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Carsales.Com Ltd

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FY2015 Annual Report · Carsales.Com Ltd
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ABN 91 074 444 018

Annual Report

2015

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   1

Corporate directory

Directors

Wal Pisciotta  
(Non-Executive Chairman) 

Greg Roebuck  
(Managing Director) 

Richard Collins  
(Non-Executive Deputy Chairman) 

Jeffrey Browne  
(Non-Executive Director) 

Pat O’Sullivan  
(Non-Executive Director) 

Kim Anderson  
(Non-Executive Director) 

Steve Kloss  
(Alternate Non-Executive Director) 

Company secretary

Nicole Birman 

Registered office

Level 4, 449 Punt Road 
Richmond Vic 3121

T: +61 3 9093 8600 
F: +61 3 9093 8697 
W: www.carsales.com.au

Share registry

Computershare Ltd 
452 Johnston Street 
Abbotsford Vic 3067 

T: +61 3 9415 4000 
F: +61 3 9473 2500 
W: www.computershare.com

External auditor

PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Freshwater Place 
2 Southbank Boulevard 
Southbank Vic 3006 

Stock exchange 

carsales.com Ltd is a public company listed with the Australian Stock 
Exchange Limited

ASX:CAR

The previous ASX code was “CRZ”

2   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

carsales.com Ltd ABN 91 074 444 018 
Annual report – 30 June 2015

Contents

Chairman’s update  

Managing Director’s update  

Directors’ report  

Financial report  

Directors’ declaration  

Independent auditor’s report to the members  

Shareholder information  

Page

 7

 11

 15

 41

 83

 87

 91

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   3

 
Results for 
Announcement  
to the Market

4   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

carsales.com Ltd  ABN 91 074 444 018 
Full-year ended 30 June 2015 
(Previous corresponding period: Full-year ended 30 June 2014)

Results for Announcement to the Market

Revenue from ordinary activities

Profit from ordinary activities after tax attributable 
to members

Net profit for the period attributable to members

Up

Up

Up

32%

8%

8%

to

to

to

$’000

311,756

103,167

103,167

Dividends / Distributions

Amount per security

Franked amount per 
security

2014 Final Dividend paid

2015 Interim Dividend paid

2015 Final Dividend declared

2015 Special Dividend declared

17.4 cents

16.2 cents

17.7 cents

1.4 cents

17.4 cents

16.2 cents

17.7 cents

1.4 cents

Record date for determining entitlements to the dividends

18th September 2015

Dividend payable

15th October 2015

Net tangible assets

Net tangible assets backing per ordinary share is 30.64 cents (2014: 39.99 cents)

Other information required by Listing Rule 4.3A

Other information requiring disclosure to comply with Listing Rule 4.3A is contained in the 30 
June 2015 Financial Report.

Dealer revenue up 7% 
year on year

Increased private seller revenue  
up 8% year on year

International business  
delivered 45% increase 
in profit 
year on year

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   5

Chairman’s  
Update

6   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

Dear Shareholders,

The Board is pleased to present to shareholders the carsales.com Ltd 
Annual Report for the financial year ending 30 June 2015. It has been 
another year of exceptional achievement at carsales and we are  
pleased to be presenting to shareholders another year of record 
financial performance.

Some of the major financial 

highlights of the past 12 months 

include:

Revenue up 32%  
on previous corresponding  

period (pcp) from  

$235.6m to $311.8m.

EBITDA up 12%  
on pcp from $138.4m to $154.3m.

EBITDA margin 50%, reflecting the 
acquisition of  
Stratton Finance.

Proforma Operating cash flow 

(excluding the timing impact of a 

one-off change to tax payments) 
up 12% on pcp  
from $101.0m to $112.9m.

Due to sufficient cash and confidence in 
future earnings, the Directors have declared 
a final 2015 dividend of 17.7 cents per share 
fully franked plus a special 2015 dividend of 
1.4 cents per share fully franked, taking the 
total dividends paid for the year to 35.3 cents 
per share. The dividend payment will have 
a record date of 18 September 2015 and a 
payment date of 15 October 2015.

FY15 was a year characterised by continued 
innovation in our core business, further 
expansion into adjacent domestic markets 
and tremendous progress in our global 
investment portfolio.

Domestically, the new car market remains 
buoyant with over 1.1 million new cars sold 
in the 2014 calendar year, and 2015 on track 
to exceed that number. We have invested 
significantly in our relationships with OEMs 
and our dealer customers in the last year and 
delivered significant improvements to our 
product portfolio across all of our verticals. 
We are the auto classifieds market leader and 
this year we continued to increase our lead 
over our nearest competitors.

Innovation remains at the heart of our DNA 
and we have continued to invest to increase 
value for our customers, consumers and 
a strengthening of our market position as 
a result of this investment. Our innovation 
leverages the best of the Group’s IP and 
knowledge, whilst we also keep an eye 
on new developments both in local and 
overseas markets.

The proposed introduction of GST on all 
internet based services provided to Australians 
(not just local companies, like carsales) 
will ensure a fairer marketplace for online 
classified sites going forward.

Our acquisition of 50.1% of Stratton Finance, a 
leading finance broker and services provider, 
in July 2014 is the most obvious example of 
our expansion into complementary markets 
and has performed above our expectations 
since acquisition, with more to come in 
FY16. Products launched in the year such as 
Instant Offer and the continued expansion 
of tyresales continued to diversify our 
business and provide strong engines for 
future growth. Our acquisition of 50.1% of 
Auto Inspect, a leading vehicle inspection 

business in June will provide our customers 
with additional value and confidence to make 
vehicle purchases.

Our international businesses have 
demonstrated both pleasing growth and 
resilience this year. Webmotors (Brazil) has 
demonstrated strong revenue growth despite 
a challenging economic backdrop, with the 
distraction of a World Cup, a controversial 
federal election and a decrease in new car 
sales over the year providing challenges. 
SKENCARSALES (South Korea) has grown 
profitably whilst transforming the business, 
despite the outbreak of MERS, and is well 
positioned to benefit from positive trends 
in the automotive market. The carsales 
management team has invested a significant 
amount of time working with local 
management and it is pleasing these efforts 
are starting to bear fruit.

Our people make carsales what it is and will 
continue to remain an area of great focus 
for the management team. carsales has a 
wonderful team and a high performance 
culture which is evident in our results. We 
are committed to creating a challenging, 
rewarding and diverse working environment 
for our people.

As a Board we are confident that we are 
well positioned to continue to develop the 
business in all markets to take advantage of 
our numerous growth opportunities. I say 
this every year but the best is still to come for 
carsales.com Ltd.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would 
like to once again thank our customers 
for their continued endorsement and 
business; our shareholders for their ongoing 
encouragement and support and Greg 
Roebuck and his team for their ongoing 
passion, commitment and dedication to the 
Company producing yet another great year of 
record achievement.

Wal Pisciotta 
Chairman 
11 August 2015

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   7

“There’s no  
point being an  
interesting number two;  
you need to be a  
compelling  
number one”

8   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   9

Managing Director’s 
update

10   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

Dear Shareholders,

Another financial year has rushed by and again it has been an 
exciting and eventful year for our great business. We’ve made 
a number of new investments as well as delivered world class 
technology, innovation and market leadership. Our team continues 
to expand and we’re looking forward to the challenges FY16 will 
undoubtedly bring.

SK Encar – EBITDA 
margins expanded 
from 51% for pcp 
to 64% and we are 
very confident about 

the opportunity for 
further business 
development in the 
coming months and years

Our Stratton Finance acquisition in July last 
year has delivered great synergies to private 
car buyers through very tight integration 
across the carsales website. Stratton and 
carsales have also acquired 20% of the 
Ratesetter business – an innovative peer-
to-peer financier that provides excellent 
synergies for short term or low priced vehicle 
finance. Check these two great businesses 
out at www.stratton.com.au and www.
ratesetter.com.au.

Most recently we’ve acquired a controlling 
stake in a vehicle inspection business, Auto 
Inspect. This rapidly growing business is 
another great fit for us as consumers look for 
more surety around vehicle quality.

Our International investments are growing 
well. In Brazil, the webmotors.co.br business 
continues to be the market leader and we’re 
progressing positively towards a business 
model more aligned with the Australian 
operation. There’s plenty of changes required 
behind-the-scenes to achieve this, but the 
team in Brazil are motivated and FY16 will see 
us very close to delivering on an accountable 
solution to our dealer customers. During FY15, 
Webmotors acquired a services company – 
very similar to the Dealer and Data Services 
division of carsales.com.au – called vMotors. 
This is a very synergistic fit for Webmotors 
and provides inventory and lead management 
services for its dealers.

Our Korean business – www.encar.com – is 
also progressing very well. They’ve more 
recently moved to a chargeable private seller 
model similar to carsales.com.au and work 
towards an accountable dealer environment 
is on track. The relationships with the teams 
in Korea and Brazil are excellent and this will 
ensure a great long term outcome for us all.

The www.tyresales.com.au business is driving 
significant change in the previously non-
transparent tyre retailing marketplace. While 
currently a very low margin business for 
us, our revenue growth is very positive and 
we’re extremely proud of building a fantastic 
product that benefits consumers, dealers and 
the broader carsales Network.

Our New Car business has stabilised after the 
first half of FY15 saw a number of additional 
car companies require their dealers to 
remove their inventory from third party sites 
such as carsales.com.au. While we strongly 

believe that this action negatively impacts 
consumers and therefore the car company 
and their dealers, we’re very pleased we’re 
working closely with the industry to navigate 
the challenges being faced. Our New Car 
inventory is once again climbing and this in 
turn is driving better results for our consumer 
and dealer customers.

Private sellers continue to see  
carsales.com.au as the place to sell their 
car. The most important metric – generally 
overlooked by our competitors – is not how 
many cars are being advertised, but how many 
sales! Our average time to sell continues to 
trend downwards, clearly demonstrating if 
you want to get a sale, there’s only one place 
to get a result: carsales.com.au!! In fact when 
averaged out over the last financial year, we 
sold 100 cars an hour.

Innovation continues to be a hallmark of 
our great business. The passion from the 
entire team to deliver world class product 
and continually challenge the status quo is a 
huge component of our culture. Our Ryvuss 
search engine technology has now been 
licensed into a number of businesses; our 
photo serving platform is in use in all of our 
international investment companies and our 
advanced telephony products will join the 
growing list of technologies we are marketing 
outside of our core business. Our philosophy 
of one hundred 1% changes are better than 
one 100% change keeps us well ahead of 
the competition – who despite numerous 
aggressive campaigns continue to lag behind.

In closing, we’ve had another great year, more 
world class innovations, more investment in 
exciting businesses, and continued growth 
across all areas of the Company. As a team we 
strive to be the best in the world and while it 
is a high benchmark, I continue to be amazed 
and extremely proud of what truly talented 
people we have delivering on this objective. 
I’d like to publicly thank each and every one 
of them.

Yours sincerely,

Greg Roebuck 
Managing Director and CEO 
11 August 2015

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   11

Over the  
course of this  
year on average  
we sold a car  
every minute

12   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   13

Directors’  
report

14   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

Directors’  
report

Your directors present their report on the consolidated entity (referred 
to hereafter as the Group) consisting of carsales.com Ltd, the entities 
it controlled and the investments in associates at the end of, or during, 
the year ended 30 June 2015.

Dividends – carsales.com Ltd

Dividends paid to members during the financial year were as follows:

Final fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 
2014 of 17.4 cents (2013 – 15.6 cents) per share paid 
on 22 October 2014.

Interim fully franked ordinary dividend for the year 
ended 30 June 2015 of 16.2 cents (2014 – 14.7 cents) 
per share paid on 15 April 2015.

2015  
$’000

2014  
$’000

41,472

37,052

38,812

34,957

80,284

72,009

In addition to the above dividends, since the end of the financial year, 
due to sufficient cash and confidence in future earnings, the Directors 
have recommended the payment of a fully franked final ordinary 
dividend of $45,856,000 (17.7 cents per fully paid ordinary share plus 
1.4 cents special dividend per fully paid ordinary share) to be paid on 
15 October 2015 out of retained profits at 30 June 2015.

Directors

The following persons were directors of carsales.com Ltd during 
the financial year and up to the date of this report unless indicated 
otherwise:

Wal Pisciotta  

(Non-Executive Chairman)

Greg Roebuck  

(Managing Director)

Richard Collins  

(Non-Executive Deputy Chairman)

Jeffrey Browne  

(Non-Executive Director)

Pat O’Sullivan  

(Non-Executive Director)

Kim Anderson  

(Non-Executive Director)

Steve Kloss  

(Alternate Non-Executive Director)

Principle activities

carsales.com Ltd’s principle activities during the course of the financial 
year consisted of online classified and display advertising. As well as 
this carsales provides a number of software, data, finance and other 
services predominantly sold to customers in the automotive industry.

Aside from the acquisition of Stratton Finance Pty Ltd on 15 July 2014 
as set out in Note 20, there have been no significant changes in these 
activities during the course of the last financial year.

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   15

 
 
 
 
Operating and  
financial review

Group Financial Highlights

• 

• 

• 

• 

 FY15 was another year of record financial performance with Group 
operating revenue rising to $311,756,000, up 32% on the prior 
comparative period.

 Group earnings remained very strong with EBITDA up 12% on the 
prior comparative period to $154,338,000 and EBITDA margins of 
50%.

 Profit attributable to the owners of carsales.com Ltd, excluding 
one-off gain on associate dilution was $99,720,000, up 4% on the 
prior comparative period.

 Reported profit attributable to the owners of carsales.com Ltd was 
$103,167,000, up 8% on prior comparative period.

carsales Domestic Highlights 

There were a number of highlights during the course of the year 
which contributed to the overall performance of the business 
including:

 Dealer revenue up 7% on pcp overall. Key growth drivers being 
yield and growth in premium advertising products.

 Private revenue grew by 8% on pcp, with positive yield growth 
through price rises premium product growth in automotive and 
strong growth in the B2C segment from tyresales.

 Non-automotive verticals performing well.

 Mediamotive up 3% on pcp in a challenging market.

 Data, Research and Services (previously Dealer and Data Services) 
once again performed strongly with revenue up 14% on pcp.

 Finance and Related Services recorded revenue of $59.4m, 
principally due to the acquisition of Stratton Finance Pty Ltd on the 
15th July 2014.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

take advantage of the opportunities that exist in licensing carsales’ 
world leading technology into the Korean market and good 
progress is being made in executing strategic priorities.

 Webmotors S.A. – Revenue growth of 21% pcp attributable dealer, 
private and display advertisement volume growth. carsales share 
of net profit after tax was $3,478,000. Acquired vMotors (a dealer 
and data services business) in December 2014 which is on track 
to be integrated into Webmotors’ product portfolio. Webmotors 
continues to grow its market share with its combined inventory 
(MeuCarango, CompreAuto and WebMotors) now almost double 
that of its closest competitor. carsales’ share on net profit after tax 
decreased 24% on pcp reflecting one-off costs and investment in 
the business, with earnings growth expected to return in FY16.

 iCar Asia Limited – carsales’ share of net loss after tax is estimated 
to be ($3,288,000). carsales continues to support iCar’s business 
as it evolves. carsales’ investment was diluted from 22.9% to 20.2% 
due to the capital raise to fund the acquisition of one2Car in 
Thailand, resulting in a one-off gain on dilution of $3,447,000.

Outlook

• 

• 

• 

 Domestic trading conditions in the first 6 weeks of FY15 have 
remained solid. A more detailed trading update will be provided at 
the October Annual General Meeting.

 Expect to continue seeing further growth from newer domestic 
investments in tyresales and Stratton along with new investment in 
Auto Inspect. Anticipate EBITDA margins being maintained around 
current levels.

 Expect ongoing development of the business models in Korea 
and Brazil to continue and, subject to market conditions being 
maintained in these markets, we expect to see solid earnings 
growth for each. 

Strategy

The strategy of the Company is to continue to strengthen and grow 
its core business units through ongoing product innovation, while 
proactively seeking opportunities to leverage developed intellectual 
property in other adjacent or geographic high growth markets.

 Acquired stakes in Ratesetter Australia Pty Ltd (peer to peer 
lending) and Auto Inspect Pty Ltd (vehicle inspections) during the 
year which will drive future growth.

Risk

carsales International Highlights

The Company holds interests in online automotive advertising 
companies operating in high growth international markets. These 
interests include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 49.9% in the equity of SK ENCARSALES.COM Ltd (South Korea), 
the number one online automotive classifieds company in South 
Korea.

 30% in the equity of Webmotors S.A. (Brazil), the number one 
online automotive classifieds company in Brazil.

 20.2% as at 30 June 2015 in the equity of iCar Asia Limited 
(ASX:ICQ). iCar is the largest online automotive classifieds network 
in South East Asia owning the number one online automotive 
classifieds sites in Malaysia and Thailand, and the number two site 
in Indonesia.

 SK ENCARSALES.COM Ltd – Strong underlying revenue growth 
of 31% on pcp for the year. Revenue growth largely as a result of 
growth in dealer yield, customer acquisition and display revenue. 
The Company started charging for private adverts in April 2015 
and expanded EBITDA margins to 64% (from 51% pcp). carsales’ 
share of net profit after tax was $4,736,000. We have started to 

Being a complex business in a growth market carries with it a number 
of risks that the Company manages including, but not limited to:

• 

• 

 Maintenance of professional reputation and brand name – The 
success of carsales is heavily reliant on its reputation and branding. 
Unforeseen issues or events, which place carsales’ reputation at 
risk, may impact on its future growth and profitability.

 Relationship with Dealers and OEMs – carsales derives a 
significant proportion of its revenue from motor vehicle dealers 
and automotive manufacturers (OEMs). A change in the size and/
or structure of this market could impact carsales’ earnings. In 
particular, consolidation of the dealer market with fewer, larger 
dealers or increased manufacturer control of dealers’ online 
advertising activity may impact upon the prospects of carsales.

 In addition, the majority of carsales’ revenue is generated 
under monthly agreements with motor vehicle dealers. Should 
a significant number of dealers cancel or fail to renew their 
agreements, this may have an adverse effect on the financial 
performance of carsales.

• 

 Competition – the online automotive advertising industry is highly 
competitive. carsales’ performance could be adversely affected if 
existing or new competitors reduce carsales’ market share from its 
current level.

16   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

 
• 

• 

• 

• 

 Downturn in the motor vehicle or general advertising market – the 
performance of carsales will continue to be influenced by the 
overall condition of the motor vehicle market. The motor vehicle 
market is influenced by the general condition of the Australian 
economy, which by its nature is cyclical and subject to change. 
In addition, carsales derives a significant proportion of its revenue 
from display advertisers on its network of websites. A decline or 
significant change in the advertising market as a result of broader 
economic influences or changing advertiser trends that the 
Company does not respond to could have a negative impact on 
carsales’ earnings.

 Information Technology – carsales’ business operations rely 
on owned and 3rd party IT infrastructure and systems. Any 
interruptions to these operations or loss of customer data could 
impair carsales’ ability to operate its customer facing websites 
which could have a negative impact on carsales’ financial 
performance and reputation.

 carsales’ future performance will also depend on its ability to 
monitor and manage major projects such as website upgrades 
and other projects involving its IT infrastructure.

 International expansion – with the expansion of the business 
into new high growth international geographies, the Company 
becomes exposed to the macroeconomic environment of these 
markets outside of the traditional markets the Company has 
operated in. The Company may not be able to fully recoup its 
investment in these markets should it not be able to accelerate the 
growth of its businesses through the implementation of carsales’ 
business models, intellectual property and technologies.

Significant changes in the state of affairs

During the financial year the Company continued to expand into 
adjacent markets by investing in Stratton Finance Pty Ltd an Australian 
based automotive finance broker. The consideration for this 
investment was $58,995,000. The Company entered into a $325m 
syndicated bank facility in February 2015 repayable in tranches over a 
5-year period.

Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year

On 7 August 2015 the Company announced that it has agreed to 
acquire a 65% controlling shareholding in SoloAutos (www.soloautos.
mx), a leading automotive classifieds website in Mexico, for an 
investment of up to US $9m.

No other matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2015 that 
has significantly affected, or may affect:

charity fundraising, its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint 
and its focus on areas such as waste management and becoming a 
paperless office environment.

Environment

Whilst the nature of the carsales business has a low environmental 
impact, the Company always aims to minimise its environmental 
footprint. In all company offices, carsales promotes recycling by 
having bins throughout our offices with clear explanation on how to 
correctly recycle; purchases only 100% recycled paper and enforces 
printing limits including default double sided, black and white printing; 
and has implemented timed lights in all meeting rooms. The carsales 
head office in Richmond is certified as a 4.5 star NABERS rated 
building.

As part of carsales’ continued efforts to minimise its environmental 
footprint, it has offset emissions for its fleet vehicles. carsales has offset 
these emissions through Greenfleet (Australia’s most respected source 
of biodiverse carbon offsets). As a result of this relationship, Greenfleet 
will plant enough native trees on behalf of carsales to absorb 193.50 
tonnes of CO2-e and to restore native forests in Australia, to protect 
our climate and unique biodiversity.

Also, this year carsales supported Earth Hour by encouraging all staff 
and customers to support the initiative of saving power by switching 
off lights, televisions and computers at home for one hour on Saturday 
March 28th. The prominent carsales signs on the Company’s Punt 
Road offices was switched off for an hour to visibly show its support.

The Group is not subject to any significant environmental regulation in 
respect of its activities.

Community

carsales has a number of initiatives designed to provide the Company 
and employees with avenues to support both charity and community 
based causes.

All carsales team members are encouraged to get together and take a 
day to support the community by volunteering for a community based 
charity. Staff have contributed hundreds of hours volunteering in the 
community supporting organisations such as Sacred Heart Mission, 
Salvation Army and the Million Paws Walk.

Each year the entire workforce votes on the charities that it will 
support throughout that calendar year. Over the past twelve months 
the Company and employees have actively participated in raising 
money for:

(a) 

the Group’s operations in future financial years, or

(b) 

the results of those operations in future financial years, or

(c) 

the Group’s state of affairs in future financial years.

Beyondblue – works to reduce the impact of depression and 
anxiety in the community by raising awareness and understanding, 
empowering people to seek help, and supporting recovery, 
management and resilience.

Sustainability

carsales.com Ltd is committed to good corporate citizenship and 
social responsibility, and believes that implementing practical 
sustainability programs is central to this. The Company’s goal is to 
have the lowest possible negative impact on the global and local 
environments, community, society and economy. carsales’ core values 
of enjoyment, respect, integrity, trust, communication and honesty 
(ENRITCH) underpin its culture of ethical conduct.

Over the past year the Company has reviewed its sustainability 
programs and engaged key stakeholders throughout the Company 
to build focus and involvement. carsales contributes to the wider 
community through initiatives such as its community day program, 

Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria – provides services to 
people living with epilepsy and their families, and works to 
raise awareness of epilepsy in organisations and the broader 
community to reduce the stigma and create a more welcoming 
and inclusive society.

Challenge – a not-for-profit organisation that delivers daily 
support to children and families living with cancer.

Lort Smith – which is a not-for-profit passionately committed to 
caring for the animals of poor and disadvantaged people.

Over the year, carsales.com Ltd has donated over $160,000 in cash 
and advertising campaigns in kind to various charitable organisations.

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diversity

A diverse and inclusive working environment is central to the carsales 
corporate values and the senior management team has developed 
programs which support this key objective. The carsales leadership 
team knows that businesses with a diverse workforce operate more 
efficiently and effectively and is committed to bridging any gaps that 
exist. As part of the diversity focus, carsales has a company-wide 
specific gender diversity strategy in place that covers a range of 
areas including keeping in touch programs for when members of its 
team go on parental leave, increasing paid parental leave provisions, 
analysing on-boarding and exit data to identify any bias, ensuring that 
women are represented when shortlisting prospective candidates and 
unconscious bias training for senior leadership and executives. Our 
CEO is also a proud Pay Equity Ambassador supporting the Daughter 
Water Campaign which is aimed at bridging the gender pay gap that 
exists in Australia.

The Company has established a Diversity Policy which is publicly 
available in the Investor Centre of the Company website at  
http://shareholder.carsales.com.au/Investor-Centre/.

The policy includes requirements for the Board to establish 
measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity and for the Board 
to assess annually both the objectives and progress in achieving them. 
These objectives and the Company’s progress towards achieving them 
are outlined below:

‘Lovehack’ the 2015  
Carsales.com Ltd. Hackathon.

Objective

Initiatives

Outcomes

Continue to grow the number of women 
performing senior roles from external 
appointments.

Educating managers on the importance of a 
diverse workforce. Set quotas for recruitment 
shortlists.

In FY15, 42% of our senior leadership 
appointments are women.

Continue to implement career development 
programs to prepare women within the carsales 
business to take on more senior roles.

Mentoring program, training and development 
programs including communication, presentation, 
management and influence skills training.

Create an environment in which women network 
and mentor each other to progress their careers 
within carsales.

Women in Leadership Program and women’s 
networking group.

Implement workplace flexibility programs to 
create a workplace in which women can meet 
both family and work responsibilities

Paid parental leave increased in FY15, part time 
options, child care referrals and flexible re-entry 
into the business from a period of parental leave.

The Company’s mentoring program consists of 
35% women. Of its career development programs, 
49% of attendees were women and 38% of FY15 
promotions have been female.

This program has membership of 22 females 
in leadership positions across the business. A 
networking group has also been created which is 
open to all females in the business. Sessions have 
involved attending external leadership events and 
guest speakers attending carsales functions.

In FY15, 6 members of the carsales team took 
parental leave and the company is currently 
supporting 12 women with flexible working 
arrangements.

On 27 May 2015, in accordance with the Workplace Gender Equality 
Act 2012, carsales submitted a report to the Workplace Gender 
Equality Agency. This report provided information on carsales’ policies 
and gender diversity numbers across the business. This report is 
available in the Investor Centre on the Company website at  
http://shareholder.carsales.com.au/Investor-Centre/.

carsales is also proud to have signed up as one of approximately 387 
organisations that have joined together to support marriage equality 
in Australia. carsales actively supports the right for everyone to have 
equal opportunities in life and is proud to support marriage equality for 
all Australians.

18   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

People and Culture

carsales endeavours to be an employer of choice and strives to 
continually attract and retain the most talented people that can be 
found in the market. We measure this through skill, expertise and the 
right values that fit the carsales culture.

The culture of carsales is one of inclusion, where staff are provided 
with extensive opportunities to learn and evolve in a fast-paced and 
dynamic business environment.

carsales commitment to its people can be seen through the ‘carsales 
People Promise’ which is an ongoing program and commitment of 
the Company to employees in the areas of culture and benefits, career 
development, health and wellbeing, community, work life balance 
and reward and recognition. Each area contains initiatives designed 
to ensure carsales is a workplace where people work hard and are 
rewarded through things other than just financial incentives.

carsales management sees employee engagement as a critical 
success factor. Over time the Company has developed a number 
of initiatives that build engagement. Each year all team members 
are invited to complete an Employee Opinion Survey that covers 
areas such as reward and recognition, communication, personal 
development and training, business ethics, leadership and 
engagement. The survey results are reviewed by management and 
communicated to the business where employees discuss results and 
develop strategies to ensure the Company continuously improves and 
develops.

Senior executives conduct ‘Discussion Groups’ annually with all 
employees of the Company in small groups. The objective of these 
sessions is to provide people with a forum where they can be updated 
on the performance of carsales, its strategy and initiatives. People are 

actively encouraged to challenge and ask questions on these topics 
and feedback is discussed and actioned by senior management.

Innovation has always been part of carsales’ corporate DNA. carsales 
actively encourages our people to come up with solutions to improve 
the business. One of the ways carsales encourages innovation is 
through Hackathons. A Hackathon is a two day event where the 
carsales team are given full creative freedom to come up with 
concepts and working prototypes to benefit the Company and both 
its customers and consumers. Whilst running a Hackathon doesn’t 
alone make an organisation innovative, it certainly goes a long way 
to fostering creativity and the benefits of Hackathons go way beyond 
innovation.

In the area of training and development there are a number of 
programs designed to support the learning and development of 
employees to support both the retention and succession of our 
most valuable asset being our people. Some of these programs 
include mentoring programs, CEO Scholarship awards and extensive 
availability of internal training programs.

Ethical Conduct and Corporate Governance Policy

carsales’ core values of integrity and honesty are central to the culture 
of the business. The business through the Employee Opinion Survey 
directs employees to respond to questions relating to ethical business 
behaviour, and company performance in this area is annually assessed 
by management.

The Company has also developed a Code of Conduct that is 
published on the Company shareholder website and a Whistle blower 
policy to ensure that employees understand available avenues for the 
reporting and handling of ethical and business related issues.

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   19

Information  
on directors & officers

Wal Pisciotta 

Pat O’Sullivan 

(Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman) 
Appointed: 25 June 1996

(Independent Non-Executive Director) 
Appointed: 29 June 2007

Experience and expertise

Experience and expertise

Pat was the Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director of Nine 
Entertainment Co Pty Limited (formerly PBL Media Pty Ltd) a position 
he held from February 2006 before resigning on 29 June 2012. Before 
that, Pat was the Chief Financial Officer of Optus, a position he held for 
over five years. Previously, he held a number of positions at Goodman 
Fielder and Burns Philp. Pat is a member of The Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in Ireland and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
Australia, and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Advanced 
Management Program. He also served as a Director and Company 
Secretary of Nine Entertainment Co Pty Limited and was Chairman 
of Ninemsn. Pat is currently a non-executive director of iiNet, iSentia, 
APN Outdoor, Little Company of Mary Health Care and chairman of 
HealthEngine.

Interests in shares and options

7,350 ordinary shares held in carsales.com Ltd.

No options or performance rights held over ordinary shares in  
carsales.com Ltd.

Kim Anderson 

(Independent Non-Executive Director) 
Appointed: 16 June 2010

Experience and expertise

Kim is the Chief Executive Officer of The Reading Room 
(thereadingroom.com), a community/social networking site for 
readers and is a Non-Executive Director of the STW Group, and a 
member of the Sydney University Press Advisory Board. Kim has more 
than 29 years experience in various advertising and media executive 
positions within companies such as Southern Star Entertainment, PBL 
and Ninemsn.

Interests in shares and options

10,000 ordinary shares held in carsales.com Ltd.

No options or performance rights held over ordinary shares in carsales.
com Ltd.

Wal has over 41 years experience in supplying computer services 
to the automotive industry and is also the Chairman of Pentana 
Solutions Pty Ltd. Wal holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business 
Administration from the University of Alabama (United States) and has 
been the Chairman of carsales.com Ltd since its inception.

Interests in shares and options

14,770,700 ordinary shares held in carsales.com Ltd.

No options or performance rights held over ordinary shares in  
carsales.com Ltd.

Greg Roebuck 

(Managing Director) 
Appointed: 25 June 1996

Experience and expertise

Greg was the original architect of carsales.com Ltd; has been on its 
Board since inception and Managing Director and CEO since May 
of 2002. Greg is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company 
Directors. He has over 32 years experience in providing technology 
solutions to the Australian Automotive Industry. Greg studied 
computer science at RMIT (Melbourne). In July 2009 Greg won the 
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Southern Region 
of Australia in technology & emerging industries: software, hardware, 
telecommunications, digital media and health sciences. He then 
went on to win the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for 
Australia in November 2009.

Interests in shares and options

4,852,681 ordinary shares held in carsales.com Ltd.

373,387 options and 93,150 performance rights held over ordinary 
shares in carsales.com Ltd.

Richard Collins 

(Independent Non-Executive Deputy Chairman) 
Appointed: 17 July 2000

Experience and expertise

Richard has been a director of carsales.com Ltd since 2000 and has 
over 36 years experience as Dealer Principal, currently holding Ford, 
Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, and Isuzu Franchises. Richard holds a Bachelor 
of Commerce Degree from Melbourne University.

Interests in shares and options

1,003,276 ordinary shares held in carsales.com Ltd.

No options or performance rights held over ordinary shares in  
carsales.com Ltd.

20   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

Jeffrey Browne 

Steve Kloss 

(Independent Non-Executive Director) 
Appointed: 16 December 2013

Experience and expertise

(Alternate Non-Executive Director) 
Appointed: 28 October 2005

Experience and expertise

Jeffrey practiced as a commercial lawyer in Sydney and Melbourne 
for 22 years before joining the Nine Television Network, initially as 
Executive Director and later becoming Managing Director, with 
responsibility for all Network operations. His legal experience saw him 
involved in a wide range of matters concerning dealers and motor 
vehicle manufacturers as well other multi-national OEMs. Jeffrey 
is also Chairman of Holden Special Vehicles where he has been a 
director or Chairman for over 13 years. Jeffrey’s media experience 
includes broad management responsibilities and the development and 
implementation of new broadcast and digital platforms.

Steve has more than 25 years experience in supplying computer 
services to the automotive industry and is currently Chief Executive 
Officer at Pentana Solutions Pty Ltd. Steve holds a Bachelor of 
Business degree from Monash University.

Interests in shares and options

2,774,500 ordinary shares held in carsales.com Ltd.

No options or performance rights held over ordinary shares in carsales.
com Ltd.

Interests in shares and options

13,650 ordinary shares held in carsales.com Ltd.

No options or performance rights held over ordinary shares in  
carsales.com Ltd.

Company Secretary

Nicole Birman holds the role of Company Secretary and is the 
General Counsel of carsales.com Ltd. Nicole joined carsales in 2010 
and has over 12 years experience in the legal field, including 7 years 
advising leading online companies as in-house counsel. Nicole 
holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash 
University.

Interests in shares and options

6,821 ordinary shares held in carsales.com Ltd.

17,233 options and 5,464 performance rights held over ordinary shares 
in carsales.com Ltd.

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   21

Meetings  
of directors

The numbers of meetings of the Company’s Board of directors and of each Board committee held during the year ended 30 June 2015 and the 
numbers of meetings attended by each director were:

Full meetings  
of directors

Meetings of committees

Audit and Risk 
Management

Remuneration and 
Nomination

A

19

20

20

19

19

19

12

B

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

A

**

**

4

4

**

4

**

B

**

**

4

4

**

4

**

A

1

**

1

**

1

**

**

B

1

**

1

**`

1

**

**

Wal Pisciotta (Board Chairman)

Greg Roebuck

Richard Collins

Pat O’Sullivan (Chairman – Audit and Risk Management)

Jeffrey Browne (Chairman – Remuneration and Nomination)

Kim Anderson

Steve Kloss (Alternate Director)

A = Number of meetings attended

B =  Number of meetings held during the time the director held office or was a member of the committee during the year

** = Not a member of the relevant committee

Committee  
Membership

The following directors have been members of Board committees for the full financial year unless otherwise stated below:

Remuneration and Nomination Committee

Mr Richard Collins – committee chairman (independent) (resigned 26 October 2014)

Mr Wal Pisciotta

Mr Jeffrey Browne – committee chairman (independent) (chairman from 26 October 2014)

Mr Pat O’Sullivan (independent) (appointed 26 October 2014)

Audit and Risk Management Committee

Mr Pat O’Sullivan – Committee Chairman (Independent)

Mr Richard Collins (Independent)

Ms Kim Anderson (Independent)

22   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

Remuneration  
report

The remuneration report is set out under the following main headings:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Principles used to determine the nature and amount of 
remuneration.

 Details of remuneration.

 Service agreements.

 Share-based compensation.

 Additional information.

The information provided in this remuneration report has been audited 
as required by section 308(3C) of the Corporations Act 2001.

Non-executive directors

Fees and payments to non-executive directors reflect the demands 
which are made on, and the responsibilities of, the Directors.

Directors’ fees

The current base remuneration pool was last approved by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 26 October 2014.

Non-executive directors’ fees are determined within an aggregate 
directors’ fee pool limit, which is periodically recommended for 
approval by shareholders. The maximum payable to be shared by all 
non-executive directors currently stands at $1,100,000 per annum. 
The Directors determine how these are to be shared by the Directors.

The Board will from time to time invite a remuneration specialist to 
conduct a review and benchmarking of fees. The annualised fees paid 
to the Board are comfortably below the $1,100,000 pool approved by 
shareholders.

Principles used to determine the nature and 
amount of remuneration

The following fee table applies:

The objective of the Group’s executive reward framework is to ensure 
reward for performance is competitive and appropriate for the results 
delivered. The framework aligns executive reward with achievement 
of strategic objectives, the creation of value for shareholders and 
conforms with market practice for delivery of reward.

The Board ensures that executive reward satisfies the following key 
criteria for good reward governance practices:

•  Competitiveness and reasonableness.

•  Acceptability to shareholders.

Chairman fee

Deputy Chairman fee

Base Director fee

Alternate Director fee

First Committee

Second Committee

•  Performance linkage / alignment of executive compensation.

•  Transparency.

Executive pay

$

155,000

140,000

120,000

110,000

25,000

30,000

In consultation with external remuneration consultants, the Company 
has structured an executive remuneration framework that is market 
competitive and complimentary to the reward strategy of the 
organisation.

Alignment to shareholders’ interests:

•  Has economic profit as a core component of plan design.

• 

Focuses on sustained growth in shareholder wealth, consisting 
of dividends, growth in share price and delivering constant return 
on assets as well as focusing the executive on key non-financial 
drivers of value.

•  Attracts and retains high calibre executives.

Alignment to program participants’ interests:

•  Rewards capability and experience.

The executive pay and reward framework has five components:

•  Base pay and benefits

• 

Short-term performance incentive

•  Deferred short-term incentive

• 

Long-term incentive

•  Other remuneration such as superannuation

There are no significant changes to the reward framework in the 
current year from the framework determined in May 2013, when the 
Board concluded a review of the carsales.com Short-term Incentive 
(“STI”) and Long-term Incentive (“LTI”) programs. The review was 
conducted with the assistance of remuneration consultant Hay Group. 
The objective of the Hay Group engagement was to critically evaluate 
the executive incentive program in particular the LTI program to 
ensure that its structure:

•  Reflects competitive reward for contribution to growth in 

• 

Supports the retention of Key Management Personnels (“KMP”).

shareholder wealth.

•  Drives long-term Shareholder value creation.

•  Provides a clear structure for earning rewards.

•  Provides recognition for contribution to operational performance.

•  Aligns broadly with the expectations of Shareholders, while at the 
same time not hindering the strategic objectives of the Company.

The framework provides a mix of fixed and variable pay along with 
a blend of short-term and long-term incentives. As executives gain 
seniority within the Group, the balance of this mix shifts to a higher 
proportion of ‘’at risk’’ rewards.

The Board has established a remuneration and nomination committee 
which provides advice on remuneration, incentive policies and 
practices, as well as specific recommendations on remuneration 
packages and other terms of employment for the Managing Director, 
other senior executives and non-executive directors.

As a result of this review the Board identified a number of 
enhancements to the Company’s remuneration framework outlined 
below including the introduction of a Deferred Short-term incentive 
(“DSTI”) structure. The objective of the DSTI is to more closely align 
executive remuneration to best practice, strengthen alignment to 
long-term shareholder interests and support the longer term retention 
of key executives.

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   23

Base pay and benefits

Structured as a total employment cost package which may be 
delivered as a combination of cash and prescribed non-financial 
benefits at the executives’ discretion.

Executives are offered a competitive base pay that comprises the fixed 
component of pay and rewards. External remuneration consultants are 
engaged from time to time to provide analysis and advice to ensure 
base pay is set to reflect the market for a comparable role. Base pay 
for executives is reviewed annually to ensure the executive’s pay is 
competitive within the market. An executive’s pay is also reviewed on 
promotion.

There are no guaranteed base pay increases included in any 
executive’s contract.

Benefits

Executives receive salary continuance insurance cover that is also 
provided to all other carsales employees. The policy is held with 
OnePath Life Ltd.

Executives may structure their remuneration to include benefits such 
as car allowances.

In addition, the Managing Director was provided with a paid travel 
benefit during the year.

Superannuation

Retirement benefits are provided via defined contributions to approved 
superannuation funds. Under current legislation carsales permits 
superannuation choice for all employees. The Company default 
superannuation fund is held with Asteron. Other retirement benefits 
may be provided directly by the Group if approved by shareholders.

Short-term incentives (STI)

Short-term incentives (STI) are paid to key executives in the form 
of an annual cash payment on the achievement of objectives as 
described below.

Budgeted financial objectives are always set in the context of ensuring 
that the Company is mindful of expected consensus earnings.

• 

• 

 Project delivery (15 – 50% of On-target Earnings Value): The 
project objectives set involve the execution of pre-determined 
project targets the delivery which each key executive is 
responsible. Projects will include the deployment of new products, 
large business initiatives or market objectives.

 There is no ability for a key executive to earn more than the 
on-target KPI value in this section of the plan.

 People & culture (10 – 15% of On-target Earnings Value): carsales 
is a business that prides itself on having a highly engaged and 
motivated workforce with a strong sense of values, culture and 
passion for what it does. The people and culture section of the 
plan is designed to ensure that key management are incentivised 
to nurture and build on these principles and values. Each key 
executive has performance objectives which include:

(a) 

 Development and maintenance of succession plans

(b) 

 Salary and performance reviews being completed on a 
timely basis

(c) 

 Staff retention rates

(d) 

 Annual Employee Opinion Survey results performance

There is no ability for a key executive to earn more than the on-target 
KPI value in this section of the plan.

The Remuneration and Nomination Committee is responsible for 
assessing whether the KPIs are met and whether or not STIs will 
be paid.

The STI payments may be adjusted up or down in line with under or 
over achievement against the target performance levels. This is at the 
discretion of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

The review of STI targets and payments is conducted on an 
annual basis.

The size of the STI opportunity available to each key executive is based 
on their accountabilities and impact of the role on the organisation or 
business unit(s) that they lead.

Key executives that leave during the financial year are paid a pro-
rata share of their STI entitlements unless their departure is under 
adverse conditions.

The Remuneration and Nomination Committee regularly considers 
appropriate targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) to link the 
STI plan and the level of payout if targets are met. This includes setting 
any maximum payout under the STI plan and minimum levels of 
performance to trigger payment of an STI. The Committee may also 
make recommendations to the Board for discretionary STI payments 
in rare circumstances where an executive’s performance warrants it.

The KPIs linked to STI plans contain 3 major components and within 
each component are a series of objectives:

• 

 Financial performance (50 – 75% of On-target Earnings Value): 
The financial objectives set against key executives relate to 
performance against the Board approved annual budget. The 
targets set in this component of the plan will normally relate to the 
achievement against: 

(a)  Company Revenue

(b)  Company EBITDA

Deferred Short-term Incentive (DSTI)

Deferred Short-term Incentives (DSTI) are paid to key executives in the 
form of an annual award of performance rights on the achievement 
of the objectives outlined below and are not exercisable for a further 
12 months.

The size of the DSTI opportunity available to each executive, like the 
STI, is based on the accountabilities and impact of the executive role in 
the organisation.

The vesting of a DSTI award is linked entirely to the achievement of an 
Earnings Per Share (EPS) objective that is set each year by the Board. 
The EPS target value established takes into consideration both the 
annual budget earnings objectives and market determined consensus 
earnings expectations.

Further information is set out in the ‘Share-Based Compensation’ 
Section on page 30.

(c)  Business Revenue and EBITDA, where relevant.

Long-term incentives (LTI)

This section of the plan also enables the executive to earn up to an 
additional 75% of on-target earnings for over achievement against 
each of the above mentioned objectives.

Long-term incentives are provided to certain employees via the 
carsales.com Ltd Employee Option Plan. Further information is set out 
in the ‘Share-Based Compensation’ Section on page 30.

24   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group  
Performance 

The graph below shows the Group’s profitability (Revenue and EBIT) over the past five years.

FY 
2015

FY 
2014

FY 
2013

FY 
2012

FY 
2011

$149.6

$135.1

$311.8

$235.6

$215.1

$184.2

$152.5

$ Millions

Revenue

EBIT

$117.6

$97.9

$81.1

The EBIT excludes the share of gains and losses from associates.

The following table shows the relationship between remuneration of key management personnel and carsales.com Ltd’s performance:

Profit for the year attributable to owners of carsales.com Ltd ($’000)

58,260

71,589

83,516

95,457

103,167

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Basic earnings per share (cents)

Dividend payments ($’000)

Dividend payout ratio (%)

Increase/(decrease) in share price (%)

Total KMP incentives as percentage of profit for the year (%)

25.0

30.6

35.5

40.2

43.2

41,346

51,035

75,086

72,009

80,284

71.0

(1.3)

4.2

71.3

27.7

4.4

89.9

57.2

3.4

75.4

15.5

3.8

81.4

(3.8)

3.0

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   25

Details of remuneration

Amounts of remuneration

Key management personnel

Details of the remuneration of directors, key management personnel 
of the Group (as defined in AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures) 
and specified executives of carsales.com Ltd and the carsales.com 
Ltd Group are set out in the following tables. The cash bonuses are 
dependent on the satisfaction of performance conditions as set out in 
the sections headed “Short-term incentives” and “Deferred Short-term 
incentives” above and payments against performance caps are set out 
below. LTIs are dependent on the satisfaction of EPS and employment 
conditions as set out in the section headed “Share-based payments” 
later in the report. All other elements of remuneration are not directly 
related to performance.

The key management personnel of the Group are the Directors of 
carsales.com Ltd (see pages 20 - 21) and those key executives that 
report directly to the Managing Director being:

Cameron McIntyre 

Chief Operating Officer

Anthony Saines 

Director – Media & OEM

Ajay Bhatia 

Paul Barlow 

Chris Polites 

Chief Product and Information Officer

Director – International

Director – Dealer

The Group restructured the reporting structure of senior executives 
in the 2015 financial year resulting in the creation of the Executive 
Leadership Team comprising the 5 senior executives above, in addition 
to the Managing Director. This has resulted in a change to the FY15 
key management personnel with Chris Polities being included and 
Damian Hardy being removed.

Key management personnel have service agreements determining 
base salary, performance based cash bonuses and participation in the 
Company Employee Option Plan. They have no fixed employment 
terms and no special termination payment conditions. All agreements 
provide for dismissal due to gross misconduct. Remuneration is 
reviewed annually by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

We’ve seen  
continued strong 
domestic revenue 
growth well supported 
by new business 
initiatives.

The carsales 
Apple Watch app

Launched in May, the carsales 
Apple Watch app short-listed 
for the Best Connected 
Device and Wearable Tech 
Award at the 2015 [app] 
design awards AUS.

26   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

 
G Roebuck

C McIntyre

A Bhatia

A Saines

P Barlow

C Polites

Managing 
Director

Chief Operating 
Officer

Chief Product 
and Information 
Officer

Director – 
Media & OEM

Director – 
International

Director – 
Dealer

Base Salary *

1,694,134

1,000,000

600,000

600,000

500,000

384,000

Participation in cash bonus plans

Strategy Group 
STI plan

Strategy Group 
STI plan

Strategy Group 
STI plan

Strategy Group 
STI plan

Strategy Group 
STI plan

Strategy Group 
STI plan

Participation in DSTI plans

Performance 
Rights

Performance 
Rights

Performance 
Rights

Performance 
Rights

Performance 
Rights

Performance 
Rights

Participation in LTI plans

Termination notice period

Non-compete period

Performance 
Rights and 
Options

Performance 
Rights and 
Options

Performance 
Rights and 
Options

Performance 
Rights and 
Options

Performance 
Rights and 
Options

Performance 
Rights and 
Options

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

6 month by 
either party

* Base Salary (including superannuation) as at 30 June 2015. Key management personnel received a salary increase on 1 July 2014.

2015

Short-term 
employee benefits

Deferred 
short-term 
incentive

Post- 
employment 
benefits

Cash salary 
and fees 

Cash 
bonus 

Non- 
monetary 
benefits 

Performance 
rights 

Superannuation 

Long- 
term 
benefits

Long 
service 
leave 

Share-based 
payments

Options 

Performance 
rights 

Name

$

Non-executive directors

Wal Pisciotta

175,804

Richard Collins

182,172

Pat O’Sullivan

140,945

Kim Anderson

122,680

Jeffrey Browne

122,045

Steve Kloss 
(Alternate)

Sub-total  
non-executive 
directors

Executive director

90,417

834,063

$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Greg Roebuck

1,675,351

680,500

129,744

Other key management personnel and executives (Group)

Cameron 
McIntyre

981,217

186,125

Anthony Saines

581,217

102,360

Ajay Bhatia

581,217

107,192

Paul Barlow

481,217

105,000

Chris Polites

365,217

107,850

-

-

-

-

-

Total key 
management 
personnel 
compensation 
(Group)

5,499,499

1,289,027

129,744

$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

$

-

17,306

13,390

11,655

-

-

42,351

$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total 

$

175,804

199,478

154,335

134,335

122,045

90,417

876,414

18,783

243,414

402,464

484,041

3,634,297

18,783

61,355

149,557

212,035

1,609,072

18,783

18,783

18,783

18,783

20,870

87,845

122,190

933,265

20,363

66,959

101,535

896,049

12,226

44,591

65,298

727,115

5,069

5,339

52,548

554,806

155,049

363,297

756,755

1,037,647

9,231,018

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014

Name

Short-term 
employee benefits

Deferred 
short-term 
incentive

Post- 
employment 
benefits

Cash salary 
and fees 
$

Cash 
bonus 
$

Non- 
monetary 
benefits 
$

Performance 
rights 
$

Superannuation 
$

Long- 
term 
benefits

Long 
service 
leave 
$

Share-based 
payments

Options 
$

Performance 
rights 
$

Total 
$

Non-executive directors

Wal Pisciotta

167,412

Richard Collins

127,154

Pat O’Sullivan

103,201

Ian Law

28,927

Kim Anderson

103,201

Jeffrey Browne

51,249

Steve Kloss 
(Alternate)

Sub-total 
non-executive 
directors

Executive director

51,250

632,394

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

11,762

9,546

2,676

9,546

-

-

33,530

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

167,412

138,916

112,747

31,603

112,747

51,249

51,250

665,924

Greg Roebuck

1,184,880

660,000

4,366

81,521

17,775

155,196

422,269

448,185

2,974,192

Other key management personnel and executives (Group)

Cameron 
McIntyre

582,225

210,325

Damian Hardy

302,225

75,208

Anthony Saines

382,225

193,775

Ajay Bhatia

387,225

157,881

Paul Barlow

352,225

103,844

-

-

-

-

-

67,934

17,775

20,303

173,047

203,321

1,274,930

35,597

37,500

37,364

22,418

17,775

17,775

17,775

17,775

8,429

85,361

99,292

623,887

13,413

106,979

122,214

873,881

13,470

83,481

98,249

795,445

11,381

56,376

64,956

628,975

Total key 
management 
personnel 
compensation 
(Group)

3,823,399

1,401,033

4,366

282,334

140,180

222,192

927,513

1,036,217

7,837,234

28   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

STI & DSTI Payments (cash & performance right) achievement against on-target earning.

Greg Roebuck

Cameron McIntyre

Anthony Saines

Ajay Bhatia

Paul Barlow

Chris Polites

Actual STI Payment

Actual DSTI Payment

$

% Paid

% Forfeited

680,500

186,125

102,360

107,192

105,000

107,850

194%

124%

73%

143%

91%

108%

0%

0%

27%

0%

9%

0%

$

-

-

-

-

-

-

% Paid

% Forfeited

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

STI & DSTI Payments (cash & performance rights) achievement against maximum entitlement

All Key Management Personnel and Executives received grants which were less than their maximum potential STI & DSTI entitlements.

The relative proportions of remuneration that are linked to performance and those that are fixed are as follows:

Name

Fixed remuneration

At risk – STI

At risk – DSTI

At risk – LTI

2015 
%

2014 
%

2015 
%

2014 
%

2015 
%

2014 
%

2015 
%

2014 
%

Directors of carsales.com Ltd

Wal Pisciotta

Greg Roebuck

Richard Collins

Pat O’Sullivan

Ian Law*

Kim Anderson

Steve Kloss

Jeffrey Browne

Other key management 
personnel of the Group

Cameron McIntyre

Damian Hardy**

Anthony Saines

Ajay Bhatia

Paul Barlow

Chris Polites**

100

57

100

100

-

100

100

100

66

-

66

69

71

67

100

46

100

100

100

100

100

100

49

52

48

52

60

-

-

19

-

-

-

-

-

-

12

-

11

12

14

18

-

22

-

-

-

-

-

-

16

12

22

20

17

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

5

6

4

5

4

-

-

24

-

-

-

-

-

-

22

-

23

19

15

15

-

29

-

-

-

-

-

-

30

30

26

23

19

-

* Ian Law retired as a Director on 30 September 2013.

** As set out above Chris Polites is considered a KMP for 2015, replacing Damian Hardy.

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   29

Service agreements 

There are no service agreements between the Company and its non-executive directors. The Company’s constitution requires that director’s 
remuneration be determined at Annual General Meetings. There are no agreements to pay benefits to non-executive directors upon 
termination.

Remuneration and other terms of employment for the Managing Director and key management personnel are formalised in service 
agreements. Unless otherwise stated each of these agreements provide for the provision of base salary and in some circumstances the 
provision of other benefits such as commissions, cash bonuses, car allowances and where eligible participation in the Company’s Employee 
Option Plan. None of the agreements provide for any payment of benefits upon termination of employment, other than for accrued employee 
benefits and statutory or contractual notice periods. Details of payments made under the agreements are shown earlier in this report.

All executives have on-going terms of agreement with the Group. Agreements can be terminated on the basis of performance, long-term illness 
or otherwise by agreement.

Employee Share Trust

In July 2011 carsales.com Ltd established an Employee Share Trust (EST) to oversee the administration of all current and future share option and 
performance rights plans. The Trustee of the EST is Computershare Plan Manager Pty Ltd.

As well as streamlining administration of the plans, the structure enables the Trustee to buy carsales.com Ltd shares on market, or issue new 
carsales shares for delivery to employees exercising vested share options or performance rights. The establishment of the EST does not have 
any negative change to the rights of employees in the various plans, or on Shareholders.

Share-based compensation

Options and performance rights

Options and performance rights are granted under the carsales.com Ltd Employee Option Plan which was established via a prospectus lodged 
with ASIC in 2000. The Board of Directors determines who shall be invited to participate in the plan. Options and performance rights under this 
plan are issued for no cash consideration. Options and performance rights are issued subject to vesting rules and expiry periods. Options and 
performance rights vest on fixed dates provided that employment has not been terminated, and for senior executives, when EPS targets have 
been achieved.

EPS targets relating to senior executive options and performance rights, together with the Company’s actual achievements are as follows:

LTI

Grant

DSTI

Grant

Minimum Entitlement

Maximum Entitlement

Actual Achieved

Vesting Date

% payable

EPS target

% payable

EPS target

% payable

Year ending 30 June 2013

Aug-15

50%

0.353

100%

0.380

74%

Minimum and maximum EPS targets for the Options and Performance Rights were set for the period ending 30 June 2015 at the 2013 AGM on 
26 October 2012, at a minimum aggregate growth rate over a three year period of 15.2% and a maximum aggregate growth rate over a three 
year period of 24.0%.

EPS targets exclude any corporate activity associated with mergers and acquisitions, corporate or capital re-organisations.

The actual EPS achieved for the LTI grant vesting in August 2015 of $0.366 per share is below the reported FY15 EPS of $0.432 per share 
principally as the LTI award excludes the income and incremental costs related to the iCar Asia, Webmotors, SKENCARSALES and Stratton 
acquisitions as these occurred after the LTI grant was awarded.

Minimum Entitlement

Maximum Entitlement

Actual Achieved

Vesting Date

% payable

EPS target

% payable

EPS target

% payable

Year ending 30 June 2015

Aug-16

50%

0.4424

100%

0.465

0%

EPS

0.366

EPS

0.417

The exercise price of each option is fixed by the Board of Directors when the options and performance rights are issued. Amounts received on 
the exercise of options are recognised as share capital. The performance rights have a $0.00 exercise price and are converted to shares when all 
vesting conditions have been met. Options and performance rights granted under the plan carry no dividend or voting rights until vested.

Senior executives who leave the Company have 30 days from their date of departure to exercise any vested options they may be holding unless 
such departure is under adverse conditions. In exceptional circumstances, and at the Board’s discretion, senior executives may be allowed to 
exercise unvested options in future periods when they vest.

30   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

Alignment of Managing Director and senior executive 
employees

Options and performance rights issued to the Managing Director 
contain the same terms, conditions and performance targets as those 
issued to senior executive employees.

The Company has each year also used its Long-Term Incentive plan 
to issue options and performance rights to a select number of key 
staff members to support retention of talent. These awards are not 
linked to particular performance targets and vest three years from the 
grant date.

The Deferred Short-Term Incentive (DSTI) program is only available to 
the Managing Director and senior executive employees.

Since listing on the ASX in September 2009 the Board has reviewed 
a number of different incentive structures that align the terms and 
performance target methodologies with those of respected peers 
in our sector, as well as the interests of shareholders in ensuring 
management are incented to deliver high performance outcomes 
over the long-term.

The Company has selected EPS to be the most appropriate target 
on which to apply its Long-Term Incentive and Deferred Short-Term 
Incentive programs. The rationale for this choice has historically been 
as a result of having only a small pool of relevant peers, being other 
ASX listed online businesses, and the lack of liquidity in the stock of 
both the Company until March 2011 and some appropriate peers. 
The Board continues to believe that EPS is the most appropriate 
measure that best aligns the interest of shareholders with those of 
management.

The following award details are outlined for all unvested grants.

Deferred Short-Term Incentive (DSTI)

The vesting of performance rights is subject to the achievement of 
a financial year ending 30 June 2015 earnings per share target. The 
Board, in considering appropriate performance targets, believes EPS is 
the most effective measure in ensuring alignment with the interests of 
shareholders.

The minimum and maximum EPS target for the performance rights 
to vest has been set by the Board. In considering the appropriate EPS 
target, the Board has used the historical earnings performance of the 
Company, forward looking market consensus earnings expectations 
and other internal forward looking plans as inputs for determining the 
appropriate objective.

Performance Rights will not be capable of exercise if at the testing 
date the minimum targeted growth rate has not been achieved.

12,332 performance rights were issued to the Managing Director on 
24 October 2014, with an exercise price of $0.00. These performance 
rights were approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 24 
October 2014.

In addition, 44,963 performance rights were issued to senior 
executives on 24th October 2014, with an exercise price of $0.00, and 
with the same conditions as those of the Managing Director.

Performance Rights will be capable of exercise if at the testing date the 
EPS target has been achieved or exceeded as follows;

• 

• 

If the EPS achieved is equal to the minimum target, 50% of the 
performance rights will be capable of exercise.

If the EPS achieved is between the minimum and maximum 
targets, vested performance rights will be capable of exercise on a 

pro-rata basis between 50% and 100%.

• 

If the EPS achieved is equal to or exceeds the maximum target, 
100% of the performance rights will be capable of exercise.

The performance conditions applying to the Performance Rights will 
be tested at 30 June 2015.

Subject to the performance conditions being satisfied, performance 
rights may be exercised after the Board releases the 2015 Annual 
Report to the ASX.

FY2013 Award (Issue date 26 October 2012 Managing 
Director, and senior executive employees)

198,603 options and 69,640 performance rights were issued to the 
Managing Director on 26 October 2012, with an exercise price of 
$5.93 for employee share options and $0.00 for performance rights. 
These options were approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 26 
October 2012.

In addition, 346,406 options and 121,466 performance rights were 
issued to senior executives on 26 October 2012, with an exercise price 
of $5.93 for employee share options and $0.00 for performance rights, 
and with the same conditions as those of the Managing Director.

Subject to the performance conditions being satisfied, options and 
performance rights may, unless otherwise waived by the Board, be 
exercised as follows:

•  40% with a testing date 30 June 2014 (Year 2), exercisable after the 

Board releases the 2014 Annual Report to the ASX.

•  60% with a testing date 30 June 2015 (Year 3), exercisable after the 

Board releases the 2015 Annual Report to the ASX.

Attributable options and performance rights which have not achieved 
the EPS target on the applicable testing date:

• 

in Year 2, will be carried forward in aggregate to the testing date 
for Year 3,

• 

in Year 3, will lapse.

Minimum and maximum EPS targets for the options and performance 
rights have been set for each of the 2 years of the vesting period. The 
target for the third year, namely the period ending 30 June 2015, has 
been set at a minimum aggregate growth rate over the three year 
period of 15.2% and a maximum aggregate growth rate over the three 
year period of 24.0%.

Options and performance rights will be capable of exercise in tranches 
if, at the relevant testing date, the EPS target for the relevant period has 
been achieved or exceeded as follows:

• 

• 

• 

If the EPS achieved is equal to the minimum target, 50% of the 
vested options and performance rights will be capable of exercise.

If the EPS achieved is equal to or exceeds the maximum target, 
100% of the vested options and performance rights will be 
capable of exercise.

If the EPS achieved is between the minimum and maximum 
targets, vested options and performance rights will be capable of 
exercise on a pro-rata basis between 50% and 100%.

182,863 options and 66,117 performance rights were issued to several 
other select employees on the 26th October 2012.

The expiry date of this award is five years from the grant date.

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   31

FY2014 Award (Issue date 25 October 2013 Managing 
Director and senior executive employees)

FY2015 Award (Issue date 24 October 2014 Managing 
Director and senior executive employees)

134,213 options and 50,874 performance rights were issued to the 
Managing Director on 25 October 2013, with an exercise price of 
$9.10 for employee share options and $0.00 for performance rights. 
These options were approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 25 
October 2013.

204,063 options and 55,603 performance rights were issued to the 
Managing Director on 24 October 2014, with an exercise price of 
$10.71 for employee share options and $0.00 for performance rights. 
These options were approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 24 
October 2014.

In addition, 168,404 options and 63,835 performance rights were 
issued to senior executives on 25th October 2013, with an exercise 
price of $9.10 for employee share options and $0.00 for performance 
rights, and with the same conditions as those of the Managing 
Director.

In addition, 385,604 options and 94,821 performance rights were 
issued to senior executives on 24th October 2014, with an exercise 
price of $10.71 for employee share options and $0.00 for performance 
rights, and with the same conditions as those of the Managing 
Director.

The vesting of the options and performance rights issued are subject 
to the achievement of an EPS target with a testing date of 30 June 
2016 and are exercisable after the Board releases the 2016 Annual 
Report to the ASX.

The vesting of the options and performance rights issued are subject 
to the achievement of an EPS target with a testing date of 30 June 
2017 and are exercisable after the Board releases the 2017 Annual 
Report to the ASX.

The minimum and maximum EPS target for the Options and 
Performance Rights have been set by the Board. In considering the 
appropriate EPS target, the Board has used the historical earnings 
performance of the Company, forward looking market consensus 
earnings expectations and other internal forward looking plans as 
inputs for determining the appropriate objective.

The minimum and maximum EPS target for the Options and 
Performance Rights have been set by the Board. In considering the 
appropriate EPS target, the Board has used the historical earnings 
performance of the Company, forward looking market consensus 
earnings expectations and other internal forward looking plans as 
inputs for determining the appropriate objective.

The minimum EPS target required for any of the awarded Options and 
Performance Rights to vest is a target that will require the Company to 
achieve an EPS value that will reflect double digit compound annual 
growth rate (“CAGR”) in EPS between the baseline year ending 30 
June 2013 and the testing year ending 30 June 2016.

The minimum EPS target required for any of the awarded Options and 
Performance Rights to vest is a target that will require the Company to 
achieve an EPS value that will reflect double digit compound annual 
growth rate (“CAGR”) in EPS between the baseline year ending 30 
June 2014 and the testing year ending 30 June 2017.

The Company will publish in the FY2016 Annual Report the minimum 
and maximum EPS target that was applicable to the grant, along with 
the actual EPS achieved by the Company in that relevant year.

The Company will publish in the FY2017 Annual Report the minimum 
and maximum EPS target that was applicable to the grant, along with 
the actual EPS achieved by the Company in that relevant year.

Options and performance rights will be capable of exercise, at the 
relevant testing date, the EPS target for the relevant period has been 
achieved or exceeded as follows:

Options and performance rights will be capable of exercise, at the 
relevant testing date, the EPS target for the relevant period has been 
achieved or exceeded as follows:

• 

• 

• 

If the EPS achieved is equal to the minimum target, 50% of the 
vested options and performance rights will be capable of exercise.

If the EPS achieved is equal to or exceeds the maximum target, 
100% of the vested options and performance rights will be 
capable of exercise.

If the EPS achieved is between the minimum and maximum 
targets, vested options and performance rights will be capable of 
exercise on a pro-rata basis between 50% and 100%.

• 

• 

• 

If the EPS achieved is equal to the minimum target, 50% of the 
vested options and performance rights will be capable of exercise.

If the EPS achieved is equal to or exceeds the maximum target, 
100% of the vested options and performance rights will be 
capable of exercise.

If the EPS achieved is between the minimum and maximum 
targets, vested options and performance rights will be capable of 
exercise on a pro-rata basis between 50% and 100%.

105,456 options and 82,331 performance rights were issued to several 
other select employees on the 25th October 2013.

71,222 options and 17,536 performance rights were issued to several 
other select employees on the 24th October 2014.

The expiry date of this award is five years from the grant date.

The expiry date of this award is five years from the grant date.

32   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

The terms and conditions of each grant of options and performance rights affecting remuneration in the current or a future reporting period are 
as follows:

Grant date

Date
exercisable

Expiry date

Exercise
price

Value
at
grant date

%
Vested

Performance
achieved

October 2010

August 2013

October 2015

October 2010

October 2013

October 2015

October 2011

August 2012

October 2016

October 2011

August 2013

October 2016

October 2011

August 2014

October 2016

October 2011

August 2013

October 2016

October 2011

August 2014

October 2016

October 2012

August 2014

October 2017

October 2012

August 2015

October 2017

October 2012

August 2014

October 2017

October 2012

August 2015

October 2017

October 2013

August 2015

October 2018

October 2013

August 2016

October 2018

October 2013

August 2016

October 2018

October 2014

August 2017

October 2019

October 2014

August 2016

October 2019

October 2014

August 2017

October 2019

$4.90

$4.90

$4.69

$4.69

$4.69

$0.00

$0.00

$5.93

$5.93

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$9.10

$0.00

$10.71

$0.00

$0.00

$1.32

$1.44

$0.96

$1.10

$1.19

$4.54

$4.36

$2.33

$2.43

$6.96

$6.73

$10.58

$3.91

$10.32

$2.36

$9.41

$9.12

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

75%

100%

100%

75%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Part

Yes

Yes

Part

To be determined

To be determined

To be determined

To be determined

To be determined

$0.00 exercise price represents performance rights.

When exercisable, each option is convertible into one ordinary share upon 
payment of the exercise price by the option holder, provided that the 
option holder complies with the rules of the carsales.com Ltd Employee 
Option Plan. Performance rights will automatically be converted to one 
ordinary share upon the vesting date provided the holder complies with 
the rules of carsales.com Ltd Employee Option Plan.

Options and performance rights not exercised expire where (a) 
the expiry date applicable to the option or performance right is 
reached, (b) 30 days post the employee ceasing to be employed by 

carsales.com Ltd or their employment is terminated, (c) where EPS 
vesting conditions are not met, or (d) where there has been a special 
circumstance, then within 90 days after that special circumstance has 
occurred or as specified by the Board.

Details of options and performance rights granted over ordinary 
shares in the Company provided as remuneration to each director of 
carsales.com Ltd and each of the key management personnel of the 
Parent Entity and the Group are set out below.

Further information on the options and performance rights is set out 
in Note 24 to the financial statements.

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   33

Name

Executive director

Greg Roebuck

Other Key management personnel and executives (Group)

Cameron McIntyre

Anthony Saines

Ajay Bhatia

Paul Barlow

Chris Polites

Number 
of options 
granted 
during the 
year 2015

Number of 
performance 
rights 
granted 
during the 
year 2015

$ Value of 
options at 
grant date 
2015

$ Value of 
performance 
rights at 
grant date 
2015

Number of 
options and 
performance 
rights vested 
during the 
year 2015

204,063

67,935

481,815

623,233

312,646

77,902

44,515

33,387

22,258

18,363

29,812

16,829

14,067

8,988

7,444

183,935

274,997

152,730

105,105

155,199

95,456

78,830

129,999

52,554

43,357

82,996

68,744

70,216

50,019

27,489

Shares provided on exercise of remuneration options and performance rights

Details of ordinary shares in the Company provided as a result of the exercise of options by each director of carsales.com Ltd and other key 
management personnel of the Group are set out below.

Name

Directors of carsales.com Ltd

Greg Roebuck

Other key management personnel and executives of the Group

Cameron McIntyre

Anthony Saines

Ajay Bhatia

Paul Barlow

Chris Polites

Date of exercise 
of options and 
performance rights

Number of ordinary 
shares issued on 
exercise of options and 
performance rights 
during the year 

Value at  
exercise date *

August 2014

March 2015

August 2014

August 2014

August 2014

August 2014

June 2015

August 2014

70,642

471,034

152,730

95,456

70,216

11,275

38,744

6,313

786,245

2,554,477

1,102,504

689,061

505,466

125,491

201,870

70,264

* The value at the exercise date of options and performance rights that were granted as part of remuneration and were exercised during the year has been determined 
as the intrinsic value of the options and performance rights at that date.

The amounts paid per ordinary share by each director and other key 
management personnel on the exercise of options and performance 
rights at the date of exercise were as follows:

Exercise date

Amount paid per share

August 2014

August 2014

August 2014

March 2015

June 2015

June 2015

$0.00

$4.69

$5.93

$4.69

$4.69

$5.93

No amounts are unpaid on any shares issued on the exercise of 
option.

Additional information

Details of remuneration: Share-based compensation benefits

For each grant of options and performance rights, the percentage 
of the available grant that vested, in the financial year, and the 
percentage that was forfeited because the person did not meet the 
service and performance criteria is set out below. The vesting periods 
for options and performance rights are detailed above. No options and 
performance rights will vest if the conditions are not satisfied, hence 
the minimum value of the options and performance rights yet to vest 
is nil. The value of the options and performance rights yet to vest has 
been determined as the amount of the grant date fair value of the 
options and performance rights that is yet to be expensed.

34   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

Name

Greg Roebuck

Cameron McIntyre

Anthony Saines

Ajay Bhatia

Paul Barlow

Chris Polites

Share-based compensation benefits (options and performance rights)

Financial year 
granted

Vested  
%

Forfeited 
%

Financial years in 
which grant may 
vest

Minimum total 
value of grant yet 
to vest 
$

Maximum total 
value of grant yet 
to vest 
$

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

2015

2015

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

2015

2015

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

2015

2015

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

2015

2015

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

2015

2015

2012

2013

2013

2014

2014

2015

2015

100

100

-

-

-

-

-

100

100

-

-

-

-

-

100

100

-

-

-

-

-

100

100

-

-

-

-

-

100

100

-

-

-

-

-

100

100

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

26

26

-

-

-

-

-

26

26

-

-

-

-

-

26

26

-

-

-

-

-

26

26

-

-

-

-

-

26

26

-

-

-

-

-

26

26

-

-

-

2016*

2016*

2017*

2017*

2018*

2016*

2016*

2017*

2017*

2018*

2016*

2016*

2017*

2017*

2018*

2016*

2016*

2017*

2017*

2018*

2016*

2016*

2017*

2017*

2018*

2016*

2016*

2017*

2017*

2018*

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

25,148

5,563

432,352

73,845

756,300

-

-

10,588

4,637

144,118

63,635

274,479

-

-

6,618

2,538

82,351

35,126

156,845

-

-

5,294

2,550

61,765

35,000

117,633

-

-

3,468

1,530

41,175

21,000

78,420

-

-

2,648

1,275

33,969

17,497

64,698

*Vesting is contingent upon board approval. Options are exercisable after the Board release the results to ASX in August each year.

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   35

The following tables show the number of:

(i)  Option holdings and performance rights

The numbers of options and performance rights over ordinary shares in the Company held during the financial year by each director of carsales.
com Ltd and other key management personnel of the Company, including their personally related parties, are set out below.

2015 

Name

Granted as 
compensation 
(including 
performance 
rights)

Balance at start 
of the year

Directors of carsales.com Ltd

Exercised

Forfeited

Balance at end 
of the year

Vested and 
exercisable

Unvested

Wal Pisciotta

Richard Collins

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Greg Roebuck 

979,059

271,998

(541,676)

(45,425)

663,956

81,487

582,469

Pat O’Sullivan

Steve Kloss (Alternate)

Kim Anderson

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Other key management personnel of the Group

Cameron McIntyre

291,023

107,714

(152,730)

(21,418)

224,589

Anthony Saines

Ajay Bhatia

Paul Barlow

Chris Polites

177,893

135,428

92,755

61,416

61,344

47,454

31,246

25,807

(95,456)

(13,048)

130,733

(70,216)

(10,941)

101,725

(50,019)

(6,313)

(7,026)

(5,470)

66,956

75,440

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

21,176

-

-

-

224,589

130,733

101,725

66,956

54,264

(ii)  Share holdings

The numbers of shares in the Company held during the financial year by each director of carsales.com Ltd and other key management 
personnel of the Group, including their personally related parties, are set out below. There were no shares granted during the reporting period 
as compensation.

Balance at the start 
of the year

Received during the 
year on the exercise 
of options

Other changes 
during the year

Balance at end of 
the year

2015 

Name

Directors of carsales.com Ltd

Ordinary shares

Wal Pisciotta

Richard Collins

Greg Roebuck

Steve Kloss (Alternate)

Kim Anderson

Pat O’Sullivan

Jeffrey Browne

-

-

-

11,526

541,676

(727,500)

14,770,700

991,750

5,038,505

2,774,500

10,000

5,376

-

-

-

-

-

14,770,700

1,003,276

4,852,681

2,774,500

10,000

7,350

13,650

366,019

37,001

3,000

63,264

6,313

-

-

1,974

13,650

(10,360)

(73,939)

(70,287)

(19,210)

-

Other key management personnel of the Group

Ordinary shares

Cameron McIntyre

Anthony Saines

Ajay Bhatia

Paul Barlow

Chris Polites

223,649

152,730

15,484

3,071

32,455

-

95,456

70,216

50,019

6,313

36   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

 
 
Other transactions with key management personnel

(i) Directors of carsales.com Ltd

W Pisciotta is a director and shareholder of Pentana, which entered into a relationship agreement with carsales.com Ltd in 2010 for the supply 
of data and services. Under the contract, Pentana supplies data for the exclusive use of carsales.com Ltd in return for a fixed annual payment, 
plus a percentage of revenues generated through Pentana Solutions. This was re-signed with a 2-year term from March 2015.

R Collins is a shareholder of automotive dealerships which utilised the Group’s services under terms and conditions no more favourable than 
dealing with other customers at arm’s length in the same circumstances.

Shares under option and performance rights 

Unissued ordinary shares of carsales.com Ltd under option at the date of this report are as follows:

Date options granted

Expiry date

Issue price of shares

Number under options

Number under 
performance rights

Oct-2010

Mar-2011

Oct-2011

Mar-2012

Oct-2012

Oct-2012

Oct-2013

Oct-2013

Oct-2014

Oct-2014

Oct-2015

Oct-2015

Oct-2016

Oct-2016

Oct-2017

Oct-2017

Oct-2018

Oct-2018

Oct-2019

Oct-2019

$4.90

$4.90

$4.69

$4.69

$5.93

$0.00

$9.10

$0.00

$10.71

$0.00

25,000

45,000

33,662

69,244

482,823

394,759

657,376

1,707,864

136,196

172,179

224,523

532,898

No option or performance rights holder has any right under the options or performance rights to participate in any other share issue of the 
Company. No options or performance rights have been issued post 30 June 2015.

Shares issued on the exercise of options and performance rights

The following ordinary shares of carsales.com Ltd were issued during the year ended 30 June 2015 on the exercise of options granted under 
the carsales.com Ltd Employee Option Plan. No amounts are unpaid on any of the shares.

Date options and performance rights exercised

Issue price of shares

Number of shares issued

Aug-2014

Aug-2014

Oct-2014

Oct-2014

Nov-2014

Dec-2014

Mar-2015

May-2015

Jun-2015

$0.00

$2.00 – $5.93

$0.00

$1.75 – $4.69

$4.69 – $4.90

$4.69 – $5.93

$4.69 – $5.93

$4.69

$4.69 – $5.93

208,613

337,408

52,379

37,952

38,275

51,874

576,057

5,172

38,744

1,346,474

Directors’ report 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   37

Insurance of officers

Auditor’s independence declaration

During the financial year, carsales.com Ltd paid a premium to insure 
the directors and officers of the Company and its Australian-based 
controlled entities. The contract of insurance prohibits disclosure of 
the nature of the liability and the amount of the premium.

Indemnification of directors and officers

All current directors and officers are indemnified under a deed of 
indemnity, insurance and access.

Non-audit services

The Company may decide to employ the auditor on assignments 
additional to their statutory audit duties where the auditor’s expertise 
and experience with the Company are important.

Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditor (PwC) for non-
audit services provided during the year are set out below.

The Board of Directors has considered the position and, in accordance 
with advice received from the Audit and Risk Management Committee, 
is satisfied that the provision of the non-audit services is compatible 
with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed 
by the Corporations Act 2001. The Directors are satisfied that the 
provision of non-audit services by the auditor, as set out below, did 
not compromise the auditor independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

• 

all non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit and Risk 
Management Committee to ensure they do not impact the 
impartiality and objectivity of the auditor.

•  none of the services undermine the general principles relating to 
auditor independence as set out in APES 110 Code of Ethics for 
Professional Accountants.

During the year the following fees were paid or payable for non-
audit services provided by the auditor of the parent entity, its related 
practices and non-related audit firms:

Consolidated

2015 
$

2014 
$

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under 
section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 39.

Rounding of amounts

The Company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100, issued 
by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating 
to the ‘rounding off’ of amounts in the Director’s Report. Amounts in 
the Director’s Report have been rounded off in accordance with that 
Class Order to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the 
nearest dollar.

Auditor

PwC continues in office in accordance with section 327 of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

Corporate governance report

As allowed under the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations (Third Edition) the Company has included its report 
on compliance with the principles in the year to 30 June 2015 in the 
Corporate Governance section of the Investor Centre on the carsales 
website. The full report can be found at the following URL: http://
shareholder.carsales.com.au/Investor-Centre/?page=Corporate-
Governance

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of directors.

Wal Pisciotta 
Chairman

Other assurance services

PwC Australian firm

  Controls assurance services

25,028

-

  Due diligence services

241,879

165,543

Total remuneration for other assurance services

266,907

165,543

Greg Roebuck 
Managing Director and CEO

Sydney 
11 August 2015

Taxation services

PwC Australian firm

Tax compliance services

77,000

64,439

Tax consulting and tax advice on acquisitions

84,264

61,880

Total remuneration for taxation services

161,264

126,319

Other advisory services

Due diligence fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers 
network firms

Other services

-

91,755

8,000

-

Total remuneration for non-audit services

436,171

383,617

38   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Directors’ report

 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration

As lead auditor for the audit of carsales.com Ltd for the year ended 30 June 2015, I declare that to the
best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:

a)

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in
relation to the audit; and

b)

no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

This declaration is in respect of carsales.com Ltd and the entities it controlled during the period.

Anton Linschoten
Partner
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Melbourne
11 August 2015

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
Freshwater Place, 2 Southbank Boulevard, SOUTHBANK VIC 3006, GPO Box 1331, MELBOURNE VIC 3001
T: 61 3 8603 1000, F: 61 3 8603 1999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

41

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   39

 
Financial  
report

40   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

carsales.com Ltd ABN 91 074 444 018 
Annual report – 30 June 2015

Contents

Financial statements 

  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  

  Consolidated statement of financial position  

  Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

  Consolidated statement of cash flows  

About this report  

Notes to the financial statements 

Basis of preparation  

Page

 42

 43

 44

 45

 46

 47

Key performance

Capital and financial 
risk management

Other assets and liabilities

Group structure

Other

1. 

 Segment information

7. 

 Capital risk management

14.   Receivables

19.   Interest in other entities

23.  Remuneration of 

auditors

2. 

 Revenue

8. 

 Cash

15.   Property, plant and 

equipment

20.  Business combination

24.  Share based payments

3.    Expenses

9. 

 Borrowings

16.   Intangible assets

21.   Related party 
transactions

25.  Parent entity financial 

information

4.    Income tax

10.  Contributed equity

17.   Other liabilities

22.  Deed of cross guarantee

5.    Reconciliation of profit to 

11.   Reserves and retained 

cash flow

earnings

18.  Commitments

6.    Earnings per share

12.   Dividends

13.   Financial risk 
management

26.  Other accounting 

policies

27.  Events occurring after 
the reporting period

Signed reports

  Directors’ declaration  

Independent auditor’s report to the members  

ASX information

 83

 87

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   41

 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 30 June 2015

Revenue from continuing operations

Sale of goods and services

Revenue from continuing operations

Expenses

Cost of sale of goods

Sales and marketing expenses

Operations and administration

Service development and maintenance

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Finance income

Finance costs 

Share of net profit/(loss) from associates accounted for using the equity method

Gain on associate dilution

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit from continuing operations

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Notes

2

9

9

19(c)

19(c)

4

2015 
$’000

311,756

311,756

(28,485)

(86,855)

(19,836)

(22,242)

154,338

(4,689)

688

(9,204)

4,926

3,447

149,506

(42,339)

107,167

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

11(a)

2,212

Total comprehensive income for the year

Profit is attributable to:

Owners of carsales.com Ltd

Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to:

Owners of carsales.com Ltd

Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share based on profit from continuing operations, attributable to the ordinary 
equity holders of the parent entity:

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

109,379

103,167

4,000

107,167

105,379

19(b)

4,000

109,379

Cents

43.2

42.9

6

6

The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

2014 
$’000

235,603

235,603

(2,461)

(56,564)

(18,151)

(20,017)

138,410

(3,309)

474

(3,388)

3,434

-

135,621

(39,349)

96,272

(1,047)

95,225

95,457

815

96,272

94,410

815

95,225

Cents

40.2

40.0

42   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

Consolidated statement of financial position

As at 30 June 2015

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Notes

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

8

14

26,823

39,176

1,870

67,869

26,042

35,384

-

61,426

Investments accounted for using the equity method

19(c)

257,251

240,426

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax assets

Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Payables

Borrowings

Current tax liabilities

Provisions

Deferred revenue

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

15

4

16

17

9

17

17

9

17

10

11(a)

11(b)

5,949

5,171

155,948

424,319

492,188

4,402

5,916

92,269

343,013

404,439

33,552

22,740

1,876

2,237

5,412

5,940

9,842

9,349

3,818

5,535

49,017

51,284

212,493

1,165

213,658

262,675

229,513

91,905

21,471

113,829

2,308

229,513

164,841

938

165,779

217,063

187,376

77,603

17,695

90,946

1,132

187,376

The above consolidated statement of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   43

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 30 June 2015

Attributable to owners of carsales.com Ltd

Contributed 
equity 
$’000

Other 
reserves 
$’000

Retained 
earnings 
$’000

Notes

Non-
controlling 
interest 
$’000

Balance at 1 July 2013

Profit for the year

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

70,104

14,908

67,498

-

-

-

-

95,457

(1,047)

-

(1,047)

95,457

Contributions of equity upon exercise of employee 
share options

10(b)

7,499

Non-controlling interest on acquisition of subsidiary

Dividends paid to members of the parent

12

Increase in share-based payment reserve inclusive of tax

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(72,009)

3,834

-

Total 
equity 
$’000

152,510

96,272

(1,047)

95,225

7,499

317

(72,009)

3,834

187,376

107,167

-

815

-

815

-

317

-

-

1,132

4,000

Balance at 30 June 2014

Profit for the year

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Contributions of equity upon exercise of employee share 
options

10(b)

5,252

Non-controlling interest on acquisition of subsidiary

-

Dividends paid to members of the parent

12

9,050

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

Increase in share-based payment reserve inclusive of tax

-

-

77,603

17,695

90,946

-

103,167

-

-

-

2,212

2,212

-

-

-

-

1,564

-

-

2,212

103,167

4,000

109,379

-

-

-

5,252

(1,119)

(1,119)

(80,284)

-

(71,234)

-

-

(1,705)

(1,705)

-

1,564

Balance at 30 June 2015

91,905

21,471

113,829

2,308

229,513

The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

44   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

Net cash inflow from operating activities

5

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 30 June 2015

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers (incl GST)

Payments to suppliers and employees (incl GST)

Income taxes paid

Cash flows from investing activities

Investment in subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)

Investment in associates

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from disposal of other assets

Dividends received from associates

Interest received

Payments for intangible assets

Net cash (outflow) from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issues of shares and other equity securities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Interest paid

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Dividends paid to company shareholders

Loan arrangement fees paid

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

8

The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Notes

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

338,458

(185,770)

(50,879)

101,809

(55,751)

(10,042)

(676)

-

4,153

688

(1,065)

(62,693)

5,252

80,080

(41,035)

(8,843)

(1,705)

254,341

(118,734)

(34,323)

101,284

(8,400)

(133,897)

(948)

1

665

474

(860)

(142,965)

7,499

183,500

(63,342)

(3,065)

-

(850)

(38,335)

781

26,042

26,823

-

52,583

10,902

15,140

26,042

12

(71,234)

(72,009)

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   45

About this  
report

This financial report covers the consolidated financial statement of 
the consolidated entity consisting of carsales.com Ltd, its subsidiaries 
and investments in associates. The financial report is presented in the 
Australian currency.

carsales.com Ltd is a company limited by shares, incorporated and 
domiciled in Australia. Its registered office and principal place of 
business is:

 carsales.com Ltd 
Level 4, 449 Punt Road 
Richmond Vic 3121

A description of the nature of the consolidated entity’s operations 
and its principle activities is included in the Chairman’s Update to 
shareholders on page 7, the Managing Director’s Update on page 11, 
and in the Directors’ Reports on page 15-38, each of which are not 
part of this financial report.

The financial report was authorised for issue by the directors on 11 
August 2015. The directors have the power to amend and reissue the 
financial report.

Through the use of the internet, we have ensured that our corporate 
reporting is timely and complete. All press releases, financial reports 
and other information are available at our shareholder’s centre on our 
website: www.carsales.com.au

For queries in relation to our reporting please call +61 (3) 9093 8600.

These financial statements have been prepared on a streamlined basis 
where key information is grouped together for ease of understanding 
and readability. The notes include information which is required to 
understand the financial statements and is material and relevant to 
the operations, financial position and performance of the Group. 
Information is considered material and relevant if, for example:

Navigating this report

The notes are organised into the following sections:

•  Key performance: provides a breakdown of the key individual line 
items in the financial statements that the directors consider most 
relevant to understanding performance and shareholder returns 
for the year and summarises the accounting policies, judgements 
and estimates relevant to understanding these line items;

•  Capital and Financial Risk Management: provides information 

about the capital management practices of the Group, the Group’s 
exposure and management of various financial risks and explains 
how these affect the Group’s financial position and performance;

•  Other assets and liabilities: Provides information on other 

balance sheet assets and liabilities that do not materially affect 
performance or give rise to material financial risk;

•  Group structure: explains aspects of the group structure, such as 

our portfolio of associate accounted investments and acquisitions 
and how these have affected the financial position and 
performance of the Group; and

•  Other: provides information on items which require disclosure to 

comply with Australian Accounting Standards and other regulatory 
pronouncements however, are not considered critical in 
understanding the financial performance or position of the Group.

Significant and other accounting policies that summarise the 
measurement basis used and presentation policies and are relevant to 
an understanding of the financial statements are provided throughout 
the notes to the financial statements.

Key reporting highlights

Notes containing information relevant to understanding significant 
changes to the Group’s affairs and performance in the current year are 
as follows:

• 

• 

• 

• 

the amount in question is significant because of its size or nature;

•  The Group recorded record revenue and EBITDA – Note 1;

it is important for understanding the results of the Group;

it helps to explain the impact of significant changes in the Group’s 
business – for example, acquisitions; or

• 

50.1% of Stratton Finance Pty Ltd was acquired during the year – 
Note 20;

•  The Group entered into a 5-year $325m syndicated borrowing 

it relates to an aspect of the Group’s operations that is important 
to its future performance.

facility to support future growth – Note 9;

• 

Full year dividend proposed – Note 12.

Key estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with AIFRS 
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the 
Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of 
judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates 
are significant to the financial statements, are set out below:

•  Goodwill impairment testing – Note 16(a);

•  Valuation of share based payments – Note 24.

46   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 
Basis of  
preparation

These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative 
pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, 
Urgent Issues Group Interpretations and the Corporations Act 2001. 
carsales.com Ltd is a for-profit entity for the purpose of preparing the 
financial statements.

(i)  Compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards

The financial report of carsales.com Ltd complies with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

(ii)  Historical cost convention

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical 
cost convention.

(iii)  Financial statement presentation

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the 
previous financial year except as set out in the “New accounting 
standards and interpretation” section below and as follows:

Interest received in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income has been reclassified from revenue to be presented adjacent 
to finance costs for the 12 months to 30 June 2014 consistent 
with the presentation adopted for the year to 30 June 2015 as this 
better reflects the management of interest income and expenses 
as a net expense to the Group. The interest received and paid in the 
consolidated statement of cash flows has been reclassified for the 
12 months to 30 June 2014 to present interest received under ‘Cash 
flows from investing activities’ and interest paid under ‘Cash flows 
from financing activities’ consistent with the 12 months to 30 June 
2015 as management believes this better reflects the nature of the 
interest cash flows.

The classification of expenses in the FY14 year has been restated to 
match the classification adopted for the FY15 year for comparability 
purposes. This principally reflects the split out of cost of sale of 
goods and a reclassification of costs from sales and marketing 
expenses to service development and maintenance to reflect an 
internal headcount restructuring made in FY15 where staff are better 
considered as development heads.

(iv)  Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern 
basis.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and 
liabilities of all subsidiaries of carsales.com Ltd (‘’Company’’ or ‘’parent 
entity’’) as at 30 June 2015 and the results of all subsidiaries for the 
year then ended. carsales.com Ltd and its subsidiaries together are 
referred to in this financial report as the Group or the Consolidated 
Entity.

Foreign currency translation 

(i)  Functional and presentation currency 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s 
entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). 
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian 
dollars, which is carsales.com Ltd’s functional and presentation 
currency.

(ii)  Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the 
settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end 
exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies are recognised in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income.

(iii)  Group companies 

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of 
which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have 
a functional currency different from the presentation currency are 
translated into the presentation currency as follows:

•  Assets and liabilities for each consolidated statement of financial 
position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of 
that balance sheet. 

• 

Income and expenses for each consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income are translated at average exchange rates 
(unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative 
effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which 
case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the 
transactions). 

•  All resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate 

component of equity. 

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation 
of any net investment in foreign entities, and of borrowings are taken 
to other comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is sold 
or any borrowings forming part of the net investment are repaid, a 
proportionate share of such exchange differences are recognised in 
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, as part of the 
gain or loss on sale where applicable.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a 
foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
operation and translated at the closing rate.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   47

 
 
Goods and Services Tax (GST)

New accounting standards and interpretations

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount 
of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from 
the tax authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of 
acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been 
published that are mandatory for 30 June 2015 reporting periods and 
have been adopted by the Group. The Group’s assessment of the 
impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below.

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 tax authority is included with other receivables or 
payables in the consolidated statement of financial position.

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 taxation authority, are presented as 
operating cash flow.

Rounding of amounts

The Company is of a kind referred to in Class order 98/0100, issued by 
the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the 
‘’rounding off’’ of amounts in the financial report. Amounts in the financial 
report have been rounded off in accordance with that Class Order to the 
nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, the nearest dollar.

The Group has applied the following standards in their year-end 
reporting commencing 1 July 2014:

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 Cycle and Annual 

Improvements to IFRSs 2011-2013 Cycle (effective 1 July 2014).

•  AASB 2012-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standard 
– Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (effective 1 
January 2014).

•  AASB 2013-3 Amendments to AASB 136 – Recoverable Amount 

Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets (effective 1 January 2014).

There is no material impact in the financial statements as a result of 
the adoption of the above standards.

48   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Key  
Performance

1  Segment information

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the 
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The 
chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Managing 
Director.

Management has determined the operating segments based on the 
reports reviewed by Key Management Personnel that are used to make 
strategic decisions.

(a)  Description of segments

The Group principally operates in four business segments: namely 
Online Advertising Services, Data and Research Services, International 
and Finance and Related Services.

Online Advertising Services

carsales.com Ltd online advertising offerings can be broken into two 
key product sets being classified advertising and display advertising 
services.

Classified Advertising allows customers (including dealers and 
consumers) to advertise automotive and non-automotive goods and 
services for sale across the carsales Network. Classified advertising 
typically allows a customer to advertise their red Brand X, model Y 
car with 20,000km for $10,000 on a carsales website. This segment 
includes services such as subscriptions, lead fees and priority 
placement services across automotive and non-automotive websites.

Display advertising, typically involves corporate customers such 
as automotive manufacturers/importers, finance and insurance 
companies etc, placing advertisements on carsales Network websites. 
These advertisements typically display the product or service offerings 
of the corporate advertiser such as a special offer on new utes by 
manufacturer X, or save 10% on insurance this month only etc, as 
banner advertisements or other sponsored links.

Online advertising includes carsales’ investment in tyresales which 
is an online tyre advertisement website that allows consumers to 
transact and purchase tyres.

Data and Research Services

The carsales.com Ltd divisions of Redbook, LiveMarket, DataMotive 
and DataMotive Business Intelligence provide various solutions to 
a range of customers including manufacturers/importers, dealers, 
industry bodies, finance and insurance companies offering products 
including software, analysis, research and reporting, valuation services, 
website development and hosting as well as photography services. 
This segment also includes display and consumer advertising related 
to these divisions.

International

carsales.com Ltd has operations in overseas countries through both 
subsidiaries and equity accounted associate investments as set out 
below:

Automotive Data Services:

•  Auto Information Limited (New Zealand) – 100%

•  Red Book Automotive Services (M) Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) – 100%

•  Red Book Automotive Data Services (Beijing) Limited (China) – 

100%

•  Automotive Data Services (Thailand) Company Limited – 100%

Online automotive classifieds:

•  Webmotors S.A.(operation in Brazil) – 30%

• 

iCar Asia Limited (operations in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand) 
– 20.2%

• 

SK ENCARSALES.COM Ltd (operation in South Korea) – 49.9%

Finance and Related Services

Finance and Related Services includes the Stratton Finance Pty Ltd 
subsidiary which provides innovative vehicle finance arrangements, 
vehicle procurement and other related services to customers. 
Segment revenues arise from commissions paid by finance providers 
and other related service providers.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   49

(b)  Segment analysis

2015

Segment revenue

Segment revenue

Total segment revenue

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Net interest expense

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Share of profit from associates

Gain on associate dilution

Non-controlling interests

Profit for the year

Segment assets

Deferred tax assets

Unallocated assets

Total assets

2014

Segment revenue

Segment revenue

Total segment revenue

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Net interest income

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Share of profit from associates

Non-controlling interests

Profit for the year

Segment assets

Deferred tax assets

Unallocated assets

Total assets

Online 
Advertising
$’000

Data and 
Research
$’000

International
$’000

Finance and 
Related Services
$’000

216,463

216,463

122,067

33,037

33,037

19,041

59,370

59,370

11,651

2,886

2,886

1,579

4,926

3,447

Total
$’000

311,756

311,756

154,338

(4,689)

(8,516)

141,133

(42,339)

4,926

3,447

(4,000)

103,167

99,724

18,321

247,024

71,361

436,430

Online 
Advertising
$’000

Data and 
Research
$’000

International
$’000

Finance and 
Related Services
$’000

203,864

203,864

120,256

29,131

29,131

16,747

-

-

-

2,607

2,607

1,407

3,434

100,463

19,393

240,426

-

5,171

50,587

492,188

Total
$’000

235,602

235,602

138,410

(3,309)

(2,914)

132,187

(39,349)

3,434

(815)

95,457

360,282

5,916

38,241

404,439

50   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

(c)  Notes to, and forming part of, the segment information

(iii)  Finance and related services 

(i)  Segment revenues

Segment revenues are derived from sales to external customers as 
set out in the table above. The nature of the segment revenues are as 
described in Note 1(a) above.

(ii)  Segment EBITDA

The consolidated entity’s chief operating decision maker assesses the 
performance of the segments based on a measure of EBITDA. Interest 
revenue and expense, depreciation and amortisation are not reported 
to the chief operating decision maker by segment. These items are 
assessed at a consolidated entity level.

Fees and commissions are recognised on an accruals basis when 
the service has been provided or on completion of the underlying 
transaction. Used car disposal revenue and cost of goods are 
recognised gross (revenue being the fair value of the cash received for 
the sale of the vehicle, and the cost of goods being the trade in price 
of the vehicle).

(iv)  Dividends

Dividends are recognised as revenue when the right to receive 
payment is established.

(v)  R&D Tax Rebate

(iii)  Segment assets

The R&D 10% tax rebate is recognised as other income.

Segment assets include goodwill and trade receivables. Unallocated 
assets include property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other 
assets utilised across multiple segments. All unallocated assets are 
assessed by the chief operating decision maker at a consolidated 
entity level.

3  Expenses

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

(iv)  Liabilities

Liabilities are not reported to the chief operating decision maker by 
segment. All liabilities are assessed at a consolidated entity level.

2  Revenue

From continuing operations

Sales revenue

Sale of services

Sale of goods

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

280,927

232,819

30,829

2,784

311,756

235,603

Recognition and measurement

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received 
or receivable. Amounts disclosed as revenue are net of returns, trade 
allowances and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Where 
services have not been provided but the Company is obligated to 
provide the services in the future, revenue recognition is deferred. 
Where the Group has utilised the services of a sales agency to sell 
advertising services on behalf of the Group, the sale is recorded at a 
value net of sales commissions paid to the sales agency.

Revenue is recognised for the major business activities as follows:

(i)  Advertising services

A sale is recorded when a customer’s advertisement has been 
displayed or when a referral has been generated leading to an 
enforceable claim by the Group. Subscription services are recognised 
across the period to which they relate.

(ii)  Sale of goods – retail

A sale is recorded when goods have been provided to a customer 
leading to an enforceable claim by the Group.

Profit before income tax includes the 
following specific expenses:

Total employee benefits

63,924

43,559

Defined contribution superannuation 
expense

Research and development

Minimum lease payments

4,992

10,870

4,645

3,391

8,115

3,858

Recognition and measurement

(i)  Retirement benefit obligations

All employees of the Group are entitled to benefits on retirement, 
disability or death from the Group’s superannuation plan. The Group 
has a defined contribution plan. The defined contribution plan 
receives fixed contributions from Group companies and the Group’s 
legal or constructive obligation is limited to these contributions. 
The employees of the parent entity are all members of the defined 
contribution section of the Group’s plan.

Past service costs are recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless 
the changes to the superannuation fund are conditional on the 
employees remaining in service for a specified period of time (the 
vesting period). In this case, the past service costs are amortised on a 
straight-line basis over the vesting period.

(ii)  Research and development

Research expenditure is recognised as an expense as incurred. Costs 
incurred on development projects (relating to the design and testing 
of new or improved services) are recognised as intangible assets when 
it is probable that the project will, after considering its commercial 
and technical feasibility, be completed and generate future economic 
benefits and its costs can be measured reliably. The expenditure 
capitalised comprises all directly attributable costs, including costs 
of materials, services, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of 
overheads. Other development expenditures that do not meet these 
criteria are recognised as an expense as incurred. Development costs 
previously recognised as an expense are not recognised as an asset in 
a subsequent period. Capitalised development costs are recorded as 
an intangible asset and amortised from the point of which the asset 
is ready for use on a straight line basis over its useful life, which varies 
from 3 to 5 years.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   51

(iii)  Leases

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the Company as lessee are classified as 
operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the profit or loss on a 
straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

4  Income tax

(a)  Income tax expense

Current tax

Deferred tax

Adjustments for current tax of prior periods

Deferred income tax expense included in income tax expense comprises:

Decrease in deferred tax assets 

2015 
$’000

41,275

1,000

64

42,339

1,000

1,000

2014 
$’000

38,934

450

(35)

39,349

450

450

Current tax expense of $50,000 (2014: deduction of $2,331,000) has been directly recognised in equity, related to share based payments.

(b)   Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable

Profit from continuing operations before income tax expense

Tax at the Australian tax rate of 30.0% (2014 – 30.0%)

Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible (taxable) in calculating taxable income:

Tax offset for R&D

  Deferred tax on share options transferred to the Employee Share Trust

Sundry items

  Difference in overseas tax rates

Adjustments for current tax of prior periods

Tax on share of (profit)/losses from associates

  Non-taxable gain on associate dilution

Total income tax expense

2015 
$’000

149,506

44,852

(150)

104

83

(103)

64

(1,477)

(1,034)

42,339

2014 
$’000

135,621

40,686

(140)

(320)

188

-

(35)

(1,030)

-

39,349

52   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 
 
 
 
(c)  Deferred tax assets

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:

At 1 July 2013

(Charged)/credited to the profit or loss

Credited directly to equity

At 30 June 2014

Acquisition of subsidiary

(Charged)/credited to the profit or loss

Credited directly to equity

At 30 June 2015

Employee 
benefits 
$’000

Employee Share 
Trust 
$’000

Doubtful debts 
$’000

1,217

(200)

-

1,017

170

757

-

1,944

4,108

19

(272)

3,855

-

(2,292)

(50)

1,513

313

-

-

313

-

(120)

-

193

Deferred tax assets to be recovered within 12 months

Deferred tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months

Recognition and measurement

Tax consolidation legislation

Expense 
accruals 
$’000

1,000

(269)

-

731

135

655

-

1,521

2015 
$’000

3,771

1,400

5,171

Total 
$’000

6,638

(450)

(272)

5,916

305

(1,000)

(50)

5,171

2014 
$’000

4,683

1,233

5,916

carsales.com Ltd and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities 
have implemented the tax consolidation legislation.

The head entity, carsales.com Ltd, and the controlled entities in the 
tax consolidated group account for their own current and deferred tax 
amounts. These tax amounts are measured as if each entity in the tax 
consolidated group continues to be a standalone taxpayer in its own right.

In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts,  
carsales.com Ltd also recognises the current tax liabilities (or assets) and 
the deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and unused tax 
credits assumed from controlled entities in the tax consolidated group.

Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements with the tax 
consolidated entities are recognised as amounts receivable from or 
payable to other entities in the Company.

The income tax expense or revenue for the period is the tax payable 
on the current period’s taxable income based on the applicable 
income tax rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred 
tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to 
unused tax losses.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on 
temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial 
statements. However, the deferred income tax is not accounted for if 
it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction 
other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction 
affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income 
tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted 
or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected 
to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the 
deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary 
differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that future 
taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences 
and losses.

Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for temporary 
differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments 
in foreign operations where the Company is able to control the timing 
of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the 
differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally 
enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when 
the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current 
tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally 
enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or 
to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   53

5 . Reconciliation of profit after income tax to net cash inflow from operating activities

Profit for the year

Depreciation and amortisation

Profit on sale of assets

Non-cash employee benefits expense – share-based payments

Net finance related costs

Share of (profit)/losses of associates

Gain on associate dilution

Net exchange differences

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

  Decrease/(Increase) in trade debtors

  Decrease in deferred tax assets

(Increase)/Decrease in other operating assets

(Decrease)/Increase in trade creditors

Increase/(Decrease) in other operating liabilities

(Decrease)/Increase in provision for income taxes payable

Increase in other provisions

Net cash inflow from operating activities

6  Earnings per share

2015 
$’000

107,167

4,689

-

1,614

8,516

(4,926)

(3,447)

164

2,725

1,050

(5,426)

(574)

338

(11,109)

1,028

101,809

2014 
$’000

96,272

3,309

(1)

1,775

2,749

(3,434)

-

(22)

(4,437)

722

315

4,749

(3,219)

1,805

701

101,284

Basic earnings 
per share

Diluted earnings 
per share

2015

2014

2015

2014

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company

103,167,000

95,457,000

103,167,000

95,457,000

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

238,911,085

237,466,757

238,911,085

237,466,757

Dilutive impact of potential ordinary shares

-

-

1,530,744

1,322,631

Total weighted average number of ordinary shares used in EPS calculation

238,911,085

237,466,757

240,441,829

238,789,388

Earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per share excluding gain on associate dilution

43.2

41.7

40.2

40.2

42.9

41.5

40.0

40.0

Recognition and measurement

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing:

• 

the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company, excluding 
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 adjusts the figures used in the 
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 additional ordinary shares that 
would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all 
dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Options and performance rights granted to employees under the 
carsales.com Ltd Employee Option Plan are considered to be potential 
ordinary shares and have been included in the determination of 
diluted earnings per share to the extent to which they are dilutive. 
The options and performance rights have not been included in the 
determination of basic earnings per share. Details relating to the 
options are set out in Note 24.

54   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
Capital & Financial  
Risk Management

7  Capital risk management 

The Company’s capital position at 30 June is as follows:

Payables (Note 17)

Borrowings (Note 9)

Less: cash and cash equivalents (Note 8)

Net debt

Contributed equity (Note 10)

Reserves (Note 11(a))

Retained profits (Note 11(b))

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Total capital

2015 
$’000

33,552

214,369

(26,823)

221,098

91,905

21,471

113,829

2,308

229,513

2014 
$’000

22,740

174,683

(26,042)

171,381

77,603

17,695

90,946

1,132

187,376

450,611

358,757

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard 
their ability to continue as a going concern, so that they can continue 
to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders 
and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of 
capital.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may 
adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to 
shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

Consistent with others in the industry, the Group monitors its capital 
on an ongoing-basis.

There are no externally imposed capital requirements.

Investments and other financial assets

The Group classifies its investments in the following categories: 
financial assets at fair value, loans and receivables and held-to-
maturity investments. The classification depends on the purpose for 
which the investments were acquired. Management determines the 
classification of its investments at initial recognition and re-evaluates 
this designation at each reporting date.

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or 
determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They 
are included in current assets, except for those with maturities greater 
than 12 months after the reporting date which are classified as non-
current assets. Loans and receivables are included in trade and other 
receivables (Note 14) and receivables in the consolidated statement of 
financial position.

8  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash on hand

Bank balances

2015 
$’000

7

26,816

26,823

2014 
$’000

7

26,035

26,042

Recognition and measurement

For cash flow statement presentation purposes, cash and cash 
equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial 
institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original 
maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to 
known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk 
of changes in value, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown 
within borrowings in current liabilities on the consolidated statement 
of financial position.

(a)  Risk exposure

The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk is discussed in Note 
9. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is 
the carrying amount of each class of cash and cash equivalents 
mentioned above.

(b)  Cash at bank and on hand

Cash on hand is non-interest bearing. Bank balances attracted interest 
at an average rate of 2.7% (2014: 2.6%).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   55

 
 
9  Borrowings

Interest rate risk

The Group’s main interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. 
The Group’s fixed rate borrowings and receivables are carried at 
amortised cost. They are therefore not subject to interest rate risk as 
defined in AASB7 since neither the carrying amount nor the future 
cash flows will fluctuate because of a change in market rates.

The consolidated entity’s exposure to the cash flow risk of changes in 
market interest rates relates primarily to the cash at bank and the cash 
advance facility. The interest rate applicable at year end on the cash 
at bank was 2.5%, while the interest on the cash advance facility was 
3.4% (2014 – 4.0%). As at reporting date, the Group had $215,219,000 
(2014 – $175,000,000) variable rate borrowings at a weighted average 
interest rate of 3.4% (2014 – 3.9%). The variable interest rate may have 
an impact on cash flow, but this impact is not considered material. 
carsales.com Ltd has a Board approved treasury policy and treasury 
strategy for the management of interest rate risk. The Company does 
not currently hedge against interest rate risk. The Board keeps the 
decision to actively hedge interest rate risk under regular review and 
this will be reassessed during the 2016 financial year. Any derivative 
contracts will be entered into solely for interest rate risk management 
and no speculative hedging is permitted under the policy.

Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient 
cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding through 
an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability 
to close out market positions. The Group manages liquidity risk by 
continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching 
the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities.

Financing arrangements

The Group had access to the following undrawn borrowing facilities at 
the end of the reporting period:

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

Floating rate

- Expiring within one year (overdraft)

3,000

3,000

- Expiring within two to five years

110,000

-

113,000

3,000

Bank loan – current

Bank loan – non-current

2015 
$’000

1,876

212,493

214,369

2014 
$’000

9,842

164,841

174,683

The Group’s principal funding is a $325m rolling syndicated banking 
facility entered into in February 2015 with tranches maturing at 
2, 3 and 5 years. Establishment fees of $1.3m are net against the 
borrowings set out above.

Finance income

Finance costs 

2015 
$’000

688

(9,204)

(8,516)

2014 
$’000

474

(3,388)

(2,914)

Finance income

Finance income is recognised on a time proportionate basis using the 
effective interest method. When a receivable is impaired, the Group 
reduces the carrying amounts to its recoverable amount, being the 
estimated future cash flow discounted at the original effective interest 
rate of the instrument, and continues unwinding the discount as 
finance income. Finance income on impaired loans is recognised 
using the original effective interest rate.

Recognition and measurement 

Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction 
costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised 
cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) 
and the redemption amount is recognised in the profit or loss over 
the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Fees 
paid on the establishment of loan facilities, which are not incremental 
costs relating to the actual draw-down of the facility, are recognised 
net against the loan and amortised on a straight-line basis over the 
term of the facility.

Borrowings are removed from the consolidated statement of financial 
position when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, 
cancelled or expired. The difference between the carrying amount of 
a financial liability that has been extinguished or transferred to another 
party and the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets 
transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in other income or 
other expenses.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an 
unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 
months after the balance sheet date.

Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any qualifying asset 
are capitalised during the period of time that is required to complete 
and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Other borrowing 
costs are expensed.

56   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Maturities of financial liabilities

The following table sets out the Group’s exposure to liquidity risk. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash 
flows.

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

Group – at 30 June 2015

Non-derivatives

Non-interest bearing payables

Variable rate borrowings

Fixed rate borrowings

Total non-derivatives

Group – at 30 June 2014

Non-derivatives

Non-interest bearing payables

Variable rate borrowings

Fixed rate borrowings

Total non-derivatives

0 – 12 months
$’000

Between 1  
and 2 years
$’000

Between 2  
and 5 years
$’000

Total 
contractual  
cash flows
$’000

Carrying 
amount 
(assets)/ 
liabilities
$’000

33,552

1,859

135

-

-

33,552

33,552

63,803

165,797

231,459

214,137

88

19

242

232

35,546

63,891

165,816

265,253

247,921

22,740

10,000

-

-

-

22,740

22,740

12,540

171,803

194,343

174,683

-

-

-

-

32,740

12,540

171,803

217,083

197,423

Net fair value of financial assets and liabilities 

The net fair value of cash and cash equivalents and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and non-interest bearing financial liabilities of 
the consolidated entity approximates their carrying amounts. There are no off-balance sheet financial instruments in place.

Summarised sensitivity analysis

The following table summarises the sensitivity of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities to interest rate risk.

At 30 June 2015

Financial assets

Interest rate risk

-100 bps

+100 bps

Carrying 
amount 
$’000

Profit 
$’000

Other equity 
$’000

Profit 
$’000

Other equity 
$’000

Cash and cash equivalents

26,823

(188)

(188)

188

188

Financial liabilities

Borrowings

Total increase/(decrease)

At 30 June 2014

Financial assets

(215,219)

1,506

1,318

1,506

1,318

(1,506)

(1,318)

(1,506)

(1,318)

Interest rate risk

-100 bps

+100 bps

Carrying 
amount 
$’000

Profit 
$’000

Other equity 
$’000

Profit 
$’000

Other equity 
$’000

Cash and cash equivalents

26,042

(168)

(168)

168

168

Financial liabilities

Borrowings

Total increase/(decrease)

(175,000)

1,750

1,582

1,750

1,582

(1,750)

(1,582)

(1,750)

(1,582)

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   57

10 Contributed equity

(a)  Share capital

Ordinary shares

Fully paid

Recognition and measurement

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Notes

2015 
Shares

2014 
Shares

10(b)

240,081,596

237,828,965

240,081,596

237,828,965

2015 
$’000

91,905

91,905

2014 
$’000

77,603

77,603

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the Company in proportion to the number of, 
and amounts paid on, the shares held.

On a show of hands every holder of ordinary shares present at a meeting in person or by proxy, is entitled to one vote, and upon a poll each 
share is entitled to one vote.

Ordinary shares have no par value and the Company does not have a limited amount of authorised capital.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares, options or performance rights are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, 
from the proceeds. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options or performance rights for the acquisition of a 
business are not included in the cost of the acquisition as part of the purchase consideration. 

The carsales.com.au 
iPhone and Android app

The carsales app received an exceptional 5 star rating from the Apple 
App Store and 4.5 stars from Google Play. The carsales mobile site and 
app were also awarded ‘Best Mobile Expanded Service or Application’ at 
the 2014 Australian Mobile and App Design Awards.

58   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

(b)  Movements in ordinary share capital

Date

Details

Number of shares

Issue price

1 July 2013

Opening balance

236,181,964

July 2013

Exercise of employee options

20,000

$2.00-$3.89

August 2013

Exercise of employee options

1,231,682

$1.75-$4.90

August 2013

Exercise of employee performance rights

September 2013

Exercise of employee options

October 2013

Exercise of employee options

November 2013

Exercise of employee options

December 2013

Exercise of employee options

March 2014

Exercise of employee options

May 2014

Exercise of employee options

67,819

12,500

165,000

85,000

10,000

30,000

25,000

-

$2.00-$3.89

$4.90

$4.90

$4.90

$4.90

$4.90

30 June 2014

Balance

237,828,965

Date

Details

Number of shares

Issue price

1 July 2014

Opening balance

237,828,965

August 2014

Exercise of employee options

August 2014

Exercise of employee performance rights

October 2014

Exercise of employee options

October 2014

Exercise of employee performance rights

October 2014

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

November 2014

Exercise of employee options

December 2014

Exercise of employee options

March 2015

Exercise of employee options

April 2015

May 2015

June 2015

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Exercise of employee options

Exercise of employee options

337,408

208,613

37,952

52,379

446,293

38,275

51,874

576,057

459,864

5,172

38,744

$3.89-$5.93

-

$1.75-$4.69

-

$9.78

$4.69-$4.90

$4.69-$5.93

$4.69-$5.93

$10.19

$4.69

$4.69-$5.93

30 June 2015

Balance

240,081,596

$’000

70,104

59

5,857

-

39

808

417

49

147

123

77,603

$’000

77,603

1,669

-

156

-

4,363

183

256

2,768

4,687

24

196

91,905

Information relating to the carsales.com Ltd Employee Option Plan, including details of options and performance rights issued, exercised and 
lapsed during the financial year and options and performance rights outstanding at the end of the financial year, is set out in Note 24.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   59

11  Reserves and retained earnings

(a)  Reserves

Share-based payment reserve

Foreign currency translation reserve

(i) Share-based payment reserve 

Balance 1 July

Option expense

Tax on Employee Share Trust charged to equity

Balance 30 June

2015 
$’000

20,299

1,172

21,471

18,735

1,614

(50)

20,299

The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the fair value of options and performance rights issued but not exercised.

(ii) Foreign currency translation reserve

Balance 1 July

Currency translation differences arising during the year

Balance 30 June

(1,040)

2,212

1,172

2014 
$’000

18,735

(1,040)

17,695

14,901

1,775

2,059

18,735

7

(1,047)

(1,040)

Exchange differences arising on translation of the foreign operations are taken to the foreign currency translation reserve, as described in “Basis 
of preparation” and accumulated within a separate reserve within equity. The reserve is recognised in profit and loss when the net investment is 
disposed of. 

(b)  Retained earnings

Movements in retained earnings were as follows:

Balance 1 July 

Net profit for the year

Dividends

Balance 30 June

2015 
$’000

90,946

103,167

(80,284)

113,829

2014 
$’000

67,498

95,457

(72,009)

90,946

60   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 
12 Dividends

Provision is made 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.

(a)  Ordinary shares

Final fully franked cash dividend for the year ended 30 June 2014 of 17.4 cents (2013 – 15.6 cents) per share 
paid on 22 October 2014.

Final fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2014 of 17.4 cents (2013 – 15.6 cents) per share – 
satisfied through issuance of shares under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. 

Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June 2015 of 16.2 cents (2014 – 14.7 cents) per fully paid share 
paid on 15 April 2015 (2 April 2014). Fully franked (2014 – fully franked) based on tax paid @ 30%.

Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June 2015 of 16.2 cents (2014 – 14.7 cents) per share – satisfied 
through issuance of shares under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

Total dividends paid

(b)  Dividends not recognised at year end

In addition to the above dividends, since year end, due to sufficient cash and confidence in future earnings, the 
Directors have recommended the payment of 17.7 cents per fully paid ordinary share (2014 – final dividend 17.4 
cents) plus a special dividend of 1.4 cents per fully paid ordinary share (2014: nil cents), fully franked based on 
tax paid at 30%. The aggregate amount of the proposed dividend expected to be paid on 15 October 2015 out 
of retained earnings at 30 June 2015, but not recognised as a liability at year end, is

(c)  Franked dividends

Franking credits available for subsequent financial years based on a tax rate of 30.0% (2014 – 30.0%)

2015 
$’000

37,109

4,363

41,472

34,125

4,687

38,812

80,284

2014 
$’000

37,052

-

37,052

34,957

-

34,957

72,009

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

45,856

41,408

2015 
$’000

34,428

2014 
$’000

31,853

The above amounts represent the balance of the franking account as 
at the end of the reporting period, adjusted for:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

 franking credits that will arise from the payment of the 
amount of the provision for income tax

 franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends 
recognised as a liability at the reporting date, and

 franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends 
recognised as receivables at the reporting date.

The consolidated amounts include franking credits that would be 
available to the parent entity if distributable profits of subsidiaries were 
paid as dividends.

(d)   Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”)

The carsales.com Ltd DRP will be maintained for the 2015 final 
dividend, offering shareholders the opportunity to acquire further 
ordinary shares in carsales. The DRP will not be offered at a discount 
and the price will be calculated using the daily volume weighted 
average sale price of carsales.com Ltd shares sold in the ordinary 
course of trading on the ASX during the 5 days after, but not including, 
the Record Date (18 September 2015). The last date for shareholders 
to nominate their participation in the DRP is 5:00pm (AEST) on 
21 September 2015. Shares issued under the DRP will rank equally 
with carsales.com Ltd existing fully paid ordinary shares. Shareholders 
eligible to participate in the DRP are currently limited to those whose 
registered address on the carsales.com Ltd share registry is in Australia 
or New Zealand.

Eligible shareholders who wish to participate in the DRP can make 
their elections online at www.computershare.com.au/easyupdate/
CAR or complete the DRP form which will be sent to shareholders for 
completion and submission to Computershare Investor Services Pty 
Ltd (carsales share registry). Further information can be obtained from 
Computershare on 1300 850 505.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   61

 
 
 
13 Financial risk management

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: credit risk, 
interest rate risk and liquidity and foreign exchange risk. The Group’s 
overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of 
financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on 
the financial performance of the Group. The Group uses different 
methods to measure different types of risk to which it is exposed.

Risk management is the responsibility of the Chief Financial Officer 
(CFO) and follows approved policies of the Board of Directors. 
The CFO identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close 
cooperation with the Group’s operating units.

(a)  Market risk

(i)  Foreign exchange risk

Refer to Note 19(d) for exposure to foreign exchange risk.

(ii)  Price risk

The Group is not exposed to significant equities price risk.

(b)  Credit risk

The Group’s credit risk on its receivables is recognised on the 
consolidated statement of financial position at the carrying amount 
of those receivable assets, net of any provisions for doubtful debts. 
There are no significant concentrations of receivables within the 
Group. Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with 
the result that the Group’s exposure to bad debts is not considered to 
be material.

Details of impaired and past due receivables are disclosed in Note 14.

Credit risk also arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits 
with banks and financial institutions. For banks and financial 
institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of 
‘A’ are accepted by carsales.com Ltd.

(c)  Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is set out in Note 9.

(d)  Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is set out in Note 9.

Fair value estimation

Credit risk of the Group arises predominantly from outstanding 
receivables from customers.

There are no financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value 
at 30 June 2015.

62   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Other Assets  
and Liabilities

14 Trade and other receivables

Current

1-3 months

3-6 months

Over 6 months

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Prepayments

Trade and other receivables

Impaired 
receivables 
2015 
$’000

Not impaired 
receivables 
2015 
$’000

Total 
receivables 
2015 
$’000

Provision 
2015 
$’000

Carrying value 
2015 
$’000

Carrying value 
2014 
$’000

130

31

92

410

663

26,752

5,267

596

72

26,882

5,298

688

482

32,687

33,350

(129)

(31)

(92)

(410)

(662)

26,753

5,267

596

72

26,979

5,329

400

-

32,688

32,708

3,205

3,283

1,205

1,471

39,176

35,384

Recognition and measurement

(a)  Impaired trade receivables

Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently 
measured at amortised cost, less provision for impairment. Trade 
receivables are due for settlement generally within 30 days following 
the provision of advertising, data services or finance services.

Collectability of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing 
basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectable are written off 
by reducing the carrying amount directly. An allowance account 
(provision for impairment of trade receivables) is used when there 
is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all 
amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. 
Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the 
debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation and default or 
delinquency in payments (more than 30 days overdue) are considered 
indicators that the trade receivable is impaired. The amount of the 
impairment allowance is the difference between the asset’s carrying 
amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, 
discounted at the original effective interest rate. Cash flows relating to 
short-term receivables are not discounted if the effect of discounting 
is immaterial.

The amount of the impairment loss is recognised in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income within the ‘operations and 
administration’ expense. When a trade receivable for which an 
impairment allowance had been recognised becomes uncollectable 
in a subsequent period, it is written off against the allowance 
account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off 
are credited against other expenses in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income.

The individually impaired receivables mainly relate to customers 
which are in unexpectedly difficult economic situations. The 
creation and release of the provision for impaired receivables has 
been included in ‘operational and administration’ expenses in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Amounts charged 
to the provision account are generally written off when there is no 
expectation of recovering additional cash.

(b)  Other receivables

These amounts generally arise from transactions outside the usual 
operating activities of the Group. Interest is not charged and collateral 
is not normally obtained.

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain 
impaired assets and are not past due. Based on the credit history of 
these other classes, it is expected that these amounts will be received 
when due.

(c)  Fair value and credit risk

Due to the short-term nature of these receivables, their carrying 
amount is assumed to approximate their fair value.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the 
carrying amount of each class of receivables mentioned above.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   63

15 Property, plant and equipment

At 30 June 2015

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net book amount

At 30 June 2014

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net book amount

Plant and 
equipment 
$’000

Motor vehicles 
$’000

Leasehold 
improvements 
$’000

5,763

(3,955)

1,808

3,442

(2,572)

870

210

(95)

115

94

(45)

49

6,455

(2,429)

4,026

5,143

(1,660)

3,483

Total 
$’000

12,428

(6,479)

5,949

8,679

(4,277)

4,402

Recognition and measurement

Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less 
depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly 
attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or 
recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable 
that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to 
the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other 
repairs and maintenance are charged to the profit or loss during the 
financial period in which they are incurred.

Depreciation on assets is calculated using the straight line method 
to allocate their cost, net of their residual values, over their estimated 
useful lives, as follows:

Vehicles

3–5 years

Furniture, fittings and equipment

3–10 years

  Computer hardware and peripherals

3–5 years

Leased plant and equipment

10–15 years

Leasehold improvements

3–10 years or minimum 
lease period if shorter

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted 
if appropriate, at each reporting date.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its 
recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its 
estimated recoverable amount.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds 
with carrying amount. These are included in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income.

Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as 
finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the lease’s inception 
at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, the present value of 
the minimum lease payments. The corresponding rental obligations, 
net of finance charges, are included in other short-term and long-
term payables. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability 
and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to the profit or loss over 
the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest 
on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The property, 
plant and equipment acquired under finance leases is depreciated 
over the asset’s useful life or over the shorter of the asset’s useful life 
and the lease term if there is no reasonable certainty that the Group 
will obtain ownership at the end of the lease term.

64   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 
 
 
 
16 Intangible assets

At 1 July 2013

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book amount

Year ended 30 June 2014

Opening net book amount

Additions

Acquisition of subsidiary

Amortisation charge

Closing net book amount

At 30 June 2014

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book amount

Year ended 30 June 2015

Opening net book amount

Additions

Acquisition of subsidiary

Amortisation charge

Closing net book amount

At 30 June 2015

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book amount

* Other intangible assets include database, domain names and other.

Goodwill 
$’000

Computer 
Software 
$’000

Other intangible 
assets 
$’000

77,444

-

77,444

77,444

-

8,421

-

85,865

85,865

-

85,865

85,865

-

60,978

-

146,843

146,843

-

146,843

7,547

(5,251)

2,296

2,296

3,617

494

(1,374)

5,033

11,704

(6,671)

5,033

5,033

6,000

-

(2,828)

8,205

17,704

(9,499)

8,205

3,825

(2,373)

1,452

1,452

529

-

(610)

1,371

4,343

(2,972)

1,371

1,371

99

12

(582)

900

4,453

(3,553)

900

Total 
$’000

88,816

(7,624)

81,192

81,192

4,146

8,915

(1,984)

92,269

101,912

(9,643)

92,269

92,269

6,099

60,990

(3,410)

155,948

169,000

(13,052)

155,948

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   65

Recognition and measurement

Recognition and measurement 

(i)  Goodwill

(i) 

Impairment

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over 
the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of the 
acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions 
of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill is not 
amortised. Instead, goodwill is tested for impairment annually, or more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might 
be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. 
Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying 
amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of 
impairment testing. Each of those cash-generating units represents 
the Group’s investment in each primary operating segment (Note 1).

(ii)  IT development: Software, domain names and database

Software includes capitalised development costs being an internally 
generated intangible assets.

Costs incurred in developing products or systems and costs incurred 
in acquiring software and licenses that will contribute to future period 
financial benefits through revenue generation and/or cost reduction 
are capitalised to software and systems. Redbook database costs 
capitalised to date include direct payroll and payroll related costs of 
employees’ time spent on developing the database. These intangible 
assets have finite lives and are subject to amortisation on a straight line 
basis. The useful lives for these assets are as follows:

Software

  Domain Names

  Database

4-5 years

5 years

10 years

(a)  Impairment tests for goodwill

Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) 
identified according to segment.

A segment-level summary of the goodwill allocation is presented 
below.

2015

Online Advertising

Data and Research

Finance and related services

2014

Online Advertising

Data and Research

Australia 
$’000

70,715

15,823

60,305

Total 
$’000

70,715

15,823

60,305

146,843

146,843

Australia 
$’000

70,715

15,150

85,865

Total 
$’000

70,715

15,150

85,865

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s 
carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable 
amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value 
in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped 
at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash 
inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other 
assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units).

(ii)  Estimated impairment of goodwill

The Company tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any 
impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in “basis 
of preparation”. The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units 
have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These 
calculations require the use of assumptions.

The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on value-in-
use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections based 
on financial budgets covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond 
the five-year period are extrapolated using the estimated growth rates 
stated below. The growth rate does not exceed the long-term average 
growth rate for the business in which the CGU operates.

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are 
not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment, 
or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that they might be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is 
recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount 
exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the 
higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For 
the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the 
lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows 
which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets 
or groups of assets (cash-generating units). Non-financial assets other 
than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible 
reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

(b)  Key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations

The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on value-in-
use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections based 
on approved budgets.

CGU

Growth rate **

Discount rate ***

Online Advertising

Data and Research

Finance and related services

2015 
%

2014 
%

2015 
%

2014 
%

2.0

2.0

2.5

2.5

2.5

-

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.3

4.3

-

** Weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the 
budget period.

*** In performing the value-in-use calculations for each CGU, the Company has 
applied pre-tax discount rates to discount the forecast future attributable pre-tax 

cash flows.

(c)  Impact of possible changes in key assumptions

Management do not consider that a reasonable change in any of the 
key assumptions would lead to impairment.

66   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 
17 Other liabilities

18 Commitments

Trade payables

Accrued expenses

Other payables

Total payables

Employee benefits – current

Employee benefits – non-current

Total employee benefits

Deferred advertising services revenue 

Recognition and measurement

(i)  Payables 

2015 
$’000

14,167

15,451

3,934

33,552

5,412

1,165

6,577

5,940

2014 
$’000

6,477

14,482

1,781

22,740

3,818

938

4,756

5,535

Non-cancellable operating leases

The Group leases offices in a number of locations. The most 
significant of these leases is the Melbourne head office where the 
lease is a non-cancellable operating lease expiring within 5 years. 
Upon renewal date, the Company has the option to renew the 
lease for a further 2 years at terms which are negotiable. The Group 
also leases various motor cars and printers under non-cancellable 
operating leases.

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

Commitments for minimum lease payments in 
relation to non-cancellable operating leases are 
payable as follows:

Within one year

4,538

3,828

Later than one year but not later than five years

14,953

14,621

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided 
to the Group prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid. 
The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of 
recognition.

Later than five years

(ii)  Short-term obligations

Bank guarantee facility

3,204

598

22,695

19,047

Guarantees in respect of bank facilities drawn down but not included 
in the accounts of the Group are $2.7m (2014: $2.1m)

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, 
annual leave and accumulating sick leave expected to be settled 
within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees 
render the related service are recognised in respect of employees’ 
service up to the end of the reporting period and are measured at 
the amount expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. The 
liability for annual leave and accumulating sick leave is recognised in 
the provision for employee benefits. All other short-term employee 
benefit obligations are presented as payables.

(iii)  Other long-term employee benefit obligations

The liability for long service leave and annual leave which is not 
expected to be settled within 12 months after the end of the period 
in which the employees render the related services is recognised in 
the provision for employee benefits and measured as the present 
value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services 
provided by employees up to the end of the reporting period using 
the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected 
future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures 
and period of service. Expected future payments are discounted 
using market yields at the end of the reporting period on national 
government bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as 
closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

(iv)  Bonus plans

The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses and 
profit-sharing based on a formula that takes into consideration 
the profit attributable to the Company’s shareholders after 
certain adjustments. The Company recognises a provision where 
contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created 
a constructive obligation.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   67

Group 
structure

19 Interests in other entities

(a)  Material subsidiaries

The Group’s principal subsidiaries at 30 June 2015 are set out below. Unless otherwise stated, they have share capital consisting solely of 
ordinary shares that are held directly by the Group and the proportion of ownership interests held equals the voting rights held by the Group. 
The country of incorporation or registration is also their principal place of business.

Name of entity

Webpointsclassified Pty Ltd

Equipment Research Group Pty Ltd

Discount Vehicles Australia Pty Ltd

Automotive Data Services Pty Ltd

Place of business/ country 
of incorporation

Ownership interest 
held by the Group *

Ownership interest 
held by non-
controlling interests

Principal 
activities

2015 
%

2014 
%

2015 
%

2014 
%

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

Auto Information Limited

New Zealand

100.0

100.0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

-

-

-

-

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

-

100.0

100.0

50.1

50.1

50.1

50.1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

49.9

49.9

49.9

49.9

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1)

(2)

(1)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(3)

(2)

(4)

(1)

(4)

(4)

(5)

(4)

(6)

(6)

(6)

(7)

Red Book Automotive Services (M) Sdn Bhd

Red Book Automotive Data Services (Beijing) Limited

Tyresales Pty Ltd

Automotive Data Services (Thailand) Company Limited

Auto Exchange Holdings Pty Ltd

Automotive Exchange Pty Ltd

carsales.com Investments Pty Ltd

carsales Holdings Pty Ltd

carsales.com Ltd Employee Share Trust

carsales Finance Pty Ltd

Stratton Finance Pty Ltd

Stratton Fleet Services Pty Ltd

Stratton Franchise Pty Ltd

Auto Inspect Pty Ltd

Malaysia

China

Australia

Thailand

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

* The proportion of ownership interest is equal to the proportion of voting power held.

(1) Classified advertising. 
(2) Data and research. 
(3) Online retail. 
(4) Holding company. 
(5) Share trust company. 
(6) Finance and related services. 
(7) Car inspection.

68   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

(i)  Subsidiaries

(ii)  Employee Share Trust

The Group has formed a trust to administer the Group’s employee 
share scheme. This trust is consolidated, as the substance of the 
relationship is that the trust is controlled by the Group.

(b)  Non-controlling interests (NCI)

Set out below is summarised financial information for each subsidiary 
that has non-controlling interests that are material to the Group. The 
amounts disclosed for each subsidiary are before inter-company 
eliminations.

Subsidiaries are all those entities over which the Group has the 
power to govern the financial and operating policies, generally 
accompanying a shareholding of more than one-half of the voting 
rights. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are 
currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing 
whether the Group controls another entity.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is 
transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that 
control ceases.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the 
acquisition of subsidiaries by the Company (refer to Note 20).

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on 
transactions between companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses 
are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of the 
impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries 
have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the 
policies adopted by the Company.

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are 
shown separately in the consolidated income statement, statement of 
comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and balance 
sheet respectively.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   69

30 June 2015

Summarised balance sheet

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current assets

Non-current liabilities

Net assets

30 June 2014

Summarised balance sheet

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current assets

Net assets

30 June 2015

Summarised statement of comprehensive income

Profit/(loss) for the period

Profit/(loss) allocated to NCI

30 June 2014

Summarised statement of comprehensive income

Profit/(loss) for the period

Profit/(loss) allocated to NCI

30 June 2015

Summarised cash flows

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Net increases/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

30 June 2014

Summarised cash flows

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Net increases/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Tyresales 
$’000

Auto 
Exchange 
$’000

Stratton 
Finance 
$’000

Auto Inspect 
$’000

1,780

4,190

13,316

(1,873)

(2,038)

(15,654)

287

-

194

214

-

10,518

(3,058)

2,366

5,122

75

(63)

36

(52)

(4)

Tyresales 
$’000

Auto 
Exchange 
$’000

Stratton 
Finance 
$’000

Auto Inspect 
$’000

1,420

(1,275)

428

573

2,827

(1,220)

102

1,709

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Tyresales 
$’000

Auto 
Exchange 
$’000

Stratton 
Finance 
$’000

Auto Inspect 
$’000

(360)

(180)

656

328

7,719

3,852

-

-

Tyresales
$’000

Auto 
Exchange
$’000

Stratton 
Finance
$’000

Auto Inspect
$’000

80

40

1,550

775

-

-

-

-

Tyresales
$’000

Auto 
Exchange
$’000

Stratton 
Finance
$’000

Auto Inspect
$’000

340

(138)

-

202

820

(127)

-

693

10,892

(8,548)

239

2,583

-

-

-

-

Tyresales
$’000

Auto 
Exchange
$’000

Stratton 
Finance
$’000

Auto Inspect
$’000

536

(358)

200

378

182

(68)

-

114

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

70   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

(c) Interests in associates and joint ventures

Name of entity

Place of  
business/ country 
of incorporation

Webmotors S.A.

Brazil

iCar Asia Limited

Indonesia

SK ENCARSALES. 
COM Ltd

South Korea

RateSetter

Australia

Total equity accounted investments

% of ownership 
interest

Quoted fair value

Carrying amount

2015 
%

30.0

20.2

49.9

20.0

2014 
%

Nature of 
relationship

Measurement 
method

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

30.0

22.9

Associate 

Equity method

-

-

82,811

93,323

Associate 

Equity method

31,191

57,106

19,362

19,146

49.9

Associate

Equity method

-

Associate

Equity method

-

-

-

-

144,851

127,957

10,227

-

257,251

240,426

The carsales.com Limited ownership for iCar Asia was 22.9% for the period from 1 July 2014 to 19 November 2014 and 20.2% from 20 
November 2014 to 30 June 2015.

(i)  Associates

(ii)  Commitments and contingent liabilities in respect of associates

Contingent liabilities – associates

Contingent liabilities relating to liabilities 
of the associate for which the Company is 
severally liable

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

599

1,230

Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant 
influence but not control or joint control, generally accompanying 
a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. 
Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method 
of accounting, after initially being recognised at cost. The Group’s 
investment in associates includes goodwill identified on acquisition. 
Acquisition related costs of associates are capitalised.

The Group’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition profits or losses 
is recognised in profit or loss, and its share of post-acquisition other 
comprehensive income is recognised in other comprehensive 
income. The cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted 
against the carrying amount of the investment. Dividends receivable 
from associates are recognised as reduction in the carrying amount of 
the investment.

When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds 
its interest in the associate, including any other unsecured long-term 
receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has 
incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its associates 
are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates. 
Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides 
evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting 
policies of associates have been changed where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   71

(iii)  Summarised financial information for significant associates

Summarised balance sheet

Total current assets

Total non-current assets

Total current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Net assets

Group’s share in %

Group’s share in $

Goodwill

Carrying amount

Reconciliation of carrying value

Webmotors S.A.

iCar Asia Limited*

SK ENCARSALES.COM Ltd

30 June 2015 
$’000

30 June 2014 
$’000

30 June 2015 
$’000

30 June 2014 
$’000

30 June 2015 
$’000

30 June 2014 
$’000

91,063

18,341

(9,056)

-

98,753

16,059

(5,569)

-

8,504

27,083

(3,462)

(527)

15,593

7,391

(1,523)

(1,831)

20,592

33,124

(6,858)

(7,968)

100,348

109,242

31,598

19,630

38,890

30.0

30,104

52,707

82,811

30.0

32,773

60,550

93,323

20.2

6,383

12,979

19,362

13,955

30,818

(5,327)

(8,184)

33,062

49.9

49.9

19,406

16,499

125,445

111,458

144,851

127,957

127,957

-

314

4,736

-

14,024

(2,180)

126,475

815

-

667

-

22.9

4,495

14,651

19,146

13,431

7,705

(1,990)

-

-

-

19,362

19,146

144,851

127,957

Opening carrying value

93,323

90,535

19,146

Investment in associate

Profit/(loss) for the period

Gain on dilution

Other comprehensive income

Dividends received

Closing carrying value

15

3,478

-

(12,032)

(1,973)

82,811

430

4,609

-

(1,607)

(644)

93,323

* These numbers are management estimates based on market available data.

1

(3,288)

3,447

56

-

Summarised statement of comprehensive 
income

30 June 2015 
$’000

30 June 2014 
$’000

30 June 2015 
$’000

30 June 2014 
$’000

30 June 2015 
$’000

30 June 2014 
$’000

Webmotors S.A.

iCar Asia Limited*

SK ENCARSALES.COM Ltd

Revenue

Profit from continuing operations

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

carsales share

Profit from continuing operations

Comprehensive income

Total

Dividends received from associates and 
joint venture entities

37,437

12,431

-

12,431

3,478

(12,032)

(8,554)

35,455

15,363

(1,607)

13,756

4,609

(1,607)

3,002

4,443

1,991

(15,889)

(9,448)

-

-

35,490

9,519

-

(15,889)

(9,448)

9,519

(3,288)

(1,990)

-

-

(3,288)

(1,990)

4,736

14,024

18,760

4,923

1,633

667

2,300

815

667

1,482

1,973

644

-

-

2,180

-

* These numbers are management estimates based market available data.

72   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

(d)  Foreign Exchange Risk

The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign 
exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with 
respect to the Brazilian Real (BRL) and the Korean Won (KRW).

hedged unless the cash flows are significant and the amount and 
future payment date is certain. No foreign currency derivatives were 
entered into in the year.

Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions and 
recognised assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency that 
is not the entity’s functional currency.

Hedging contracts are sometimes used to manage foreign currency 
exchange risk. The Company has a treasury strategy and a treasury 
policy and will actively hedge any major known commitments using 
forward exchange contracts. The Company does not net investment 
hedge the carrying value of associates in the balance sheet. Trading 
and dividend cash flows between associates and the Group are not 

The analysis below reflects management’s view of possible 
movements in relevant foreign currencies against the Australian dollar. 
The table summarises the range of possible outcomes that would 
affect the Group’s net profit and equity as a result of foreign currency 
movements.

The estimated impact on carsales.com Ltd share of the reported net 
profits of our overseas associates through potential movements in 
exchange rates are as follows:

Impact on profit:

AUD to KRW (+5% to -5%)

AUD to BRL (+5% to -5%)

Net Movement

Impact on equity:

AUD to KRW (+5% to -5%)

AUD to BRL (+5% to -5%)

Net Movement

2015 
$’000
-5%

254.6

184.6

439.2

2015 
$’000
-5%

4,238

7,621

11,859

2014 
$’000
-5%

38.9

219.5

258.4

2014 
$’000
-5%

6,686

4,855

11,541

2015 
$’000
+5%

(281.4)

(204.0)

(485.4)

2015 
$’000
+5%

(3,834)

(6,895)

2014 
$’000
+5%

(43.0)

(242.6)

(285.6)

2014 
$’000
+5%

(6,049)

(4,393)

(10,729)

(10,442)

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   73

20 Business combination

a) Stratton acquisition

On 15 July 2014 carsales.com Ltd acquired 50.1% of Stratton Finance 
Pty Ltd (Stratton), an innovative vehicle finance business and long-
term customer of carsales.com Ltd.

$’000

(iii) Non-controlling interest

The Group will recognise the non-controlling interests in Stratton 
at fair value rather than at the proportionate share of net identifiable 
assets. The fair value of the non-controlling interest will be determined 
with reference to the purchase price of the acquired interest, as this 
represented a transaction between a willing buyer and independent 
willing sellers.

58,995

The current ownership structure of Stratton is as follows:

Purchase consideration:

Cash Paid

The assets and liabilities acquired are estimated as 
follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Plant and equipment

Inventory

Deferred tax assets

Intangible assets

Trade and other payables

Provisions

External loans

Tax liabilities

Net liabilities

Outside shareholders interests

Goodwill

Net assets acquired

3,929

2,684

1,670

1,376

305

12

(7,085)

(793)

(588)

(3,997)

(2,487)

1,117

60,365

58,995

The goodwill is attributable to the workforce, Stratton’s strong position 
in a high growth market, its customer database, the high profitability 
of the business and synergistic benefits expected to be created by 
this acquisition. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax 
purposes.

(i) Initial accounting

Both the net asset value and the allocation of the purchase price 
to acquired assets are still preliminary. In particular, the fair values 
assigned to intangible assets are still being assessed and may be 
subject to change. The acquisition accounting will be finalised within 
12 months of the acquisition date.

(ii) Acquired receivables

The fair value of trade and other receivables is $1,681,000 which 
includes trade receivables with a fair value of $1,527,000. No trade 
receivables are considered uncollectable.

carsales.com Ltd

Non-controlling interests

D’Azur Holdings Pty Ltd

Other minor shareholders

50.1%

35.4%

14.5%

100.0%

Business combinations
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all 
business combinations, including business combinations involving 
entities or businesses under common control, regardless of whether 
equity instruments or other assets are acquired. The consideration 
transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values 
of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests 
issued by the Company. The consideration transferred also includes 
the fair value of any contingent consideration arrangement and the fair 
value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary. Contingent 
payments classified as debt are subsequently remeasured through 
profit or loss. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent 
liabilities assumed in a business combination are, with limited 
exceptions, measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. 
On an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, the Company recognises any 
non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the 
non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net 
identifiable assets.

The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-
controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair value 
of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the 
Company’s share of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded 
as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net 
identifiable assets of the subsidiary acquired and the measurement of 
all amounts has been reviewed, the difference is recognised directly 
in profit or loss as a discount on purchase. If the Company recognises 
previously acquired deferred tax assets after the initial acquisition 
accounting is completed these will be recorded directly in profit or loss.

Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, 
the amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present 
value as at the date of exchange. The discount rate used is the 
entity’s incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar 
borrowing could be obtained from an independent financier under 
comparable terms and conditions.

74   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

21 Related party transactions

(a)  Subsidiaries

Interests in subsidiaries are set out in Note 19.

(b)  Key management personnel compensation

Short-term employee benefits

Deferred short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Long-term employment benefits

Share-based payments

2015 
$

2014 
$

6,918,270

5,228,798

-

155,049

363,297

282,334

140,180

222,192

1,794,402

1,963,730

9,231,018

7,837,234

(c)  Transactions with other related parties

The following transactions occurred with related parties, the nature of which are described in the remuneration report.

Sales of goods and services

Sale of services to related parties

Purchases of goods and services

2015 
$

2014 
$

858,996

772,284

Purchases of goods and services from related parties

3,434,710

3,652,135

All transactions were made on normal commercial terms and conditions, at market rates and includes transactions with associates.

(d)  Outstanding balances arising from sales/purchases of goods and services

The following balances are outstanding at the end of the reporting period in relation to transactions with related parties:

Current receivables (sales of goods and services)

Other related parties

Current payables (purchases of goods and services)

2015 
$

2014 
$

108,392

135,710

Other related parties

850,521

805,886

There is no allowance account for impaired receivables in relation to any outstanding balances, and no expense has been recognised in respect 
of impaired receivables due from related parties.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   75

22 Deed of cross guarantee

The following controlled entities have entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee:

Company

carsales.com Limited

carsales Holdings Pty Ltd

carsales Finance Pty Ltd

Auto Exchange Holdings Pty Ltd

Automotive Data Services Pty Ltd

carsales.com Investments Pty Ltd

Discount Vehicles Australia Pty Ltd

Equipment Research Group Pty Ltd

Webpointclassifieds Pty Ltd

Financial year entered into 
agreement

30 June 2015

30 June 2015

30 June 2015

30 June 2015

30 June 2015

30 June 2015

30 June 2015

30 June 2015

30 June 2015

The companies that are party to this deed guarantee the debts of the others and represent the “Closed Group” from the date of entering into 
the agreement.

These wholly-owned entities have been relieved from the requirement to prepare a financial report and directors’ report under Class Order 
98/1418 (as amended) issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

(a)  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Set out below is a consolidated income statement for the year ended 30 June 2015 of the Closed Group.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Revenue from continuing operations

Sale of goods and services

Revenue from continuing operations

Expenses

Sales and marketing expenses

Operations and administration

Service development and maintenance

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Finance income

Finance costs

Dividends received to date

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit from continuing operations

Total comprehensive income for the year

2015 
$’000

238,303

238,303

(55,120)

(19,543)

(21,931)

141,709

(4,004)

571

(8,772)

6,231

135,735

(38,526)

97,209

97,209

76   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

(b)  Consolidated statement of financial position

Set out below is a Consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2015 of the Closed Group.

Consolidated statement of finance position

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Investments

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax assets

Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Provisions

Deferred revenue

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

2015 
$’000

16,177

36,998

53,175

313,556

3,576

4,806

85,545

407,483

460,658

18,836

584

4,622

5,413

29,455

209,151

1,031

210,182

239,637

221,021

91,905

20,299

108,817

221,021

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   77

Other

23 Remuneration of auditors

During the year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by the auditor of the parent entity, its related practices and non-
related audit firms:

(a)  PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers firm

Audit and review of financial reports

  Controls and assurance services

  Due diligence services

Total remuneration for audit and other assurance services

Taxation services

Tax compliance services, including review of Company income tax returns

International tax consulting and tax advice on mergers and acquisitions

2015 
$

2014 
$

349,000

190,000

25,028

241,879

615,907

77,000

84,264

-

165,543

355,543

64,439

61,880

Total remuneration for taxation services

161,264

126,319

Other services

  Due diligence fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers network firms

  Other services

Total remuneration of PricewaterhouseCoopers 

(b)  Non-PwC audit firms

Audit and other assurance services

Audit and review of financial statements

Total remuneration for audit and other assurance services

Total auditors’ remuneration

-

8,000

91,755

-

785,171

573,617

79,683

79,683

11,705

11,705

864,854

585,322

It is the Company’s policy to employ PwC on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where PwC’s expertise and experience with 
the Company are important. These assignments are principally tax advice and due diligence reporting on acquisitions, or where PwC is awarded 
assignments on a competitive basis. It is the Company’s policy to seek competitive tenders for all major consulting projects.

24 Share-based payments

Share-based compensation benefits are provided to employees via the carsales.com Ltd Option Plan.

Total expenses arising from share-based payment transactions recognised during the period as part of employee benefit expense were 
$1,614,000 (2014: $1,775,000)

78   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
(a)  Employee Option Plan

Set out below are summaries of options and performance rights granted under the plan:

2015 

Grant 
date

Expiry 
date

Exercise  
price

Balance at 
start of the 
year

Options 
granted 
during the 
year

Performance 
rights granted 
during the year

Total 
exercised 
during 
the year

Expired 
during the 
year

Balance at 
the end of 
the year

Vested and 
exercisable 
at end of the 
year

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Jul 2007

Sep 2014

$1.75

5,000

Mar 2010

Oct 2014

$3.89

30,625

Oct 2010

Oct 2015

$4.90

175,000

Mar 2011

Oct 2015

$4.90

100,000

Oct 2011

Oct 2016

$4.69

659,375

Oct 2011

Oct 2016

$0.00

133,725

Mar 2012

Oct 2016

$4.69

164,283

Mar 2012

Mar 2017

$0.00

52,379

Oct 2012

Oct 2017

$5.93

710,410

Oct 2012

Oct 2017

$0.00

250,912

Oct 2013

Oct 2018

$9.10

406,156

Oct 2013

Oct 2018

$0.00

207,656

Oct 2014

Oct 2019

$10.71

Oct 2014

Oct 2019

$0.00

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

660,349

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

225,255

(5,000)

(30,625)

(150,000)

(55,000)

(625,713)

(133,725)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

25,000

25,000

45,000

45,000

33,662

33,662

-

-

(92,453)

(2,586)

69,244

69,244

(52,379)

-

-

-

(126,691)

(100,896)

482,823

96,927

(74,888)

(39,828)

136,196

-

-

-

-

(11,397)

394,759

(35,477)

172,179

(2,973)

657,376

(732)

224,523

-

-

-

-

-

Total

2,895,521

660,349

225,255

(1,346,474)

(193,889)

2,240,762

269,833

Weighted average exercise price

$4.57

$10.71

$0.00

$3.90

$3.85

$6.39

$5.19

2014 

Grant 
date

Expiry 
date

Exercise  
price

Balance at 
start of the 
year

Options 
granted 
during the 
year

Performance 
rights granted 
during the year

Total exercised 
during 
the year

Expired 
during the 
year

Balance at 
the end of 
the year

Vested and 
exercisable at 
end of the year

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Jul 2007

Jun 2014

$1.75

Jul 2007

Sep 2014

$1.75

2,000

5,000

Sep 2008

Sep 2013

$2.00

20,000

Mar 2010

Oct 2014

$3.89

157,500

Oct 2010

Oct 2015

$4.90

1,067,347

Mar 2011

Oct 2015

$4.90

450,000

Oct 2011

Oct 2016

$4.69

882,347

Oct 2011

Oct 2016

$0.00

201,554

Mar 2012

Mar 2017

$4.69

208,247

Mar 2012

Mar 2017

$0.00

66,399

Oct 2012

Oct 2017

$5.93

727,850

Oct 2012

Oct 2017

$0.00

257,223

Oct 2013

Oct 2018

$9.10

Oct 2013

Oct 2018

$0.00

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

408,073

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

208,383

(2,000)

-

(20,000)

(126,875)

(892,347)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,000

5,000

-

-

30,625

30,625

175,000

175,000

(315,000)

(35,000)

100,000

100,000

(222,960)

(67,819)

-

-

659,387

167,933

133,735

-

-

-

-

-

-

(43,964)

164,283

(14,020)

52,379

(17,462)

710,388

(6,311)

250,912

(1,917)

406,156

(727)

207,656

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total

4,045,467

408,073

208,383

(1,647,001)

(119,401)

2,895,521

478,558

Weighted average exercise price

$4.33

$9.10

$0.00

$4.55

$4.18

$4.57

$4.71

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   79

 
 
 
 
 
 
The estimate of the weighted average share price at the date of 
exercise of options exercised regularly during the year ended 30 June 
2015 is estimated to be approximately $10.49 (2014: approximately 
$10.61).

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options 
outstanding at the end of the period was 3.17 years (2014 – 2.99 years).

The establishment of the carsales.com Ltd Employee Option Plan was 
undertaken under a prospectus lodged with ASIC in 2000. Staff eligible 
to participate in the plan are those invited by the Board of Directors.

Options and performance rights are granted under the plan for no 
consideration with conditions including a vesting period and expiry 
date. Senior executives vesting conditions, including EPS targets, are 
noted in the Remuneration Report on page 30.

Options and performance rights granted under the plan carry no 
dividend or voting rights.

When exercisable, each option is convertible into one ordinary share 
in return for payment of the option’s exercise price. Each performance 

rights is convertible into one ordinary share for $0.00 exercise price, 
upon satisfaction of all vesting requirements.

The exercise price of options is set in advance by the Board of 
Directors.

Fair value of options and performance rights granted

The assessed fair value at grant date of options granted during the 
year ended 30 June 2015 is $2.36 (2014 – $3.91). The assessed value 
at grant date of performance rights granted during the year ended 30 
June 2015 ranged between $9.12 and $9.41 (2014 – between $10.32 
and $10.58). The fair value at grant date is determined using a Black-
Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise 
price, the term of the option and performance right, the impact of 
dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of 
the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free 
interest rate for the term of the option.

The model inputs for options and performance rights granted during 
the year ended 30 June 2015 included:

Exercise price

Grant date

Expiry date

Share price at grant date

Expected price volatility of the Company’s shares

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

Options

Performance rights

2015

$10.71

2014

$9.10

2015

$0

2014

$0

October 2014

October 2013

October 2014

October 2013

October 2019

October 2018

October 2019

October 2018

$10.33

33.9%

3.1%

3.6%

$10.55

34.1%

2.5%

4.1%

$10.33

33.9%

3.1%

3.6%

$10.55

34.1%

2.5%

4.1%

The expected price volatility is based on historical volatility adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to publicly available 
information.

80   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

25 Parent entity financial information

(a)  Summary financial information

Balance sheet

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Issued capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

Profit or loss for the year

Total comprehensive income

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

62,759

409,698

472,457

63,047

210,182

273,229

91,905

20,299

87,024

199,228

102,700

102,700

53,553

344,352

397,905

60,190

166,008

226,198

77,603

17,711

76,393

171,707

81,759

81,759

Recognition and measurement

The financial information for the parent entity, carsales.com Ltd, 
has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial 
statements, except as set out below.

(i) 

Investments in subsidiaries

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost in the financial 
statements of carsales.com Ltd. Dividends received from subsidiaries 
are recognised in the parent entity’s profit or loss, rather than being 
deducted from the carrying amount of these investments. Investments 
in subsidiaries are tested for impairment whenever changes in events 
or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be 
recoverable. Such events may include receipt of dividends, refer Note 
16 for details of impairment accounting policies.

The following standards are not applicable to carsales.com Ltd and 
therefore there is no impact on the Group:

•  AASB 2013-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 

Investment Entities (effective 1 January 2014).

•  Transitioning between tiers (AASB 2014-2) (effective date 1 July 

2014).

•  AASB Interpretation 21 Levies (effective 1 January 2014).

•  AASB 2013-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 

Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting 
– [AASB 139] (effective 1 January 2014).

•  Hedge Accounting and Amendments to IFRS 9, IFRS 7 and IAS 39.

•  Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions – Amendments to 

IAS 19 (effective 1 January 2014).

(b)  Contingent liabilities of the parent entity

•  Accounting for Levies (Interpretation 21) (effective 1 January 2014).

The parent entity did not have any contingent liabilities as at 30 June 
2015 or 30 June 2014.

•  Consolidation and interest of policy holders (AASB 2013-7) 

(effective 1 January 2014).

• 

Superannuation Entities (AASB 1056) (effective 1 January 2016).

26 Other accounting policies

The following standards will be applicable in future reporting periods 
and the Group will adopt the standards upon the operative date. The 
Group is assessing the impact of these standards however they are not 
expected to have significant impact:

•  AASB 9 Financial Instruments addresses the classification, 

measurement and de-recognition of financial assets and financial 
liabilities (effective 1 January 2015).

•  AASB 9 Financial Instruments (effective 1 January 2018).

•  Clarification of acceptable methods of depreciation and 
amortisation (AASB 2014-4) (effective 1 January 2016).

•  Accounting for acquisitions of interests in joint operations (AASB 

2014-3) (effective 1 January 2016).

27 Events occurring after the reporting period

Except as set out below no matter or circumstance has occurred 
subsequent to period end that has significantly affected, or may 
significantly affect, the operations of the Group the results of those 
operations or the state of affairs of the Group or economic entity in 
subsequent financial years.

On 7 August 2015 the Company announced that it has agreed to 
acquire a 65% controlling shareholding in SoloAutos (www.soloautos.
mx), a leading automotive classifieds website in Mexico, for an 
investment of up to US $9m.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   81

Directors’  
declaration

82   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

Directors’  
declaration

In the Directors’ opinion:

(a)  the financial statements and notes set out on pages 41 to 81 are in accordance 

with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i)    Complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 

and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

(ii)   Giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as 

at 30 June 2015 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that 

date.

(b)  there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its 

debts as and when they become due and payable.

The basis of preparation confirms that the financial statements also comply with 

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting 

Standards Board.

The Directors have been given the declarations by the Managing Director and Chief 

Financial Officer required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Greg Roebuck 

Managing Director

Sydney 

11 August 2015

Directors’ declaration 

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   83

 
 
Innovation is core to  
everything we do and we are 
constantly searching for new ways  
to add value for our customers. 
As one of the country’s original 
disruptors, we see our investment  
in RateSetter Australia and the 
budding local P2P market as a  
great opportunity to deliver  
returns for our stakeholders.

84   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   85

Auditor’s  
report

86   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

Independent auditor’s report to the members of carsales.com
Ltd

Report on the financial report
We have audited the accompanying financial report of carsales.com Ltd (the company), which
comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2015, the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated
statement of cash flows for the year ended on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies,
other explanatory notes and the directors’ declaration for carsales.com Ltd (the consolidated entity).
The consolidated entity comprises the company and the entities it controlled at year’s end or from time
to time during the financial year.

Directors’ responsibility 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 is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In the basis of
preparation section, the directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101
Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial statements comply with International
Financial Reporting Standards.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted
our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply
with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures
in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error.
In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the consolidated
entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report 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 entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of
accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well
as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
our audit opinion.

Independence
In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations
Act 2001.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
Freshwater Place, 2 Southbank Boulevard, SOUTHBANK VIC 3006, GPO Box 1331, MELBOURNE VIC 3001
T: 61 3 8603 1000, F: 61 3 8603 1999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

98

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   87

Auditor’s opinion
In our opinion:

(a)

the financial report of carsales.com Ltd is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001,
including:

(i)

(ii)

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity's financial position as at 30 June
2015 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and

complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting
Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

(b)

the financial report and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as
disclosed in the basis of preparation section.

Report on the Remuneration Report
We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 23 to 37 of the directors’ report for the
year ended 30 June 2015. 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.

Auditor’s opinion
In our opinion, the remuneration report of carsales.com Ltd for the year ended 30 June 2015 complies
with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

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5102tsuguA11

99

88   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   89

Shareholder  
information

90   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

Shareholder information

The shareholder information set out below was applicable as at 31 July 2015.

A.  Distribution of equity securities

Class of equity security

Ordinary shares

Options and 
performance 
rights

Redeemable 
preference 
shares

Convertible 
notes

7

38

9

28

6

88

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Shares

10,294

7,419

969

565

86

19,333

Holding

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 and over

There were 241 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares.

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   91

B.  Equity security holders

Twenty largest quoted equity security holders

The names of the twenty largest holders of quoted equity securities are listed below:

Name

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

National Nominees Limited

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

Clear-Way Investments Pty Ltd 

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 

RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 

National Nominees Limited 

Essena Pty Ltd

Four Us Pty Ltd

Steven Kloss Pty Ltd 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

Billkaren Pty Ltd 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

Gregory Paul Roebuck

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd Level 16 Chifley Tower

Kilienz Pty Ltd 

Mr Andrew Gajtan Curmi

Mrs Anne Beime

Milton Corporation Limited

Ordinary shares

Number held

Percentage of 
issued shares

50,722,968

31,985,485

22,684,423

18,805,909

14,609,629

9,304,905

4,390,040

4,138,994

3,358,277

2,926,555

2,482,000

2,344,895

2,250,000

1,639,271

1,566,126

1,530,380

1,400,000

1,160,500

1,000,000

867,000

21.1

13.3

9.4

7.8

6.1

3.9

1.8

1.7

1.4

1.2

1.0

1.0

0.9

0.7

0.7

0.6

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.4

179,167,357

74.5

Number 
on issue

Number 
of holders

Options and performance rights issued under the carsales.com Ltd Employee Option Plan to take up ordinary shares

2,357,777

88

92   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

C.  Substantial holders

Substantial holders in the Company are set out below:

JCP Investment Partners

Hyperion Asset Management

Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Number held

Percentage

22,085,312

20,560,124

16,119,891

9.2

8.6

6.7

D.  Voting rights

The voting rights attaching to each class of equity securities are set out below:

(a)  Ordinary shares

On a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall have 
one vote.

(b)  Options

No voting rights.

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   93

We’ve seen solid  
growth across a number 
of core business lines, 
including dealer and 
data, research and 
services.

94   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015

carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015   |   95

96   |   carsales.com Limited – Annual Report – 30 June 2015