $0.53 and the starting date for that calculation being the second anniversary of the reference date. 55 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 28. Employee Entitlements (Conttd) Under the terms of the LTIP, Participants and Initial Participants are not entitled to voting rights until the shares have vested and the associated loan has been repaid to the Company. Any unreleased participating LTIP shares will be sold by the Custodian to reduce any outstanding loan, bought back under the LTIP or cancelled by Challenger, subject to compliance with the Law. Details of the movement and fair value of employee shares under the LTIP are detailed in the following table: Opening balance Balance at 6 November Issue 2003 Granted Price* Vested Forfeited 30 June 2004 Grant Date Initial Participants 22 January 2004 23 February 2004 1 April 2004 Participants 3 March 2004 1 April 2004 Total Grant fair value** - 40,000,000 155,400,000 2,000,000 0.53 0.53 0.53 - - 40,000,000 155,400,000 2,000,000 3,434,759 12,794,970 150,321 - 22,750,000 4,250,000 0.50 0.50 - - 22,750,000 4,250,000 1,505,664 272,336 - 224,400,000 - - 224,400,000 18,158,050 The issue price of grants in respect of Participating shares is the VWAP of the shares over the five trading days up to and including the date of issue of that Participating share. ** Grant fair value represents the fair value of the shares issued at grant date calculated after taking into account all relevant factors including vesting timeframes, performance hurdles, share price volatility, dividend rates and interest rates. Employee Option Plans Prior to the merger between CPH Management Pty Limited and Challenger International Limited, employees were granted options based upon performance and subject to the approval of shareholders at general meetings. Options were granted under plans for no consideration. Options did not carry dividend or voting rights and vested options are not conditional on the employee's future employment . Unissued shares of the Company under option at the date of this report are as follows: Series G Option Plan options Expiry Date 30/07/2004 Vested % 100 Exercise Price $0.813 Number 16,627,500 The Series G options are exercisable at any time on or before the expiry date . No options were granted to employees of the Group during the period 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 . No options were exercised during the period 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 29. Statement of Cashflows a) Reconciliation of operating profit after income tax to net cash inflow from operating activities Consolidated Parent Period from Period from 6November 2003 6 November 2003 to 30 June 2004 to 30 June 2004 $000's $000's Operating profit/(loss) after income tax (Profit) / loss on sale of investments Write-down in goodwill Net unrealised losses on investments Equity accounted profits Amortisation and depreciation Other Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of controlled entity: Decrease / (increase) in receivables Decrease / (increase) in other assets Increase / (decrease) in trade creditors Increase / (decrease) in deferred tax Net cash inflow from operating activities (235,445) (53,273) 280,000 (29,513) (1,452) 31,920 80,264 (281,620) 64,259 (10,589) (5,080) (7,419) 113,672 (58,921) 280,000 1,620 7,530 51,391 b) Acquisition of controlled entities Services Group Challenger was incorporated on 6 November 2003 . On 22 December 2003, the unitholders of Challenger Financial corporatisation of CFSG . of CFSG involving the ("CFSG") approved a restructure became the Under the . restructure, CFSG unitholders exchanged their units for Challenger shares (on a one for one basis) and Challenger on 23 December 2003 . Stock Exchange sole holder of CFSG units. Challenger was admitted to the official list of the Australian As a result of the restructure of CFSG : which were disclosed as part " the Chief Executive Officer entered into an employment contract with Challenger, the material terms of restructure information; of the Challenger issued to Consolidated Press Holdings Limited 300 million non-transferable call options over unissued shares with an " exercise price of $0 .65 and a ten year term ; " a Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan for senior executives of Challenger was approved ; and Executive Officer " 40 million Challenger shares (under the terms of the Long Term Equity Based Incentive Plan) issued to the Chief were approved and were disclosed as part of the restructure information. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 29. Statement of Cashflows (Cont'd) b) Acquisition of controlled entities (continued) Details of the corporatisation are as follows: Fair value of identifiable net assets of Challenger Financial Services Group Cash Receivables Equity securities Debt securities Other financial assets Investment properties Fixed assets Land and plantation timber Deferred tax assets Intangible assets Excess of net market value of the interests of Challenger Life Limited in its subsidiaries over their recognised net amounts Other assets Payables Current tax liabilities Interest bearing liabilities Provisions Deferred tax liabilities Life insurance policy liabilities Net assets Non-cash consideration Cash consideration Discount on corporatisation The components of the acquisition cost were: Fair value of shares issued net of acquisition costs Acquisition costs Cost of pre-existing options in Challenger Financial Services Group Consolidated 2004 $,000s 347,879 254,962 213,956 1,158,397 25,080 2,558,902 10,812 54,000 54,890 427,289 375,453 153,431 (265,733) (7,429) (2,111,577) (44,437) (106,271) (1,926,222) 1,173,382 (1,148,047) 25,335 1,140,521 5,826 1,700 1,148,047 c) Disposals of controlled entities On 30 June 2004 Challenger disposed of all of the ordinary shares of Challenger Superannuation Services Pry Limited. Details of the disposal are as follows: Consolidated 2004 $000's 2,097 Cash consideration 2,097 Carrying amount of net assets disposed Profit on disposal Net assets disposed were comprised of Cash Receivables Other assets Trade creditors & provisions 173 1,353 1,107 (536) 2,097 The operating result of Challenger Superannuation Services Pty Limited up to the date of disposal has been included in the consolidated operating profit. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 29. Statement of Cashflows (Cont'd) d) Non-cash financing and investing activities Acquisition of Challenger Financial Services Group : Acquisition of shares in Challenger Financial Services Group Issuance of Challenger shares (net of acquisition costs) to shareholders of Challenger Financial Services Group Issuance of non-transferable call options over ordinary shares Issuance of options to previous option holders in Challenger Financial Services Group CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 30. Remuneration of auditors Amounts received or due and receivable by Emst & Young for: Audit or review of the financial report of the consolidated entity Consolidated Parent Entity Period from Period from 6 November 6 November to 30 June 2004 to 30 June 2004 $ $ 782,000 - Other services in relation to the consolidated entity and its controlled entities : Taxation services Due Diligence services Actuarial Other assurance services Amounts received or due and receivable by auditors other than Emst & Young for: Audit or review of the financial report of subsidiary entities 490,000 311,000 733,000 104,000 2,420,000 8,028 8,028 Auditors' remuneration for the consolidated entity is paid by Challenger Group Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 31 . Investments in controlled entities Name of entity Equity holding 30 June 2004 Country of incorporation Class of shares Directly controlled by Challenger Financial Services Group Challenger Financial Services Group CFSG Holdings No.2 Victoria Pty Limited Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Financial Services Group : CFSG Holdings No. 1 Victoria Pty Limited Australia Ordinary 100 Directly controlled by FXF Holdings Pty Limited : FXF Investments Pty Limited FXF Finance Pty Limited CPH 13213 Co . Pty Limited Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 50 100 100 Directly controlled by FXF Finance Pty Limited : FXF Investments Pty Limited Australia Ordinary 50 Directly controlled by CPH B2B Co. Pty Limited : CPH B2B Investments Pty Limited Australia Ordinary 100 Directly controlled by CFSG Holdings No.2 Victoria Pty Limited : Challenger Group Holdings Limited FXF Holdings Pty Limited Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 100 100 100 Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 UK USA Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 Australia Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Group Holdings Limited : Challenger Group Services Pty Ltd Challenger Property Capital Ltd Challenger International Nominees Ltd (i) Venture Link Australia Ltd (i) Challenger Equity Lending Ltd Challenger Treasury Ltd Challenger Mortgage Finance Pty Ltd Challenger Group Pty Ltd (i) Iroka Pty Ltd Directly controlled by Challenger Group Services Pty Ltd : Challenger Group Services (UK) Ltd Challenger America Inc (US) Directly controlled by Challenger Group Pty Ltd : Challenger Securities Ltd Challenger Freeholds Ltd (i) Challenger Hedging Ltd School Family Program Management Pty Ltd These controlled entities have been granted relief from the necessity to prepare financial reports in accordance with Class Order 98/1418 issued by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission. For further information see Note 33 . (i) CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 31 . Investments in controlled entities (Cont'd) Equity holding 30 June 2004 Country of incorporatio n Class of shares Australia Ordinary 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Property Capital Limited : Joncele Investments Pty Limited (sold 30/6/04) Australia Ordinary 51 Directly controlled by Challenger Treasury Limited : Challenger Property Finance Limited Australia Ordinary 100 ZCM Australia Asset Holdings Ltd SEIZA Asset Management (Bermuda) Ltd The Mortgage Alternative Holdings Pty Ltd Bermuda Bermuda Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 Directly controlled by ZCM Australia Asset Holdings Ltd: Interstar Securities Holdings Pty Ltd Australia Ordinary 100 Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 Australia Ordinary 100 Australia Ordinary 100 New Zealand New Zealand Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 Name of entity Directly controlled by Challenger Hedging Ltd: Challenger Lending No. 1 Pty Ltd Directly controlled by Challenger Mortgage Finance Pty Ltd: Directly Interstar Interstar Interstar controlled by Interstar Securities Holdings Pty Ltd: Securities (Australia) Pty Ltd Securities (International) Pty Ltd Securities (NZ) Pty Ltd Directly controlled by Interstar Securities (Australia) Pty Ltd: Interstar Home Loan Corporation Pty Ltd Directly controlled by Interstar Securities (International) Pty Ltd : Interstar Securitisation Management Pty Ltd Directly controlled by Interstar Securities (NZ) Pty Ltd : Interstar Home Loan Corporation NZ Ltd Interstar Securities NZ Ltd Interstar Mortgage Management Pty Limited Directly controlled by The Mortgage Alternative Holdings Pty Ltd : The Mortgage Alternative Pty Ltd TMA Special Servicing Pty Ltd TMA Management Pty Ltd CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 31. Investments in controlled entities (Cont'd) Name of entity Equity holding 30 June 2004 Country of incorporation Class of shares Directly controlled by Iroka Pty Ltd : Challenger Life Ltd Australia Ordinary 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Life Limited : Challenger Life No. 2. Ltd Australia Ordinary 100 Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia United Kingdom Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Portfolio Management Challenger International (New Zealand) Limited New Zealand Ordinary 100 Directly controlled by Challenger International (New Zealand) Challenger Securities (New Zealand) Limited Challenger Group Services (New Zealand) Limited New Zealand New Zealand Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Mortgage Management Challenger Managed Investments Ltd Howard Pacific Ltd HFH Staff Pty Ltd Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Managed Investments Limited : BIuePeak Institutional Private Equity Pooled Fund Ltd BIuePeak Private Equity Pooled Fund Ltd BIuePeak VC Technology Pooled Fund Limited Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Life No.2 Limited : Challenger Beston Limited Challenger Corporate Superannuation Pty Ltd Challenger Portfolio Management Ltd Integrated Equity Pty Ltd Challenger Superannuation Pty Ltd Challenger Commercial Lending Limited Challenger Property Asset Management Pty Limited Challenger Property Funds Management Ltd Challenger Capital Fund Ltd e-Financial Capital Ltd Challenger E-Commerce Ltd Challenger BioTech Management Limited Challenger Wealthlink Management Ltd Challenger Equities Ltd (i) Challenger Margin Lending Limited Challenger Property Nominees Pty Ltd Challenger Capital Markets Ltd Challenger Life (UK) Ltd Challenger Superannuation Services Pty Ltd (sold 30/6/04) CPHIC Investments Pty Limited Garrisons Pty Ltd Allfine Holdings Pty Ltd Bluezen Pty Ltd Talaverra Herring Pty Limited Directly controlled by Challenger Beston Limited : Beston Pacific Vineyard Management Ltd Beston Financial Management Pty Limited CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 31 . Investments in controlled entities (Cont'd) Equity holding 30 June 2004 Country of incorporation Class of shares Directly controlled by CPHIC Investments Pty Ltd : CPHIC Financial Services Pty Limited Australia Ordinary 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Margin Lending Limited : Challenger ML Nominees Pty Limited Australia Ordinary 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Property Nominees Pty Sabrand Limited Mawbury Pty Limited TLG Services Pty Limited TLGH Pty Limited Cyprus Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 100 Directly controlled by TLGH Pty Limited : The Liberty Group Consortium Pty Limited Australia Ordinary 100 Directly controlled by Mawbury Pty Limited : Cescade Pty Limited Australia Ordinary 100 Hungary Ordinary 100 Directly controlled by Challenger Hungary International Capital Investment & Management Limited : Challenger REIT Number 1 Limited USA Ordinary 100 Directly controlled by Challenger REIT Number 1 Limited : Challenger Las Cimas LLC (US) Challenger Las Cimas LP (US) Challenger Milk Street LLC (US) Challenger South Monaco LP (US) Challenger South Monaco LLC (US) USA USA USA USA USA Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 100 100 Directly controlled by Garrisons Pty Limited : Synergy Capital Management Ltd Northstar Pty Limited Garrisons (Rosny) Pty Limited Challenger IT Pty Limited Australia Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 100 100 100 100 Directly controlled by Synergy Capital Management Limited : Galaxy Investment Wrap Pty Limited Australia Ordinary 100 Name of entity Directly controlled by Sabrand Limited : Challenger Hungary International Capital Investment & Management Limited Additionally, Challenger Life No. 2 Limited owns 100% of the units in 48 property trusts. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 31 . Investments in controlled entities (Cont'd) b) Assignment of Warrants Business In an agreement dated 30 April 2004 Challenger entered into a Deed of Assignment with Westpac Banking Corporation ("WBC") whereby, all legal and beneficial rights, title and interests in respect of the following assets and liabilities were assigned to WBC. Note Shares in listed corporations held in relation to endowment warrants Consolidated 2004 $'000 8 75,031 Dividends receivable* 7 627 Warrant liability 15 (34,011) Warrants facility 16 (41,647) * Included in other debtors CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 32. Investments in associates Name of Company Principal Activity AVC Holdings Ltd PVC Resin Manufacturer Garrisons (Toowong) Pty Ltd Carter Bax Barbacan Benefits Garrisons (Burnie) Pty Ltd Central Coast DVG Pty Limited EPIC Asset Management Limited Financial Planning Financial Planning Financial Planning Financial Planning Financial Planning Financial Planning Distribution Less: Provision for diminution in value Ownership 2004 % Consolidated 2004 $000's 50 15,585 40 40 25 49 40 49.6 33 272 485 141 466 1,350 800 (1,311) 17,788 Movements in carrying amount of investments in associates Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year Investment in associates acquired on acquisition/corporatisation of CFSG Sale of interest in associates Increase in provision for diminution Share of associates net profit Investment in associates share buy back Carrying amount at the end of the financial year 20,123 (52) (235) 1,452 (3,500) 17,788 Results attributable to associate Profits from ordinary activities before related income tax Income tax /(expense) Profits from ordinary activities after related income tax 2,022 (570) 1,452 Retained profits attributable to associates at the beginning of the financial year Retained profits attributable to associates at the end of the financial year 1,452 Summary of the share of associate's financial position Assets Liabilities Net assets 52,327 (26,478 25,849 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 33 . Deed of cross guarantee The following wholly owned companies are parties to a Deed of Cross Guarantee under which each company guarantees the debts of the others. By entering in the deed, the wholly owned companies have been relieved from the requirement to prepare a financial report and director's report under Class Order 98/1418 (as amended by Class Order 98/2017 and 00/0321) issued by the Australian Securities & Investment Commission. " " " Venture Link Australia Limited Challenger Group Pty Limited Challenger International Nominees Limited Challenger Equities Limited Challenger Freeholds Limited The above companies represent a 'Closed Group' for the purposes of the Class Order, and as there are no other parties to the Deed of Cross Guarantee that are controlled by the Company, they also represent the 'Extended Closed Group'. Set out below is a consolidated statement of financial performance of the Closed Group for the period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004. 2004 $ , 000s 1,716 Revenue from ordinary activities 407 Other expenses from ordinary activities 1,309 Loss from ordinary activities before income tax benefit 186 Income tax expense 1,123 Total changes in equity other than these resulting from transactions with owners as owners Set out below is a summary of the movements in consolidated retained profits for the period from 23 December 2003 to 30 June 2004 . 2004 s , 000s (19,025) Retained losses at the beginning of the financial period 1,123 Profit from ordinary activities after income tax expense (17,902) Retained losses at the end of the financial period Set out below is a consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2004 of the Closed Group. 2004 $'0008 Assets Cash assets Receivables Equity securities Total assets 280 3,546 75,204 79,030 Liabilities Payables Interest bearing liabilities Provisions Total Liabilities 50,374 41,647 280 92,301 Net assets (13,271) Equity Contributed equity Retained losses Total equity 4,631 (17,902) (13,271) CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 34. Commitments for expenditure Consolidated Parent entity 2004 2004 $000's $000's Lease commitments Commitments in relation to leases contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable : Not later than one year Later than one year but not later than 2 years Later than 2 years but not later than 5 years Later than 5 years Representing : Non-cancellable operating leases Future finance charges on finance leases 8,684 6,520 15,656 23,864 54,724 54,384 340 54,724 Operating leases Commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases are payable as follows : Not later than one year Later than one year but not later than 2 years Later than 2 years but not later than 5 years Later than 5 years Less: Liability recognised for surplus lease space and estimate of sub lease liabilities on relocation Commitments not recognised in the financial statements 9,828 7,663 19,087 30,959 (13,153) 54,384 Finance leases Commitments in relation to finance leases are payable as follows : Not later than one year Later than one year but not later than 5 years Later than 5 years Minimum lease payments Less : Future finance charges Total lease liabilities 1,165 2,087 3,252 340 2,912 Capital expenditure commitments : Commitments in relation to capital expenditure commitments contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable : Not later than one year Later than one year but not later than 5 years Later than 5 years 3,452 3,452 68 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 35. Contingent liabilities A controlled entity, Challenger Property Nominees Pty Limited has received an assessment of stamp duty in connection with the acquisition of an interest in a property at 417 St Kilda Road, Melbourne of $5,362,002 . Based on legal advice received, the directors do not consider that any stamp duty is payable on the transaction and have commenced litigation in respect of the assessment. A controlled entity, Challenger Group Holdings Limited (formerly Challenger International Limited), has under the terms of a deed of cross guarantee entered into in accordance with the ASIC Class Order dated 19 December 1991, undertaken to meet any shortfall which might arise on the winding up of controlled companies which are party to the deed. The controlled companies are not in liquidation nor is there any indication that the controlled companies will be wound up (Refer note 31). A controlled entity, Challenger Securities Limited, as manager of a number of unit trusts, has under the terms of the relevant Trust Deeds covenanted to repurchase units in the Trusts at the request of any unit holder at the redemption price prevailing at the date of the request . In complying with this covenant, the manager may, at its discretion, request the Trustee to redeem any units repurchased out of the relevant Trust Funds. At 30 June 2004, the carrying values of units on issue in the relevant Trusts and the underlying assets of the Trust amounted to $10 (2003: $10) . The ATO released GST Ruling 2004/4 on the Assignment of Payment Streams including under a Securitisation Arrangement. The ruling describes the ATO's view of how a securitisation works and the application of GST in relation to a number of areas specifically affecting the securitisation, which could impact on Challenger Wholesale Finance subsidiary Interstar Securities (Australia) Pty Limited. In particular the ruling now prescribes that taxpayers are not able to claim a reduced input tax credit (RITC) for servicing fees, contrary to previous draft rulings . Previous accepted practice has been to claim a RITC for servicing fees . The ruling applies from I July 2000 for all taxpayers. In response to the release of GSTR 2004/4, there has been significant lobbying by the securitisation industry and as a result the ATO has agreed to consult further with industry on GSTR 2004/4 before taking steps to implement the approach adopted by the ATO ruling. At the date of this report significant uncertainty surrounds the applicability of the treatments described in the ATO ruling due to : - Interstar's method of arranging financing of mortgages via securitisation differing from that described in the ruling ; - Uncertainty over whether the courts would allow the ruling to have retrospective effect given certain contrary draft rulings; - The ATO being on record as not prosecuting matters arising from the implementation of the GST; and - Potential aspects of the ruling being amended as a result of continued industry interaction with the ATO and Treasury. CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 36. Subsequent events Acquisition of Associated Planners On 13 August 2004, Challenger Financial Services Group Limited acquired Associated Planners Limited and its controlled entities for consideration in shares of $91 .3 million. Under the scheme of arrangement, each ordinary and Z class Associated Planners shareholder received 5.69 Challenger shares for each Associated Planners share they hold. 50 per cent of the Challenger shares issued to Associated Planners shareholders are subject to a trading lock, which is similar to an escrow arrangement . These shares will be released in two tranches, 18 months (30 per cent) and three years (70 per cent) after issue. Challenger shares that have been issued to Zurich Financial Services Australia Limited, which holds all Z class shares and accounts for approximately 30 per cent of Associated Planners Group Limited, were fully vested on issue. The number of shares issued under the schemes represented approximately seven per cent of the issued capital of Challenger. Challenger intends to merge Associated Planners with its existing financial planning arm, Garrisons Financial Planning . The consideration was calculated on the 203,146,130 shares issued as outlined in the relevant 3B notice, by reference to Challenger's share price on 13 August 2004. Sale of Foreign Properties Since 30 June 2004, the company has entered into sale contracts in relation to the following properties that, while unconditional, are subject to completion: Property Las Cimas 11 and 111 Senator House Minster Court Hayes Park Heathrow World Business Centre Country USA UK UK UK UK Date Signed 19 August 2004 27 August 2004 27 August 2004 27 August 2004 27 August 2004 The net proceeds of these proposed sales amounts to approximately $828 million, which is approximately $52 million above the 30 June 2004 carrying value of the relevant properties, at current exchange rates. The profit on these disposals has yet to be confirmed or recognised, due to uncertainty surrounding completion and related interest rate and currency movements and break costs on debt. No (a) (b) (c) other matter or circumstance has arisen that has affected or may significantly affect : the consolidated entity's operations in future financial years; or the results of those operations in future financial years; or the consolidated entity's state of affairs in future financial years . CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 37. International Financial Reporting Standards Challenger is required to comply with the Australian equivalents of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board for the year ending 30 June 2006. AASBI "First Time Adoption of Australian Financial Reporting Pronouncements" require that entities presenting first time financial reports in accordance with Australian Equivalents of IFRS must also restate their comparative financial statements using all Australian Equivalents of IFRS, except for AASB 132 Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation, AASB 139 Financial Instruments : Recognition and Measurement and AASB 4 Insurance Contracts. In accordance with AASB 1047 "Disclosing the Impacts of Adopting the Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards", Challenger is required to disclose the transitional impact of adopting the Australian Equivalents of MRS on its reported financial position as at 1 July 2004 . Most adjustments required on transition to the Australian Equivalents of IFRS will be made, retrospectively, against opening retained earnings on 1 July 2004 ; however transitional adjustments relating to those standards where comparatives are not required will only be made at 1 July 2005 . Challenger has established a separate project (sponsored by the Group Audit & Compliance Committee) to assess the impact of the IFRS . Whilst this project is currently in progress, the following areas have been identified as having a significant impact on the accounting policies of Challenger : Recognition of share based payments; Securitisation ; Goodwill/EMVONA ; Measurement and recognition of insurance contracts; and Recognition of financial instruments transacted outside the Life Company. At this stage Challenger has not been able to reliably measure the impacts on the financial report. The impact of the above noted significant areas are summarised as follows : Share based payments will be required to be recognised as an expense over the relevant vesting periods. In respect of transactions utilising Special Purpose Entities, the adoption of UIG 112 "Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities" in Australia will necessitate the review of existing securitisation arrangements to determine whether they will be required to be recognised on balance sheet. Our assessment of the impact of this IFRS is required to be finalised by 1 July 2005 . Goodwill is not required to be amortised under AASB 3 "Business Combinations", however it is required to be tested annually for impairment . The elimination of this amortisation charge from the statement of financial performance will increase reported profits, subject to any impairment charge that may be required . The results of our initial assessment of the impact of IFRS on the measurement and recognition of insurance contracts issued by the Challenger Life No .2 Limited business are that contracts issued by Challenger Life No .2 Limited will be governed by AASB 139. Our assessment of the impact of AASB 139 on investment contracts issued by Challenger Life No .2 Limited is required to be finalised by 1 July 2005 . In respect of financial instruments issued outside the Life Company, Challenger is in the preliminary stages of assessing the impact of AASB 139 and AASB 132. Currently, all financial instruments transacted outside the Life Company are recognised at cost . It is expected that these instruments will now be required to be measured at fair value . Challenger is also assessing the impact of the hedge accounting rules prescribed by AASB 139 on Challenger's reported financial position . Whilst our review is in its preliminary stages it is expected the hedging rules outlined in AASB 139 will impact the way the Group accounts for hedge transactions conducted outside the Life Company. Our assessment of the impact of AASB 139 on Challenger's recognition of financial instruments and hedging activities is required to be finalised by 1 July 2005 . 71 CHALLENGER FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP LIMITED AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES DIRECTORS' DECLARATION In the opinion of the Directors of the Company of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited: (a) The financial statements and notes of the Company and of the consolidated entity are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including; (i) giving a true and fair view of the Company and consolidated entity's financial position as at 30 June 2004 and of their performance as represented by the results of their operations and their cashflows for the period ended on that date ; and (ii) complying with Accounting Standards and Corporations Regulations 2001 . (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; and (c) At the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Extended Closed Group identified in Note 33 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are, or may become liable, subject by virtue of the deed of cross guarantee described in Note 35 . This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited. 0Y e.M/-X~ G A Clrbbin M Tilley Director Sydney27th August 2004 Director - Sydney 27th August 2004 e RNST DUNG ® The Ernst & Young Building 321 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia ® Tel Fax DX 61 2 9248 5555 61 2 9262 6565 Sydney Stock Exchange 10172 GPO Box 2646 Sydney NSW 2001 Independent audit report to members of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited Scope The financial report and directors' responsibility The financial report comprises the statement of financial position, statement of financial performance, statement of cash flows, accompanying notes to the financial statements, and the directors' declaration for Challenger Financial Services Group Limited (the company) and the consolidated entity, for the period ended 30 June 2004. The consolidated entity comprises both the company and the entities it controlled during that period . The directors of the company are responsible for preparing a financial report that gives a true and fair view of the financial position and performance of the company and the consolidated entity, and that complies with Accounting Standards in Australia, in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 . This includes responsibility for the maintenance of adequate accounting records and internal controls that are designed to prevent and detect fraud and error, and for the accounting policies and accounting estimates inherent in the financial report . Audit approach We conducted an independent audit of the financial report in order to express an opinion on it to the members of the company. Our audit was conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards in order to provide reasonable assurance as to whether the financial report is free of material misstatement . The nature of an audit is influenced by factors such as the use of professional judgement, selective testing, the inherent limitations of internal control, and the availability of persuasive rather than conclusive evidence. Therefore, an audit cannot guarantee that all material misstatements have been detected . We performed procedures to assess whether in all material respects the financial report presents fairly, in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including compliance with Accounting Standards in Australia, and other mandatory financial reporting requirements in Australia, a view which is consistent with our understanding of the company's and the consolidated entity's financial position, and of their performance as represented by the results of their operations and cash flows. We formed our audit opinion on the basis of these procedures, which included: " " examining, on a test basis, information to provide evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial report, and assessing the appropriateness of the accounting policies and disclosures used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors. While we considered the effectiveness of management's internal controls over financial reporting when determining the nature and extent of our procedures, our audit was not designed to provide assurance on internal controls . Liability limited by the Accountants Scheme, approved under the Professional Standards Act 1994 (NSW) ERNsr&YOUNG We performed procedures to assess whether the substance of business transactions was accurately reflected in the financial report. These and our other procedures did not include consideration or judgement of the appropriateness or reasonableness of the business plans or strategies adopted by the directors and management of the company . Independence We are independent of the company, and have met the independence requirements of Australian professional ethical pronouncements and the Corporations Act 2001 . In addition to our audit of the financial report, we were engaged to undertake the services disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The provision of these services has not impaired our independence . Audit opinion In our opinion, the financial report of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited is in accordance with: (a) the Corporations Act 2001, including: giving a true and fair view of the financial position of Challenger Financial Services Group Limited and the consolidated entity at 30 June 2004 and of their performance for the period ended on that date; and (ii) complying with Accounting Standards in Australia and the Corporations Regulations 2001 ; and other mandatory financial reporting requirements in Australia. Ernst & Young B J Long Partner Sydney 27 August 2004