Date posted: 14/07/2021

Australian and New Zealand Financial Reporting Benchmarks 2021

Annual benchmark and analysis research report on the reported financial performance and position of Australian and New Zealand listed companies

In brief

  • Compare a company's performance and position with industry benchmarks
  • Identify areas for improvement and assess the integrity of financial reporting
  • Understand industry trends for individual line items

While financial reporting provides valuable insights into a company's performance and overall position, gauging its competitiveness can be far more challenging.

How do the reported values compare with others in the same industry? Are there any clear areas for improvement?  What do 'unusual' values mean?

As reporting season kicks off, this pioneering benchmark research report is specifically designed to help Chartered Accountants answer these important questions. 

By running a financial analysis of all NZ and AU listed companies and their global counterparts, over the two reports, it provides benchmarks of normal, high, and low for the primary drivers of performance and value.

The annual benchmark report is prepared by a partnership between CA ANZ and the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland.

Benchmark metrics are provided for industries according to the Global Industry Classification Standards Sector (GICS). They include Energy, Material, Metals and Mining, Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Health Care, Information Technology, Communication Services and Utilities.

By itemising line items, the reports can help Directors, Company Management, Auditors and Regulators to:

  • Compare a company's overall competitiveness, efficiency, and productivity
  • Recognise areas for business improvement
  • Assess the integrity of financial reporting by comparing key estimates against industry peers 
  • Analyse past performance risk, capital structure and investment decisions 
  • Facilitate planning, budgeting, forecasting and valuations
  • Gain insight into how Australian and New Zealand companies compare with their global counterparts

The starting population for the benchmarks for Australia is all publicly traded companies listed on the ASX over the period from 2012 to 2020. The data to calculate the benchmarks are obtained from the Standard & Poor's Compustat database

These benchmarks are intended to provide general information only and are not intended to provide or substitute for professional advice based on knowledge of information relevant to your particular circumstances. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in these benchmarks. Any use or reliance on these benchmarks is at a person’s own risk.

Company Lists

As referred to on pages 4 and 87 of the Australian report, and 4 and 31 for New Zealand

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