Ashland Global
Annual Report 2017

Plain-text annual report

ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 1 Ashley Services Group Limited Annual Report 2017 CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REVIEW ---------------------------------------------------------------- 3 DIRECTORS’ REPORT --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ------------- 31 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION ----------------------------------------------------------- 32 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY ------------------------------------------------------------ 33 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 34 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 ASX ADDITIONAL INFORMATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 70 CORPORATE DIRECTORY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2 Chairman and Managing Director’s Review MR IAN PRATT AND MR ROSS SHRIMPTON FY17 has in many ways been a transformational year for Ashley Services Group, a year where, in line with the outcomes of the strategic review announced on 1 March 2017, the Company has successfully repositioned itself as a Labour Hire company, albeit one with a small, focused, complementary Training division. The challenges of successfully reducing the size of our Training division have been well managed, our cost base has adjusted downwards to reflect this reduction in the overall scale of our organisation, and our Labour Hire division has continued to perform strongly throughout FY17. The Labour Hire division has delivered a solid lift in profit on the back of pleasing revenue growth in the Action Workforce brand and a significant 70% revenue lift for the Concept Engineering brand. Equally pleasing is our continued improvement in the all-important area of Safety, where our labour hire businesses continue to evidence industry-leading results for our employees and our corporate partners, as a direct result of our continued innovation across our Workplace Health & Safety programmes. The Training division delivered a breakeven result across the second half despite the impact of numerous exit costs relating to the restructuring of our Training division, including redundancies, leave balance payouts and refund/credit activity relating to the wind down of exited brands and/or regions. Corporate costs for FY17 saw a strong full year reduction of $0.7m or 13% and an 8% reduction for 2H17 relative to the first half as we adjusted our cost base downwards to reflect the reduced size of our organisation with a scaled back Training division. This right sizing of our costs will continue throughout FY18 and beyond as we pursue every opportunity to remove unnecessary costs from our business and improve our efficiencies. Cash flow has been well managed throughout FY17 despite the numerous challenges and significant payments related to the scaling back of our Training division, delivering a positive $3.1 million net cash from operating activities. In line with this, we have ended the year with a zero Net Debt position which provides us with a secure platform for future investment and growth. We have also extended our working capital facility by a further 12 months to 29 October 2018 on the same terms, which are outlined in this annual report. This working capital facility is through Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited, a company associated with Ross Shrimpton, Managing Director, and with shareholders of the Group. With a simplified and strengthened balance sheet, zero debt and strong cash flows we are well positioned to capitalise on a positive business environment with stable employment opportunities. The Ashley Services team of 220 committed team members have continued to deliver for the Company during FY17 and we are confident we have the right team in place to lead us on to future success. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 3 Chairman and Managing Director’s Review We look forward to further improvement across FY18 driven by continued revenue growth across all brands in our Labour Hire division and increased efficiency dividends as we leverage superior technology investments across the Labour Hire division. Our Training division focus is ensuring a strong culture of compliance sits above everything we do, to position it for future profitable growth in late FY18 and beyond. Corporate costs will continue to be addressed throughout the year ahead as we continue to target further reductions in our cost base. Assuming we continue to see these trends remain on track at the half year, we anticipate we will be revisiting the dividend policy with a view to returning to dividend payments in FY18. LABOUR HIRE DIVISION FY17 again saw our Labour Hire division build on its impressive safety record, with our FY17 Lost Time Injury Frequency rate (LTIFR) of 0.42 representing our best ever performance and our fifth consecutive year with an LTIFR of 1.01 or lower. With an average LTIFR of 0.78 over the last five years, such a sustained display of excellence is testament to our focus on safety, with our Workplace Health & Safety programmes, which lie behind this performance, at industry best practice standard. Every one of our Labour Hire offices nationally is ISO Safety, Quality and Environmentally certified, underpinning our Safety First program. Action Workforce experienced a 12% growth in revenue, with a number of new customers coming on board, strong growth across many of our pre-existing customers by increasing share and annualisation of prior year contract wins. The average tenure of our Top 20 customers at 4.9 years is a strong pointer to our customers’ satisfaction with our performance and we remain buoyed by a promising pipeline of opportunities to deliver in the shape of future profitable contract wins. Concept Engineering’s growth has been exemplary across FY17, delivering a 70% revenue increase, with new customers, strong growth from pre-existing customers and annualisation of prior year contract wins. A promising sales pipeline, continued annualisation of FY17 contract wins, along with the general strength of the infrastructure, transport and construction sectors has us confident of further profitable growth in FY18 and beyond. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 4 Chairman and Managing Director’s Review Blackadder Recruitment, whilst producing modest top line growth and solid bottom line profitability, remains a big growth opportunity within our portfolio and we look forward to an improved FY18 and beyond under the leadership of its new GM. The Labour Hire division will also benefit from a substantial efficiency dividend across FY18 and into the future, with the implementation of a new candidate and customer database integrating into an automated rostering tool, with implementation scheduled ahead of our seasonal peak in November and December. This enhanced technology, which will include a candidate smartphone App, will provide us with real time data enabling us to better serve our customers and candidates. Along with the significant investment we have already made into our Payroll and Billing systems, our Labour Hire brands will be well placed to further exceed both our customers’ and our candidate’s expectations and to continue to provide superior customer service to both. TRAINING DIVISION The Training division has been successfully restructured, now with a far reduced range of qualifications on scope, across a reduced geographical distribution, as we focus our activity on those regions with viable funding contracts. Accordingly, we continue with meaningful training operations in both WA and QLD, whist continuing to train out earlier funding through our Victorian operations which is also continuing to operate successfully on a fee for service basis. We will continue to seek out further government funding opportunities as they arise, primarily, at least in the short term, across these three active markets. This restructure has in part been achieved through a series of asset sales. Two separate agreements facilitated the asset sales of the Integracom businesses in WA, SA and NSW to companies and individuals associated with the previous owner of Integracom. A further agreement with another training organisation delivered a similar asset sale of the former SILK Education & Training business which we have now exited and which is disclosed in these accounts as a discontinued operation. Whilst the consideration underlying the asset sale agreements was minimal, these transactions greatly assisted the Company by significantly reducing its liabilities across these former training businesses, particularly in the area of employee liabilities, with many former employees transferring across to the new owners and also in the transfer of future lease obligations. In addition to these asset sales, the Company has also facilitated ongoing training requirements through an alternate training provider. As part of the completion of the Training restructure we have determined it appropriate to fully provide for, by way of a finalisation cost, the $0.7 million previously advised as being withheld by the NSW Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development (NSW Department) in relation to ongoing performance monitoring matters, given the passage of time and despite ongoing negotiations underway to resolve this matter. We will continue to invest significantly to ensure a culture of compliance sits above everything we do in our Training division, to make certain our processes and practices protect our position in the industry as a highly trusted, quality training partner for our customers, students, and also for the relevant government authorities who control many aspects of the training sector and its associated government funding schemes. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 5 Chairman and Managing Director’s Review DISCUSSION ON RESULTS Earnings and result Earnings Net profit after tax (“NPAT”) for the financial year of the Group was a loss of $6.0 million (2016: $69.6 million loss). This loss includes a $0.5m loss from discontinued operations and a $10.7 million net expense before tax for various significant items including impairment of intangible assets ($5.5m), impairment of PP&E ($3.5m), Training division refunds from prior periods relating mainly to Victorian rectification activity ($1.4m), Training division restructuring expenses ($0.7m) and Settlement of ongoing performance monitoring matters with the NSW Department ($0.7m), partially offset by a $1.1 million profit arising from the cancellation of shares issued on acquisition. NPAT for the financial year from continuing operations was a loss of $5.4 million. Revenues Revenue from continuing operations at $314.7 million grew by $37.8 million (14%) from the prior period. Labour hire revenues increased by $40.6 million (16%) to $289.2 million, with 70% growth in the Concept Engineering brand adding to a strong lift of 12% for Action Workforce. Training revenues decreased $2.8 million (10%) to $25.5 million with declines across most locations but most severe in NSW and Victoria with the conclusion of their funding contracts in early Q3. Earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortisation (“EBITDA”) Statutory EBITDA (excluding discontinued operations) was a loss of $5.0 million (2016: loss of $70.2 million). The current year result includes impairment of intangible assets ($5.5m), impairment of PP&E ($3.5m), Training division refunds from prior periods relating mainly to Victorian rectification activity ($1.4m), Training division restructuring expenses ($0.7m) and Settlement of ongoing performance monitoring matters with the NSW Department ($0.7m), partially offset by a $1.1 million profit arising from the cancellation of shares issued on acquisition. Statutory EBITDA1 Reassessment of value of deferred consideration liabilities Impairment of Intangible assets/other assets Restructuring expense Cancellation of Shares issued on acquisition Training division refunds from prior periods relating mainly to Victorian rectification activity NSW Department finalisation costs Net underlying adjustments Underlying EBITDA NOTES: FY17 $million (5.0) - 9.0 0.7 (1.1) 1.4 0.7 10.7 5.7 FY16 $million (70.2) (3.5) 66.0 - - - - 62.5 (7.7) 1. EBITDA is a non IFRS measure used internally by management to assess the performance of the business. It has been derived from the IFRS figures in the financial report. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 6 Chairman and Managing Director’s Review Excluding these adjustments, underlying EBITDA for the current period was a $5.7 million profit (FY16: loss of $7.7 million) comprising: a. Labour hire. EBITDA of $7.8 million was $2.9 million (59%) above the prior period (FY16: $4.9 million profit) on the back of a revenue lift of 16% (FY17 $289.2m v FY16 $248.6m) with a 12% lift for Action Workforce and a significant 70% lift in revenue for the Concept Engineering brand. b. Training. EBITDA of $2.9 million (FY16: $6.9 million loss), with 2H17 producing a breakeven result following the completion of the scaling back of the Training division. c. Corporate costs for FY17 at $5.0 million saw a pleasing full year reduction of $0.7m or 12% (FY17 $5.0m v FY16 $5.7m) with significant reductions across staffing costs ($0.5m) and legal fees ($0.2m). Statement of financial position The Group balance sheet was impacted by the various write downs largely undertaken at the end of first half FY17, including the impairment of intangible assets ($5.5m) and impairment of PP&E ($3.5m), partially offset by a $1.1 million profit arising from the cancellation of shares issued on acquisition. Whilst net assets at $20.0 million as at 30 June 2017 were broadly in line with the half year position (1H17 $20.6 million), they were down from $27.1 million at 30 June 2016 due largely to the various write downs outlined above. As at 30 June 2017, the Group had a $5 million working capital facility through Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited, a company associated with Ross Shrimpton, Managing Director, and with shareholders of the Group. Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited has fixed and floating charges over the Group’s assets, subject to conditions outlined by a separate agreement between Ashley Services Group Limited and Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited and in line with the conditions outlined in the ASX Listing Rule Waiver as granted 3 April 2017, and subsequently revised on 17 July 2017, following the extension of the Facility Agreement out for a further year to 29 October 2018. As at 30 June 2017, the working capital facility was undrawn (30 June 2016, Nil). Cash Flow Operating cash flow (from continuing operations) represented a significant improvement on prior year, delivering an inflow of $3.1 million (FY16 $1.0m inflow), and pleasingly strengthened across the second half (2H17: $1.7 million inflow, 1H17: $1.4 million inflow), despite the impact of numerous exit costs relating to the scale back process in the Training division, including redundancies, leave balance payouts and refund/credit activity relating to wind down of exited brands and/or regions. Capital expenditure at $0.7 million was minimal throughout FY17, with a $1 million inflow from the sale of the assets of the WA & SA Integracom business and a $0.6 million outflow in relation to an earlier vendor earn out payment, delivering an overall net cash flow for FY17 of $2.7 million. DIVIDEND During the financial year ended 30 June 2017, the Group has not declared or paid any dividends. Additionally, no dividends were declared or paid in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 2016. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 7 Chairman and Managing Director’s Review EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO BALANCE DATE Subsequent to year end, the Company has extended its $5 million working capital facility through Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited, a company associated with Ross Shrimpton, Managing Director, and with shareholders of the Group, out for a further year to 29 October 2018. Ian Pratt Chairman Ross Shrimpton Managing Director ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 8 Directors’ Report The Directors present their annual financial report on the consolidated entity, being Ashley Services Group Limited and its controlled entities (“Group”) for the financial year ended 30 June 2017. 1. GENERAL INFORMATION a. Directors The names of the Directors in office at any time during, or since the end of the year are: Table 1: Director Details Names Mr Ian Pratt Mr Ross Shrimpton Chairman Managing Director Mr Chris McFadden Mr Marc Shrimpton Executive Director Executive Director Mr Stewart Cummins Managing Director Appointed / Resigned Appointed 1 October 2015 Appointed 12 October 2000; Managing Director to 15 February 2016, Non-Executive Director from 15 February 2016 to 23 January 2017 and Managing Director again from 23 January 2017 Appointed 6 April 2017 Appointed Alternative Director on 31 July 2014, Executive Director 1 October 2015 and resigned 20 April 2017 Appointed 15 February 2016 and resigned 26 September 2016 Directors’ Information  Mr Ian Pratt | Non-Executive Chairman (since 1 October 2015) Qualifications | CA Experience | Mr Ian Pratt has over 40 years’ experience in the accounting profession and is a Director of a number of Public and Private companies. During this time, he has been involved in the recruitment, finance and property industries, and advises on income tax and related matters. Currently Mr Pratt is a Partner at Trood Pratt & Co Chartered Accountants and he is a Director of Charter Hall Direct Property Management Limited (formerly Macquarie Direct Property Management Limited). Mr Pratt is a Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Ian is the Chairman of the Nominations, Audit & Risk Management and Remuneration Committees.  Mr Ross Shrimpton | Managing Director (since 23 January 2017) (previously Non-Executive Director from 15 February 2016 and Managing Director to 15 February 2016) Qualifications | BComm (UNSW), CA, MAICD Experience | Ross is the founder and Managing Director of Ashley Services Group. Ross has been a Director of the Company since incorporation and has been instrumental in the overall growth and strategic direction of Ashley Services. Ross has over 40 years’ experience in finance and management across a number of large international organisations such as CSR/Humes and David Brown. Ross commenced his professional career with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, where he worked with a number of major listed companies. Overall, Ross has had 20 years of relevant experience in the labour hire and training industries. Ross is a Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ross is a member of the Nominations, Audit & Risk Management and Remuneration Committees. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 9 Directors’ Report  Mr Chris McFadden | Executive Director (from 6 April 2017) Qualifications | BBus (UTS), FCPA, GAICD Experience | Chris was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Ashley Services Group in January 2017 and was appointed Executive Director in April 2017. Chris was formerly CFO at Ross Human Directions Limited (ASX: RHD), a company principally involved in the provision of temporary labour and recruitment services. Most recently Chris was CFO of Australian fashion brand, sass & bide, a division of Myer. Prior to this, he was CFO of Staples Australia, Senior Commercial Manager at Woolworths Limited, CFO of Ross Human Directions Limited, and Asia Pacific CFO of The Nuance Group. Chris is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Chris is a member of the Nominations, Audit & Risk Management and Remuneration Committees. Interests in shares and options As at the date of this report, the interests of the directors in the shares of Ashley Services Group Limited were: Table 2: Shares Held by Directors Names Mr Ian Pratt Mr Ross Shrimpton1 Mr Chris McFadden  Number of Shares Held Shareholding %  15,060 86,046,305 0 0.01 59.76 0.00 Note: 1. This includes shares owned by Ross Shrimpton (9,857), Catherine Shrimpton (wife of Ross Shrimpton, 60,858,282), their family companies (22,178,166) and shares purchased on behalf of Dean and Andrew Shrimpton (1,500,000 and 1,500,000 respectively). Directorships of other listed companies Directorships held in other listed companies by the Directors in the three years immediately before the end of the financial year are as follows: Table 3: Other Directorships of listed entities Name Mr Ian Pratt Mr Ross Shrimpton Mr Chris McFadden1 Mr Marc Shrimpton2 Company Date from Date to Nil Nil Nil Nil - - - - - - - - Mr Stewart Cummins3 Vocation Limited 1 May 2015 16 December 2015 Chris McFadden was appointed a director on 6 April 2017. Note: 1. 2. Marc Shrimpton resigned as a director on 20 April 2017. 3. Stewart Cummins resigned as a director on 26 September 2016. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 10 Directors’ Report Principal activities The principal activities of the Group during the financial year were the provision of labour hire (including recruitment) and training services. During financial year 2017, in line with the outcomes of the strategic review announced on 1 March 2017, the Company has successfully repositioned itself as a Labour Hire company, albeit one with a small, focused, complementary Training division. Accordingly, the scaling back of the Training division has been a significant change in the nature of the Group’s principal activities during the financial year. Company secretary Mr Ron Hollands held the position of Company Secretary for the entire financial year. Ron is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business from University of Technology, Sydney, an MBA from MGSM and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance from the Governance Institute of Australia. Ron has over 25 years’ experience in a range of industries including professional practice, financial services and real estate. Directors’ meetings Details of meetings of directors (including committees of directors) held in the financial year and attendances by each director are shown in the following table: Table 4: Meeting Attendance Board Meetings Audit & Risk Management Committee Meetings Remuneration Committee Meetings Nomination Committee Meetings Held4 Attended Held Attended Held Attended Held Attended Mr Ian Pratt Mr Ross Shrimpton Mr Chris McFadden1 Mr Marc Shrimpton2 Mr Stewart Cummins3 12 12 2 11 4 12 11 2 11 4 5 5 1 4 5 5 1 4 4 4 1 3 4 4 1 3 1 1 - 1 1 1 - 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Chris McFadden was appointed a director on 6 April 2017. Note: 1. 2. Marc Shrimpton resigned as a director on 20 April 2017. 3. 4. Meetings held during the period the individual held office. Stewart Cummins resigned as a director on 26 September 2016. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 11 Directors’ Report 2. BUSINESS REVIEW Operating results The consolidated loss of the Group attributable to income tax equity holders after providing for loss of amounted $69,626,000). $5,969,000 (2016: to The Group did not declare any dividends in relation to the year ended 30 June 2017. Review of operations Information on the operations and financial position of the Group and its business strategies and prospects is set out in the Chairman and Managing Director’s Review. Future developments in the operations of the Likely developments consolidated entity in future financial years and the expected results of those operations are referred to generally in the Chairman and Managing Director’s Review. Events subsequent to reporting date There have been no matters or circumstances that have arisen since the end of the year that would have significantly affected the group’s operations in financial year 2017, except as follows: On 26 July 2017, the Company announced it had extended its $5 million working capital facility through Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited, a company associated with Ross Shrimpton, Managing Director, and with shareholders of the Group, out for a further year to 29 October 2018. Marc Shrimpton resigned 7 July 2017 as General Manager Blackadder Recruitment and his 206,842 Performance Rights were cancelled for Nil consideration. Ongoing Litigation (ASH) Ashley Services Group Limited is the respondent in a class action that was commenced in the Federal Court of Australia (NSW Registry) on 1 December 2016 on behalf of a group of shareholders. The allegations against ASH include that its prospectus, dated 7 August 2014, contained certain misstatements in contravention of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), omissions and that ASH contravened the continuous disclosure provisions and that it engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct during the period August 2014 to April 2015. ASH is vigorously defending this proceeding. The potential liability and costs in respect of the proceeding cannot be accurately assessed at this time. Ashley Services Group Limited (ASH) is also the plaintiff in proceedings lodged in the Supreme Court of NSW on 18 May 2017 against the State of New South Wales (Department of Industry Skills and Regional Development) seeking payment of outstanding monies owed by the NSW Government. The matter was adjourned on 23 August 2017 for further directions on 20 September 2017. A settlement in principle has been reached which will see these proceedings discontinued on finalisation of the related settlement deed. 3. OTHER INFORMATION Options There are no unissued ordinary shares that are either under option at the date of this report or have been exercised during the year. During the year, the Group issued no further Performance Rights to senior executives and cancelled 1,390,878 Performance Rights for Nil consideration following various employees leaving the company. b. Non-audit services The Group may decide to employ the auditor on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where the auditor’s expertise and experience with the Group are important. Neither the previous auditor, Grant Thornton, nor the current auditor, HLB Mann Judd, provided any non-audit services during the year ended 30 June 2017. Details of the amounts paid to either the previous or current auditors (Grant Thornton and HLB Mann Judd respectively) for audit services provided during the year are outlined in Note 4 to the financial statements. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 12 Directors’ Report c. Auditor’s independence declaration A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307c of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 24 and forms part of this report.      Non-Executive Director remuneration; details of remuneration; executive service agreements; share-based compensation; and additional information. d. Environmental issues a. Key management personnel The Group’s operations are not regulated by any significant environmental regulation under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory. The following persons acted as Directors of the Group or as key management personnel during the financial year: e. Indemnifying officers or auditors Insurance of officers During the financial year, Ashley Services Group Limited paid a premium to insure the directors, secretaries and officers of the Group and its Australian entities. The insurance policies prohibit disclosure of the premiums payable under the policies and details of the insured liabilities. f. Proceedings on behalf of the Company No person has applied to the Court under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001 for leave to bring proceedings on behalf of the Group, or to intervene in any proceedings to which the Group is a party, for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Group for all or part of those proceedings. g. Rounding off of amounts In accordance with ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial Instrument / Directors’ Reports) 2016/191, amounts in the financial report are rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars unless otherwise indicated. 4. REMUNERATION REPORT – AUDITED The directors of Ashley Services Group Limited present the remuneration report for Non-Executive Directors, Executive Directors and other key management personnel, prepared in accordance with the the Corporations Act 2001 and Corporations Regulations 2001. The remuneration report is set out in the following main headings:   key management personnel; principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration; Executive Directors:  Ross Shrimpton (from 23 January 2017)  Chris McFadden (from 6 April 2017)  Marc Shrimpton (until 20 April 2017); and  Stewart Cummins (until 26 September 2016) Non-Executive Directors:   Ross Shrimpton (until 23 January 2017); and Ian Pratt Other key management personnel:  Chris McFadden (Chief Financial Officer, appointed 13 January 2017);  Paul Rixon (General Manager, Labour Hire);  Marc Shrimpton (General Manager Blackadder Recruitment, resigned 7 July 2017); and Paul Brittain (Chief Financial Officer, resigned 17 February 2017); and Brett O’Connor (General Manager, Training, resigned 20 September 2016)   Key management personnel include both the Directors and other key management personnel named above. b. Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration is that to ensure The objective of the Group’s executive reward for framework performance is competitive and appropriate for the results delivered. The framework seeks to align executive reward with achievement of strategic for objectives and shareholders. the creation of value reward The Board seeks to ensure that executive reward satisfies the following key criteria for good reward governance practices:   competitiveness and reasonableness; acceptability to shareholders; ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 13 Directors’ Report    performance linkage / alignment of executive compensation; transparency; and capital management. Alignment of shareholders’ interest   focuses on sustained growth in shareholder wealth, consisting of dividends and growth in share price, and delivering a return on assets as well as focusing the executive on key non- financial drivers of value; and attracts and retains high-calibre executives. Alignment to program participants’ interests    rewards capability and experience; provides a clear structure for earning rewards; and provides recognition for contribution to the business. The framework provides a mix of fixed and variable pay, and a blend of short and long-term incentives, albeit the LTI scheme has been temporarily suspended for the financial years 2017 and 2018. The Board has established a Remuneration Committee which provides advice on remuneration and incentive policies and practices and specific recommendations on remuneration packages and other terms of employment for executives and Directors. The Corporate Governance Statement provides further information on the role of this committee. Executive pay The executive pay and reward framework has three components:  base pay and benefits, including superannuation; short-term performance incentives, provided in cash; and long-term through incentives provided participation in the Ashley Services Group Performance Rights Share Plan, albeit the LTI scheme has been temporarily suspended for the financial years 2017 and 2018.   The combination of these comprises the executive’s total remuneration. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 14 Directors’ Report Table 5: Key components of senior executive remuneration framework in place during the year ended 30 June 2017. Fixed Remuneration/Base Pay Short Term Incentive (STI) Long Term Incentive (LTI) Remuneration Elements  Base pay is determined by reference to appropriate benchmark information, taking into account an individual’s responsibilities, performance, qualifications and experience, the broad objective being to pitch fixed remuneration at median market levels.   ‘At risk’ award opportunity for the achievement of annual performance objectives linked to annual financial targets and non- financial goals set by individual. In light of the loss for financial years ended 30 June 2016 and 2017 and the reduced share price, the Board and the Remuneration Committee have temporarily suspended the LTI scheme for the financial years 2017 and 2018. Accordingly there was no award of performance rights to senior executives in relation to the year ended 2017 nor will any be awarded in relation to the year 2018.  Base pay is structured as a package, which may be delivered as a mix of cash and other benefits, such as the provision of a motor vehicle, at the executive’s discretion.  Financial targets in line with budgets set for the individual’s area of influence for the financial year, coupled with non-financial key performance measures.  There are no guaranteed base pay increases in any executives’ employment contracts.  Paid in cash within 30 days of finalisation of Audited Annual Report. Table 6: Key features of the senior executive STI plan for FY17 Overview of the senior executive STI plan Who participates in the Senior Executive STI plan? Senior executives, including the CEO, participate in the senior executive STI plan. How much can executives earn? STI opportunity for senior executives ranges from zero to 100% of target STI for significant out- performance Thresholds and performance conditions Is there a threshold level of performance required? Yes. There are threshold levels for EBITDA that must be met to receive an STI payment. Achievement of the thresholds does not automatically entitle executives to an STI award. Financial performance measures must also be met to earn an STI payment. What are performance conditions? the Measures Senior Executives Financial measures (100% of STI opportunity) Assessed against:  Budget EBITDA for the individual’s area of influence for the financial year.  20% payable for achievement of 90% of budget. Remaining 80% payable on a straight line pro rata basis for performance from 90% to 120% of budget. Setting and assessing performance Who sets and assesses performance? How is the STI delivered? The CEO sets and assesses performance and short term incentive outcomes for senior executives with guidance from the Remuneration Committee. The Remuneration Committee sets the targets for CEO and assesses performance against those targets. 100% of any STI award is paid in cash within 30 days of finalisation of the audited Annual Report. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 15 Directors’ Report Table 7: Key features of the senior executive FY16 LTI plan Note that LTI plan has been suspended for both FY17 and FY18 Overview of the LTI plan for FY16 Who participates in the Senior Executive LTI? What was awarded under the LTI plan in FY16? Senior executives, including the CEO, participate in the senior executive LTI plan. On 25 September 2015 senior executives received an LTI award of 1,561,688 performance rights, the vesting of which is subject to the performance condition outlined below. The number of rights awarded was calculated by dividing the remuneration value of the award by the volume weighted average price of ASH shares for the 5 day trading period prior to the approval to grant their award. Performance conditions What are the performance conditions? Over what period is performance measured? How are the performance conditions assessed? Performance condition 1) EPS Senior executive LTI awards are earned only upon achievement of the following performance hurdles:   Earnings Per Share growth (EPS): 50% of the LTI grant Total Shareholder Return (TSR): 50% of the LTI grant The Board has determined that the FY16 LTI plan will be subject to the performance condition over a three year period, commencing 1 July 2015. Absolute EPS performance condition - measured as the compound annual underlying EPS growth over the 3 year performance period. The EPS target is: EPS EPS Target Actual proforma EPS for the financial year ended 30 June 2015 8.7 cents 10% growth FY16 10% growth FY17 10% growth FY18 9.6 cents 10.5 cents 11.6 cents If actual EPS for the year ended 30 June 2018 exceeds 11.6 cents per share, 50% of the performance rights granted to each employee will vest as follows: 50% of performance rights granted to each employee vest at end of third year (25 September 2018) The remaining 50% vest at the end of the fourth year (25 September 2019), provided the executive is still employed at this vesting date. Performance condition 2) TSR The TSR performance condition is a measure of ASH’s TSR compared to the TSR of a comparator group of twenty competing and industry related companies at the beginning of the respective performance periods. TSR is measured by the change in value of the ASH’s cumulative TSR over the performance period compared to the TSR performance of the comparator group over the 3 year performance period. If actual TSR for ASH is top quartile for the 3 year performance period, 50% of the performance rights granted to each employee will vest. If actual TSR for ASH is 2nd quartile for the 3 year performance period 25% of the performance rights granted to each employee will vest. If actual TSR for ASH is below 2nd quartile, none of the performance rights attributed to this performance hurdle will vest. Vesting of TSR related performance rights is as follows:   50% of performance rights granted to each employee vest at end of third year (25 September 2018) The remaining 50% vest at the end of the fourth year (25 September 2019), provided the executive is still employee at this vesting date. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 16 Directors’ Report Overview of the LTI plan for FY16 Why were the performance measures chosen? The Board considers two performance conditions to be appropriate because they ensure that a proportion of each executive’s remuneration is linked to the generation of profits (expressed on a per share basis) and shareholder value through the combined application of both absolute and relative performance criteria. In particular, the use of a relative TSR based hurdle: • Ensures alignment between comparative shareholder return and reward for the executive; and Provides a relative, external market performance measure, having regard to those companies with which the Group competes for capital, customers and talent. An absolute underlying EPS growth based hurdle: • Links executive reward to a fundamental indicator of financial performance that is directly connected to shareholders; and Links directly to ASH’s long term objectives of improving and maintaining earnings performance. • • The use of dual performance measures combines a strong external market based focus through share price growth and dividends (TSR), and a non-market based internal measure aimed at driving improved Company earnings results (EPS). No, retesting of performance is not permitted. The Remuneration Committee based on financial information (EPS measure) and share price performance (the TSR measure). No, there are no voting rights or entitlements to dividends on unvested awards under the LTI plan. Is performance subject to retesting? Who assesses performance against targets? Does the executive receive dividends and voting rights on unvested awards? Cessation of employment and change of control What happens in the event of a change of control? Upon a change of control event, the Board may determine to vest some or all of the LTI awards. In making this determination, the Board will consider all relevant circumstances, including the performance against the EPS measure up to the date of the change of control event and the portion of the performance period that has expired. What happens in the event of cessation of employment? In general, unvested LTI awards are forfeited. In limited circumstances, such as upon a senior executive’s death, serious injury or incapacity during the performance period or other reason approved by the Board, any unvested performance shares will vest at the end of the performance period if the relevant performance conditions have been satisfied. STI and LTI plans for the financial year ended 30 June 2018 The remuneration committee has approved a similar Short Term Incentive (STI) plan for the year ended 30 June 2018, based upon budget targets for that annual period. In light of the loss for the financial years ended 30 June 2016 and 2017 and the reduced share price, the Board and the Remuneration Committee have temporarily suspended the LTI scheme for the financial years 2017 and 2018. Accordingly there was no award of performance rights to senior executives in relation to the year ended 2017 nor will any be awarded in relation to the year 2018. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 17 Directors’ Report c. Non-executive Director remuneration and Board performance review Non-executive Directors’ remuneration are reviewed annually and are determined by the Board based on recommendations from the Remuneration Committee. In making its recommendations, the Remuneration Committee takes into account remuneration paid to other non-executive Directors of comparable companies and where necessary will seek external advice. No remuneration consultants were used during the financial year. In accordance with the Company’s Constitution, the Directors are entitled to receive an annual fee and for participation in Board sub-committees. For non-executive Directors, fees are not linked to performance. The Company does not operate equity plans for non-executive Directors. Non-executive Directors are entitled to statutory superannuation included as part of their Directors’ fees. There are no other schemes for retirement benefits for non-executive Directors. No review of the Board’s performance occurred in the financial year ended 30 June 2017 due to the focus during FY17, in line with the outcomes of the strategic review announced on 1 March 2017, on the repositioning of the Company as a Labour Hire company, albeit one with a small, focused, complementary Training division. d. Details of remuneration Details of remuneration of the Directors and other key management personnel of Ashley Services Group are set out in the tables on pages 18 to 20. The key management personnel of Ashley Services Group are listed on page 13. The key management personnel have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling activities of the Group. Remuneration and other terms of employment for the Executive Directors and other Key Management Personnel are formalised in a service agreement. The major provisions of the agreements relating to remuneration are set out below: Table 8: Executive and Key Management Personnel Service Agreements Name Ross Shrimpton Chris McFadden Marc Shrimpton4 Paul Rixon Base Salary $1 Target STI %2 Target LTI %2, 3 300,000 450,000 275,000 275,000 - 50 50 50 - 50 30 50 Term of agreement Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Notice Period 6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months Base salary is on an annual basis and includes superannuation contributions. Note: 1. 2. Maximum annual award as a percentage of annual salary. 3. 4. Marc Shrimpton resigned as an Executive Director on 20 April 2017 but continued on as General Manager Blackadder Recruitment This plan has been suspended for the financial years ended 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2018. for the balance of FY17. Subsequent to year end, Marc resigned 7 July 2017 as General Manager Blackadder Recruitment. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 18 Directors’ Report Table 9: Statutory key performance indicators of the group over the last three years1 Profit / (Loss) for the year attributable to members ($000) Basic earnings per share (cents) Dividend payments ($000) 2017 2016 2015 (5,969) (4.08) - (69,626) (46.42) - 13,676 9.65 6,150 Dividend payout ratio (%) Decrease in share price (%)2 Total KMP incentives as percentage of profit/(loss) for the year (%) Note: 1. Three years used since Ashley Services Group Pty Limited listed on 21 August 2014. 2. Decrease in share price (%) is year-end share price relative to prior year-end, other than 2015 which is relative to IPO price $1.66. (70.9) (63.0) - - - - 45.0 (64.2) 1.8 Table 10: 2017 – Remuneration of Key Management Personnel 2017 Name Non-executive Directors Ian Pratt5 Executive Director Ross Shrimpton6 Chris McFadden7 Marc Shrimpton8 Stewart Cummins9 Other key management personnel Brett O’Connor10 Paul Rixon11 Paul Brittain12 ST1 employee benefits Cash salary & fees $ Salary non- cash $ ST1 employee bonus S PE2 benefits Super- annuation $ 150,685 173,300 191,780 255,384 238,472 176,502 259,803 343,890 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14,315 16,464 18,219 19,616 6,538 4,904 19,616 13,077 LT3 employee benefit Total4 Performa nce based Remunera tion $ - - - - - $ % 165,000 189,764 209,999 275,000 245,010 181,406 279,419 356,967 - - - - - - - 1,789,816 Total Note: 1. ST – Short-term. 2. PE – Post-employment. 3. LT – Long-term. Details of the long term incentive plan are included in the Directors’ report, pages 16 to 17. Management have assessed the probability of the performance hurdles for the 2015 and 2016 plans being met as Nil and no expense has been recognised in the profit and loss account for the year ended 30 June 2017. 1,902,565 112,749 - - 4. Amounts included in the above table include amounts paid to key management from all entities. 5. During the year tax advisory fees have also been paid to Trood Pratt & Co (Company in which Ian Pratt is a Partner). 6. Reappointed Managing Director 23 January 2017, previously Non-Executive Director from 15 February 2016. These amounts represent remuneration earned across both roles during the 2017 financial year. 7. Chris McFadden commenced as Chief Financial Officer on 13 January 2017 and moved to Executive Director on 6 April 2017. These amounts represent remuneration from the date he commenced with the Group, rather than the date he was appointed Director. 8. Marc Shrimpton resigned as an Executive Director on 20 April 2017 but continued on as General Manager Blackadder Recruitment for the balance of FY17. These amounts represent remuneration earned across both roles during the 2017 financial year. Subsequent to year end, Marc resigned 7 July 2017 as General Manager Blackadder Recruitment. 9. Resigned 26 September 2016. 10. Resigned 20 September 2016. 11. Novated car lease refund of $4,419 included in these figures. 12. Resigned 17 February 2017. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 19 Directors’ Report Table 11: 2016 – Remuneration of Key Management Personnel 2016 Name Non-executive Directors Ian Pratt5, 7 Ross Shrimpton Peter Turner6 Simon Crean6 Vincent Fayad6 Executive Director Stewart Cummins8 Marc Shrimpton Other key management personnel Brett O’Connor Paul Rixon Paul Brittain Total Note: ST1 employee benefits Cash salary & fees $ Salary non- cash $ ST1 employee bonus S PE2 benefits Super- annuation $ 113,014 134,962 35,388 25,114 20,548 278,259 255,692 366,415 255,692 421,192 1,906,276 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10,736 9,051 3,361 2,386 1,952 22,490 19,308 19,308 19,308 28,808 136,708 LT3 employee benefit Total4 Performa nce based Remunera tion $ % $ - - - - - - - 123,750 144,013 38,749 27,500 22,500 300,749 275,000 385,723 275,000 450,000 2,042,984 - - - - - - - - - 1. ST – Short-term. 2. PE – Post-employment. 3. LT – Long-term. Details of the long term incentive plan are included in the Directors’ report, pages 15 to 18. Management have assessed the probability of the performance hurdles for the 2015 and 2016 plans being met as Nil and no expense has been recognised in the profit and loss account for the year ended 30 June 2016. 4. Amounts included in the above table include amounts paid to key management from all entities. 5. During the year tax advisory fees have also been paid to Trood Pratt & Co (Company in which Ian Pratt is a Partner). 6. Ceased as Directors 1 October 2015 and included to that date. 7. Commenced as Director 1 October 2015 and inclusive from that date. 8. Stewart Cummins commenced as Chief Operating Officer on 14 December 2015 and moved to Executive Director on 15 February 2016. These amounts represent remuneration from the date he commenced with the Group, rather than the date he was appointed Director. Other transactions with key management personnel Information on share-based payments and other transactions with key management personnel is set out on the previous pages. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 20 Directors’ Report e. Shares held by key management personnel The number of ordinary shares in the Company during the 2017 reporting period held by each of the Group’s key management personnel, including their related parties are set out below: Table 12: Shares held by Key Management Personnel Name Ian Pratt Ross Shrimpton1 Chris McFadden2 Marc Shrimpton3 Paul Rixon Stewart Cummins4 Brett O’Connor5 Paul Brittain6 Balance at start of the year 15,060 86,046,305 - 1,917,423 41,416 600,000 47,440 18,000 Shares Disposed - Change from KMP - Balance at end of the year 15,060 - - - - (600,000) - - - - - - - (47,440) (18,000) 86,046,305 - 1,917,423 41,416 - - - Total Note: 1. This includes shares owned directly by Ross Shrimpton (9,857), Catherine Shrimpton (wife of Ross Shrimpton, 60,858,282), their family 88,685,644 88,020,204 (600,000) (65,440) companies (22,178,166) and shares purchased on behalf of Andrew (1,500,000) and Dean Shrimpton (1,500,000). 2. Chris McFadden was appointed Chief Financial Officer on 13 January 2017 and a director on 6 April 2017. 3. Marc Shrimpton resigned as an Executive Director on 20 April 2017 but continued on as General Manager Blackadder Recruitment for the balance of FY17. Subsequent to year end, Marc resigned 7 July 2017 as General Manager Blackadder Recruitment. 4. Resigned 26 September 2016. 5. Resigned 20 September 2016. 6. Resigned 17 February 2017. f. Executive service agreements On appointment to the Board, all non-executive Directors sign a letter of appointment with the Company. The letter summarises the terms including compensation, relevant to the office of Director. All contracts with executives may be terminated by either party with a notice period as outlined in Table 8. Executives are typically restricted for twelve months after termination from conducting or engaging in competing businesses and from solicitation of customers and employees of the Company. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 21 Directors’ Report g. Share-based compensation Senior Executive Share Plan The Company established the Performance Rights Share Plan on 31 July 2014. The Performance Rights Share Plan is intended to provide incentives to attract motivate and retain key executives whose present and potential contributions are important to the success of the Group by offering them an opportunity to participate in ownership of the Company. The Performance Rights Share Plan is administered by the Board in its discretion. The terms and conditions of the Performance Rights Share Plan are summarised below. During the financial year the Board issued Nil performance rights (2016: 1,561,668). The number of Performance Rights awarded to executive directors and Key Management Personnel is set out below: Table 13: Performance Rights held by Executive Directors and Key Management Personnel Name Ross Shrimpton Chris McFadden Marc Shrimpton1 Paul Rixon Stewart Cummins2 Brett O’Connor3 Paul Brittain4 Balance at start of the year - Performance Rights Granted - Balance at end of the year - - 206,842 344,736 - 549,053 502,326 - - - - (549,053) (502,326) - 206,842 344,736 - - - Total Note: 3. Subsequent to year end, Marc Shrimpton resigned 7 July 2017 as General Manager Blackadder Recruitment and his 206,842 1,602,957 551,578 (1,051,379) Performance Rights were cancelled for Nil consideration. 4. Resigned 26 September 2016. 5. Resigned 20 September 2016. 6. Resigned 17 February 2017. The offer of rights to Shares under the Employee Performance Rights Plan did not exceed 5% of the total number of issued shares in that class. Consideration for the Shares is provided in the form of services to or for the benefit of the Company and as such performance conditions may be attached to any rights under the Employee Performance Rights Plan. An eligible employee who has contracted with Ashley Services (under the Employee Performance Rights Plan) for the right to Shares in the Company (Participant), holds those rights on the following terms:     disposal of rights is not permitted without the permission of the Board; any new issue of shares to existing shareholders will only apply to the Participant if the rights to shares have vested in the Participant and the Participant has become a shareholder in the Company at the relevant record date (as defined in the ASX Listing Rules); in the event there is a bonus issue to Ashley Services shareholders, the number of shares a Participant is entitled to under the Employee Performance Rights Plan will be increased by the number of Shares the Participant would have received had they been a shareholder before the record date (as defined in the ASX Listing Rules) for the bonus issue; and in the event of a reconstruction of the issued capital of the Company prior to a Participant’s rights under the Employee Performance Rights Plan vesting in the Participant, the rights and Shares to which the Participant is entitled will be reconstructed in accordance with ASX Listing Rules. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 22 Directors’ Report Rights under the Employee Performance Rights Plan will vest in a Participant at a determined date subject to the Participant’s continued employment with Ashley Services and the satisfaction of any performance conditions and other terms and conditions imposed by the Board. Shares allotted under the plan are held under the following conditions:   shares issued under the plan will rank equally to shares issued in Ashley Services; and compliance with Ashley Services’ Share Trading Policy is required. Management have assessed the probability of the performance hurdles for the 2015 and 2016 plans being met as Nil and no expense has been recognised in the profit and loss account for the year ended 30 June 2017. End of audited Remuneration Report. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors made pursuant to section 298(2) of the Corporations Act 2001 Ian Pratt Chairman Sydney, 31 August 2017 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 23 AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION As lead auditor for the audit of the consolidated financial report of Ashley Services Group Limited for the year ended 30 June 2017, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions of: (a) the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and (b) any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. This declaration is in relation to the Ashley Services Group Limited and the entities it controlled during the period. Sydney, NSW 31 August 2017 S P James Director ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 24 Corporate Governance Statement A Corporate Governance Statement has been adopted by the Board on 30 August 2016 and can be found at http://www.ashleyservicesgroup.com.au/investor- centre/corporate-governance/ The Board has adopted a suite of governance materials which are available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website (www.ashleyservicesgroup.com.au), under “Investor Centre”. The governance materials have been prepared and adopted on the basis that corporate governance procedures can add to the performance of the Company and the creation of shareholder value, and help to engender the confidence of the investment market. Diversity To date, the board or a committee have not set measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity and to assess annually both the objectives and the company’s progress in achieving them. The Company provides the following information on the proportion of women employees in the whole organisation, women in Senior Executive positions and women on the Board of the Company. Directors & Senior Management Corporate & Administration Labour Hire Recruitment Training Total Female Male 27% 88% 70% 82% 58% 66% 73% 12% 30% 18% 42% 34% During the financial year ending 30 June 2017 the Company submitted its annual report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency and is again compliant with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Act). The performance of the Board and Senior Executives in the 2017 financial year has been reviewed against both quantitative and qualitative measures and Directors and Senior Executives provided feedback on the discharge of their responsibilities. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 25 Directors’ Declaration 1. In the opinion of the Directors of Ashley Services Group Limited: a. The consolidated financial statements and notes of Ashley Services Group Limited are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: i. Giving a true and fair view of its financial position as at 30 June 2017 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date; and ii. Complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and b. There are reasonable grounds to believe that Ashley Services Group Limited will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable. 2. The Directors have been given the declarations required by Section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 from the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the financial year ended 30 June 2017. 3. Note 1 confirms that the consolidated financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. Ian Pratt Chairman Sydney, 31 August 2017 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 26 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP LIMITED ACN 094 747 510 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT To the Members of Ashley Services Group Limited REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT Opinion We have audited the financial report of Ashley Services Group Limited (“the Company”) and its controlled entities (“the Group”), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2017, the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors’ declaration. In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: (a) giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 2017 and of its financial performance for the year then ended; and (b) complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (“the Code”) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Key Audit Matters Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial report of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 27 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP LIMITED ACN 094 747 510 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued) Key Audit Matter How our audit addressed the key audit matter Revenue recognition Refer to Note 1 (Accounting policies) and Note 2 (Revenue and other income) Labour hire revenue is the most significant account balance in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income. Total revenue of $315.4 million comprises a number of streams including: • • • other income ($0.7 million). labour hire revenue ($289.2 million); training revenue ($25.5 million); and We focussed on this matter due to the size and magnitude of labour hire revenue, as well as the higher level of inherent risk due to the manual processes for inputting, calculating, reviewing, and recording of the labour hire revenue. We assessed whether the Group’s accounting policies were in compliance with Australian Accounting Standards. We tested the Group’s process for recognising labour hire revenue. We tested labour hire revenue recognised in the period by agreeing to timesheets, payroll reports, amounts billed and subsequently received. We issued audit confirmation requests to a sample of customers to test the total revenue invoiced by the Group. We tested the process for raising and authorising credit notes throughout the financial year and immediately subsequent to year end. We compared the accuracy of hours on-billed as labour hire revenue to amounts paid to employees, refer to employment costs below. We tested the correct cut-off and accrual of labour hire revenue at year end. Employment costs Refer to Note 1 (Accounting policies) Employment costs, both internal and allocated externally, is one of the most significant account balances in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income. We tested the Group’s process for recognising employment costs. We tested the controls surrounding the authorisation of changes in employee details, such as pay rates. Total employment costs amount to $300.9 million. We tested employment costs recognised in the period by agreeing to timesheets, payroll reports, and amounts subsequently paid. We focussed on this matter due to the size and magnitude of employment costs, as well as the higher level of inherent risk due to the manual processes for the volume of inputting, calculating, reviewing, and recording of the employment costs. We analytically reviewed the labour hire margins from the current and prior year. We tested the cut-off and accrual of employment costs at year end. We tested whether PAYG amounts were deducted and subsequently paid to the Australian Taxation Office. We tested superannuation amounts paid by recalculation and comparison to gross wages. We tested the subsequent payment to the superannuation clearing house. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 28 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP LIMITED ACN 094 747 510 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued) Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report Thereon The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Group’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2017, but does not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report. As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: • • • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 29 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP LIMITED ACN 094 747 510 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued) • • • Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial report. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. We also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. From the matters communicated with the directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial report of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. REPORT ON THE REMUNERATION REPORT Opinion on the Remuneration Report We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 13 to 23 of the directors’ report for the year ended 30 June 2017. In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Ashley Services Group Limited for the year ended 30 June 2017 complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Responsibilities The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. HLB Mann Judd Assurance (NSW) Pty Ltd Chartered Accountants S P James Director Sydney, NSW 31 August 2017 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 30 Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income For the financial year ended 30 June 2017 Note 30 Jun 2017 $000 30 Jun 2016 $000 Revenue Other income Employment costs Depreciation and amortisation expense Finance costs Other expenses Impairment of intangibles Impairment of property, plant & equipment Restructuring expense Cancellation of shares issued on acquisition NSW finalisation cost Deferred vendor earn-out adjustment Loss before income tax from continuing operations Income tax credit Loss for the year from continuing operations Loss for the year from discontinued operations Loss for the year Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive loss for the year Basic earnings per share (cents) from continuing operations Diluted earnings per share (cents) from continuing operations Basic earnings per share (cents) from discontinued operations Diluted earnings per share (cents) from discontinued operations Basic earnings per share (cents) Total Diluted earnings per share (cents) Total The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 2 2 3 3 12 12 5 22 20 20 20 20 20 20 314,696 719 (300,849) (1,854) (717) (10,079) (5,486) (3,530) (678) 1,114 (738) - (7,402) 1,967 (5,435) (534) (5,969) - (5,969) (3.72) (3.72) (0.36) (0.36) (4.08) (4.08) 276,868 1,077 (270,871) (3,443) (611) (14,625) (65,966) - - - - 3,482 (74,089) 6,973 (67,116) (2,510) (69,626) - (69,626) (44.75) (44.75) (1.67) (1.67) (46.42) (46.42) ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position As at 30 June 2017 Note 30 Jun 2017 $000 30 Jun 2016 $000 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Current tax receivable Other assets Total current assets Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Deferred tax assets Intangible assets Total non-current assets Total assets Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables Borrowings Current tax payable Other liabilities Provisions Total current liabilities Non-current liabilities Other liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Provisions Total non-current liabilities Total liabilities Net assets Equity Share capital Common control reserve Accumulated losses Total Equity 7 8 13 9 10 13 11, 12 14 15 13 16 17 16 13 17 18 19 4,376 26,383 285 1,450 32,494 1,259 7,281 3,277 11,817 44,311 17,184 724 - - 3,117 21,025 - 1,616 1,660 3,276 24,301 20,010 1,704 27,925 2,838 930 33,397 6,064 7,590 9,847 23,501 56,898 18,982 102 - 942 3,792 23,818 - 3,700 2,280 5,980 29,798 27,100 148,815 (57,687) (71,118) 20,010 149,929 (57,687) (65,142) 27,100 The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 32 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity For the financial year ended 30 June 2017 For the year ended 30 June 2017 Balance at 1 July 2016 Loss for the period Total comprehensive loss for the period Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners: Cancellation of shares issued on acquisition Prior year discrepancy Balance at 30 June 2017 For the year ended 30 June 2016 Balance at 1 July 2015 Loss for the period Total comprehensive loss for the period Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners: Dividends paid Share Capital $000 Common Control Reserve $000 149,929 (57,687) - - (1,114) - - - - - Retained Earnings $000 (65,142) (5,969) (5,969) - (7) 148,815 (57,687) (71,118) 149,929 (57,687) - - - - - - 10,634 (69,626) (69,626) Total $000 27,100 (5,969) (5,969) (1,114) (7) 20,010 102,876 (69,626) (69,626) (6,150) (65,142) (6,150) 27,100 Balance at 30 June 2016 149,929 (57,687) The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 33 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows For the financial year ended 30 June 2017 Operating activities Receipts from customers Payments to suppliers and employees Interest received Interest paid Income taxes received Net cash from continuing operations Net cash used in discontinued operations Net cash (used in)/from operating activities Investing activities Note 30 Jun 2017 $000 30 Jun 2016 $000 345,993 316,341 (345,302) (316,660) 71 (567) 2,950 3,145 (200) 2,945 37 (340) 1,653 1,031 (1,258) (227) 22 23 Payments for property, plant and equipment in continuing operations (719) (2,565) Payments for property, plant and equipment in discontinued operations 22 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from sale of intangibles Payments for intellectual property Payments for businesses acquired net of cash acquired Net cash used in investing activities Financing activities Repayment of external borrowings in continuing operations Repayment of external borrowings in discontinued operations Dividend paid Net cash used in financing activities Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 24 22 7 (6) 581 578 - (605) (171) (102) - - (102) 2,672 1,704 4,376 (305) 104 - (1,301) (307) (4,374) (89) (35) (6,151) (6,275) (10,876) 12,580 1,704 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 34 Notes to the Financial Statements Table of Contents SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES ---------------------------------------------------- 37 REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45 EXPENSES ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45 AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46 INCOME TAX CREDIT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46 KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES ---------------------------------------------------------- 47 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47 OTHER ASSETS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 48 INTANGIBLE ASSETS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 IMPAIRMENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 51 TAX BALANCES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55 BORROWINGS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55 OTHER LIABILITIES------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 56 PROVISIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 56 SHARE CAPITAL --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57 COMMON CONTROL RESERVE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58 EARNINGS PER SHARE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58 SEGMENT INFORMATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60 CASH FLOW INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61 BUSINESS COMBINATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61 CONTROLLED ENTITIES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 62 PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65 SECURED AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES ------------------------------------------------------------------- 65 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66 OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 69 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 35 Notes to the Financial Statements 31. 32. 33. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 69 EMPLOYEE SHARE RIGHTS PLAN------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 69 DIVIDENDS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 69 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 36 Notes to the Financial Statements 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES a. General information The financial statements for the financial year ended 30 June 2017 cover Ashley Services Group Limited and its controlled entities (“Ashley Services” or the “Group”). Ashley Services Group is a public Company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (trading incorporated and under domiciled in Australia. the symbol “ASH”), The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the Group in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The accounting policies have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated. b. Statement of compliance The consolidated financial statements are general purpose financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and Australian Accounting Standards (including Australian Accounting Interpretations) adopted by the Australian Accounting Standards Board. The consolidated financial statements of the Group also International Financial Reporting comply with Standards (‘IFRS’) adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board. The Group is a for- profit entity for the purposes of preparing the financial statements. consolidated The statements were financial authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 31 August 2017. Basis of preparation c. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on historical costs, except for the measurement at fair value of selected non-current assets, financial assets and financial liabilities as disclosed in this note. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for assets. All amounts are presented in Australian dollars, unless otherwise noted. In accordance with ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial / Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191, amounts in the financial report are rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars unless otherwise indicated. d. Going concern The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. e. Adoption of new and revised Accounting Standards The Group adopted all of the new, revised or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (“AASB”) that are mandatory for the current reporting period. The adoption of these Accounting Standards and Interpretations did not have any significant impact on the financial performance or position of the Group. f. New Accounting Standard and Interpretations not yet adopted new standards and accounting Certain interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2017 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the Group. The Group’s assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below. There are no other standards that are not yet effective and that are expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions. AASB 9: Financial Instruments introduces new requirements for the AASB 9 classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities. These requirements improve and simplify for classification and measurement of financial assets compared with the requirements of AASB 139. The main changes are: the approach a) Financial assets that are debt instruments will be classified based on: (i) the objective of the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets; and (ii) the characteristics of the contractual cash flows. b) Allows an irrevocable election on initial losses on recognition to present gains or investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading in other comprehensive income (instead of in profit or loss). Dividends in respect of these investments that are a return on investment can be recognised in profit or loss ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 37 Notes to the Financial Statements c) d) and there is no impairment or recycling on disposal of the instrument. Introduces a through other ‘fair value comprehensive income’ measurement category for particular simple debt instruments. Financial assets can be designated and measured at fair value through profit or loss at initial recognition if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would arise from measuring assets or liabilities, or recognising the gains or losses on them, on different bases. e) Where the fair value option is used for financial liabilities the change in fair value is to be accounted for as follows:   the change attributable to changes in credit risk are presented in Other Comprehensive Income (‘OCI’); and the remaining change is presented in profit or loss. If this approach creates or enlarges an accounting mismatch in the profit or loss, the effect of the changes in credit risk are also presented in profit or loss. Otherwise, the following requirements have generally been carried forward unchanged from AASB 139 into AASB 9:   classification and measurement of financial liabilities; and derecognition requirements for financial assets and liabilities. This standard and its consequential amendments are applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 (i.e. the Group’s 30 June 2019 year-end). Management’s assessment of these amendments is that they will have no material impact on the Group’s transactions or balances recognised in the financial statements. AASB 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers AASB 15 replaces AASB 118: Revenue, AASB 111: Construction Contracts and some revenue-related Interpretations:   Establishes a new revenue recognition model; changes the basis for deciding whether revenue is to be recognised over time or at a point in time;   topics (e.g., multiple provides new and more detailed guidance on specific element arrangements, variable pricing, rights of return, warranties and licensing); and expands and revenue. improves disclosures about AASB 15 is applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 (i.e. the Group’s 30 June 2019 year-end). Management’s assessment of these amendments is that there may be a potential impact on the Training division and will undertake further work to quantify this potential impact. AASB 16: Leases AASB 16 replaces AASB 117: Leases, was issued in February 2016 and is effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. AASB 16:      replaces AASB 117 Leases and some lease- related Interpretations; requires all leases to be accounted for ‘on- balance sheet’ by lessees, other than short-term and low value asset leases; provides new guidance on the application of the definition of lease and on sale and lease back accounting; largely retains the existing lessor accounting requirements in AASB 117; and requires new and different disclosures about leases. AASB 16 is applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019 (i.e. the Group’s 30 June 2020 year-end). Management have yet to undertake a detailed assessment of the impact of AASB 16. However, based on the entity’s preliminary assessment, the likely impact on the first time adoption of the Standard for the year ending 30 June 2020 includes:    there will be an increase in lease assets and financial liabilities recognised on the balance sheet; the reported equity will reduce as the carrying amount of lease assets will reduce more quickly than the carrying amount of lease liabilities; EBIT in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income will be higher as the implicit interest in lease payments for former off ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 38 Notes to the Financial Statements  balance sheet leases will be presented as part of finance costs rather than being included in operating expenses; and operating cash outflows will be lower and financing cash flows will be higher in the statement of cash flows as principal repayments on all lease liabilities will now be included in financing activities than operating activities. rather Business combinations g. Business combinations occur where an acquirer obtains control over one or more businesses and result in the consolidation of its assets and liabilities. A business combination is accounted for by applying the acquisition method, unless it is a combination involving entities or businesses under common control. The business combination will be accounted for from the date that control is attained, whereby the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities (including contingent liabilities) assumed are recognised (subject to certain limited exceptions). to initial Subsequent When measuring the consideration transferred in the business combination, any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement is also included. recognition, contingent consideration classified as equity is not remeasured and is Contingent accounted consideration classified as an asset or liability is remeasured in each reporting period to fair value, recognising any change to fair value in profit or loss, unless the change in value can be identified as existing at acquisition date. its subsequent settlement for within equity. All transaction costs incurred in relation to the business combination are recognised as expenses in loss and other the statement of profit or comprehensive income when incurred. The acquisition of a business may result in the recognition of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. On 1 July 2014, the group acquired a number of related entities. This business combination was treated as a common control transaction, as the conditions in AASB 3: Business Combinations (Appendix B) applied, in that all businesses were controlled by the same party before and after the transaction, and the control was not considered transitory. h. Basis of consolidation The Group financial statements consolidate those of its Ashley Services Group Limited and all of subsidiaries as of 30 June 2017. Ashley Services Group Limited controls a subsidiary if it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. All subsidiaries have a reporting date of 30 June. All transactions and balances between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation, including unrealised gains or losses on transactions between Group companies. Where unrealised losses on intra- group asset sales are reversed on consolidation, the underlying asset is also tested for impairment from a group perspective. Amounts reported in the financial statements of subsidiaries have been adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with the accounting policies adopted by the Group. Profit or loss and other comprehensive income of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are recognised from the effective date of acquisition, or up to the effective date of disposal, as applicable. Non-controlling interests, presented as part of equity, represent the portion of a subsidiary’s profit or loss and net assets that is not held by the Group. The Group attributes total comprehensive income or loss of subsidiaries between the owners of the parent and the non-controlling interests based on their respective ownership interests. i. Revenue and other income Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable after taking into account any discounts allowed. All revenue is stated net of the amount of GST. Below are the specific accounting policies adopted by the Group: Training revenue Revenue from training courses is recognised in proportion to the stage of completion of the training course. Where work has been undertaken, and has not yet been billed or claimed from the relevant sponsoring ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 39 Notes to the Financial Statements authority, a “Work in Progress” balance is recognised within “Other receivables” after adjusting for an estimate of potentially unsuccessful claims. Changes in the ownership interest in a subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions and do not affect the carrying amounts of goodwill. Labour hire Other intangibles Labour hire revenue is recognised upon delivery of the service to the customers or in the instance of placement fees at the time the employee has been placed. Intangibles acquired by the group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is charged to the profit or loss on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life. Interest revenue Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest method, which for floating rate financial assets is the rate inherent in the instrument. Dividend revenue Dividend revenue is recognised when the right to receive a dividend has been established, usually on declaration of the dividend / distribution. Other income Other income primarily includes State funding employer rebates earned in relation to specified categories of individuals. j. Intangible assets Goodwill Goodwill is initially recognised as the difference between the fair value of consideration, and the fair value of net assets acquired less any accumulated impairment losses. The value of goodwill is recognised on acquisition of the business. The Group adopts the full goodwill method. The fair value of the interests in the business is determined using valuation techniques which make the maximum use of market information where available. Under this method, goodwill attributable to the interests of the business is recognised in the financial statements. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually and is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units or group of cash-generating units, which represent the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored but where such level is not larger than an operating segment. Gains or losses on the disposal of equity include the carrying amount of goodwill related to the entity sold. Estimated useful life of intangibles is as follows: Customer relationships 7 years Licenses 5 years Intellectual property - Course material 5-7 years Intangible assets, such as Brands, which are deemed to have an indefinite useful life are not amortised, but are assessed for impairment annually, within the CGU to which they are attributed. Where impairment is recognised, it is recorded in the profit or loss in the period the impairment is identified. k. Income tax The income tax expense (income) for the year comprises current income tax expense (income) and deferred tax expense (income). Current income tax expense charged to profit or loss is the tax payable on taxable income. Current tax liabilities (assets) are therefore measured at the amounts expected to be paid to (recovered from) the relevant taxation authority. Deferred income tax expense reflects movements in deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances during the year as well as unused tax losses. Current and deferred income tax expense (income) is charged or credited directly to equity instead of profit or loss when the tax relates to items that are credited or charged directly to equity. Except for business combinations, no deferred income tax is recognised from the initial recognition of an asset or liability where there is no effect on accounting or taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled and their measurement also reflects the manner in which ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 40 Notes to the Financial Statements management expects to recover or settle the carrying amount of the related asset or liability. Deferred tax assets relating to temporary differences and unused tax losses are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the benefits of the deferred tax asset can be utilised. Where temporary differences exist in relation to investments in subsidiaries, branches, associates, and joint ventures, deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is not in the probable that the reversal will occur foreseeable future. Current tax assets and liabilities are offset where a legally enforceable right of set-off exists and it is intended that net settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where: (a) a legally enforceable right of set- off exists; and (b) the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where it is intended that net settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur in future periods in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. Tax consolidation tax group under Ashley Services Group Limited and its wholly owned Australian subsidiaries have formed an income tax consolidated consolidation legislation. Each entity in the group recognises its own current and deferred tax assets and liabilities. Such taxes are measured using the ‘standalone taxpayer’ approach to allocation. Current tax liabilities (assets) and deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and tax credits in the subsidiaries are immediately transferred to head entity. The group notified the Australian Taxation Office that it has formed an income tax consolidation group to apply from 1 July 2003. The income tax consolidated group has entered a tax funding arrangement whereby each company in the Group contributes to the income tax payable by the Group in proportion to their contributions to the Group’s taxable income. Differences between the amounts of net tax assets and liabilities derecognised and the net amounts recognised pursuant to the funding arrangement are recognised as either a contribution by, or distribution, to the head entity. l. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown with short term borrowings in current liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position. m. Trade and other receivables Trade and other receivables include amounts due in the from customers for services performed ordinary course of business. Receivables expected to be collected within 12 months of the end of the reporting period are classified as current assets. All other receivables are classified as non-current assets. Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment. The recoverability of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Amounts which are determined not to be recoverable are written off by reducing the carrying amount to its recoverable amount, the difference is charged to the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in that period. A provision for impairment of trade recoverable is recognised when there is objective evidence that the group is unable to collect part or all of the amounts due. Factors such as previous trading relationship, financial position, and probability of recoverability are considered when determining the extent the debtor is impaired. n. Property, plant and equipment Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost, less where applicable, any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 41 Notes to the Financial Statements The depreciable amount of fixed assets is depreciated on a straight line basis, over the useful asset’s life to the Group commencing from the time the assets are held ready for use. The annual depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are: Class of fixed assets  Computer equipment Office equipment Depreciation rate 20 - 25% 20% Furniture and fittings Motor vehicles Training equipment Leasehold improvements 10% 18.75 - 25% 33.33% 20% - 40% lives are determined by reference In the case of leasehold improvements, expected to useful comparable owned assets or over the term of the lease, if shorter. The carrying amount of property, plant and equipment is reviewed annually at the end of the reporting period by the Directors to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable amount of these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the asset’s employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have been discounted to their present values in determining recoverable amounts. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s its estimated carrying amount recoverable amount. is greater than Gains or losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These gains or losses are recognised immediately in profit or loss. o. Trade and other payables Trade and other payables represent the liabilities for goods and services received by the Group that remain unpaid at the end of the reporting period. The balance is recognised as a current liability with the amounts normally paid within 30 days of recognition of the liability. Employee benefits p. Provision is made for the Group’s liability for the employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to the end of the reporting period. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for those benefits. In determining the liability, consideration is given to employee wage increases and the probability that the employee may not satisfy vesting requirements. Those cash flows are discounted using market yields on HQ corporate bonds with terms to maturity that match the expected timing of cash flows. q. Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation at the end of the reporting period. r. Borrowings Loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received, net of transaction costs. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. Impairment of assets s. At the end of each reporting period, the Group assesses whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired. information and including dividends The assessment will include considering external internal sources of sources of information from received subsidiaries, deemed to be out of pre-acquisition profits. If such an indication exists, an impairment test is carried out on the asset by comparing the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell, and its value in use, to the asset’s carrying amount. Any excess of the ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 42 Notes to the Financial Statements asset’s carrying value over its recoverable amount is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the asset Any is carried at a revalued amount. impairment loss of a revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decrease. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Impairment testing is performed at least annually for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives. required Comparative figures t. When Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation for the current financial year. Accounting by u. GST Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the ATO. Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included with other receivables or payables in the balance sheet. Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO are presented as operating cash flows in receipts from customers or included payments to suppliers. v. Significant management judgement in applying accounting policies the financial preparing statements, When management undertakes a number of judgements, estimates and assumptions about the recognition and measurement of assets, income and expenses. liabilities, Significant management judgement are following The significant management judgements in applying the accounting policies of the Group that have the most significant effect on the financial statements. Determination of Cash Generating Units for purpose of impairment reviews Determination of the Cash Generating Units (“CGUs”) for purpose of impairment reviews is a key judgement made by management. Management has undertaken a formal assessment of what constitutes the CGUs, by identifying the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or group of assets, being Training and Labour Hire. that are inflows Assessment of the Class Action against the Group is that (ASH) include Ashley Services Group Limited the respondent in a class action that was commenced in the Federal Court of Australia (NSW Registry) on 1 December 2016 on behalf of a group of shareholders. The allegations against ASH its prospectus, dated 7 August 2014, contained certain misstatements and omissions in contravention of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), that ASH contravened the continuous disclosure provisions and that it engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct during the period August 2014 to April 2015. ASH is vigorously defending this proceeding. The potential liability and costs in respect of the proceeding cannot be accurately assessed at this time, but the existence of this matter has entailed the necessity for disclosure as a contingent liability (Refer Note 28). Recognition of deferred tax assets The extent to which deferred tax assets can be recognised is based on an assessment of the probability of the Group’s future taxable income against which the deferred tax assets can be utilised. Estimation uncertainty Information about estimates and assumptions that have the most significant effect on recognition and income and measurement of assets, expenses is provided below. Actual results may be substantially different. liabilities, Impairment In assessing impairment, management estimates the recoverable amount of each asset or cash-generating unit based on expected future cash flows and uses an interest Estimation uncertainty relates to assumptions about future operating results and the determination of a suitable discount rate. Both future operating results and discount rates are discussed in Note 12. In 2017, the to discount them. rate ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 43 after deducting any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus elements in ordinary shares issued during the year. Diluted earnings per share Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in determination of basic earnings per share to take into account the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of shares assumed to have been issued for no consideration in relation to dilutive potential ordinary shares. Notes to the Financial Statements Group recognised an impairment loss on goodwill and other intangible assets (see Note 12). Useful lives of depreciable assets Management reviews its estimate of the useful lives of depreciable assets at each reporting date, based on the expected utility of the assets. Uncertainties in these estimates relate to technical obsolescence that may change the utility of certain software and IT equipment. Business combinations The is fair value of contingent consideration dependent on the outcome of many variables that affect future profitability (see Note 29). The fair value of acquired intangibles is also subject to a number of assumptions. This involves developing estimates and assumptions consistent with how market participants would price the identified asset. Management bases its assumptions on observable or benchmark data as far as possible but this is not always available. In that case management uses information available. the best Long service leave provisions In determining the provision for employees’ long service leave, consideration is given to the probability an employee may not satisfy vesting requirements. In doing this, management considers the likelihood of employees reaching a qualifying period of service and adjust the valuation for these estimated probabilities. Long term incentive plan the long determining for incentive provision term senior In management’s plan, consideration is given to the probability the required “earnings per share” performance requirement being achieved to be remote, and therefore a provision has not been recognised in relation to this. w. Dividends A liability is recognised for the amount of any dividend declared, being appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of the entity, on or before the end of the financial year but not distributed at balance date. x. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company, ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 44 Notes to the Financial Statements 2. REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME Operating activities: Labour hire revenue Training revenue from continuing operations1 Other income: Interest received Sundry income Note: 1. Refer to note 22 for details of discontinued operations 3. EXPENSES 2017 $000 289,198 25,498 314,696 70 649 719 Loss before income tax from continuing operations includes the following specific expenses: Finance costs Interest expense Bank fees Depreciation Motor vehicles Office equipment Leasehold improvements Amortisation Customer contracts and relationships – amortisation Intellectual property Course material Impairment Impairment of intangible assets Impairment of PP&E 2017 $000 567 150 717 50 809 285 1,144 343 - 367 710 5,486 3,530 2016 $000 248,612 28,256 276,868 37 1,040 1,077 2016 $000 511 100 611 172 807 689 1,668 129 118 1,528 1,775 65,966 - ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 45 Notes to the Financial Statements 4. AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION Auditor of the parent entity – Grant Thornton and HLB Mann Judd Audit and review of financial reports under the Corporations Act 2001 - Grant Thornton1 Audit of financial reports under the Corporations Act 2001 - HLB Mann Judd2 Total Remuneration Other entities In addition to the above, the related entities detailed in Note 25 have also paid fees to the auditor(s) as follows: Audit and review of financial reports under the Corporations Act 2001 - Grant Thornton1 Audit of financial reports under the Corporations Act 2001 - HLB Mann Judd2 2017 $ 2016 $ 95,579 232,000 110,000 205,579 - 232,000 - 45,000 25,000 25,000 - 45,000 Note: 1. Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd resigned as auditor of the Company on 12 May 2017 2. HLB Mann Judd Assurance (NSW) Pty Limited were appointed auditor of the Company on 12 May 2017 subject to ASIC consent (granted 20 June 2017) to the resignation of Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd and ratification by shareholders at the company’s 2017 AGM. 5. a. INCOME TAX CREDIT Components of tax credit for continuing operations Current tax expense Deferred tax – origination and reversal of temporary differences Over provision of tax in prior year Income tax credit 2017 $000 919 (1,774) (1,112) (1,967) b. Reconciliation of prima facie tax on loss from ordinary activities to income tax expense Net loss before tax from continuing operations Prima facie tax (credit)/expense on net profit from ordinary activities before income tax at 30% (2016: 30%) Add / (less) Tax effect of: – Entertainment – Other – Deferred vendor earn-out adjustment – Impairment of intangibles – Net intangibles adjustment – Profit on cancellation of shares – Acquired intangibles – Over provision of tax in prior year Income tax credit ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2016 $000 1,154 (5,694) (2,433) (6,973) 2016 $000 (74,089) 2017 $000 (7,402) (2,221) (22,227) 6 2 - 1,646 46 (334) - (1,112) (1,967) 10 1 (1,044) 19,790 - - (1,070) (2,433) (6,973) 46 Notes to the Financial Statements The tax rate used in the above reconciliation is the corporate tax rate of 30% payable by Australian corporate entities on taxable profits under Australian tax law. There has been no change in the corporate tax rate when compared with the previous reporting period. 6. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES a. Key management personnel compensation for the year was as follows Short-term employee benefits Post-employment benefits Total 2017 $ 1,789,816 112,749 1,902,565 2016 $ 1,906,276 136,708 2,042,984 Individual director and key management personnel disclosures b. Detailed remuneration disclosures are included in the Directors’ Report. The relevant information can be found in the Remuneration section of the report on page 18 to 20, Tables 8 to 11. 7. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash on hand Cash at bank 8. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Current Trade receivables Allowance for impairment of trade receivables Other receivables 2017 $000 5 4,371 4,376 2017 $000 22,930 (1,250) 4,703 26,383 2016 $000 9 1,695 1,704 2016 $000 20,505 (1,055) 8,475 27,925 a. Ageing of trade receivables (before allowing for impairment of receivables) at year end is detailed below Current Past due 0 – 30 days (not considered impaired) Past due 31 – 60 days (not considered impaired) Past due 60+ days (not considered impaired) Past due 60+ days (considered impaired (b)) ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 $000 15,954 5,118 608 - 1,250 22,930 2016 $000 14,469 2,884 683 1,414 1,055 20,505 47 Notes to the Financial Statements b. The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts in respect of trade receivables is detailed below Balance at beginning of year Increase in allowance recognised in profit or loss Amounts written-off Balance at end of year 9. OTHER ASSETS Current Prepayments Deposits Bank guarantee1 Note: 2017 $000 1,055 489 (294) 1,250 2017 $000 692 33 725 1,450 2016 $000 803 849 (597) 1,055 2016 $000 593 337 - 930 1. As at balance date the company had bank guarantees of $559,193 relating to property leases. The $725,000 represents a restricted bank account to cover the company’s total available guarantee facility of $723,618. 10. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Motor vehicles Cost Accumulated impairment Accumulated depreciation Office equipment Cost Accumulated impairment Accumulated depreciation Leasehold improvements Cost Accumulated impairment Accumulated depreciation Capital works in progress Cost Accumulated depreciation Total property, plant and equipment ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 $000 475 (115) (360) - 7,239 (2,124) (4,318) 797 3,091 (1,291) (1,602) 198 264 - 264 1,259 2016 $000 514 - (306) 208 7,213 - (3,870) 3,343 3,334 - (1,239) 2,095 418 - 418 6,064 48 Notes to the Financial Statements a. Movement in carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment 2017 Balance at 1 July 2016 Additions/(transfers) Disposals Depreciation expense – continuing operations Depreciation expense – discontinued operations Impairment Balance at 30 June 2017 2016 Balance at 1 July 2015 Additions/(transfers) Disposals Depreciation expense – continuing operations Depreciation expense – discontinued operations Balance at 30 June 2016 Motor vehicles $000 208 Office equipment $000 3,343 Leasehold improvements $000 2,095 Capital Work In Progress $000 418 3 (154) 22 (65) (50) - 652 (224) (809) (41) (115) (2,124) - 797 (243) (285) (81) (1,291) 198 Total $000 6,064 523 (532) (1,144) (122) (3,530) - - - - 264 1,259 Motor vehicles $000 363 Office equipment $000 2,203 Leasehold improvements $000 1,890 Capital Work In Progress $000 767 48 (29) (172) (2) 208 2,125 (40) (807) (138) 3,343 1,019 (14) (689) (111) 2,095 (349) - - - 418 Total $000 5,223 2,843 (83) (1,668) (251) 6,064 The Group’s property, plant and equipment are encumbered by a fixed and floating charge as security for the group’s working capital facility (Refer Note 15). ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 49 Notes to the Financial Statements 11. INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill Cost Reclassification to intellectual property Impairment (note 12) Net carrying value Customer relationships/Licences Cost Impairment (note 12) Accumulated amortisation Net carrying value Brand names Cost Reclassification from goodwill Impairment (note 12) Net carrying value Intellectual property Cost Purchase Reclassification from goodwill Impairment (note 12) Accumulated amortisation Net carrying value Total intangible assets a. Intangible assets – detailed reconciliation Customer Relationships and Licences2 $000 624 Goodwill $000 2,782 - - - - (129) - 495 2017 Balance at 1 July 2016 Capitalised course materials Amortisation – continuing operations Impairment charge1 Balance at 30 June 2017 Note: 1. See Note 12b. 2. Customer relationships have a remaining useful life of 5 years. 2,782 2017 $000 66,256 (1,000) (62,474) 2,782 2,062 (918) (649) 495 3,798 842 (4,640) - 7,471 204 158 (3,896) (3,937) - 3,277 Brand Names $000 2,599 - - (2,599) - Intellectual Property $000 3,842 204 (1,159) (2,887) - 2016 $000 66,256 (1,000) (62,474) 2,782 2,062 (918) (520) 624 3,798 842 (2,041) 2,599 7,471 - 158 (1,009) (2,778) 3,842 9,847 Total $000 9,847 204 (1,288) (5,486) 3,277 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 50 Notes to the Financial Statements 2016 Balance at 1 July 2015 Capitalised course materials Acquired through business combinations Amortisation – continuing operations Amortisation – discontinued operations Impairment charge1 Goodwill $000 66,174 - (918) - - (62,474) Balance at 30 June 2016 Note: 1. See Note 12b. 2. Customer relationships have a remaining useful life of 5 years. 3. Brand names have an indefinite life and are not amortised. 4. Remaining useful life for Intellectual property is up to 5 years. 2,782 12. IMPAIRMENT a. Impairment Customer Relationships and Licences $000 1,195 Brand Names $000 3,798 - - (129) - (442) 624 - 842 - - (2,041) 2,599 Intellectual Property $000 5,049 1,301 158 Total $000 76,216 1,301 82 (1,646) (1,775) (11) (1,009) 3,842 (11) (65,966) 9,847 The consolidated entity tests whether goodwill and other intangible assets have suffered any impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently, if required. Training division As a result of the loss of key state funding contracts within the Training division for 2017 in NSW and Victoria, a detailed impairment review of the Training cash-generating unit (“CGU”) was performed at 31 December 2016. The recoverable amounts of the Training CGU was determined as the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use calculations. The Training division was not successful in securing material 2017 state funding contracts in its two key trading states of Victoria and NSW. Consequently, management has implemented plans to significantly scale back the scope and size of its training business. As a result, the future cash flows from the training business have been estimated to be negligible. On this basis the recoverable amount has been calculated based on fair value less costs of disposal. This has been determined based on the currently concluding transaction, being that related to WA/SA Integracom, which was known as at 31 December 2016. The recoverable amount was therefore $1.0 million, being the purchase price of $1.065 million less known costs of $65k, leaving $0.6 million for Course Materials (Intellectual Property) and $0.4 million for PP&E, and the Training division assets were written down to these values as at 31 December 2016. This purchase price, being an agreed selling price, is reflective of the fair value since it has been established through negotiation between two unrelated parties. In considering the fair value hierarchy in AASB 13: Fair Value Measurement, this is considered to be Level 2, since it is best characterised as a “market-corroborated input”. Payment of the purchase price of $1.065 million was made on 27th February 2017. All other non-current assets of the Training CGU have been impaired. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 51 Notes to the Financial Statements Labour Hire division The recoverable amount of the Labour Hire division has been determined based on a value in use calculation. That calculation uses cash flow projections based on financial forecasts approved by management for FY17 and a pre-tax discount rate of 18.7 per cent. Cash flows beyond that period have been held constant, reflecting the competitive nature of the industry. Management’s key assumption is that revenues for the Labour Hire division will increase 14% in FY18, reflecting the net impact of recent customer wins and losses. EBITDA margin is forecast at 2.7% (before corporate overhead allocations). The recoverable amounts of the CGUs were determined based on value-in-use calculations, covering detailed forecasts for two years, followed by an extrapolation of expected cash flows for the units’ remaining useful lives using the growth rates determined by management. The present value of the expected cash flows of each segment is determined by applying a suitable discount rate. Long term growth rates after the forecast period and discount rates used were as follows: Labour Hire Terminal Growth rates 30 Jun 2017 0% 30 Jun 2016 0% Pre-tax discount rates 30 Jun 2017 18.7% 30 Jun 2016 18.7% The growth rate reflects management’s view of longer-term average growth rates for the respective sectors. The discount rate reflects appropriate adjustments relating to market risk and specific risk factors of each unit. Impairment charges b. As a result of the analysis, an impairment charge of $8.3 million has been recorded in the FY17 results, in the Training CGU as follows: 2017 Training Labour Hire Goodwill* $’000 Other Intangibles $’000 5,486 - 5,486 PP&E $’000 2,866 664 3,530 Total $’000 8,352 664 9,016 - - - Total impairment charge for the year ended 30 June 2017 * All goodwill related to the Training CGU has been impaired previously. These movements have reduced the net carrying amount of goodwill and other intangibles to $3.3 million as presented in note 11. 2016 Training Labour Hire Total impairment charge for the year ended 30 June 2016 Goodwill $’000 52,361 10,113 62,474 Other Intangibles $’000 3,492 - 3,492 PP&E $’000 - - - Total $’000 55,853 10,113 65,966 Movements in the net carrying amount of goodwill and other intangibles are presented in note 11a. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 52 Notes to the Financial Statements The amount of goodwill, brand names and other intangibles remaining by CGU and subject to future impairment testing is as follows: 2017 Training Labour Hire Total 2016 Training Labour Hire Total Goodwill $’000 - 2,782 2,782 Goodwill $’000 - 2,782 2,782 Customer Relationships/ Licences $’000 - 495 495 Customer Relationships/ Licences $’000 - 624 624 Brand Names $’000 Intellectual Property $’000 - - - - - - Brand Names $’000 Intellectual Property $’000 2,599 - 2,599 3,842 - 3,842 Total $’000 - 3,277 3,277 Total $’000 6,441 3,406 9,847 c. Sensitivity analysis Management has also run various sensitivity scenarios, primarily reviewing sensitivity of outcomes to FY17 EBITDA forecasts, long term growth rates and discount rates. In respect of reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions, major sensitivities are summarised as follows: Change in VIU Sustainable EBITDA margin; +/- $0.5 million each CGU 1% increase or decrease in long term growth rate 1% increase or decrease in pre-tax discount rate Labour hire CGU $’M +/-2.5 +/-1.0 +/-1.2 13. TAX BALANCES Current assets Income tax receivable Non-current assets Deferred tax assets (a) Current tax liabilities Income tax payable Non-current liabilities Deferred tax liabilities (a) 2017 $000 285 2016 $000 2,838 7,281 7,590 - - 1,616 3,700 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 53 Notes to the Financial Statements a. Deferred tax assets and liabilities Deferred taxes arising from temporary differences and unused tax losses can be summarised as follows: Balance at Beginning of the Year $000 Recognised in Other comprehensive income $000 Recognised in Business Combination $000 Recognised in Profit & Loss $000 Balance at End of the Year $000 2017 Current assets Trade, other receivables and other assets (2,349) Non-current assets Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Current liabilities Trade and other payables Provision 2016 tax loss carried forward Deferred tax asset Total (860) - 3,558 2,365 1,176 3,890 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,108 (1,241) 860 592 775 (1,456) (105) 1,774 - 592 4,333 909 1,071 5,664 Balance at Beginning of the Year $000 Recognised in Other comprehensive income $000 Recognised in Business Combination $000 Recognised in Profit & Loss $000 Balance at End of the Year $000 (3,959) (1,362) 11 2,805 827 - (1,678) - - - - - - - - 1,610 (2,349) (47) - - - - (47) 549 (11) 753 1,538 1,176 5,615 (860) - 3,558 2,365 1,176 3,890 2016 Current assets Trade, other receivables and other assets Non-current assets Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Current liabilities Trade and other payables Provision Deferred tax asset Total ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 54 Notes to the Financial Statements 14. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Current Trade payables Accrued expenses GST payable Sundry creditors 2017 $000 2,003 5,502 2,177 7,502 17,184 2016 $000 2,661 5,821 2,000 8,500 18,982 The average credit period on purchases of certain products and services is 30 days. No interest is charged on trade payables. The group has financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid within the credit time frame. 15. BORROWINGS Current Secured liabilities Working capital facility Finance Leases (a) Bank guarantee (b) a. Finance Leases 2017 $000 - - 724 724 2016 $000 - 102 - 102 The Group had a small number of finance leases on company use motor vehicles, but none at 30 June 2017. The asset carrying value of these vehicles is Nil as at 30 June 2017 (2016: $84,525) and is included in Note 10. b. Bank Guarantee As at balance date the company had bank guarantees of $559,193 relating to property leases. The $723,618 represents an interest free loan provided to the company by Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited to cover the company’s total available guarantee facility of $723,618. c. Group credit facility Total facilities at reporting date Working capital facility Used at reporting date Bank overdraft Unused at reporting date Bank overdraft Term facility ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 $000 5,000 5,000 - - 5,000 n/a 5,000 2016 $000 15,000 15,000 - - 15,000 n/a 15,000 55 Notes to the Financial Statements Subsequent to year end FY16, the Company revised its funding arrangements by establishing an ‘evergreen’ invoice discount facility with a Big 4 bank at competitive rates. The Bankwest debt facility reduced from $15 million to $10 million in August 2016 and further reduced to $5 million from 1 December 2016. On 30 January 2017, the Group was notified that the $5.0 million working capital facility had been assigned by Bankwest to Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited, a company associated with Ross Shrimpton, Managing Director, and with shareholders of the Group. As at 30 June 2017, the Group’s $5 million working capital facility through Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited, remained in place. Shrimpton Holdings has fixed and floating charges over the Group’s assets, subject to conditions outlined by a separate agreement between Ashley Services Group Limited and Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited in line with the ASX Listing Rule Waiver as granted 3 April 2017. On 26 July 2017, the Company announced it had extended its $5 million working capital facility through Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited, out for a further year to 29 October 2018, in line with the conditions outlined in the revised ASX Listing Rule Waiver as granted 17 July 2017. 16. OTHER LIABILITIES Current Vendor earn-out liability (a) Non-Current Vendor earn-out liability (a) a. Vendor earn-out liability 2017 $000 - - 2016 $000 942 - The Vendor earn-out liability as at 30 June 2016 comprised the fair value of estimated consideration payments payable to vendors in relation to the acquisition of SILK on 30 April 2015. $0.6 million was paid out to the vendors in August 2016, $0.1 million used to offset debtor write-offs, with the balance of $0.2 million written back to profit during financial year ended 30 June 2017. 17. PROVISIONS Current Employee benefits (a) Provision for discontinued operation (b) Total Non-current Employee benefits (a) Provision for discontinued operation (b) Total 2017 $000 2,570 547 3,117 158 1,502 1,660 2016 $000 3,021 771 3,792 540 1,740 2,280 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 56 Notes to the Financial Statements a. Reconciliation of employee provisions Opening balance Less: leave taken during the year Add: leave provided for during the year Closing balance b. Provision for discontinued operation 2017 $000 3,561 (1,502) 669 2,728 2016 $000 2,756 (557) 1,362 3,561 During the second half of financial year ended 30 June 2017, the Board approved an orderly exit from the international and domestic hospitality student business originally acquired through the SILK acquisition in April 2015. The Group has fulfilled its obligations for the remaining students and the Registered Training Organisation (“RTO”) has been deregistered through the Australian Skills Quality Authority (“ASQA”). The $2.05 million provision at end 30 June 2017 (2016: $2.511 million) represents the discounted cost of future surplus lease obligations. 18. SHARE CAPITAL The Company does not have any share options on issue as at the date of this report. Details of share capital of the group are as follows: 143,975,904 (Jun-16: 150,000,000) fully paid ordinary shares Performance rights a. Ordinary shares 30 Jun 2017 $000 148,815 30 Jun 2017 Number of rights 551,578 30 Jun 2016 $000 149,929 30 Jun 2016 Number of rights 1,942,456 The reduction in Share Capital from 150,000,000 shares ($149.9m) at 30 Jun 16 to 143,975,904 shares ($148.8m) at 30 June 17 is the result of the cancellation of 6,024,096 shares issued by way of consideration to fund the purchase of Integracom as approved by shareholders at the AGM of 9 November 2016. Ordinary shares confer on their holders the right to participate in dividends declared by the Board. Ordinary shares confer on their holders an entitlement to vote at any general meeting of the Company. b. Performance rights As at 30 June 2015, the Group had issued 380,788 Performance rights. During the financial year ended 30 June 2016 the Group issued 1,561,668 Performance Rights to employees. These Performance Rights were granted on the 25th September 2015 with a fair value of 52.5 cents per right. The terms of the Performance Plan have been outlined in the Directors’ Report (Table 7) within this Annual Report. During the financial year ended 30 June 2017 the Group has cancelled 1,390,878 Performance Rights for Nil consideration following various employees leaving the company. Management have assessed the probability of the performance hurdles for the 2015 and 2016 plans being met as Nil and no expense has been recognised in the profit and loss account for the financial years ended 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2017. The plan has been suspended for the financial years ending 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2018. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 57 Notes to the Financial Statements 19. COMMON CONTROL RESERVE The common control reserve has arisen following the adoption of the pooling of interests method used to account for the 1 July 2014 acquisition of the following entities:      ADV Services Pty Limited; Ashley Institute Holdings Pty Limited; TBRC Holdings Pty Limited; Tracmin Pty Limited; and Australian Institute of Vocational Development Pty Limited. 20. EARNINGS PER SHARE Net loss after tax Weighted number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year used in calculating basic earnings per share (EPS) Weighted number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year used in calculating diluted earnings per share (EPS) Basic earnings per share (cents) from continuing operations Diluted earnings per share (cents) from continuing operations Basic earnings per share (cents) from discontinued operations Diluted earnings per share (cents) from discontinued operations Basic earnings per share (cents) Total Diluted earnings per share (cents) Total 2017 $000 (5,969) 2016 $000 (69,626) 146,143,917 150,000,000 146,143,917 (3.72) 150,000,000 (44.75) (3.72) (0.36) (0.36) (4.08) (4.08) (44.75) (1.67) (1.67) (46.42) (46.42) With the Group making a current year loss, the Performance Rights impact is anti-dilutive, and as such has not been included in the calculation of the diluted EPS. 551,578 Performance Rights not included in the calculation. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 58 Notes to the Financial Statements 21. SEGMENT INFORMATION The Group’s management identifies two operating segments, Labour Hire and Training, representing the main products and services provided by the Group. During the financial year ended 30 June 2017, there have been no changes from prior periods in the measurement methods used to determine operating segments and reported segment profit or loss. The revenues and profit generated by each of the Group’s operating segments are summarised as follows: 2017 Revenue From external customers Segment revenue Other income Employment cost Depreciation and amortisation expense Finance costs Other expenses Impairment of intangibles Impairment of PP&E Restructuring expense Selective reduction of capital and cancellation of shares NSW Department finalisation costs Segment Profit/(loss) Unallocated items (Loss) before income tax Income tax benefit Total comprehensive (loss) for the year from continuing operations 2016 Revenue From external customers Segment revenue Other Income Employment costs Depreciation and amortisation expense Finance costs Other expenses Impairment of intangibles Deferred vendor earn-out adjustment Segment profit/(loss) Unallocated items Profit before income tax Income tax expense Total comprehensive (loss) for the year from continuing operations Labour Hire $000 289,198 289,198 636 (279,192) (385) (10) (2,833) - (664) - - - 6,750 Labour Hire $000 248,612 248,612 1,034 (241,065) (353) (10) (3,663) (10,113) - (5,558) Training $000 25,498 25,498 10 (19,332) (1,267) - (4,739) (5,486) (2,866) (678) 1,114 (738) (8,484) Training $000 28,256 28,256 5 (26,916) (2,988) (91) (8,209) (55,853) 3,482 (62,314) Total $000 314,696 314,696 646 (298,524) (1,652) (10) (7,572) (5,486) (3,530) (678) 1,114 (738) (1,734) (5,668) (7,402) 1,967 (5,435) Total $000 276,868 276,868 1,039 (267,981) (3,341) (101) (11,872) (65,966) 3,482 (67,872) (6,217) (74,089) 6,973 (67,116) ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 59 Notes to the Financial Statements No segments assets or liabilities are disclosed because there is no measure of segments assets or liabilities regularly reported to Management and to the Board. a. Information about major customers Included in revenues from external customers are revenues of $118.3 million (2016: $118.0 million) which arose from sales to 3 (2016: 3) of the Group’s customers whose individual revenue exceeds 10% of total revenue in the Labour Hire segment. Sales to these 3 customers were $54.6 million, $33.1 million and $30.6 million respectively (2016: $47.9 million, $42.5 million and $27.6 million respectively). There are no customers whose individual revenue exceeded 10% of total revenue in the Training segment in either financial year. 22. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS b. Financial year ended 30 June 2017: SILK During the second half of the financial year ended 30 June 2017, the Board approved an orderly exit from the international and domestic hospitality student business originally acquired through the SILK acquisition in April 2015. The Group has fulfilled its obligations for the remaining students and the Registered Training Organisation (“RTO”) has been deregistered through the Australian Skills Quality Authority (“ASQA”). The $534,000 (SILK $138,000, Cantillon $396,000) represents the after tax trading loss incurred during the financial year. c. Financial year ended 30 June 2016: Cantillon During the final quarter of the financial year ended 30 June 2016, the Board approved an orderly exit from the international student business in Perth, Western Australia, originally acquired through the Cantillon acquisition in September 2014. The Group has fulfilled its obligations for the remaining students and the RTO has been deregistered through ASQA. The $2.5 million after tax loss represents the trading loss incurred during the financial year ($0.8 million after tax), together with the costs of termination ($1.7 million), which primarily represents the discounted cost of the future lease obligations, along with a minor $0.1m contribution from the SILK business discontinued in 2017 and now included in prior year comparatives. Discontinued operation Revenue Other income Employment cost Depreciation and amortisation expense Finance costs Other expenses Surplus lease provision Other exit costs Loss before income tax Income tax credit Loss after tax Total comprehensive loss for the year ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 $000 845 1 (1,265) (65) - (216) - - (700) 166 (534) (534) 2016 $000 4,832 51 (3,997) (263) (4) (1,693) (2,275) (236) (3,585) 1,075 (2,510) (2,510) 60 Notes to the Financial Statements Cash flows from the discontinued operations were: Discontinued operation Receipts from customers Payments to suppliers and employees Interest paid Income taxes paid Net cash used in operating activities Payments for property, plant and equipment Net cash used in investing activities (Repayment) of external borrowings Net cash used in financing activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 23. CASH FLOW INFORMATION Reconciliation of cash flow from operations to loss after income tax Loss for the year Cash flows excluded from profit attributable to operating activities Adjustments for non-cash items: - Depreciation and amortisation expense - Bad and doubtful debts - (Profit)/Loss on disposal of fixed assets - Gain on reassessment of deferred consideration liabilities - Impairment of intangibles - Impairment of PP&E - Cancellation of shares issued on acquisition - Changes in assets and liabilities - Decrease in trade and other receivables - Decrease /(increase) in other assets - (Increase)/decrease in deferred tax asset - Decrease in trade and other payables - (Decrease)/ increase in provisions - Increase in current tax receivables - Decrease in deferred tax liabilities Net cash (used in)/from operating activities 24. BUSINESS COMBINATION 2017 $000 1,769 (1,930) - (39) (200) (6) (6) - - (206) 2017 $000 (5,969) 1,919 194 (46) (338) 5,486 3,530 (1,114) 1,393 205 309 (1,798) (1,295) 2,553 (2,084) 2,945 2016 $000 4,963 (6,176) (3) (42) (1,258) (305) (305) (35) (35) (1,598) 2016 $000 (69,626) 3,706 849 6 (3,482) 65,966 - - 8,950 (163) (3,716) (3,318) 3,316 (864) (1,851) (227) The Group made no acquisitions during the financial year ended 30 June 2017 and also the previous financial year ended 30 June 2016. Final vendor earn-out payments were made during the current and prior year relating to acquisitions from prior periods. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 61 Notes to the Financial Statements 25. CONTROLLED ENTITIES Set out below are the controlled entities of Ashley Services Group Limited: Country of incorporation 2017 percentage owned % 2016 percentage owned % Action Arndell Park Pty Limited Action Botany Pty Limited Action James (Qld) Pty Limited Action James Mascot Pty Limited Action James NSW Pty Limited Action James Parramatta Pty Limited Action James WCF Pty Limited Action James Western Suburbs Pty Limited Action Job Support Pty Limited Action MMX Pty Limited Action WA Pty Limited Action Workforce AC Pty Limited Action Workforce ACT Pty Limited Action Workforce BAX1 Pty Limited Action Workforce CAT Pty Limited Action Workforce COL1 Pty Limited Action Workforce COS1 Pty Limited Action Workforce COT Pty Limited Action Workforce IMT Pty Limited Action Workforce LIN1 Pty Limited Action Workforce NSW Pty Limited Action Workforce OS Pty Limited Action Workforce OSI 1 Pty Limited Action Workforce OST Pty Limited Action Workforce Pty Limited Action Workforce T1 Pty Limited Action Workforce T2 Pty Limited Action Workforce VAPS Pty Limited Action Workforce VER1 Pty Limited Action Workforce Victoria Pty Limited Action Workforce VM Pty Limited Action Workforce VPS Pty Limited ADV Services Pty Limited ADV1 Pty Limited ADV2 Pty Limited ADV3 Pty Limited ADV4 Pty Limited ADV5 Pty Limited ADV6 Pty Limited ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 62 Notes to the Financial Statements Country of incorporation 2017 percentage owned % 2016 percentage owned % ADV7 Pty Limited ADV8 Pty Limited ADV9 Pty Limited Advance BGT Pty Limited Advance Exchange Pty Limited Advance GW Pty Limited Advance GX Pty Ltd Advance KM Pty Limited Advance LLA Pty Limited Advance MAN Pty Limited Advance MIX Pty Limited Advance Recruitments Pty Limited Advance WL Pty Limited Advance WLE Pty Limited Advance WLT Pty Limited Advance WMPM Pty Limited AIVD Holdings Pty Limited ASG Integracom (AUST) Holdings Pty Limited ASG Integracom (AUST) Pty Limited Ash Pty Limited Ashley Apprenticeship Network Pty Limited Ashley Institute Holdings Pty Limited Australian Institute of Vocational Development Pty Limited AWF Training 1 Pty Limited AWF Training 2 Pty Limited AWF Training 3 Pty Limited AWF Training 4 Pty Limited AWF Training 5 Pty Limited Cantillon Holdings Pty Limited2 Capra Ryan Online Learning Pty Limited College of Innovation and Industry Skills Pty Limited3 Concept AWF Pty Limited (formerly Advance TR Pty Limited) Concept Employment (Aust) Pty Limited Concept Engineering (Aust) Pty Limited Concept Project Resources Pty Limited (formerly Action Workforce VPN Pty Limited) CP Action Electronics Pty Limited CP Action Workforce Pty Limited ECA Chullora Pty Limited ECA Plastics Pty Limited Executive Careers Australia Pty Limited Global Education and Training Group Pty Limited4 Integracom Holdings Pty Limited Integracom Unit Trust1 James Personnel Pty Limited James Warehousing Pty Limited ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 63 Notes to the Financial Statements Country of incorporation Australia 2017 percentage owned % 100 Qualitas Education Pty Limited (formerly Advance LSA Pty Limited) Silk Group Holdings Pty Limited TBRC Holdings Pty Limited The Blackadder Recruitment Company Pty Limited Tracmin Holdings Pty Limited Tracmin Pty Limited Training Support Group Pty Limited Vocational Training Australia Pty Limited Notes: 1. Integracom Unit Trust was acquired on 21 August 2014. 2. Cantillon Holdings Pty Limited was a company incorporated on 19 September 2014. 3. College of Innovation and Industry Skills Pty Limited (Cantillon) was a company acquired on 25 September 2014. 4. Global Education and Training Group Pty Limited (SILK) was a company acquired on 30 April 2015. Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 2016 percentage owned % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 26. PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES a. Financial position Assets Current assets Non-current assets Total assets Liabilities Current liabilities Non-current liabilities Total liabilities Net assets Equity Share capital Common control reserve Accumulated losses Total equity b. Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income Loss for the year Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive loss 2017 $000 92 17,028 17,120 724 - 724 16,396 148,815 (57,687) (74,732) 16,396 2017 $000 (5,095) - (5,095) 2016 $000 92 22,513 22,605 - - - 22,605 149,929 (57,687) (69,637) 22,605 2016 $000 (65,966) - (65,966) ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 64 Notes to the Financial Statements c. Contingent liabilities of the Parent Entity The Parent entity had one contingent liability as at 30 June 2017. Ashley Services Group Limited (ASH) is the respondent in a class action that was commenced in the Federal Court of Australia (NSW Registry) on 1 December 2016 on behalf of a group of shareholders (see Note 28 for more detail). d. Commitments for expenditure for the Parent entity The Parent entity had Nil committed expenditure as at 30 June 2017 (30 June 2016: Nil). 27. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS a. Parent company There is no ultimate parent company for Ashley Services Group Limited. b. Transactions with related entities Transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and conditions no more favourable than those available to other parties unless otherwise stated. Transactions with related parties are as follows: Rent and outgoings paid or payable to Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited as trustee for the Shrimpton Family Trust, an entity which is controlled by Mr Ross Shrimpton for the head office at Arndell Park, New South Wales1 Loan balances from entities associated with Mr Ross Shrimpton. These are unsecured and non-interest bearing loans and are in place as security for the Bank Guarantee facility provided through Bankwest. Interest paid to Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited, an entity which is controlled by Mr Ross Shrimpton Fees payable to PKF Lawler Corporate Finance Pty Limited (of which Vince Fayad is a Director) for services related to IPO, Interim Chief Financial Officer and sundry financial services Fees payable to Trood Pratt & Co (of which Ian Pratt is a Partner) for taxation services Note: 20172 $ 20162 $ 436,540 205,088 723,618 78,402 - 97,808 - - 17,900 97,364 1. 2017 amount includes Rent/Outgoings payment for FY17 ($214,717) and prepayment for FY18 ($221,823) whilst 2016 amount is for FY16 Rent/Outgoings payment only. 2. All amounts as shown are exclusive of GST. 28. SECURED AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES For assets pledged as security for borrowing facilities see Note 15. Ashley Services Group Limited (ASH) is the respondent in a class action that was commenced in the Federal Court of Australia (NSW Registry) on 1 December 2016 on behalf of a group of shareholders. The allegations against ASH include that its prospectus, dated 7 August 2014, contained certain misstatements and omissions in contravention of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), that ASH contravened the continuous disclosure provisions and that it engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct during the period August 2014 to April 2015. ASH is vigorously defending this proceeding. The potential liability and costs in respect of the proceeding cannot be accurately assessed at this time, but the existence of this matter has entailed the necessity for disclosure as a contingent liability. The Group had no other contingent liabilities at 30 June 2017. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 65 Notes to the Financial Statements 29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS a. Significant accounting policies Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset and financial liability are disclosed in Note 1 to the financial statement. b. Financial risk management objectives The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s financial management framework. The Board has an established Audit and Risk Management Committee which is responsible for developing and monitoring the Group’s financial management policies. The Committee provides regular reports to the Board of Directors on its activities. The Audit and Risk Management Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with risk management policies and procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks. The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are market risk (including fair value interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Board reviews and approves policies for managing each of these risks. The Audit and Risk Management Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with risk management policies and procedures and review the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks. The Group does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purpose. c. Market risk Interest rate risk The Group is exposed to interest rate risk associated with borrowed funds at floating interest rates. During the financial year, risks associated with interest rate movements were monitored by the Board; however, no hedging instruments were considered necessary to manage the risk. The Group’s exposures to interest rates on financial assets and financial liabilities are detailed in the liquidity risk management section of this note. Interest rate sensitivity The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to interest rates at the reporting date and the stipulated change taking place at the beginning of the financial year and held constant throughout the reporting period. A 100 basis point increase or decrease is used when reporting interest rate risk internally to key management personnel and represents management’s assessment of the possible change in interest rates. At the reporting date, if interest rates had been 100 basis points higher or lower and all other variables were held constant, the effect on the Group would be as follows: ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 66 Notes to the Financial Statements Change in profit Increase in interest rates of 1% Decrease in interest rates of 1% Change in equity Increase in interest rates of 1% Decrease in interest rates of 1% Credit risk 2017 $000 73 (73) 73 (73) 2016 $000 125 (125) 125 (125) Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations, resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers. Ongoing credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition of accounts receivable. The carrying value of trade receivables recorded in the financial statements, net of any impairment allowances, represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risks. The Group does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty or any group of counterparties having similar characteristics. The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counter parties are a reputable bank with high quality external credit ratings. The maximum credit risk exposure of financial assets is their carrying amount in the financial statements. d. Liquidity risk management Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Managing Director and Board of Directors, who have built an appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group’s short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity management requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves, banking facilities and reserve borrowing facilities by continuously comparing actual cash flows with forecasts and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. Included in Note 15 is a listing of additional undrawn facilities that the Group has at its disposal to further reduce liquidity risk. Liquidity and interest risk tables The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities. The table has been presented based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group may be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows. Financial liabilities 2017 Trade and other payables Borrowings – working capital facility Bank guarantee (refer Note 15) Total Weighted average effective interest rate % n/a 5.85% 0% Within 1 year $000 1 to 5 years $000 Over 5 years $000 17,184 - 724 17,908 - - - - - - ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Total $000 17,184 - 724 17,908 67 Notes to the Financial Statements Weighted average effective interest rate % Within 1 year $000 1 to 5 years $000 Over 5 years $000 n/a 4.45% n/a n/a 18,982 - 102 942 20,026 - - - - - - - - - - Total $000 18,982 - 102 942 20,026 2016 Trade and other payables Borrowings – bank Finance leases Other liabilities – Vendor earn-out Total Fair value of financial instruments Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position are grouped into three levels of a fair value hierarchy. The three levels are defined based on the observability of significant inputs to the measurement, as follows:    level 1 – the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities with standard terms and conditions and traded on active liquid markets is determined with reference to quoted market prices; level 2 – the fair value of other financial assets and liabilities is determined in accordance with generally accepted pricing models based on discounted cash flow analysis using prices from observable current market transactions; and level 3 – where quoted prices are not available, use is made of discounted cash flow analysis using the applicable yield curve for the duration of the instruments for non-optional derivatives, and option pricing models for optional derivatives. The Directors consider that the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded at amortised cost in the financial statements approximate their fair values. The valuation used for instruments categorised as Level 2 and 3 are described below: Contingent consideration (level 3) Under the terms of the transaction with the vendors of SILK there was an earn out payment which was subject to revenue and profit targets. The fair value of contingent consideration is estimated using the present value technique. The fair value is estimated by probability-weighting the estimated future cash outflows, adjusting for risk and discounting at 6%. The probability-weighted cash outflows before discounting have been assessed in relation to the acquisition of SILK as Nil (out of an original maximum of $1.25 million). The discount rate used of 6% is based on the Group’s estimated incremental borrowing rate for unsecured liabilities at the reporting date, and therefore reflects the Group’s credit position. The effects on the fair value of risk and uncertainty in the future cash flows are dealt with by adjusting the estimated cash flows rather than adjusting the discount rate. The Vendor earn-out liability as at 30 June 2016 comprised the fair value of estimated consideration payments payable to vendors in relation to the acquisition of SILK on 30 April 2015. $0.6 million was paid out to the vendors in August 2016, $0.1 million used to offset debtor write-offs, with the balance of $0.2 million written back to profit during financial year ended 30 June 2017. (Refer to Note 16). ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 68 Notes to the Financial Statements 30. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS Leases as lessee Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows: Leases as lessee Less than one year Between one and five years Total 2017 $000 2,148 3,612 5,760 2016 $000 2,897 5,303 8,200 The Group leases a number of offices under operating leases. The leases run over varying periods, some with option periods. Some of the leases have fixed rate rental periods, and some have market rate rental adjustments. 31. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE No matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or could significantly affect the operations of the Group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group in future financial years, except for the following: On 26 July 2017, the Company announced it had extended its $5 million working capital facility through Shrimpton Holdings Pty Limited, a company associated with Ross Shrimpton, Managing Director, and with shareholders of the Group, out for a further year to 29 October 2018. Marc Shrimpton resigned 7 July 2017 as General Manager Blackadder Recruitment and his 206,842 Performance Rights were cancelled for Nil consideration. 32. EMPLOYEE SHARE RIGHTS PLAN The Company implemented a performance rights share plan for its executives, which operated during the financial years ended 30 June 2015 and 30 June 2016. The terms of the 2016 Performance Plan have been outlined in the Directors’ Report (Table 7) within this Annual Report. The plan has been suspended for the financial years ending 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2018. No Performance Rights were issued during the financial year ended 30 June 2017, see Note 18. 33. DIVIDENDS a. Ordinary shares No dividends were declared or paid in relation to the year ended 30 June 2017, nor in relation to the previous year ended 30 June 2016. b. Franking credits Franking credits available for subsequent financial years based on a tax rate of 30% (2016: 30%) 2017 $000 2016 $000 1,027 3,869 The balance of the franking accounts includes:     franking credits that arose from the payment of the amount of the provision for income tax; franking debits that arise from the refund of the amount of the provision for income tax; franking debits that arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date; and franking credits that arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables at the reporting date. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 69 ASX Additional Information Set out below is additional information as required by the ASX Limited Listing Rules and not disclosed elsewhere in this report. This information is effective as at 31 July 2017. Number of security holders and securities on issue Quoted equity securities Ashley Services has on issue 143,975,904 fully paid ordinary shares which are held by 639 shareholders. Voting rights Quoted equity securities The voting rights attached to fully paid ordinary shares are that on a show of hands, every member present, in person or proxy, has one vote and upon a poll, each share shall have one vote. Distribution of security holders Quoted equity securities Ordinary fully paid ordinary shares Holding 1 – 1,000 1,001 – 5,000 5,001 – 10,000 10,001 – 100,000 100,001 and over Total Unmarketable parcel of shares Number of shareholders Number of shares 160 144 68 192 75 639 123,866 332,226 529,553 6,945,352 136,044,907 143,975,904 % 0.09 0.23 0.37 4.82 94.49 100.00 The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of Fully Paid Ordinary shares is 336 with a total number of shares held is 652,327. Substantial Shareholders The number of securities held by substantial shareholders and their associates are set out below: Fully Paid Ordinary Shares Name Ross Shrimpton and his related entities National Nominees Limited ATF Australian Ethical Investments Number 86,046,305 13,573,166 % 59.76% 9.43% Unquoted equity securities There are no unquoted shares. On-market buy-back There is no current on-market buy-back. Twenty largest shareholders ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 70 ASX Additional Information Fully paid ordinary shares Details of the 20 largest shareholders of quoted securities (grouped) by registered shareholding are: Name Mrs Catherine Shrimpton Action James Holdings Pty Limited National Nominees Limited JJC Group (Aust) Pty Ltd Yellow Diamond Pty Ltd Mr Craig Graeme Chapman HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited Aust Executor Trustees Ltd Valueinvest Pty Ltd Mr Andrew Douglas Shrimpton Mr Dean Michael Shrimpton Mr Marc Shrimpton Hishenk Pty Ltd Mr Marcus Andrew Levy and Vanessa Sanchez-Levy Mr Gerald Francis Pauley and Mr Michael James Pauley My Referral Network Pty Ltd Ms Hui Tan Wide Eagle Pty Ltd Kingston Properties Pty Limited Friendlyfly Pty Ltd Total Annual General Meeting Number of shares 60,858,282 22,178,166 13,573,166 3,755,832 2,572,084 2,375,432 2,350,573 1,582,009 1,567,396 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,450,000 1,189,717 1,091,799 853,807 800,000 800,000 679,618 630,000 % 42.27% 15.40% 9.43% 2.61% 1.79% 1.65% 1.63% 1.10% 1.09% 1.04% 1.04% 1.04% 1.01% 0.83% 0.76% 0.59% 0.56% 0.56% 0.47% 0.44% 122,807,881 85.30% The annual general meeting of the Company will be held at the company’s offices at Level 10, 92 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 at 10.00am on Thursday 2 November 2017. Shareholders who are unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to complete and return their proxy form that will accompany the notice of meeting. ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 71 Bankers Bankwest Level 16 45 Clarence Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: + 61 2 9276 8000 Facsimile: 1300 453 796 Share Registry Link Market Services Limited Central Park, Level 4 152 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Telephone: +61 1300 554 474 Facsimile: +61 2 9287 0303 Website: www.linkmarketservices.com.au Website www.ashleyservicesgroup.com.au ASX Code ASH Corporate Directory Non-Executive Directors Mr Ian Pratt (Chairman) Executive Directors Mr Ross Shrimpton – Managing Director Mr Chris McFadden Company Secretary Mr Ron Hollands Registered Office Level 10 92 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australian Company Number 094 747 510 Australian Business Number 92 094 747 510 Auditors HLB Mann Judd Level 19 207 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: + 61 2 9020 4000 Facsimile: + 61 2 9020 4190 Legal Adviser Addisons Lawyers Level 12 60 Carrington Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: + 61 2 8915 1000 Facsimile: + 61 2 8916 2000 ASHLEY SERVICES GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2017 72 

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