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MA Financial Group
Annual Report 2017

MAF · ASX Financial Services
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Industry Auto - Manufacturers
Employees 201-500
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FY2017 Annual Report · MA Financial Group
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2017 Annual Report

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
ACN 142 008 428

www.moelisaustralia.com

 
 
 
 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Contents

About Moelis Australia 

Chairman & Chief executive officer’s letter 

2017 Year in review 

overview of Business segments 

Additional information on Moelis Australia 

Directors’ report 

Auditor’s independence Declaration 

remuneration report 

Financial report 

Consolidated statement of profit or loss 
and other Comprehensive Income

Consolidated statement of Financial position 

Consolidated statement of Changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of Cash Flows 

notes to the Consolidated Financial statements 

Directors’ Declaration 

independent Auditor’s report 

Additional information 

Glossary 

Corporate Directory 

01

02

03

08

11

12

19

20

26

27

28

29

30

31

78

79

84

86

88

The Moelis Australia Symbol is an award-winning design  
that was originally developed for the Moelis Australia Asset 
Management division to help facilitate cultural alignment with its 
Chinese clients. The design was premised on Chinese tradition, 
and its belief that certain numbers are auspicious. The word  
for ‘eight’ (
 Pinyin: bā) sounds similar to the word that means 
‘prosper’ or ‘wealth’. Three eights are considered very lucky.  
The symbol was adopted by Moelis Australia upon its public  
listing given the significant synergies between Moelis Australia’s 
three business divisions and the strong growth forecast by the 
Asset Management division.

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

About Moelis Australia

Moelis Australia is an ASX listed diversified financial services group. Moelis Australia was founded in 2009 and operates 
two business segments: Corporate Advisory & Equities and Asset Management.

Moelis Australia employs more than 130 staff in Australia1 and operates offices in Sydney and Melbourne.

Moelis Australia was established with a philosophy to offer unbiased advice of the highest quality to its clients. This 
philosophy is fostered throughout the global strategic alliance between Moelis Australia and Moelis & Company.

Moelis Australia creates lasting client relationships by providing strategic and innovative advice through a highly 
collaborative and global approach not limited to specific products or particular regions. Moelis Australia believes in 
a partnership‑style culture, where momentum and commitment to excellence create an environment that attracts and 
retains high-quality talent.

Moelis Australia’s vision, as embodied by the global ‘Moelis Standard’, nurtures a culture of partnership, passion, 
innovation, optimism and hard work, which inspires the highest level of quality and integrity in every interaction 
with clients and each other.

TheMoelisStandard

We measure our performance by the long-term success of our clients

We foster a culture of partnership, passion, optimism and hard work

We stay ahead of the changing environment to provide the most relevant advice and innovative solutions

We share ideas and experience across our organisations to achieve the best results for our clients

We will not compromise our vision or values

We deliver more

1.  As at 12 February 2018 and includes Redcape Hotel Group head office management

01

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Letter

Dear Shareholder

We are delighted to present our maiden 2017 Annual Report as an ASX listed company.

Moelis Australia’s financial result and overall business development was very pleasing. In particular  
we are very proud of achieving many milestones in our eighth year of operation. Highlights included:

 >

Initial Public Offering on the ASX;

 > Record Underlying EBITDA of $41.6 million derived from Underlying Revenue of $107.2 million;

 > Underlying EBITDA exceeded Prospectus forecast by 77%;

 > Growth in Assets Under Management from $1.1 billion to $2.9 billion; and

 > Declaration of a fully franked dividend of 7.0 cents per share.

We would like to thank our Board and executives for all of their hard work and dedication to the business in 2017. 
Their efforts, in what was an incredibly busy and fruitful year, were exceptional and we believe our financial 
results reflect this.

All of Moelis Australia’s business divisions performed strongly and our overall result demonstrated the power of 
our business model and quality of our executives. We are very proud of the stability of our executive team and 
believe that the alignment of interests between executives, shareholders and investors in our various managed 
funds is of paramount importance.

Moelis Australia executives own approximately 40% of the Company and are subject to long term vesting 
restrictions. We believe that this provides appropriate incentive to focus on long term growth, always acting as 
owners – rather than employees. We are also delighted that Moelis Australia executives continue to invest in 
many of our managed funds out of choice – again demonstrating an alignment of interests with clients and 
confidence in our investment process.

We have a strong balance sheet with net assets of $215.6 million, including $118.2 million of cash and liquid 
investments. This is a competitive advantage and management is focused on utilising this capital in a judicious 
fashion to maximise returns to shareholders. We will not be rushed into deploying this capital. History has taught 
us that patience is rewarded and we are confident our investment process will uncover attractive opportunities 
for Moelis Australia, its investors and its shareholders.

We believe that our asset management business is well positioned for growth in the coming years. Our 
investment in businesses such as Redcape Hotel Group and Infinite Care provide exciting platforms for growth. 
Recent market volatility reminds us all that assets can fall in value as readily as go up. However, we play the long 
game and believe that hard work, diligence of process and executive alignment will deliver for all stakeholders in 
the long term.

Our corporate advisory business performed very strongly in 2017 across most of the sectors we focus on and is 
well positioned for another strong year in 2018.

We look forward to the year ahead and thank you for your ongoing support of Moelis Australia.

Yours sincerely,

Jeffrey Browne 
Chairman 

Andrew pridham 
Chief Executive Officer

02

 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

2017 Year in Review

2017 overview
In its eighth year of operation, 2017 was a milestone year for Moelis Australia. On 10 April, the business successfully 
listed on ASX with an issue price of $2.35 per Share. We grew assets under management (“AUM”) from $1.1 billion to 
$2.9 billion and in the process, invested in three great businesses: Armada Funds Management, Redcape Hotel Group1 
and Infinite Care1. Collectively, these businesses represent approximately $1.7+ billion in AUM to Moelis Australia and  
we expect their value to grow strongly in the future. Throughout the year, our Corporate Advisory division advised on 
some of the largest, most high profile deals in Australia. Examples of these include the sale of Network Ten to CBS, 
Hunter Hall’s merger with Pengana Capital and the $1.2 billion restructure of Bis Industries.

We believe that success can ultimately only be measured by results. In 2017 our financial results materially exceeded  
the forecasts contained in our Prospectus. This pleasing performance can be attributed to a number of factors:

 > Our unique business model and capital structure;

 > The synergies between Corporate Advisory, Equities and Asset Management;

 > Our strong balance sheet and access to capital (we were opportunistic in acquiring quality businesses that  

have long‑term value);

 > The strong alignment between executives who own approximately 40% of the Company, many of whom have  

a material proportion of their net wealth invested in Moelis Australia;

 > The longstanding and active strategic alliance with NYSE listed investment bank Moelis & Company delivering 

access to high quality expert bankers located throughout the world;

 > The hard work and expertise of our dedicated Board and executive team; and

 > The support of our clients and shareholders, many of whom are also investors in our numerous managed funds.

prospectus  
Forecast

FY17 result

outperformance

Underlying Revenue

$73.2 million

$107.2 million

Underlying EBITDA

$23.5 million

$41.6 million

Underlying NPAT

$16.8 million

$29.1 million

Underlying Earnings Per Share2

13.5 cents

23.0 cents

EBITDA Margin

32%

39%

AUM

$1.5 billion (by 31/12/17)

$2.9 billion (at 31/12/17)

46%

77%

73%

70%

22%

93%

Moelis Australia is and will always remain a client-centric business and strives to provide the most relevant advice  
and most innovative solutions. We achieve this by drawing upon the numerous years of experience in our senior 
management, mentoring and developing the best talent from within and providing our staff with the best available 
resources. During 2017, our financial services group grew from 693 to 833 fulltime employees.

1.  Purchased by a Moelis Australia managed fund. Moelis Australia co-invested on the same terms as clients
2.  Based on average annual shares outstanding during 2017
3.  Average annual full time employees in financial services and excludes Redcape Hotel Group head office management

03

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

2017 Year in Review (cont.)

Group perForMAnCe
Moelis Australia generated $107.2 million of Underlying Revenue in 2017, a 73% increase on 2016 (up from $61.8 million). 
The business produced Underlying EBITDA of $41.6 million, an increase of 111% on 2016 (up from $19.7 million). 
Pleasingly, the Group’s Underlying EBTIDA Margin increased to 39% (up from 32% in 2016), reflecting an increase  
in contribution from Asset Management and cost control during a period of high growth.

Moelis AUsTRAliA RevenUe

107.2

43.4

63.8

FY17

61.8

15.6

46.2

FY16

35.3

2.4

32.9

FY14

Corporate Advisory & Equities

Asset Management

42.2

7.1

35.1

FY15

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The Company’s IPO and subsequent access to capital markets was a key driver of success in 2017, with the capital 
raised acting as a catalyst for attracting and closing transactions. In addition, Moelis Australia is a highly cash generative 
business, with monthly recurring cash flows (base management fees, investment income and equities commissions) 
more than covering monthly operating expenses (excluding bonuses). This is expected to continue into 2018 and, 
combined with the Group’s strong balance sheet ($118.2 million in cash and liquid investments), should help facilitate 
transactions and further increase the strength of our balance sheet.

Cross divisional synergies were a highlight for the Group in 2017 and proved highly valuable in achieving positive 
outcomes for clients. Our ability to use market leading expertise in Corporate Advisory & Equities and work in conjunction 
with Asset Management’s distribution, structuring and investment management capabilities is a key feature of Moelis 
Australia’s business model, and was validated this financial year.

CorporAte ADvisorY & equities perForMAnCe
The Corporate Advisory & Equities division generated $63.8 million of Underlying Revenue in 2017, a 38% increase on 
2016 (up from $46.2 million). This result was achieved by an increase in productivity of existing executives, not highly 
priced hires in Corporate Advisory. Revenue per executive was approximately $1.5 million in 2017 (up from $1.1 million in 
2016). This was a great achievement and was well above our long‑term target of $1.1 million to $1.3 million per executive.

CoRpoRATe AdvisoRy & eqUiTies RevenUe

63.8

46.2

32.9

35.1

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$

(

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FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

04

 
 
 
 
 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

2017 Year in Review (cont.)

Corporate Advisory generated $8.6 million in total monthly retainer fees during 2017. Retainers are an important 
component of our revenue model when working on transactions with uncertain outcomes, and are beneficial from a cash 
flow perspective. Historically, retainers have represented approximately 20% of annual Corporate Advisory revenue.

A key measure of success in Corporate Advisory is the quality of relationships forged with clients. Moelis Australia 
measures this by the number of repeat clients (those advised on more than one prior transaction) accumulated as 
multiple engagements serve to solidify relationships and validate work. In 2017, we generated seven additional repeat  
clients which is a record equalling result. Since inception in 2009, Corporate Advisory has generated 38 repeat  
clients on average achieving five to six additional repeat clients annually.

CoRpoRATe AdvisoRy RepeAT ClienTs

38

31

25

19

15

8

FY12

FY13

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

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3

FY11

The Equities division performed well and commissions were in line with 2016’s record result. Equities remains focused 
on providing the best research and trading services to our clients and was an important enabler for many equity capital 
markets transactions throughout 2017. The Equities division is highly valuable to the synergies generated across the Group.

Asset MAnAGeMent perForMAnCe
Asset Management generated $43.4 million of Underlying Revenue in 2017, a 178% increase on 2016 (up from 
$15.6 million), increased its AUM by more than $1.8 billion to more than $2.9 billion; and grew its investor base significantly. 
Throughout the year Moelis Australia seeded and generated many new managed funds with a primary focus on sectors 
that have strong macroeconomic tailwinds in areas which we have market‑leading expertise. Demand for Moelis 
Australia managed funds was strong, with many being significantly oversubscribed. The recurring management fees 
generated by our managed funds are fundamental to growing long-term shareholder value.

AsseT MAnAgeMenT RevenUe 

AsseTs UndeR MAnAgeMenT

43.4

2.9

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2.4

FY14

15.6

7.1

1.1

0.8

0.4

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FY15

FY16

FY17

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

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05

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

2017 Year in Review (cont.)

Base management fees were $29.9 million, a 108% increase on 2016 (up from $14.4 million). Base fees for the second 
half of the year were $19.7 million, a 90% increase on the first half of the year (up from $10.3 million). The second half 
increase is a reflection of the quality of funds established and the acquisitions made following our listing in April 2017.  
A full year of base management fees from 2017’s funds and acquisitions will be reflected in FY18 and beyond.

Income from strategic/co-investments was $5.2 million, and these earnings also represent a part year for many funds, 
acquisitions and other investments. Collectively, income on cash yielding investments and base management fees 
accounted for approximately 81% of 2017 Asset Management revenue; therefore, Asset Management enters 2018  
with a large portion of its revenue highly visible.

Transaction fees of $8.3 million were generated in 2017. Transaction fees are charged on a variety of transactions, 
including acquisitions, fund capital raisings and asset due diligence. These fees are generally based on a percentage  
of total fund value and therefore, in absolute terms, are highly correlated to the size of a fund. However, fund size, and 
overall AUM, is not a key focus of Asset Management. Rather, we focus on the quality of investment opportunities, 
taking the view that good fund performance will lead to client loyalty and demand for new investment funds.

No event‑driven performance fees were booked in 2017. Management will not book performance fees prior to a realisation 
or similar event, at which time the performance fee would be payable. While management does not provide guidance  
on performance fees, they are likely to eventuate as funds mature.

Asset Management’s contribution to Group performance experienced a step‑change in 2017 and management is 
focused on its growth. It is expected that earnings growth in Asset Management will remain strong and EBITDA margins 
will remain relatively high. Accordingly, an increase in the EBITDA contribution from Asset Management should drive a 
higher Group EBITDA margin.

BAlAnCe sheet MAnAGeMent
The management of our strong balance sheet is critically important to our business and to the returns we deliver to 
shareholders over the long term. As at 31 December 2017, Moelis Australia had net tangible assets of $190.2 million.  
It is our strategy to use our capital in a number of ways:

 > Underwriting client‑related capital raisings (debt and equity);

 > Co-investing in managed funds to demonstrate alignment and achieve attractive investment returns;

 > Taking strategic holdings pending establishment of new funds; and

 > Managing liquidity for day-to-day operations.

We operate in a dynamic market where business conditions fluctuate, reflecting underlying economic and political 
conditions. Part of our strategy is to maintain a strong balance sheet and to use this capital to facilitate growth in the 
business and to take advantage of attractive opportunities as they arise. When managing our day-to-day liquidity we are 
mindful to seek investments that can deliver attractive risk‑adjusted returns but at the same time to avoid the temptation 
to deploy available capital simply because it is there.

Moelis AustrAliA investors
Moelis Australia has welcomed a large number of investors to its business over the year, including those who invested  
in Moelis Australia shares and those who have or are invested in Moelis Australia managed funds. At December 2017, 
investors across the Moelis Australia platform included retail investors, high net worth investors, institutional investors 
and Moelis Australia staff. 

Moelis Australia acknowledges and appreciates the trust that investors have placed in the Group, and takes the 
responsibility of being the custodian of their money with great care. Moelis Australia will endeavour to return this trust 
with high-quality products and services.

06

 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

2017 Year in Review (cont.)

people
Moelis Australia’s business is based on delivering the highest quality long-term outcomes to clients and investors.  
To achieve this, we need outstanding people.

Over 2017, Moelis Australia welcomed a number of very talented executives to the Group, and we continuously search for 
additional talent that can complement our current team. In particular, Asset Management grew considerably over 2017, 
with a number of senior hires covering marketing and distribution, investment management and legal & compliance. 

Finding and retaining the best talent is always a challenge, so we are fortunate that the Group has managed to have 
very low staff turnover since its establishment in 2009. We continue to strive to ensure that Moelis Australia is an 
employer of choice, and that we maintain an environment that fosters our junior and senior executives to be future 
leaders of the Company and the community.

Culture
Moelis Australia’s culture is based on employee and client trust, and we aim to hire innovative people who perpetuate  
a culture of partnership, passion, innovation, optimism and hard work. The Board and senior management focus on 
developing strong working relationships and creating a safe, inclusive and innovative working environment for all 
employees.

The Moelis Australia brand and reputation are core assets of our business and we encourage all employees to 
benchmark themselves to the Moelis Standard (see page 1).

Moelis Australia encourages staff to be proactive in giving back to the community, and the Moelis Australia Foundation  
is reflective of this belief (see page 11).

07

 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Overview of Business Segments

CorporAte ADvisorY & equities overview
Corporate Advisory overview

Corporate Advisory provides strategic and financial advice and equity capital markets services to sophisticated and 
corporate clients. Corporate Advisory currently employs 37 advisory executives1 with expertise in a range of areas 
including mergers & acquisitions, equity capital markets, debt markets, restructuring & recapitalisations, and special 
situations advisory.

Corporate Advisory has a strong track record in providing innovative financial advisory solutions to clients, who benefit 
from our culture of partnership, passion, optimism and hard work. Moelis Australia strives to set a high standard and our 
reputation for excellence in transaction execution continues to grow. The transactions highlighted below are a sample  
of transactions advised on in 2017.

December 2017

December 2017

December 2017

December 2017

~A$1.2 billion

A$110 million

~Us$318 million

Capital Restructuring

Purchase of Brownes Dairy

Capital Restructuring

Financial Advisor to  
Bis Industries

Financial Advisor to Ground 
Food Tech Co. Ltd

Financial Advisor to Noteholders

~A$16 million

Follow-on Funding

Lead Manager and Financial 
Advisor

October 2017

August 2017

July 2017

June 2017

A$90 million

~A$609 million Restructure

A$677 million

A$419 million

Acquisition of controlling interest 
in Infinite Care

Exclusive Financial Advisor to 
Moelis Australia Aged Care Fund

~A$213 million sale

Acquisition of Redcape Group

Capital Restructuring and Sale

Financial Advisor

Exclusive Financial Advisor  
to Moelis Australia Redcape 
Hotel Group

Merger of Centuria Metropolitan 
and Centuria Urban REITs

Financial Advisor

June 2017

June 2017

May 2017

April 2017

Us$26 million

A$330 million

Series “B” financing round

Merger with Pengana Capital

Lead Investor and Financial 
Advisor

Financial Advisor to Hunter Hall 
Limited

Undisclosed sum

Sale of New Zealand  
Steel Mining Asset

Financial Advisor

A$976 million

Takeover of Bradken Limited

Financial Advisor to Hitachi 
Construction Machinery

As the Moelis Australia brand, executive team and network mature, we are hopeful of achieving superior productivity 
and margins from our Corporate Advisory business.

Corporate Advisory revenue is generated across a broad range of advisory assignments, predominantly in relation to 
either financial or strategic advice. Fees charged for Corporate Advisory assignments fall into two main categories: 
transaction fees and monthly retainers. Traditionally, the split between transaction fees and monthly retainers has been 
around 80%/20%. In FY17, monthly retainers represented 16% of Corporate Advisory revenue.

1.  As at 12 February 2017

08

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Overview of Business Segments (cont.)

Corporate Advisory’s key performance indicator for productivity is the annual revenue generated per Advisory 
executive. Our long‑term productivity has been in the range of $1.1 million to $1.5 million per Advisory executive.  
The actual revenue per Advisory executive will vary depending on market activity levels, our market share and the  
level of growth in our Advisory team. For example, in years where we add Advisory executives, our revenue per head 
productivity measure may be diluted for the period that new executives take to generate material revenue in a new 
environment. During 2017, revenue per Advisory executive was approximately $1.5 million, reflecting strong activity 
levels and relatively few new hires. There was an average of 34 Advisory executives in 2017, and this number will 
continue to grow organically. Moelis Australia is focused on hiring the best graduates and training our current group  
of executives to develop them into senior executives.

equities overview

Equities operates a securities business that provides research, sales and trading execution services to institutional  
and high net worth clients. Equities also provides equity capital markets and distribution capabilities to facilitate the 
execution of equity capital markets transactions.

Revenue is generated in the Equities business through three main sources: securities commissions, fees for research 
and equity capital markets revenue.

The environment for equities commissions has undergone significant change in the last 10 years, with new technology 
and regulations making market conditions more difficult. The strategy of the Equities business is to be highly focused  
on servicing clients, and, in particular, maintaining market leadership in areas of overall focus for Moelis Australia.  
These areas include REITS, small cap and emerging companies and technology companies. There was an average  
of 19 full-time employees in Equities during 2017.

Asset MAnAGeMent overview
Asset Management provides investment management services to domestic and foreign high net worth and  
institutional investors.

We measure our performance by the long-term success of our clients and our investment philosophy is guided  
by focusing on asset classes we understand and co-investment by the Group and staff.

As at 31 December 2017, Asset Management is responsible for the stewardship of approximately $2.9 billion of AUM 
across more than 30 funds. These funds are invested in both traditional and alternative asset classes.

Asset Management has an established investment and distribution platform that is capitalising on the broader global 
trend of increasing asset allocation into alternative asset classes. Within this trend, Moelis Australia is particularly well 
placed to capture equity inflows from the large and growing market of high net worth individuals, both domestically  
and abroad. Since its establishment, Asset Management has developed a substantial network of Asian investors and  
Asian based marketing channels, with a focus on China.

The investment management philosophy of Asset Management is based on developing focused and bespoke 
investment strategies primarily outside of traditional asset classes. This is a key differentiator for the business, as it  
is able to provide investors with exposure to alternative asset classes across a range of industry sectors not generally 
accessible to individual investors. This focus is supported by Asset Management’s collaboration with Corporate 
Advisory which provides, transaction flow and direct access to unique investment opportunities including direct  
asset backed investments, special situations, and debt-equity hybrid or credit opportunities. Asset Management 
manages funds that invest in the following alternative asset classes:

 > Real estate assets (commercial, retail, hotels, gaming hotels and industrial);

 > Private equity and venture capital (in a range of sectors, including agriculture, technology, aged care and  

childcare); and

 > Credit, hybrid securities and structured investments.

Asset Management also manages traditional asset classes, including cash, bonds and listed equities.

09

 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Overview of Business Segments (cont.)

Asset Management has materially increased its revenue contribution in recent years and is responsible for a significant 
proportion of the Group’s revenue growth. For the year ended 31 December 2017, Asset Management contributed 
approximately 40% of Group revenue up from 25% in 2016. On an EBITDA basis, 51% of 2017 Group EBITDA came  
from Asset Management compared with 36% in 2016.

AsseT MAnAgeMenT RevenUe 
ConTRiBUTion To gRoUp 

AsseT MAnAgeMenT UndeRlying eBiTdA 
ConTRiBUTion To gRoUp

40%

25%

17%

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7%

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

51%

36%

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n.m

FY14

8%

FY15

FY16

FY17

There was an average of 20 full time employees in Asset Management during 20171. At 31 December 2017, the  
head count was 251, reflecting the strong growth in the business. Management is focused on expanding this business 
segment and is constantly looking for quality people who share the firm’s values and can positively contribute to our 
culture.

1.  Excludes Redcape Hotel Group head office management

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Additional Information on Moelis Australia

Moelis AustrAliA FounDAtion
The Moelis Australia Foundation (“MAF”) was established following our IPO to support community initiatives that align 
with the culture and broader community interests of Moelis Australia and its executives.

The Independent Chairman of the MAF is Mark Nelson. Mark is a founder and chairman of the Caledonia Investment 
Group and a director of The Caledonia Foundation. He is the Vice President of the Art Gallery of NSW Board of Trustees, 
a deputy chairman of Art Exhibitions Australia and Kaldor Public Art Projects; a trustee of the Sydney Swans Foundation; 
and governor of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience. Andrew Pridham and Chris Wyke (Head of Corporate Finance 
Advisory) are also directors of the MAF.

Moelis Australia and its executives believe strongly in the importance of giving back to the community via philanthropic 
efforts. Corporate giving is a vital element of supporting the community we live in, so we can play our part to make it strong, 
fair and caring. Being a good and generous corporate citizen is an important element of Moelis Australia’s core values.

Moelis Australia supports the community in numerous ways. In particular, it encourages staff members to participate in 
community focused organisations and events and financially through the MAF. All staff members are eligible to request 
that Moelis Australia donate to MAF in lieu of what may otherwise have been compensation paid to them individually  
for their services. We believe that this is a win‑win where collectively Moelis Australia and its executives can give 
generously to causes of importance to them, under the governance of Moelis Australia, without a material impact  
on shareholder returns.

Requests by staff members to direct what otherwise may have been paid to them in 2017 totalled $2.2 million. In addition 
Moelis Australia separately contributed $200,000 to MAF in 2017. Participating staff are encouraged to nominate 
eligible charitable causes of importance to them for which MAF may provide financial support.

Moelis & CoMpAnY strAteGiC AlliAnCe
Moelis & Company is a leading global independent investment bank listed on the New York Stock Exchange with  
a market capitalisation of approximately US$2.7 billion1.

Moelis & Company owns approximately 33% of the issued capital in Moelis Australia1.

The Moelis Australia and Moelis & Company strategic alliance agreement is designed to ensure that Moelis Australia 
continues to remain integrated with Moelis & Company in the delivery and execution of corporate advisory services  
to its Australian and global clients.

The strategic alliance is highly beneficial to both parties and will continue to benefit Moelis Australia by:

 > Providing access to a global network of advisory executives sharing intellectual capital and access to client relationships;

 > Allowing cooperation on cross-border or industry specific advisory mandates; and

 >

Leveraging a strong and recognisable global brand in Moelis & Company.

CorporAte GovernAnCe stAteMent
Moelis Australia’s Corporate Governance Statement has been approved by the Board and lodged with ASX. A copy  
of the Corporate Governance Statement is available at investors.moelisaustralia.com/corporate-governance/

1.  As at 31 December 2017

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Directors’ Report

The Directors of Moelis Australia Limited (“Company”) present their report together with the consolidated financial 
report of the Company and its subsidiaries (“Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2017.

DireCtors
The Directors of the Company are:

Mr Jeffrey Browne (Independent Chairman and non‑executive Director) appointed 27 February 2017 
Mr Kenneth Moelis (non‑executive)  
Mr Joseph Simon (non‑executive) 
Mr Andrew Pridham (Chief Executive Officer) 
Mr Julian Biggins appointed 2 February 2017 
Mr Hugh Thomson resigned 2 February 2017

The Directors have been in office since the start of the financial year to the date of this report unless otherwise noted. 

inForMAtion on Current DireCtors AnD CoMpAnY seCretArY

  Mr Jeffrey Browne

independent non-executive director and Chairman

experience and expertise

Jeff was appointed to the Board on 27 February 2017. 

Jeff was a senior executive at Nine Network Australia from 2006 until 2013, including serving  
as Managing Director from 2010 to 2013. Jeff holds a degree in Arts from La Trobe University, 
Melbourne and a degree in law from Monash University, Melbourne.

other directorships

Chairman of carsales.com Ltd (ASX: CAR); and 
Chairman of Premoso Pty Ltd (owner of the business of “Holden Special Vehicles”).

special responsibilities

Chairman of the Board 
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee  
Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee

interests in the Company

Share Options: 781,250

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Directors’ Report (cont.)

  Mr Kenneth Moelis

non-executive director

experience and expertise

Ken has served as a Director since the formation of Moelis Australia in 2010.

Ken is Chairman of Moelis & Company Group LP and has served as Chief Executive Officer  
of that company since 2007. Ken has over 30 years of investment banking and mergers and 
acquisitions experience. Prior to founding Moelis & Company, Ken worked at UBS from 2001 to 
2007, where he was most recently President of UBS Investment Bank. Ken holds a Bachelor  
of Science and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

other directorships

Chairman and CEO of Moelis & Company Group LP (“Moelis & Company”)

special responsibilities

Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee

interests in the Company

Ken has 86.2% of the combined voting power of Moelis & Company class A and class B common 
stock. As a result, Ken has a deemed relevant interest in all Shares held by Moelis & Company. 
However, Ken does not have any rights to acquire or control the voting rights attached to the 
Shares held by Moelis & Company.

  Mr Joseph simon

non-executive director

experience and expertise

Joe was appointed to the Board on 7 June 2016.

Joe is the Chief Financial Officer of Moelis & Company serving in that role since joining in 2010. 
Joe has over 25 years of experience as a senior manager of financial controls, operations and 
strategy and has particular experience with financial services firms. Joe holds a Bachelor of 
Science from Cornell University and an MBA from The University of Michigan. He is a Certified 
Public Accountant in the United States.

other directorships

None

special responsibilities

Member of the Audit and Risk Committee

interests in the Company

None

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Directors’ Report (cont.)

  Mr Andrew pridham

executive director and Ceo

experience and expertise

Andrew has served as a Director since the formation of Moelis Australia in 2010.

Andrew has over 20 years of experience in corporate advisory and prior to the formation of 
Moelis Australia he served as Executive Chairman of Investment Banking at JP Morgan 
Australia. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of South Australia.

other directorships

Chairman of Sydney Swans Limited

special responsibilities

Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee 

interests in the Company

Shares: Andrew has a beneficial equity interest in 21,807,514 Shares as a result of his holding  
in the Existing Staff Trusts. As a result of Andrew’s ownership of the Staff Trustee, Andrew has  
a deemed relevant interest in 53,737,567 Shares.

  Mr Julian Biggins

executive director

experience and expertise

Julian has served as an executive of Moelis Australia since its formation in 2010 and was 
appointed to the Board on 2 February 2017. 

Julian has over 17 years of investment banking experience covering the real estate industry 
including a senior role within JP Morgan’s Investment Banking division and UBS’ Equities 
research division. Julian holds a Bachelor of Business (Real Estate) and a Bachelor of Business 
(Banking & Finance) from the University of South Australia.

other directorships

None

special responsibilities

Member of the Audit and Risk Committee 

interests in the Company 

Shares: Julian has a beneficial equity interest in 6,530,670 shares as a result of his holding  
in the Existing Staff Trusts.

Share Rights: 144,326

Company secretary

The Company Secretary, Mr Peter Dixon, was appointed to the position of Company Secretary on 7 February 2017.  
Mr Hugh Thomson acted as Company Secretary prior to this. 

Peter joined Moelis Australia’s corporate advisory division in 2010, before taking on the role of General Counsel in 
August 2015. Peter has over 20 years experience in the legal, funds management and investment banking industries 
having previously worked at Macquarie Group, Mallesons Stephen Jacques (now King & Wood Mallesons) and Linklaters.

Peter holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales  
and is admitted to practice as a solicitor in New South Wales.

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Directors’ Report (cont.)

DireCtors’ MeetinGs
The following table sets out the number of Directors’ meetings (including meetings of committees of Directors) held during 
the financial year and the number of meetings attended by each Director (while they were a Director or committee member).

BoArD MeetinG

AuDit AnD risk 
CoMMittee

noMinAtion AnD 
reMunerAtion CoMMittee

Mr Jeffrey Browne
Mr Kenneth Moelis
Mr Joseph Simon
Mr Andrew Pridham
Mr Julian Biggins

A

5
5
6
6
6

B

5
6
6
6
6

A

4
#
4
#
4

A = Number of meetings attended

B = Number of meetings held during the time the Director held office during the year

# = Not a member of committee

B

4
#
4
#
4

A

2
2
#
2
#

B

2
2
#
2
#

prinCipAl ACtivities
The Group is a financial services provider established in 2010 with offices in Sydney and Melbourne. The Group’s principal 
activities in the course of the year were providing corporate advisory, equities and asset management services.

ChAnGes in stAte oF AFFAirs AnD siGniFiCAnt events
During the year the following significant events occurred:

listing of Moelis Australia

On 10 April 2017 Moelis Australia Limited was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, issuing 25,000,000 new 
shares representing 20% of the expanded issued capital of the Company, and raised $58.8 million.

Termination of onerous Contract

During April 2017, the Group paid out a lump sum of $12.8 million to terminate an agreement with a service provider 
associated with the promotion of the Group’s Significant Investor Visa funds (“Onerous Contract”). The Group now 
undertakes the promotional activities itself. The net present value of the liability ($12.6 million) was provided for at 
31 December 2016. 

Acquisition of Armada Funds Management

On 1 June 2017, the Group acquired Rockford Capital Pty Ltd and its subsidiaries (“Armada Funds Management”), a  
real estate funds manager, for a total consideration of $30.7 million, comprising $10.5 million in cash and the remainder 
in Shares issued on 18 July 2017. Armada Funds Management manages 10 real estate investment funds which in 
aggregate own interests in retail shopping centres valued at approximately $800 million.

establishment of Moelis Australia Redcape Hotel group

On 10 July 2017 Moelis Australia Redcape Hotel Group (“Redcape Fund”), a fund managed by the Group, acquired the 
Redcape Hotel Group (“Redcape”). Redcape’s portfolio consisted of 25 gaming focused hotels in NSW and Queensland 
and was valued at approximately $677 million. Moelis Australia invested $40 million in the Redcape Fund (representing 
10% of the Fund’s issued equity), which combined with funds raised from other Moelis Australia managed funds and  
third party investors was used to settle the acquisition and associated costs.

equity raising and Unsecured note programme

The Group raised $110 million through a placement of 22 million new shares at an issue price of $5.00 per share  
to institutional and wholesale investors, with $59.7 million received in September 2017 and $50.3 million received  
in October 2017 after shareholder approval was obtained. 

In September 2017 the Group also raised $32 million in debt through the issue of three year unsecured notes.  
This is the Group’s only borrowings.

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Directors’ Report (cont.)

establishment of Moelis Australia senior secured Credit Fund ii

The Group established the Moelis Australia Senior Secured Credit Fund II (“Credit Fund”) with a mandate to invest in 
debt instruments. At 31 December 2017 the Credit Fund had $43 million of loans receivable, with these investments 
funded by the Group and consolidated in the Group’s results. The loans were provided in December 2017 and 
consequently the contribution to the Group’s results is not material. The Credit Fund is currently being marketed to 
prospective investors, and it is anticipated the Group’s holding in the Credit Fund will reduce on close of the Credit 
Fund’s capital raising. The Group committed a further $85 million in credit facilities in December 2017, of which 
$24.6 million was drawn in January 2018.

operAtinG AnD FinAnCiAl review
The Group recorded total comprehensive income for the year of $31.9 million (2016: $9.8 million) and profit after tax  
for the year of $29.6 million (2016: $10.1 million). Total comprehensive income and profit after tax have been prepared  
in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and Australian Accounting Standards, which comply with International 
Financial Reporting Standards. 

The Group recorded net profit after tax (“NPAT”) of $29.1 million (2016: $13.8 million). Underlying NPAT and other 
measures of underlying performance are not prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
and are not audited. Underlying NPAT excludes certain items which are disregarded by management when assessing 
the Group’s performance. The table below reconciles the Group’s total comprehensive income prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards to Underlying NPAT.

yeAR ending 31 deCeMBeR ($’000s)

total comprehensive income for the year (as disclosed in the Financial report)

Management adjustments:
Listing costs1
Termination of Onerous Contract2
Armada Funds Management acquisition adjustments3
Share Rights issued to staff4
Tax on above 

underlying npAt

1  The costs relating to the Company’s Initial Public Offering.

2017

31,859

989
189
3,260
(8,444)
1,201

2016

9,762

–
5,727
–
–
(1,661)

29,054

13,828

2  Relates to an agreement accounted for as an onerous contract (refer note 35). The agreement was terminated in April 2017.

3  The adjustment for Armada comprises legal and other acquisition expenses, the amortisation of its intangible assets and the share based payment 

expenses relating to the shares issued to the vendors of Armada Funds Management who are now Moelis Australia Group employees.

4 

In the financial statements the value of Share Rights granted to employees is amortised over the vesting period (which is up to five years), with only  
a portion of the value being expensed in 2017. The underlying result includes the full value of the Share Rights grant as an expense in 2017. 

The table below shows the contributions to Underlying NPAT of the Group’s two key business segments:

yeAR ending 31 deCeMBeR ($’000s)

Corporate Advisory and Equities
Asset Management

underlying eBitDA*
Depreciation and amortisation
Net interest income
Tax

underlying npAt

*  Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

16

2017

20,494
21,130

41,624
(266)
452
(12,756)

29,054

2016

12,556
7,140

19,696
(273)
331
(5,926)

13,828

 
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Directors’ Report (cont.)

Please refer to section “2017 Year in Review” on page 03 and “Overview of Business Segments” on page 08 for:

 >

 >

 >

a review of operations during the year and the results of those operations;

likely developments in the operations in future financial years and the expected results of those operations; and

comments on business strategies and prospects for future financial years.

In respect of likely developments, business strategies and prospects for future financial years, material which if included 
would be likely to result in unreasonable prejudice to the Group, has been omitted.

earnings per share

Basic EPS (cents/share)
Diluted EPS (cents/share)

Financial position

2017

2016

UndeRlying

sTATUToRy

UndeRlying

sTATUToRy

23.0
22.4

23.4
22.8

13.8
13.8

10.1
10.1

The Group raised approximately $199 million of capital net of costs during the year:

Capital raised (net of Costs)

Initial Public Offering 
Placements
Borrowings

total capital raised

TiMing

$ Million

April
October
October

57
110
32

199

The capital raised significantly increased the Group’s ability to participate in transactions and establish new managed 
funds. The table below shows the major uses for the capital raised:

Use oF FUnds

Acquisition of Armada Funds Management
Investing in Moelis Australia managed funds
Warehousing assets for Credit Fund II
Termination of Onerous Contract
Investment in listed equities

total use of funds

The summarised financial position at the end of the year is shown in the table below:

$ Millions

Cash and cash equivalents
Listed investments
Unlisted investments*
Goodwill and other intangibles
Other assets

total Assets

Borrowings
Other liabilities

total liabilities

net assets

$ Million

10
52
43
13
27

145

2016

 37.2 
2.9
 6.7 
–
 26.8 

 73.6 

–
(40.8)

(40.8)

 32.8 

2017

87.8
30.7
107.0
25.4
34.0

284.9

(32.2)
(37.1)

(69.3)

215.6

* 

including equity investments in joint ventures, cornerstone investments in Moelis managed funds, and warehoused assets.

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Directors’ Report (cont.)

DiviDenDs
A fully franked dividend of $31 million in relation to the pre-IPO retained earnings of the Group was paid to the pre-IPO 
shareholders on 18 April 2017.

No dividend was paid or declared in the prior year.

The Directors have declared a fully franked dividend of 7.0 cents per Share for the full year ended 31 December 2017, 
payable on 6 March 2018.

shAre options
The Company had 5,807,150 Share Options outstanding at 31 December 2017. For details on Share Options issued 
during the year refer to note 34 to the financial statements.

suBsequent events
At 31 December 2017 the Group had commitments of $85.0 million in undrawn credit facilities. In January 2018, the 
Group lent $24.6 million under the credit facilities, reducing its commitments to $60.4 million.

A fully franked dividend of 7.0 cents per Share totalling $10,776,684 was declared.

likelY DevelopMents
The Group continues to pursue its strategy of focusing on its core operations. In particular the Group will continue to 
market its managed funds, and launch new managed funds with the aim of growing asset management fee revenue. 

environMentAl reGulAtion
The Group’s operations are not subject to any significant environmental regulation.

inDeMniFiCAtion oF oFFiCers AnD AuDitors
During the year, the Company paid a premium in respect of a contract insuring the directors and officers of the  
Company against liabilities and legal expenses incurred as a result of carrying out their duties as a director or officer. 
The Directors have not included details of the nature of the liabilities covered or the amount of premium paid in respect 
of this insurance, as such disclosure is prohibited under the terms of the contract.

The Company has agreed to indemnify all current and former directors and company secretaries and certain officers  
of the Company and its controlled entities against all liabilities to persons (other than the Company or a related body 
corporate) which arise out of the performance of their normal duties as a director, company secretary or officer to the 
extent permitted by law and unless the liability relates to conduct involving wilful misconduct, bad faith or conduct 
known to be in breach of law.

The Company has not otherwise, during or since the end of the financial year, except to the extent permitted by law, 
indemnified or agreed to indemnify an officer or auditor of the Company or any related body corporate against a liability 
incurred as such an officer or auditor.

NON-AUDITSERVICES
During the financial year, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, the Group’s auditor, has performed services in addition to the audit 
and review of the financial statements. Details of amounts paid or payable to the auditor are outlined in Note 24 to the 
financial statements.

The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the year, by the auditor (or by another person 
or firm on the auditor’s behalf), is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the 
Corporations Act 2001.

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Directors’ Report (cont.)

The Directors are of the opinion that the services as disclosed in note 24 to the financial statements do not compromise 
the external auditor’s independence, for the following reasons:

 >

all non-audit services have been reviewed and approved to ensure that they do not impact the integrity and 
objectivity of the auditor; and

 > none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in Code of Conduct 
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards 
Board, including reviewing or auditing the auditor’s own work, acting in a management or decision making capacity 
for the Company, acting as advocate for the Company or jointly sharing economic risks and rewards.

rounDinG oF AMounts
The Group is an entity of the kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financials/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 
2016/191, dated 24 March 2016, and in accordance with that Corporations Instrument amounts in the directors’ report 
and the financial statements are rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

Jeffrey Browne 
Independent Director and Chairman 
19 February 2018 

Andrew pridham 
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 
19 February 2018

AuDitor’s inDepenDenCe DeClArAtion
As auditor for the audit of Moelis Australia Limited for the year ended 31 December 2017, 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 respet of Moelis Australia Limited and the entities it controlled during the period.

Delarey nell 
Partner 
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Sydney 
19 February 2017

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

19

 
 
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Directors’ Report (cont.)

DireCtors’ report sCheDule: reMunerAtion report
The remuneration report provides information about the remuneration arrangements for key management personnel (KMP), 
which includes Non‑Executive Directors and the Group’s most senior management, for the year to 31 December 2017.

The report includes:

 > Details of KMP covered in this report

 > Remuneration policy and link to performance

 > Remuneration of Non‑Executive Directors

 > Remuneration of Executive KMP

 > Performance of KMP

 > Statutory remuneration table

 > Key terms of employment contracts

 > KMP equity holdings and other transactions

details of Key Management personnel 

The following persons are considered Key Management Personnel of the Group during or since the end of the most 
recent financial year:

nAMe

Role

Mr Jeffrey Browne
Mr Kenneth Moelis
Mr Joseph Simon
Mr Andrew Pridham
Mr Julian Biggins
Mr Hugh Thomson

Independent Non‑Executive Director and Chairman
Non‑Executive Director
Non‑Executive Director
Executive Director and CEO
Executive Director and Head of Real Estate Advisory
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director

The named persons held their roles for the whole of the financial year and since the end of the financial year, except  
for Mr Julian Biggins who became an Executive Director on 2 February 2017 and Mr Hugh Thomson who ceased to  
be an Executive Director on 2 February 2017.

Remuneration policy and link to performance

The Board recognises the important role people play in achieving the Group’s long‑term objectives and as a key source 
of competitive advantage. To grow and be successful, the Group must be able to attract, motivate and retain capable 
individuals. When determining remuneration the Board focuses on the following:

 > Ensuring competitive rewards are provided to attract and retain talent;

 >

Linking remuneration to performance so that higher levels of performance attract higher rewards;

 > Aligning rewards of all staff, but particularly senior management, to the creation of long term value to shareholders; and

 > Ensuring the overall cost of remuneration allows for an appropriate return to shareholders over the long term.

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Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration of non-executive directors

The total amount provided to Non‑Executive Directors for their services must not exceed in aggregate and in any financial 
year the amount fixed by the Company at its annual general meeting. This amount has been fixed by the Company  
at $500,000 per annum. Any change to the aggregate annual sum is required to be approved by shareholders.

Remuneration of non-executive directors during the year

Mr Kenneth Moelis and Mr Joseph Simon do not receive any remuneration for their role as Non‑Executive Directors. 

Mr Jeffery Browne is paid a fixed fee of $150,000 per annum plus reimbursement of expenses for his role as Non‑Executive 
Director and Independent Chairman. 

Remuneration of executive Key Management personnel 

In this Remuneration Report the term “Executive KMP” is used to refer to Mr Pridham, Mr Biggins and Mr Thomson,  
being the key management personnel who receive a variable level of remuneration. 

To achieve the aims of attracting, motivating and retaining capable individuals remuneration for all employees includes  
a mix of fixed and variable remuneration. The fixed component is delivered through a base salary inclusive of 
superannuation. The variable component is delivered through the annual bonus scheme. The process for determining 
remuneration is the same for all employees, but in this Remuneration Report the process is described to the extent  
it applies to Executive KMP.

Each Executive KMP is eligible to participate in the annual bonus scheme. The Executive KMP must be employed  
at the time bonuses are paid in order to receive a bonus. Payment of bonuses may be in cash or in equity, or a 
combination of both.

The review of salaries and the payment of bonuses to Executive KMP and whether it is delivered in cash and/or equity  
is determined annually by the Board on recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. In 
determining salary increases (if any) and the bonus amounts (if any) for Executive KMP, the Board takes into account a 
range of factors including the performance of the Group, market remuneration levels, key metrics such as total compensation 
of all employees as a percentage of Group revenue, as well as the performance of each Executive KMP. In determining 
what proportion of the aggregate annual bonus is provided in equity, the Board takes into account a number of factors 
including the need to align Executive KMP with the goals of the Group as well as market practice. 

The Group’s Equity Incentive Plan allows a variety of types of equity to be issued to employees (including to Executive 
KMP), including Shares, rights to receive Shares in the future, or Share Options. Such equity is subject to vesting 
conditions as determined by the Board including continuation of employment with the Group. Generally employees  
who leave before the relevant vesting dates will forfeit their equity. The Board retains discretion to allow employees  
to retain their equity upon ceasing employment, and may do so depending on the particular circumstances of an 
employee’s departure. Recipients of equity grants are not allowed to hedge their economic interest.

For the 2017 year-end bonus, the Board has granted employees a combination of cash and the right to receive Shares  
in the future (“2017 Share Rights”). The 2017 Share Rights are subject to a continuation of employment vesting condition, 
with one fifth vesting every year commencing on 1 January 2019, and then each successive year until the last fifth vests 
on 1 January 2023. The 2017 Share Rights entitle the recipient to receive a payment equivalent to the dividend paid by 
the Company (if any), but excluding the dividend to be paid in March 2018.

The 2017 Share Rights vesting conditions do not include meeting future performance hurdles or targets, as the Board 
considers that the 2017 annual bonus, including the 2017 Share Rights granted to Executive KMP and all other 
employees is remuneration for performance during the 2017 year. 

The value of each 2017 Share Right was $6.08, determined by reference to the trading in the Company’s shares in the 
five business days up to and including 22 December 2017, adjusted for the dividend to be paid in March 2018.

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Directors’ Report (cont.)

The table below sets out the 2017 Share Rights granted to Executive KMP in relation to the 2017 annual bonus:

Key MAnAgeMenT peRsonnel

Andrew Pridham
Julian Biggins
Hugh Thomson

nUMBeR oF 2017 
sHARe RigHTs 
gRAnTed

vAlUe oF 2017 
sHARe RigHTs 
gRAnTed

–
144,326
27,632

–
$877,502
$168,003

The 2017 year is the first year that a component of the annual bonus has been delivered in equity, and as such there 
were no equity rights vesting or forfeited during 2017. 

The 2017 Share Rights vest 1/5th each year and are subject to continuous employment. Should the Executive KMP leave 
prior to 31 December 2018, and the Board not exercise any discretion, the Executive KMP would forfeit 100% of their 
Share Rights. If the Executive KMP were to remain employed with the group for five years to 1 January 2023, then the 
Executive KMP will have received the maximum number of Shares shown in the table above. 

The Shares required to discharge the liability under the Share Rights granted to Mr Biggins will be acquired by the Employee 
Share Trust through purchases on-market.

The table below provides the relative proportions of 2017 remuneration, including the 2017 annual bonus: 

Andrew Pridham
Julian Biggins
Hugh Thomson

Mr Pridham elected not to be considered for a bonus.

performance of Key Management personnel

Fixed

100%
19%
42%

vARiABle  
(Cash) Bonus

vARiABle 
(equity) Bonus

–%
45%
38%

–%
37%
20%

The review of the performance of the Executive KMPs includes both qualitative and quantitative factors, including the 
financial performance of the Group. The performance of each Executive KMP determines his or her annual bonus and 
any salary increase. The Independent Chairman receives a fixed fee regardless of performance, and the other two 
Non‑Executive Directors receive no remuneration.

For financial performance, a key measurement is how the Group has performed compared to the forecast included  
in its Prospectus. As part of the listing 20% of the expanded share capital of the Group was offered to the public at a 
price of $2.35. The table below compares the Group’s actual performance for 2017 against the forecast included in the 
Prospectus. As 2017 is the first year that the Group has been listed, the table does not include the performance of the 
preceding four years.

Statutory EBITDA $ million
Statutory Comprehensive Income $ million
Statutory EPS (cents/share)
Underlying EBITDA $ million
Underlying NPAT $ million
Underlying EPS (cents/share)
Company Share price (ASX Code: MOE)
Dividend declared (cents/Share)

Remuneration of KMP** $ million

*  Excludes pre‑IPO dividend of $31 million.

yeAR ended 2017

ipo FoReCAsT

% CHAnge

43.1
31.8
23.4
41.6
29.1
23.0
$6.72
7.0

2017

3.9

25.4
18.0
14.3
23.5
16.8
13.5
$2.35
n/a*

2016

4.4

70%
77%
64%
77% 
73% 
70% 
186% 

‑30%

**  The remuneration of KMP shown in the table above includes salary and annual bonus, including the value of 2017 Share Rights granted.

22

 
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Directors’ Report (cont.)

statutory remuneration table

The following table discloses total remuneration of Key Management Personnel in accordance with the  
Corporations Act 2001:

ShORT-TERMEMplOyEEbENEfITS

lONg-TERM
eMploYee 
BeneFits

shAre BAseD 
pAYMents

totAl  
reMunerAtion

sAlARy & Fees 
(inCluding 
superannuation)

non-monetary 
And oTHeR

Bonus (Cash 
Component)

long seRviCe 
leAve

Bonus (equity 
Component)  
& opTions

$450,000
$450,000
$350,000
$151,250
–
–

$37,205
–
–
–
–
–

–
$1,072,500
$312,000
–
–
–

$7,117
$7,112
–
–
–
–

–
$224,873
$43,053
$5,226
–
–

$273,152

$494,322
$1,754,485
$705,053
$156,476
–
–

$3,110,336

2017

Andrew Pridham
Julian Biggins
Hugh Thomson
Jeffrey Browne
Kenneth Moelis
Joseph Simon

total

$1,401,250

$37,205

$1,384,500

$14,229

The annual bonus (both cash and equity components) granted to KMP was determined by the Board as explained in the 
preceding sections of this report. Mr Pridham elected to not be considered for a bonus.

2017

Andrew Pridham
Julian Biggins
Hugh Thomson
Jeffrey Browne

total

pAiD DurinG the YeAr *

% vestinG in Future YeArs**

AMoUnT 

% oF ToTAl 
ReMUneRATion

$487,205
$1,522,500
$662,000
$151,250

$2,822,955

99%
63%
80%
84%

72%

AMoUnT 

–
$877,502
$168,003
$29,431

$1,081,655

% oF ToTAl 
ReMUneRATion

–
37%
20%
16%

28%

* 

Includes cash component of 2017 annual bonus which will be paid in March 2018. 

** 

In relation to Executive Key Management Personnel, the amount shown as vesting in future years is the 2017 Share Rights which will vest in five 
annual equal instalments commencing 1 January 2019 and ending 1 January 2023. Vesting is subject to continuation of employment.

Key terms of employment contracts

Chief executive officer

Mr Andrew Pridham was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Group in 2010. The major terms and conditions  
of his employment contract are summarised as follows:

 > Fixed compensation inclusive of minimum superannuation contributions;

 > Car parking within the building occupied by the Group;

 > Eligible to participate in the annual bonus incentive scheme, with payment in any one year determined at the 

discretion of the Board;

 > The Group may terminate this employment contract by providing three months written notice or provide payment  
in lieu of the notice period. Any payment in lieu of notice will be based on the total fixed compensation package.  
Mr Pridham may terminate this employment contract by providing three months written notice; and

 > The Group may terminate the employment contract at any time without notice if serious misconduct has occurred. 

When termination with cause occurs the CEO is only entitled to remuneration up to the date of termination.

The terms of Mr Pridham’s contract were agreed when Moelis Australia was established in 2010 and were based on 
market conditions at that time. The terms have not been varied since. There are no terms in the contract which affect 
compensation in future periods.

23

 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Directors’ Report (cont.)

other executive KMp

The employment contracts of other Executive KMP are on the same terms as that of the CEO, but with no  
car parking entitlement.

KMp equity holdings and other transactions

KMp share holdings

The following table sets out each KMP’s interest in shares in the Company as at the date of this report:

sHARes in THe CoMpAny

Jeffrey Browne
Kenneth Moelis*
Joseph Simon
Andrew Pridham**
Julian Biggins**
Hugh Thomson**

sHARe RigHTs in THe CoMpAny

Jeffrey Browne
Kenneth Moelis
Joseph Simon
Andrew Pridham
Julian Biggins
Hugh Thomson

shAres

BAlAnCe AT  
10 ApRil 2017 
(date of listing)

ACqUiRed 
dURing THe 
peRiod

BAlAnCe AT 
signing dATe

–
–
–
21,552,456
6,454,411
507,469

–
–
–
255,058
76,260
11,515

–
–
–
21,807,514
6,530,671
518,984

shAre riGhts

BAlAnCe AT  
10 ApRil 2017 
(date of listing)

ACqUiRed 
dURing THe 
peRiod

BAlAnCe AT 
signing dATe

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
144,326
27,632

–
–
–
–
144,326
27,632

*  Mr Moelis has 86.2% of the combined voting power of Moelis & Company class A and class B common stock. As a result, Mr Moelis has a deemed 
relevant interest in all Shares held by Moelis & Company. However, Mr Moelis does not have any rights to acquire or control the voting rights 
attached to the Shares held by Moelis & Company.

**  Each have a beneficial interest in the number of shares set out in this table as a result of their holdings in the Existing Staff Trusts. Shares beneficially 

acquired during the year resulted from redemptions of units in the Existing Staff Trusts.

24

 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Chairman’s options

Prior to its listing, the Company offered Mr Jeffrey Browne (and Mr Browne accepted) the opportunity to purchase 
781,250 Share Options, with each option carrying the right to acquire one Share in the Company at a future date.  
The Share Options were offered to Mr Browne to provide him an interest in the Company, and are not subject to any 
performance conditions other than continuing to serve as the Company’s Independent Chairman. Details of the Share 
Options granted to Mr Browne on 4 April 2017 are shown in the table below. No Share Options held by Mr Browne were 
exercised or forfeited during the year. 

gRAnT dATe 
sHARe pRiCe

exeRCise pRiCe 
oF opTion

eARliesT dATe  
oF exeRCise

expiRy dATe

vAlUe oF opTions 
AT gRAnT dATe 
(Cents per 
option)

AMoUnT pAid 
(Cents per 
option)

$2.35
$2.35

$2.80
$3.00

8 April 2019
8 April 2020

7 April 2020
7 April 2021

5.1
4.2

1.7
1.8

nUMBeR oF 
opTions issUed  
in THe yeAR

390,625
390,625

loans to KMp

In 2015, Mr Hugh Thomson was granted a loan secured by the units he owned in the Existing Share Trusts. The 
outstanding loan balance at 31 December 2016 was $179,999. The loan was repaid in full during 2017. The loan was 
limited recourse to Mr Thomson’s units in the Existing Share Trusts, carried nil interest and was for a maximum term  
of five years. If interest had been charged at an arm’s-length basis on the outstanding loan balance during the year,  
it would have amounted to $4,988.

Transactions with KMp

As a matter of Board policy, all transactions with Directors and Director-related entities are conducted on arm’s-length 
commercial or employment terms.

During the year, the Group paid fees to entities associated with an Executive KMP totalling $79,500 for capital commitments 
provided to the Company in relation to the Company’s underwriting activities.

25

 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Financial Report

Consolidated statement of profit or loss 
and other Comprehensive Income

Consolidated statement of Financial position 

Consolidated statement of Changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of Cash Flows 

notes to the Consolidated Financial statements 

1  Summary of significant accounting policies 

2  Application of new and revised  

Australian Accounting Standards 

3  Fee and commission expense 

4  Segment information 

5 

Investment income 

6  Other gains and losses 

7 

Income tax 

8 

Interest expense 

9  Other expenses 

10  Receivables 

11  Other assets (current) 

12  Restricted cash 

13  Plant and equipment 

14  Goodwill 

15  Intangible assets 

16  Loans receivable 

17  Trade and other payables 

18  Borrowings 

19  Provisions 

20  Contributed equity and share options  

21  Dividends 

22  Cash and cash equivalents 

23  Operating leases 

24  Remuneration of auditors 

25  Personnel expenses 

26  Other financial assets 

27  Investments in associates and joint ventures 

28  Parent entity disclosures 

29  Financial instruments 

30  Key management personnel compensation 

31  Related party transactions 

32  Reserves 

33  Business combination –  

Armada Funds Management 

34  Share based payments 

35  Termination of onerous contract 

36  Earnings per share 

37  Subsidiaries 

38  Contingent Liabilities and Commitments 

39  Subsequent events 

Directors’ Declaration 

independent Auditor’s report 

Additional information 

Glossary 

Corporate Directory 

27

28

29

30

31

31

42

46

46

48

49

49

50

50

51

51

52

52

53

54

55

55

55

56

56

57

57

58

58

59

59

59

63

63

68

68

70

70

72

75

75

76

77

77

78

79

84

86

88

26

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss 
and other Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 December 2017

Fee and commission income
Fee and commission expense

net fee and commission income

Other gains and losses
Share of profits of associates
Investment income

net income

Personnel expenses
Marketing and business development expenses
Occupancy expenses
Communications, data and information technology expenses
Termination of onerous contract
Depreciation and amortisation
Interest expense
Other expenses

total expenses

profit before income tax
Income tax expense

profit after income tax

other comprehensive income, net of income tax
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Share of other comprehensive income of associates
Unrealised (loss)/gain on AFS investments

total comprehensive income

profit is attributable to:
Owners of Moelis Australia Limited

total comprehensive income is attributable to:
Owners of Moelis Australia Limited

eARnings peR sHARe

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share

noTes

4
3

6
27
5

25

35
13, 15
8
9

7

32

2017  
$’000

106,889
(6,781)

 100,108 

3,447
23
1,257

2016  
$’000

 70,582 
 (8,665)

 61,917 

113
 107 
453

 104,835 

 62,590 

 44,925 
3,873
2,436
3,377
 189 
968
 488 
6,037

 62,293 

 42,542 
 (12,975)

 29,567 

 35,130 
 1,755 
 1,658 
 2,224 
 5,728 
 273 
 – 
 1,330 

 48,098 

 14,492 
 (4,405)

 10,087 

3,625
 (1,333)

 31,859 

–
 (325)

 9,762 

 29,567 

 10,087 

 31,859 

 9,762 

noTes

 CenTs 

 CenTs 

36
36

23.4
22.8

10.1
10.1

The above consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income is to be read in conjunction with 
the accompanying notes.

27

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

as at 31 December 2017

Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Other financial assets
Other assets

total current assets

Non‑current assets
Restricted cash
Loans receivable
Other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in associates and joint ventures
Deferred tax assets
Intangible assets
Goodwill 

total non-current assets

total assets

liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Income tax payable
Provisions

total current liabilities

Non‑current liabilities
Creditors
Borrowings
Provisions
Deferred tax liability
Deferred rent

total non-current liabilities

total liabilities

net assets

equity 
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained earnings

total shareholders’ equity 

noTes

2017  
$’000

2016  
$’000

22
10
26
11

12
16
26
13
27
7
15
14

17
7
19

18
19
7

20
32

 87,786 
 17,034 
 30,459 
 1,559 

 136,838 

 14,239 
 42,500 
 4,763 
 1,205 
 59,966 
 – 
 15,560 
 9,827 

 148,060 

 37,229 
 17,398 
 2,703 
 2,083 

 59,413 

 1,773 
 243 
 1,630 
666 
 5,242 
 3,282 
 – 
 1,326 

 14,162 

 284,898 

 73,575 

 10,106 
 5,957 
 14,405 

 30,468 

 56 
 32,150 
 1,389 
 4,767 
 437 

 38,799 

 5,104 
 4,498 
 30,277 

 39,879 

 111 
 – 
 611 
 – 
 221 

 943 

 69,267 

 40,822 

 215,631 

 32,753 

 191,507 
 8,493 
 15,631 

 215,631 

 14,796 
 893 
 17,064 

 32,753

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

28

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 December 2017

ConTRiBUTed 
eqUiTy  
$’000 
noTe 20

sHARe BAsed 
pAyMenT 
ReseRve  
$’000 
noTe 34

ReTAined 
eARnings  
$’000 

invesTMenTs 
RevAlUATion 
ReseRve  
$’000 
noTe 32

Balance at 1 January 2016
Profit/(loss) for the period
Other comprehensive income for the period 

Balance at 31 December 2016

Balance at 1 January 2017
Profit/(loss) for the period
Other comprehensive income for the period 
Payment of dividends
Issue of ordinary shares
Costs of issuing ordinary shares
Treasury shares
Share based payments

 14,796 
 – 
 – 

 14,796 

 14,796 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 180,141
 (1,419)
 (2,011)
 – 

Balance at 31 December 2017

 191,507 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 5,308 

 5,308 

 6,977 
 10,087 
 – 

 17,064 

 17,064 
 29,567 
 – 
 (31,000)
 – 
 – 
 – 
–

 15,631 

 1,218 
 – 
 (325)

 893 

 893 
 – 
 2,292 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 3,185 

ToTAl  
eqUiTy  
$’000 

 22,991 
 10,087 
 (325)

 32,753 

 32,753 
 29,567 
 2,292 
 (31,000)
 180,141 
 (1,419)
 (2,011)
 5,308 

 215,631 

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

29

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

for the year ended 31 December 2017

Cash flows from operating activities 
Receipts from customers
Interest and dividends received
Amounts received/(repaid) to affiliates (Moelis & Company) 
Payments to suppliers and employees

Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Income taxes (paid)/refunded

net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Payments to acquire financial assets
Proceeds on sale of financial assets
Amounts (advanced) to third parties
Receipts/(payments) for employee loans
Payments to acquire shares in associates
Capital returns received from associates
Net cash outflows to acquire shares in subsidiary companies
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment

net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of shares
Share issue transaction costs
Proceeds from borrowings
Amounts paid to Employee Share Trust
Proceeds from share based payments
Amounts received/(advanced) to related parties
Dividends paid

net cash used in financing activities

net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effects of exchange rate changes on the balance  
of cash held in foreign currencies

noTes

2017  
$‘000

2016  
$‘000

22

33

 102,567 
 2,974 
 280 
 (68,144)

 37,677 
 (3)
 (9,328)

 28,346 

 (33,280)
 4,388 
 (44,951)
 1,497 
 (54,750)
 3,234 
 (9,645)
 (805)

(134,312)

169,150
 (2,414)
 32,150 
 (11,105)
133
 64 
 (31,000)

156,978

 62,718 
 733 
 (202)
 (46,044)

 17,205 
–
 763 

 17,968 

 (5,640)
 1,356 
 – 
 (213)
–
–
–
 (249)

 (4,746)

 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 – 
 (64)
 – 

 (64)

 51,012 

 13,158 

 37,229 

 24,009 

 (455)

 62 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

22

 87,786 

 37,229

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

30

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2017

1 
a 

suMMArY oF siGniFiCAnt ACCountinG poliCies
Basis of preparation

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of this Financial Report and that of the previous financial 
year are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the financial years presented, unless 
otherwise stated. 

This Financial Report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations, and complies with other requirements of the law. The 
Financial Report comprises the consolidated financial statements of the Group and accompanying notes. For the purposes 
of preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Company is a for-profit entity. 

The Group is an entity of the kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financials/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 
2016/191, dated 24 March 2016, and in accordance with that Corporations Instrument amounts in the Directors’ Report 
and the financial statements are rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

All amounts are presented in Australian dollars.

The financial statements were authorised for issue by Directors on 19 February 2018.

Compliance with international Financial Reporting standards

Accounting Standards include Australian Accounting Standards. Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards 
ensures that the financial statements and notes of the Company and the Group comply with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’).

Historic cost convention

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost, except for certain financial 
instruments that are measured at fair value at the end of the reporting period. Historical cost is generally based on  
the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for goods and services. 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
between market participants at the measurement date, regardless of whether that price is directly observable or 
estimated using another valuation technique. In estimating the fair value of an asset or liability, the Group takes into 
account the characteristics of the asset or liability if market participants would take those characteristics into account 
when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Fair value for measurement and/or disclosure purposes  
in these consolidated financial statements is determined on such a basis, except for measurements that have some 
similarities to fair value but are not fair value, such as value in use in AASB 136 Impairment of Assets.

In addition, for financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorised into Level 1, 2 or 3 based on the 
degree to which the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and the significance of the inputs to the fair 
value measurement in its entirety, which are described as follows:

 >

 >

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can 
access at the measurement date;

Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, 
either directly or indirectly; and

 >

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the Financial Report requires the use of judgment, estimates and assumptions. Should different 
assumptions or estimates be applied, the resulting values may change, impacting the net assets and income of the 
Group. These estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. The nature of the significant estimates  
and judgments made are noted below.

31

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

1
a 

(i) 

SUMMARyOfSIgNIfICANTACCOUNTINgpOlICIES (cont.)
Basis of preparation (cont.)

Assessment of control and significant influence

Three of the funds that the Group manages (Moelis Australia Redcape Hotel Group, Global Wealth Partners Credit 
Opportunity Fund I and Moelis Australia Aged Care Fund) (each a “Fund”), have investors that include the Group,  
in its corporate capacity, and other funds the Group manages. The accounting treatment of the Group’s investment  
in a Fund depends on whether the Group is deemed to control the Fund (in which case the Fund is to be consolidated), 
or whether the Group has significant influence over the Fund (in which case the investment in the Fund is to be equity 
accounted). AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements sets out the factors to be taken into consideration when 
determining whether the power that the Group may have over a Fund constitutes control. The factors include considering 
the magnitude and variability of returns that the Group may receive by virtue of its remuneration as the Fund’s trustee  
or manager, its direct investment in the Fund and the holdings that other Moelis managed funds may have in the Fund. 
AASB 10 does not include a prescriptive method of calculation, nor a ‘bright line’ as to the level of magnitude or variability 
above which the Group would be deemed to control a Fund. The Group has undertaken the exercise of quantifying 
magnitude and variability of returns for each Fund, and has concluded that it does not control any of the Funds but  
does retain significant influence for each of them.

Refer to note 27 for financial information on the performance and financial position of each of the Funds.

(ii) 

Determining fair value of finite life intangible asset 

During the year the Group acquired Armada Funds Management, a real estate funds manager that earns revenue from 
existing fund management contracts and has the potential to generate additional revenue from the establishment of new 
funds. The aggregate value of the forecast profit generated from each existing fund has been recorded as an intangible 
asset. In determining the values of the forecast profit generated from each existing fund, a number of estimates and 
assumptions were required to be made including:

 >

 >

 >

 >

likely life of each fund;

assumptions as to revaluation of fund assets, maintenance of fee rates and transactional fees;

reduction in overheads as funds are terminated; and

appropriate discount rate to apply to forecast cashflows (refer to note 15 for further information).

(iii) 

impairment of intangible assets including goodwill

Determining whether goodwill or other intangible asset is impaired requires an estimation of the fair value less costs 
and/or the value in use of the cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation 
requires the Group to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash‑generating unit and a suitable 
discount rate in order to calculate present value. Where the actual future cash flows are less than expected, a material 
impairment loss may arise.

Information on the judgements used in determining the value in use is provided in note 14 for goodwill and note 15  
for intangible assets.

The carrying amount of goodwill at 31 December 2017 was $9.8 million (31 December 2016 $1.3 million). The carrying 
amount of intangible assets at 31 December 2017 was $15.6 million (31 December 2016 $nil).

(iv) 

employee benefits

Employee benefits include share rights granted to staff on commencement of employment and as part of the 2017 
bonus, the vesting of which are subject to continuous employment. The value of these grants is amortised over the 
vesting period, on the basis that employees do not leave prior to vesting. The value of the grant has been determined by 
reference to the trading in the Company’s shares. The amortising period commences from the date employees first had 
an expectation of receiving an equity component to their annual bonus, and was assessed as 1 March 2017. Determination 
of this date required a degree of judgement. Further information on share based payments is included in note 34.

32

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

(v) 

impairment of investments available for sale, interests in associates and joint ventures

Impairment exists when the carrying value of an asset or cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, which  
is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. The Group assesses impairment of non-financial assets 
(other than goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets) at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific 
to the Group and to the particular asset that may lead to impairment. If an impairment indicator exists, the recoverable 
amount of the asset is determined. This involves fair value less costs to sell or value-in-use calculations, which incorporate 
a number of key estimates and assumptions. Information about the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining 
the fair value of various assets and liabilities is disclosed in notes 27 and 29.

(vi) 

impairment of loans and receivables

The recovery of each loan and each account receivable balance is assessed individually. The assessment takes into 
account a range of factors including the age of the debt, prior history of the debtor, prior experience in recovery of similar 
debts and the particular circumstances of the debtor, for instance if it has entered into administration. Where full 
recovery is in doubt a provision for impairment is raised. For further information refer note 10. 

(vii)  options

The Company granted options to employees and its Chairman prior to its IPO. For accounting purposes, the fair value of 
the options is amortised as an expense over the life of the options. Determining the fair value for accounting purposes 
required a number of assumptions and judgements to be made, particularly as the Company’s shares had no prior 
history of traded price. Refer note 34 for details.

(viii)  Revenue recognition

Fees on Corporate Advisory assignments are typically subject to performance criteria and other conditions, including 
ones outside of the Group’s control. The Group is required to exercise judgement when recognising revenue, as to 
whether it is highly probable that any conditions attached to earning a fee will not affect its ultimate receipt.

b 

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by 
the Company. Control is achieved when the Company:

 > has power over the investee;

 >

is exposed to, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

 > has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are 
changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.

When the Company has less than a majority of the voting rights of an investee, it has power over the investee when  
the voting rights are sufficient to give it the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee unilaterally. 
The Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether or not the Company’s voting rights  
in an investee are sufficient to give it power, including:

 >

the size of the Company’s holding of voting rights relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of the other  
vote holders;

 > potential voting rights held by the Company, other vote holders or other parties;

 >

 >

rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

any additional facts and circumstances that indicate that the Company has, or does not have, the current ability  
to direct the relevant activities at the time that decisions need to be made, including voting patterns at previous 
shareholders’ meetings.

Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Company 
loses control of the subsidiary. Specifically, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year 
are included in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income from the date the Company 
gains control until the date when the Company ceases to control the subsidiary.

33

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

1
b 

SUMMARyOfSIgNIfICANTACCOUNTINgpOlICIES (cont.)
Basis of consolidation (cont.)

When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into 
line with the Group’s accounting policies.

All intra‑group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between members 
of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation.

c 

Revenue recognition

Fee and commission income includes fees from fund management, brokerage, corporate advisory, and underwriting and  
is recognised as the related services are performed. Where commissions and fees are subject to clawback or meeting 
certain performance hurdles, they are recognised as income when it is highly probable those conditions will not affect 
the outcome. Fee and commission income and expenses that are integral to the effective interest rate on a financial 
asset or liability are capitalised and included in the effective interest rate and recognised in the income statement over the 
expected life of the instrument. Performance fees from Moelis Australia managed unlisted funds are recognised when 
the fee can be reliably measured and its receipt is highly probable. Factors that are taken into consideration include:

 >

 >

the proportion of assets already realised;

returns on assets realised to-date;

 > downside valuation on remaining unrealised assets and reliability of those estimates; and

 > nature of unrealised investments and their returns.

Dividends and distributions are recognised as income when the Group becomes entitled to the dividend or distribution.

Interest income is brought to account using the effective interest method. The effective interest method calculates the 
amortised cost of a financial instrument and allocates the interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. 
The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash receipts or payments through the expected 
life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset  
or liability. Fees and transaction costs associated with loans are capitalised and included in the effective interest rate 
and recognised in the income statement over the expected life of the instrument.

Interest income is included with dividend and distribution income as “investment income” in the consolidated statement 
of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

d 

operating lease payments

Payments made under operating leases are recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the 
lease. In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised  
as a liability. The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight‑line basis, 
except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the 
leased asset are consumed.

e 

Foreign Currency Transactions

The financial statements of the Group are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the 
Group operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial 
position of the Group are expressed in Australian dollars (‘$’), which is the functional currency of the Group and the 
presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, transactions in currencies other than the Group’s functional currency 
(foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange 
differences arising on translation are recognised in the profit or loss. At the end of each reporting period, monetary items 
denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non‑monetary items carried at fair 
value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was 
determined. Non‑monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

The rate used to translate foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities balances at year end was USD 0.7807  
and CAD 0.9800.

34

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

f 

employee benefits

A liability is recognised for benefits accruing to employees in respect of wages and salaries, bonus, annual leave and long 
service leave in the period the related service is rendered.

Liabilities recognised in respect of short-term employee benefits, are measured at their nominal values using the 
remuneration rate expected to apply at the time of settlement.

Liabilities recognised in respect of long term employee benefits are measured as the present value of the estimated 
future cash outflows to be made by the Group in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date.

g 

Taxation

The Group is a tax‑consolidated group (Tax Group) under Australian taxation law, of which Moelis Australia Limited is  
the head entity. As a result, Moelis Australia Limited is subject to income tax as the head entity of the Tax Group. The 
consolidated current and deferred tax amounts for the Tax Group are allocated to the members of the Tax Group using 
the ‘separate taxpayer within group’ approach, with deferred taxes being allocated by reference to the carrying amounts 
in the financial statements of each member entity and the tax values applying under tax consolidation. Current tax 
liabilities and assets and deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and relevant tax credits arising from this 
allocation process are then accounted for as immediately assumed by the head entity, as under Australian taxation  
law the head entity has the legal obligation (or right) to these amounts.

Entities within the Tax Group have entered into a tax funding agreement and a tax sharing agreement with the head 
entity. Under the terms of the tax funding agreement, Moelis Australia Limited and its subsidiaries have agreed to pay  
a tax equivalent payment to or from the head entity equal to the tax liability or asset assumed by the head entity for that 
period as noted above. The amount arising under the tax funding arrangement for each period is equal to the tax liability 
or asset assumed by the head entity for that period and no contribution from (or distribution to) equity participants arises 
in relation to income taxes. 

The tax sharing agreement entered into between members of the Tax Group provides for the determination of the 
allocation of income tax liabilities between the entities should the head entity default on its tax payment obligations or if an 
entity should leave the Tax Group. The effect of the tax sharing agreement is that each company in the Tax Group’s liability 
for tax payable by the Tax Group is limited to the amount payable to the head entity under the tax funding arrangement.

Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit before tax as reported 
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income because of items of income or expense that are taxable or 
deductible in other years and items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated 
using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

deferred Tax

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the 
consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred 
tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences.

Deferred tax assets are generally recognised for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that 
taxable profits will be available against which those deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such deferred tax 
assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary differences arise from goodwill or from the initial recognition 
(other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit 
nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries  
and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary 
difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets 
arising from deductible temporary differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognised  
to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits against which to utilise the benefits of the 
temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that 
it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

35

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

SUMMARyOfSIgNIfICANTACCOUNTINgpOlICIES (cont.)
taxation (cont.)

1
g 
deferred tax (cont.)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the 
liability is settled or the asset realised, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted 
by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences 
that would follow from the manner in which the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle 
the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends 
to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Current and deferred tax for the year

Current and deferred tax are recognised in profit or loss, except when they relate to items that are recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case the current and deferred tax are also recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively. Where current tax or deferred tax arises from the initial 
accounting for a business combination, the tax effect is included in the accounting for the business combination.

h 

plant and equipment

Fixtures and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful 
lives, using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed 
at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis. 
The depreciation periods are: computer and office equipment 3 years, furniture and fittings 7 years and leasehold 
improvements are amortised over the term of the lease.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the 
difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in profit or loss.

i 

impairment of tangible and intangible assets other than goodwill

At the end of each reporting period, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to 
determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication 
exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). 
Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable 
amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. When a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation 
can be identified, corporate assets are also allocated to individual cash-generating units, or otherwise they are allocated 
to the smallest group of cash-generating units for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing value in use, the 
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a post‑tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows 
have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash‑generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the 
carrying amount of the asset (or cash‑generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is 
recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the 
impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

When an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash‑generating unit) is increased 
to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying 
amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating 
unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset 
is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

36

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

j 

provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event,  
it is probable that the Group will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount 
of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation 
at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. When a 
provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present 
value of those cash flows.

onerous contracts

Present obligations arising under onerous contracts are recognised and measured as provisions. An onerous contract  
is considered to exist where the Group has a contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations 
under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received from the contract.

loans and receivables

The recovery of each loan and each account receivable balance is assessed individually for any evidence of impairment. 
The assessment takes into account a range of factors including the age of the debt, prior history of the debtor, prior 
experience in recovery of similar debts and the particular circumstances of the debtor, for instance if it has entered into 
administration. Where full recovery is in doubt, a provision for impairment is raised.

k 

goods and services tax

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except:

(i)  where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority, it is recognised as part  

of the cost of acquisition of an asset or as part of an item of expense; or

(ii)  for receivables and payables that are recognised inclusive of GST.

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables  
or payables.

Cash flows are included in the cash flow statement on a gross basis. The GST component of cash flows arising from 
investing and financing activities that is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is classified within 
operating cash flows.

l 

share-based payments transactions of the group

Equity-settled share-based payments to employees and others providing similar services are measured at the fair value 
of the equity instruments at the grant date. Details regarding the determination of fair value of equity-settled share-based 
transactions are set out in note 34.

The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity‑settled share‑based payments is expensed on a straight‑line 
basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of equity instruments that will eventually vest, with a 
corresponding increase in equity. At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimate of the number  
of equity instruments expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in  
profit or loss such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment  
to the equity-settled employee benefits reserve.

Equity-settled share-based payment transactions with parties other than employees are measured at the fair value of 
the goods or services received, except where that fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which case they are measured 
at the fair value of the equity instruments granted, measured at the date the entity obtains the goods or the counterparty 
renders the service.

37

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

1
m 

SUMMARyOfSIgNIfICANTACCOUNTINgpOlICIES (cont.)
Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions  
of the instrument.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable 
to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at 
fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, 
as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial 
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Financial assets 

Financial assets are classified into the following specified categories: financial assets ‘at fair value through profit  
or loss’ (FVTPL), ‘held‑to‑maturity’ investments, ‘available‑for‑sale’ (AFS) financial assets and ‘loans and receivables’. 
The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial 
recognition. All regular way purchases or sales of financial assets are recognised and derecognised on a trade date 
basis. Regular way purchases or sales are purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within  
the time frame established by regulation or convention in the marketplace.

Available-for-sale financial assets (AFs financial assets)

AFS financial assets are non‑derivatives that are either designated as AFS or are not classified as (i) loans and receivables, 
(i) held‑to‑maturity or (iii) financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

Listed shares held by the Group that are traded in an active market are classified as AFS and are stated at fair value.  
The Group also has investments in unlisted shares that are not traded in an active market but that are also classified  
as AFS financial assets and are held at cost. Fair value is determined in the manner described in note 26. Gains and losses 
arising from changes in fair value are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the investments 
revaluation reserve, with the exception of impairment losses, which are recognised in profit or loss. Where the investment 
is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously accumulated in the investments 
revaluation reserve is reclassified to profit or loss.

impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting 
period. Financial assets are considered to be impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more 
events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment 
have been affected.

For AFS equity instruments, including listed or unlisted shares, objective evidence of impairment includes information 
about significant changes with an adverse effect that have taken place in the technological, market, economic or legal 
environment in which the issuer operates, and indicates that the cost of the investment in the equity instrument may  
not be recovered. A significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered  
to be objective evidence of impairment for shares classified as available‑for‑sale. 

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets.

When an AFS financial asset is considered to be impaired, cumulative gains or losses previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss in the period.

In respect of AFS equity securities, impairment losses previously recognised in profit or loss are not reversed through 
profit or loss. Any increase in fair value subsequent to an impairment loss is recognised in other comprehensive income 
and accumulated under the heading of investments revaluation reserve. In respect of AFS debt securities, impairment 
losses are subsequently reversed through profit or loss if an increase in the fair value of the investment can be 
objectively related to an event occurring after the recognition of the impairment loss.

38

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

Financial liabilities and equity instruments

Classification as debt or equity

Debt or equity instruments issued by a group entity are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance 
with the substance of the contractual arrangements and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument.

equity instruments

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its 
liabilities. Equity instruments issued by a group entity are recognised at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Repurchase of the Company’s own equity instruments is recognised and deducted directly in equity. No gain or loss  
is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Company’s own equity instruments.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities ‘at FVTPL’ or ‘other financial liabilities’. 

other financial liabilities

Other financial liabilities, including borrowings and trade and other payables, are initially measured at fair value,  
net of transaction costs.

n 

loans receivable

Loans and receivables are recognised at fair value on settlement date, when cash is advanced to the borrower and are 
held at amortised cost. A provision for impairment is recognised when there is objective evidence of impairment, and is 
calculated based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted using the original effective interest rate.

o 

goodwill

Goodwill arising on an acquisition of a business is carried at cost as established at the date of the acquisition of the 
business less accumulated impairment losses, if any.

For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Company’s cash-generating units (or groups 
of cash‑generating units) that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.

A cash-generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently  
where there is indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less 
than its carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated  
to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro rata based on the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.  
Any impairment loss for goodwill is recognised directly in profit or loss. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill  
is not reversed in subsequent periods.

On disposal of the relevant cash-generating unit, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination  
of the profit or loss on disposal.

p 

investments in associates and joint ventures

An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate 
in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies.

A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the 
net assets of the joint arrangement. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which 
exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

The results and assets and liabilities of associates or joint ventures are incorporated in these consolidated financial 
statements using the equity method of accounting.

39

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

1
p 

SUMMARyOfSIgNIfICANTACCOUNTINgpOlICIES (cont.)
investments in associates and joint ventures (cont.)

Under the equity method, an investment in an associate or a joint venture is initially recognised in the consolidated 
statement of financial position at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group’s share of the profit or loss and 
other comprehensive income of the associate or joint venture. When the Group’s share of losses of an associate or  
a joint venture exceeds the Group’s interest in that associate or joint venture (which includes any long‑term interests 
that, in substance, form part of the Group’s net investment in the associate or joint venture), the Group discontinues 
recognising its share of further losses. Additional losses are recognised only to the extent that the Group has incurred 
legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture. An investment in an 
associate or a joint venture is accounted for using the equity method from the date on which the investee becomes  
an associate or a joint venture. On acquisition of the investment in an associate or a joint venture, any excess of the  
cost of the investment over the Group’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the investee 
is recognised as goodwill, which is included within the carrying amount of the investment. Any excess of the Group’s 
share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities over the cost of the investment, after reassessment,  
is recognised immediately in profit or loss in the period in which the investment is acquired.

The requirements of AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement are applied to determine whether  
it is necessary to recognise any impairment loss with respect to the Group’s investment in an associate or a joint venture. 
When necessary, the entire carrying amount of the investment (including goodwill) is tested for impairment in accordance 
with AASB 136 Impairment of Assets as a single asset by comparing its recoverable amount (higher of value in use and 
fair value less costs of disposal) with its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognised forms part of the carrying 
amount of the investment. Any reversal of that impairment loss is recognised in accordance with AASB 136 to the extent 
that the recoverable amount of the investment subsequently increases.

q 

intangible assets

intangible assets acquired in a business combination

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and recognised separately from goodwill are initially recognised  
at their fair value at the acquisition date (which is regarded as their cost).

Subsequent to their initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are reported at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is recognised on a straight-line basis over 
their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful life and amortisation method are reviewed at the end of each reporting 
period, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis.

For intangible assets that have a finite useful life, an assessment is made at each reporting date for indications  
of impairment. 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 the 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 that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-
generating units). Intangible assets (other than goodwill) that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal  
of the impairment at each reporting date.

derecognition of intangible assets 

An intangible asset is derecognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. 
Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset, measured as the difference between the net disposal 
proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, are recognised in profit or loss when the asset is derecognised.

r 

Business combinations

Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business 
combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets 
transferred by the Group, liabilities incurred by the Group to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests 
issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition‑related costs are generally recognised in profit 
or loss as incurred.

At the acquisition date, the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are recognised at their fair value  
at the date of acquisition.

40

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non‑controlling 
interests in the acquiree, and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interests in the acquiree (if any)  
over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. If, after 
reassessment, the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed 
exceeds the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non‑controlling interests in the acquiree and  
the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held interest in the acquiree (if any), the excess is recognised immediately  
in profit or loss as a bargain purchase gain.

Non‑controlling interests that are present ownership interests and entitle their holders to a proportionate share of the 
entity’s net assets in the event of liquidation may be initially measured either at fair value or at the non-controlling interests’ 
proportionate share of the recognised amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The choice of measurement 
basis is made on a transaction-by-transaction basis.

When the consideration transferred by the Group in a business combination includes assets or liabilities resulting from  
a contingent consideration arrangement, the contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition-date fair value and 
included as part of the consideration transferred in a business combination. Changes in the fair value of the contingent 
consideration that qualify as measurement period adjustments are adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding 
adjustments against goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are adjustments that arise from additional information 
obtained during the ‘measurement period’ (which cannot exceed one year from the acquisition date) about facts and 
circumstances that existed at the acquisition date.

The subsequent accounting for changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration that do not qualify as measurement 
period adjustments depends on how the contingent consideration is classified. Contingent consideration that is classified 
as equity is not remeasured at subsequent reporting dates and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. 
Contingent consideration that is classified as an asset or a liability is remeasured at subsequent reporting dates in 
accordance with AASB 139 Financial Instruments, or AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, 
as appropriate, with the corresponding gain or loss being recognised in profit or loss.

When a business combination is achieved in stages, the Group’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured 
to its acquisition-date fair value and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognised in profit or loss. Amounts arising from 
interests in the acquiree prior to the acquisition date that have previously been recognised in other comprehensive 
income are reclassified to profit or loss where such treatment would be appropriate if that interest were disposed of.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination 
occurs, the Group reports provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. Those provisional 
amounts are adjusted during the measurement period (see above), or additional assets or liabilities are recognised,  
to reflect new information obtained about facts or circumstances that existed at the acquisition date that, if known, 
would have affected the amounts recognised at that date.

s 

earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the Group’s profit after income tax by the weighted average number  
of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the Group’s profit after income tax adjusted by profit attributable to 
all the dilutive potential ordinary shares by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares 
that would be issued on the exchange of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.

t 

Contributed equity

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown  
in equity as a deduction from the proceeds. Contributed equity includes shareholder contributions made prior to the 
Company’s IPO.

u 

Comparatives

Where necessary, comparative information has been restated to conform to changes in presentation in the current year.

41

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

AppliCAtion oF new AnD reviseD AustrAliAn ACCountinG stAnDArDs

2 
Amendments to Accounting standards that are mandatorily effective for the current reporting period

The Group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting 
Standards Board (the AASB) that are relevant to its operations and effective for an accounting period that begins  
on or after 1 January 2017.

AAsB 2014-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting standards – equity Method in separate Financial statements

The amendments to AASB 127 Separate Financial Statements, allow an entity to account for investments in subsidiaries, 
joint ventures and associates in its separate financial statements:

 > At cost;

 >

In accordance with AASB 9 Financial Instruments (or, where AASB 9 is not applied, AASB 139 Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement); or

 > Using the equity method as described in AASB 128 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures.

The company has continued to account for its investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates at cost in its 
separate financial statements.

AAsB 2015-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting standards – Annual improvements to Australian Accounting 
standards 2012-2014 Cycle

The Group has applied these amendments for the first time in the current year. The amendments impact various 
Accounting Standards, which are summarised below:

The amendments to AASB 134 Interim Financial Reporting make provision for disclosures required by the Standard to be 
given either in the interim financial statements or incorporated by cross-reference from the interim financial statements 
to some other statement that is available to users of the financial statements on the same terms as the interim financial 
statements and at the same time.

The application of these amendments has had no effect on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

AAsB 2015-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting standards – disclosure initiative: Amendments to AAsB 101

The Group has applied these amendments for the first time in the current year. The amendments clarify that an entity 
need not provide a specific disclosure required by an AASB if the information resulting from that disclosure is not material 
and give guidance on the bases of aggregating and disaggregating information for disclosure purposes. However,  
the amendments reiterate that an entity should consider providing additional disclosures when compliance with the 
specific requirements in AASB is insufficient to enable users of financial statements to understand the impact of 
particular transactions, events and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial performance.

In addition, the amendments clarify that an entity’s share of the other comprehensive income of associates and joint 
ventures accounted for using the equity method should be presented separately from those arising from the Group,  
and should be separated into the share of items that, in accordance with other Accounting Standards:

(a)  Will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss.

(b)  Will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss when specific conditions are met.

As regards the structure of the financial statements, the amendments provide examples of systematic ordering or grouping 
of the notes.

The application of these amendments has not had a material presentation impact on the financial performance or financial 
position of the Group.

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2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

standards and interpretations in issue not yet adopted

At the date of authorisation of the financial statements, the Group has not applied the following new and revised Australian 
Accounting Standards, interpretations and amendments that have been issued but not yet effective. The Group is currently 
assessing the impact of these standards.

sTAndARd/inTeRpReTATion

AASB 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, AASB 2010-7 Amendments  
to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 
(December 2010), AASB 2014‑1 Amendments to Australian 
Accounting Standards (Part E – Financial Instruments), AASB 
2014-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising 
from AASB 9 (December 2014)
AASB 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ and AASB 
2014-5 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising 
from AASB 15’, AASB 2015-8 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting 
Standards – Effective date of AASB 15’, AASB 2016-3 ‘Amendments 
to Accounting Standards – Clarifications to AASB 15’
AASB 16 ‘Leases’
AASB 2017-1 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
– Annual Improvements 2014-2016 Cycle and Other Amendments’
AASB 2016-5 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting  
Standards – Classification and Measurement of Share-based 
Payment Transactions’
AASB 2015-10 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
– Effective Date of Amendments to AASB 10 and AASB 128
AASB 2017-7 ‘Long Term Interests in Associates and  
Joint Ventures’ (amendments to AASB128)
AASB Interpretation 23: ‘Uncertainty Over Income Tax Treatments’ 
AASB2017-4 amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
– uncertainty over income tax treatments
AASB Interpretation 22: ‘Foreign Currency Transactions  
and Advance Considerations’

eFFeCTive FoR AnnUAl 
RepoRTing peRiods 
Beginning on oR AFTeR

expeCTed To Be 
iniTiAlly Applied in THe 
FinAnCiAl yeAR ending

1 January 2018

31 December 2018

1 January 2018
1 January 2019

31 December 2018
31 December 2019

1 January 2018

31 December 2018

1 January 2018

31 December 2018

1 January 2018

31 December 2018

1 January 2018

31 December 2018

1 January 2019

31 December 2019

1 January 2018

31 December 2018

AAsB 9 Financial instruments

AASB 9 issued in December 2009 introduced new requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets. 
AASB 9 was subsequently amended in December 2010 to include requirements for the classification and measurement 
of financial liabilities and for recognition, and in December 2013 to include the new requirements for general hedge 
accounting. Another revised version of AASB 9 was issued in December 2014 mainly to include: (a) impairment requirements 
for financial assets (b) limited amendments to the classification and measurement requirements by introducing a ‘fair value 
through other comprehensive income’ (FVTOCI) measurement category for certain simple debt instruments.

Key requirements of AASB 9:

 > All recognised financial assets that are within the scope of AASB 9 are required to be subsequently measured at 

amortised cost or fair value. Specifically, debt investments that are held within a business model whose objective is 
to collect the contractual cash flows, and that have contractual cash flows that are solely payments for principal and 
interest on the principal outstanding are generally measured at amortised cost at the end of subsequent accounting 
periods. Debt instruments that are held within a business model whose objective is achieved both by collecting 
contractual cash flows and selling financial assets, and that have contractual terms that give rise on specified dates 
to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding, are generally 
measured at FVTOCI. All other debt instruments and equity investments are measured at their fair value at the end 
of subsequent accounting periods. In addition, under AASB 9, entities may make an irrevocable election to present 
subsequent changes in the fair value of an equity investment (that is not held for trading) in other comprehensive 
income, with only dividend income generally recognised in profit or loss.

43

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

ApplICATIONOfNEwANDREVISEDAUSTRAlIANACCOUNTINgSTANDARDS (cont.)

2
standards and interpretations in issue not yet adopted (cont.)
aasB 9 financial instruments (cont.)

 > With regard to the measurement of financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss, AASB 9 

requires that the amount of changes in the fair value of a financial liability that is attributable to changes in the credit 
risk of that liability is presented in other comprehensive income, unless the recognition of such changes in other 
comprehensive income would create or enlarge an accounting mismatch in profit or loss. Changes in fair value 
attributable to a financial liability’s credit risk are not subsequently reclassified to profit or loss. Under AASB 139 
Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, the entire amount of the change in the fair value of the 
financial liability designated as fair value through profit or loss is presented in profit or loss.

 >

In relation to the impairment of financial assets, AASB 9 requires an expected credit loss model, as opposed to an 
incurred credit loss model under AASB 139. The expected credit loss model requires an entity to account for expected 
credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses at each reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk 
since initial recognition. In other words, it is no longer necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit 
losses are recognised.

 > The new general hedge accounting requirements retain the three types of hedge accounting mechanisms currently 
available in AASB 139. Under AASB 9, greater flexibility has been introduced to the types of transactions eligible  
for hedge accounting, specifically broadening the types of instruments that qualify for hedging instruments and the 
types of risk components of non-financial items that are eligible for hedge accounting. In addition, the effectiveness 
test has been overhauled and replaced with the principle of an ‘economic relationship’. Retrospective assessment of 
hedge effectiveness is also no longer required. Enhanced disclosure requirements about an entity’s risk management 
activities have also been introduced.

AASB 9 applies to annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The directors of the Company anticipate that the 
application of AASB 9 in the future may have a material impact on amounts reported in respect of the Group’s financial 
assets and financial liabilities. However, it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect of AASB 9 
until the Group undertakes a detailed review.

Based on an analysis of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities as at 31 December 2017 on the basis of the 
facts and circumstances that exist at that date, the directors of the Company have assessed the impact of AASB 9  
to include:

 >

Listed shares classified as available for sale as disclosed in note 26: these shares qualify for designation as 
measured at FVOCI under AASB 9, however, the fair value gains or losses accumulated in the investment revaluation 
reserve will no longer be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss under AASB 9, which is different from the current 
treatment. This will affect the amounts recognised in the Group’s profit or loss and other comprehensive income but 
will not affect total comprehensive income

 > Receivables and loans as disclosed in note 10 and 16: these assets require an assessment of impairment to be based 
on an expected credit loss model. While the Group’s history of credit losses on its trade receivables is low, the Group 
has recently provided commercial loans. The use of an expected credit loss model may result in a higher provision 
for bad debt expense.

AAsB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Group recognises revenue from the following major sources:

 > Advisory revenue from corporate advisory services

 > Commission revenue from institutional stockbroking services

 > Asset management fees from asset management services, including performance fees

The Directors have assessed that advisory revenue and performance fees have separate performance obligations 
within the stream. Revenue will be recognised when the performance obligations have been satisfied and when the 
goods and services underlying the particular performance obligation is transferred to the customer. This is similar to  
the current identification of separate revenue components under AASB 118 Revenue.

44

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

AAsB 16 leases

AASB 16 introduces a comprehensive model for the identification of lease arrangements and accounting treatments for 
both lessors and lessees. AASB 16 will supercede the current lease guidance including AASB 117 Leases and the related 
interpretations when it becomes effective.

AASB 16 distinguishes leases and service contacts on the basis of whether an identified asset is controlled by a 
customer. Distinctions of operating leases (off balance sheet) and finance leases (on balance sheet) are removed for 
lessee accounting, and are replaced by a model where a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability have to be 
recognised for all leases by lessees (i.e. all on balance sheet) except for short‑term leases or leases of low value assets.

The right‑of‑use asset is initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost (subject to certain exceptions) 
less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability. The lease 
liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at that date. Subsequently, the 
lease liability is adjusted for interest and lease payments, as well as the impact of lease modifications, amongst others. 
Furthermore, the classification of cash flows will also be affected as operating lease payments under AASB 117 are 
presented as operating cash flows; whereas under the AASB 16 model, the lease payments will be split into a principal 
and an interest portion which will be presented as financing and operating cash flows respectively.

In contrast to lessee accounting, AASB 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in AASB 117, 
and continues to require a lessor to classify a lease either as an operating lease or a finance lease.

Furthermore, extensive disclosures are required by AASB 16.

The Group has started an initial assessment of the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements. So far,  
the most significant impact identified is that the Group will recognise new assets and liabilities for the operating leases 
of its premises. In addition, the nature of the expenses related to those leases will now change as AASB 16 replaces the 
straight‑line operating lease expense with a depreciation charge for right‑of‑use assets and interest expense on lease 
liabilities. The Group has not yet decided whether it will use the optional exemptions. It is not practicable to provide a 
reasonable estimate of the financial effect until the directors complete the review.

AAsB 2016-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting standards – Classification and Measurement of share-Based 
payment Transactions

The amendments clarify the following:

1. 

In estimating the fair value of a cash-settled share-based payment, the accounting for the effects of vesting and 
non-vesting conditions should follow the same approach as for equity-settled share-based payments.

2.  Where tax law or regulation requires an entity to withhold a specified number of equity instruments equal to the 

monetary value of the employee’s tax obligation to meet the employee’s tax liability which is then remitted to the  
tax authority, i.e. the share‑based payment arrangement has a ‘net settlement feature’, such an arrangement should 
be classified as equity-settled in its entirety, provided that the share-based payment would have been classified as 
equity-settled had it not included the net settlement feature.

3.  A modification of a share-based payment that changes the transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled should  

be accounted for as follows:

(i)  the original liability is derecognised;

(ii)  the equity‑settled share‑based payment is recognised at the modification date fair value of the equity instrument 

granted to the extent that services have been rendered up to the modification date; and

(iii) any difference between the carrying amount of the liability at the modification date and the amount recognised in 

equity should be recognised in profit or loss immediately.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 with earlier application 
permitted. Specific transition provisions apply. The directors of the Company do not anticipate that the application of the 
amendments in the future will have a significant impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements as the Group 
does not have any cash‑settled share‑based payment arrangements or any withholding tax arrangements with tax 
authorities in relation to share-based payments.

45

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

ApplICATIONOfNEwANDREVISEDAUSTRAlIANACCOUNTINgSTANDARDS (cont.)

2
standards and interpretations in issue not yet adopted (cont.)

AAsB 2014-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting standards – sale or Contribution of Assets between an 
investor and its Associate or Joint venture AAsB 10 & AAsB 28 and AAsB 2015-10 Amendments to Australian 
Accounting standards – effective date of Amendments to AAsB 10 and AAsB 128

The amendments to AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and AASB 128 Investment in Associates and Joint 
Ventures deal with situations where there is a sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or 
joint venture. Specifically, the amendments state that gains or losses resulting from the loss of control of a subsidiary 
that does not contain a business in a transaction with an associate or joint venture that is accounted for using the equity 
method, are recognised in the parent’s profit or loss only to the extent of the unrelated investors’ interests in that associate 
or joint venture. Similarly, gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of investments retained in any former 
subsidiary (that has become an associate or joint venture that is accounted for using the equity method) to fair value  
are recognised in the former parent’s profit or loss only to the extent of the unrelated investors’ interests in the new 
associate or joint venture.

The effective date of the amendments was amended by AASB 2015-10 and now applies for annual reporting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The directors of the Company do not anticipate that the application of these 
amendments will have a significant impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

There are no other standards that are not yet effective and that would be expected to have a material impact on the entity 
in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

3 

Fee AnD CoMMission expense

Costs associated with execution and clearing of securities trading
Commissions and fees paid on asset management revenue

total fee and commission expense

2017  
$’000

961
5,820

6,781

2016  
$’000

1,075
7,590

8,665

4 
4.1 

seGMent inForMAtion
services from which reportable segments derive their revenues

AASB 8 Operating Segments requires the ‘management approach’ to disclose information about the Group’s reportable 
segments. The financial information is reported on the same basis as used by senior management for evaluating operating 
segment performance and for deciding how to allocate resources to operating segments.

The Group is divided into the following two operating segments: 

 > Corporate advisory and equities (“CA&E”); and

 > Asset management.

The corporate advisory and equities segment provides corporate advice, underwriting and institutional stockbroking 
services. 

The asset management segment provides asset and fund management services to Moelis managed funds and to 
individual clients.

Some of the financial information of the two operating segments used by Management is produced using different 
measures and different classifications to that used in preparing the statutory statement of comprehensive income. 
Differences in measurement may occur if Management disregards one‑off transactions costs or non‑cash expenses 
such as intangible amortisation in measuring the operating business’ performance. A description of these differences 
and their impact is included in the table below.

46

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

4.2 

segment revenues and results

The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and results from continuing operations by reportable segment.

2017

CA&e  
$000s

AsseT MAn 
$000s

ToTAl 
opeRATing 
segMenTs  
$000s

diFFeRenCes in 
MeAsUReMenT  
$000s

ClAssiFiCATion 
oF oTHeR  
CoMpReHensive 
inCoMe  
$000s

sTATeMenT oF 
CoMpReHensive 
inCoMe 
$000s

Fee and commission income

62,859

44,030

106,889

–

–

106,889

Net income1
Expenses2
Earnings before interest, tax 
and depreciation & amortisation

Interest income
Interest expense
Depreciation and amortisation
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Other comprehensive income

total comprehensive income

 63,756
 (43,262)

 43,412
 (22,282)

 107,168 
 (65,544)

 – 
 4,708 

 (3,274)
–

103,894
(60,836)

 20,494 

 21,130 

 41,624 

 4,708 

 (3,274)

43,058

 219 
 (98)
 (186)
 20,429 
 (6,232)
 14,197 
–

 14,197 

 721 
 (390)
 (80)
 21,381 
 (6,524)
 14,857 
–

 14,857 

 940 
 (488)
 (266)
 41,810 
 (12,756)
 29,054 
–

 29,054 

–
–
 (702)
 4,006 
 (1,201) 
 2,805 
–

 2,805 

–
–
–
 (3,274)
 982 
 (2,292)
 2,292 

 – 

940
(488)
(968)
 42,542 
 (12,975)
 29,567 
 2,292 
 31,859 

2016

CA&e  
$000s

AsseT MAn 
$000s

ToTAl 
opeRATing 
segMenTs  
$000s

diFFeRenCes in 
MeAsUReMenT  
$000s

ClAssiFiCATion 
oF oTHeR  
CoMpReHensive 
inCoMe 
$000s

sTATeMenT oF 
CoMpReHensive 
inCoMe 
$000s

Fee and commission income

 47,391 

 23,191 

 70,582 

–

–

 70,582 

Net income1
Expenses2
Earnings before interest, tax 
and depreciation & amortisation

Interest income
Interest expense
Depreciation and amortisation
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Other comprehensive income

total comprehensive income

 46,193 
 (33,637)

 15,601 
 (8,461)

 61,794 
 (42,098)

–
 (5,727)

 12,556 

 7,140 

 19,696 

 (5,727)

 263 
 – 
 (191)
 12,628 
 (3,788)
 8,840 
–

 8,840 

 68 
 – 
 (82)
 7,126 
 (2,138)
 4,988 
–

 4,988 

 331 
 – 
 (273)
 19,754 
 (5,926)
 13,828 
–

 13,828 

–
–
–
 (5,727)
 1,661 
 (4,066)
–

 (4,066)

464
–

464

–
–
–
 464
 (139)
 325 
 (325)

 – 

 62,258 
 (47,825)

 14,433 

331
 – 
(273)
 14,491 
 (4,404)
 10,087 
 (325)
 9,762

1  Excludes interest income which is shown on a separate line.

2  Excludes interest expense, depreciation and amortisation which are shown on separate lines.

47

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

4
4.2 

SEgMENTINfORMATION (cont.)
segment revenues and results (cont.)

diFFeRenCes in MeAsUReMenT

Listing costs1
Termination of Onerous Contract2
Armada acquisition adjustments3
Shares issued to staff as remuneration4
impact on profit before tax
Tax thereon

impact on profit after tax

2017  
$’000

 (989)
 (189)
 (3,262)
 8,446 

 4,006 
(1,201) 

2,805

2016  
$’000

–
 (5,727)
–
–

 (5,727)
 1,661 

 (4,066)

1  The costs relating to the Company’s Initial Public Offering.

2  Relates to an agreement accounted for as an onerous contract (refer note 35). The agreement was terminated in April 2017.

3  The adjustment for Armada comprises legal and other acquisition expenses, the amortisation of its intangible assets and the share based payment 

expenses relating to the shares issued to Armada’s vendors (now Group employees).

4 

In the financial statements the value of Share Rights granted to employees is amortised over the vesting period (which is up to five years), with only  
a portion of the value being expensed in 2017. The underlying result includes the full value of the grant as an expense in 2017.

4.3 

Revenue from major products and services

The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue from continuing operations from its major products and services.

Corporate advice
Equity services
Management fees
Transaction fees
Performance fees

segMenT

CA&E
CA&E
Asset Management
Asset Management
Asset Management

total revenue from major products and services

4.4  geographical information

The Group operates in Australia.

4.5 

information about major customers

2017  
$’000

52,298
10,561
35,745
8,285
–

106,889

2016  
$’000

36,737
10,654
21,824
820
547

70,582

Total revenue includes $18.8 million received from one of the funds managed by the Group. No other single customer 
contributed 10% or more to the Group’s revenue for both 2017 and 2016. 

5 

investMent inCoMe

Continuing operations
Interest income on cash and bank balances
Dividends and distributions from investments for available for sale financial assets

total investment income

2017  
$’000

 940 
 317 

 1,257 

2016  
$’000

 331 
 122 

 453 

Income relating to realised gains/(losses) on financial assets classified at fair value through profit or loss is included  
in ‘other gains and losses’ in note 6.

48

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

6 

other GAins AnD losses

Gain on disposal of available-for-sale investments
Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

total other gains and losses

7 
7.1 

inCoMe tAx
income tax recognised in profit or loss

Profit before tax from continuing operations
Prima facie tax at the Australian tax rate of 30%
Effect of income that is exempt from tax
Non‑deductible expenses
Sundry items

income tax expense

Represented by:
Current tax
Deferred tax

income tax expense

7.2 

income tax recognised in other comprehensive income

Deferred tax
Fair value remeasurement of available-for-sale investments
Share of revaluations in associates

income tax expense recognised in other comprehensive income

7.3 

Current tax assets and liabilities

Current tax liabilities
income tax payable

7.4 

deferred tax balances

Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

49

2017  
$’000

 3,902 
 (455)

 3,447 

2017  
$’000

 42,542 
 (12,763)
 207 
 (784)
 365

 (12,975)

 (10,786)
 (2,189)

 (12,975)

2017  
$’000

 572 
 (1,554)

(982)

2016  
$’000

 37 
 76 

 113 

2016  
$’000

 14,492 
 (4,348)
 – 
 (57)
 – 

 (4,405)

 (4,899)
494

 (4,405)

2016  
$’000

 139 
–

 139 

2017  
$’000

2016  
$’000

 5,957 

 4,498 

2017  
$’000

 (4,767)

2016  
$’000

 3,282 

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

7
7.4 

INCOMETAx (cont.)
deferred tax balances (cont.)

2017 
$’000

Plant & equipment
AFS financial assets
Interest in associates
Deferred revenue
Provisions
Doubtful debts
Expense accruals
Intangible assets
Share based payments
Other

total

2016 
$’000

Property, plant & equipment
AFS financial assets
Deferred revenue
Provisions
Doubtful debts
Expense accruals
Other

total

8 

interest expense

Interest on unsecured notes

total interest expense 

opening 
BAlAnCes

ReCognised in 
pRoFiT oR loss

ReCognised 
in oTHeR 
CoMpReHensive 
inCoMe

(aCquisitions)/
disposAls

Closing 
BAlAnCe

 44 
 (383)
–
 (1,027)
 4,061 
 16 
 505 
 – 
 – 
 66 

 3,282 

 (9)
 – 
975
242
 (2,818)
 227 
(1,308)
 211 
222
435

(1,823)

 – 
 572 
(1,554)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

(982)

 – 
 – 
–
 – 
 (365)
 – 
 – 
 (4,879)
 – 
 – 

 (5,244)

 35 
 189 
(579)
(785)
 878 
 243 
(803)
 (4,668)
222
501

(4,767)

opening 
BAlAnCes

ReCognised in 
pRoFiT oR loss

ReCognised 
in oTHeR 
CoMpReHensive 
inCoMe

ACqUisiTions/ 
disposAls

Closing 
BAlAnCe

 31 
 (522)
 (328)
 3,053 
 23 
 321 
 70 

 2,648 

 13 
 – 
 (700)
 1,009 
 (7)
 184 
 (4)

 495 

 – 
 139 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 139 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

2017  
$’000

 488 

 488 

2017  
$’000

 2,400 
903
989
1,745

6,037

 44 
 (383)
 (1,028)
 4,062 
 16 
 505 
 66 

 3,282 

2016  
$’000

 – 

 – 

2016  
$’000

11
611
 – 
 708 

 1,330 

Refer note 18, for more detail on the unsecured note programme.

9 

other expenses

Charitable donations
Professional fees
IPO costs
Other

total other expenses

The charitable donations paid by the Group in 2017 were made to the Moelis Australia Foundation, a registered charity, 
and were made in response to some Group staff members electing not to receive some or all of the bonus that they might 
otherwise have been awarded.

50

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

10 

reCeivABles

Accounts receivable
Fees receivable
Interest receivable
Affiliate receivable – Moelis & Company
Associate receivable – GWP Credit Fund
Sundry debtors
Provision for bad debts

total receivables

2017  
$’000

 836 
 15,857 
 26 
 – 
 – 
 1,123 
 (808)

 17,034 

2016  
$’000

 667 
 15,728
 38 
 185 
 588 
 245 
 (53)

 17,398

Fees receivable disclosed above include amounts (see below for aged analysis) that are past due at the end of the 
reporting period for which the Group has not recognised an allowance for doubtful debts because the amounts are still 
considered recoverable.

Age of receivables that are past due but not impaired

60-90 days
90-120 days

total
Average age (days)

Movement in the allowance for doubtful debts

Balance at beginning of the year
Impairment losses recognised on receivables
Amounts written off during the year as uncollectible
Impairment losses reversed

Balance at end of the year

2017  
$’000

 303 
 577 

 880 
 113 

2017  
$’000

 53 
 770 
 – 
 (15)

 808 

2016  
$’000

 – 
 114 

 114 
 135 

2016  
$’000

 78

 – 
 (25)

 53 

In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable, the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the  
trade receivable from the date credit was initially granted up to the end of the reporting period. 

Included in the allowance for doubtful debts are individually impaired trade receivables amounting to $770,000  
(31 December 2016 $nil) which have been placed under liquidation. The impairment recognised represents the difference 
between the carrying amount of these trade receivables and the present value of the expected liquidation proceeds.

11

OThERASSETS(CURRENT)

Prepayments
Loans to employees
Other

total other assets

2017  
$’000

 686 
 348 
 525 

 1,559 

2016  
$’000

 382 
 1,602 
 99 

 2,083 

51

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

2017  
$’000

 10,000 
 2,700 
 1,539 

 14,239 

2017  
$’000

 257 
 337 
 (207)
 387 

 202 
 45 
 (22)
 225 

–
 81 
 (4)
 77 

 207 
 342 
 (33)
 516 

 666 
 805 
 (266)

 1,205 

2016  
$’000

–
 500 
 1,273 

 1,773 

2016  
$’000

 241 
 193 
 (177)
 257 

 164 
 56 
 (18)
 202 

–
–
–
–

 285 
–
 (78)
 207 

 690 
 249 
 (273)

 666 

12 

restriCteD CAsh

Cash held by Employee Share Trust
Collateral held by equities clearing house
Cash supporting premises bonds

total restricted cash

13 

plAnt AnD equipMent

office equipment – at cost
Balance at beginning of year
Additions
Depreciation
Balance at end of year

Furniture and fixtures – at cost
Balance at beginning of year
Additions
Depreciation
Balance at end of year

Computer software – at cost
Balance at beginning of year
Additions
Depreciation
Balance at end of year

leasehold improvements – at cost
Balance at beginning of year
Additions
Depreciation
Balance at end of year

Consolidated
Balance at beginning of year
Additions
Depreciation expense

Balance at end of year

52

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

Office equipment – at cost
Less accumulated depreciation

total office equipment

Furniture and fixtures – at cost
Less accumulated depreciation

total furniture and fixtures

Computer software – at cost
Less accumulated depreciation

total computer software

Leasehold improvements – at cost
Less accumulated depreciation

total leasehold improvements

2017  
$’000

 1,391 
 (1,005)

 386 

 300 
 (75)

 225 

 81 
 (3)

 78 

 804 
 (288)

 516 

2016  
$’000

1,055
(798)

257

255
(53)

202

–
–

–

462
 (255)

207

total plant and equipment

 1,205 

 666

14  GooDwill

Cost
Accumulated impairment losses

total goodwill

Goodwill arose from:
Acquisition of Foresight Securities (2010)
Acquisition of Armada Funds Management (2017)

total goodwill

2017  
$’000

 9,827 
 – 

 9,827 

 1,326 
 8,501 

 9,827 

2016  
$’000

 1,326 
 – 

 1,326 

 1,326 
 – 

 1,326 

53

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

14 gOODwIll (cont.)
The recoverable amounts of the two items of goodwill are determined based on a value in use calculation which uses 
post‑tax cash flow projections based on financial budgets, using the following assumptions:

Timeframe
Post‑tax discount rate
CGU to which goodwill is allocated 
Amount of goodwill allocated to CGU (thousands)

FoResigHT

ARMAdA

5 years
7.0%
CA & E
1,326

5 years
8.5%
Asset Mangement
8,501

The following elements have been reflected in the calculation of the value in use:

1.  an estimate of future cash flows the entity expects to derive from the asset;

2.  the time value of money, represented by the current market risk-free rate of interest;

3.  the price for bearing the uncertainty inherent in the asset; and

4.  other factors, such as illiquidity, that market participants would reflect in pricing the future cash flows the entity 

expects to derive from the asset.

sensiTiviTy

A 5% reduction in cash flows
An increase in the post‑tax discount rate to 15% 
A decrease in exit value from 3.5% to 2.5%

15 

intAnGiBle Assets

Carrying amounts of:
Identifiable intangible assets – Armada Funds Management

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2017
Acquisitions through business combinations: Armada Funds Management

Balance at 31 December 2017

Accumulated amortisation and impairment
Balance at 1 January 2017
Amortisation expense

Balance at 31 December 2017

 iMpACT on iMpAiRMenT 
AssessMenT 

no impact
no impact
no impact

2017  
$’000

2016  
$’000

 15,560 

 – 
 16,262 

 16,262 

 – 
 (702)

 (702)

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

During the year, the Group acquired all of the shares in Rockford Pty Ltd, the holding company of Armada Funds 
Management a real estate fund manager (refer note 33 for details of the acquisition). Of the total consideration, 
$16,262,000 was attributed to the aggregate value of the management rights of each of Armada’s existing funds.

54

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

The aggregate value of intangible assets acquired was determined as the net present value of the forecast management 
fees less operating expenses, based on the expected lives of each fund which ranged from 2 years and 7 months to 7 years 
and nine months.

The amortisation of the aggregate value of the intangible assets over their useful lives is based on the forecast profile  
of the profit generated by the management of the funds, and is reassessed at the end of each reporting period.

The aggregate recoverable amount of the intangible assets is determined based on a value in use calculation which uses 
post‑tax cash flow projections based on financial budgets over 8 years and a post‑tax discount rate of 8.5% per annum.

The following elements have been reflected in the calculation of the value in use:

1.  expectations as to the likely lives of each fund (ranging from 2 years to 7 years and nine months).

2.  expectations about variations to management fee rates, and amount and timing of transactional fees.

3.  the reduction in operating costs as individual funds terminate.

4.  a discount rate that reflects the relative security of the cashflows.

sensiTiviTy

An increase in the discount rate to 10.5% 
A decrease in the expected life of each fund by one year 

16 

loAns reCeivABle

Loans to employees
Loans to third parties

total loans receivable

 iMpACT on iMpAiRMenT 
AssessMenT 

no impact
$1.3m

2017  
$’000

 – 
 42,500

 42,500 

2016  
$’000

 243 
–

 243 

Loans to third parties comprise two commercial loans provided to Australian corporates in December 2017. The  
loans have terms of between one and three years and are secured against the assets of the borrowers. The loans are 
considered non-investment grade and carry a commensurately higher rate of interest. The loans are the initial assets  
of a new managed fund, Moelis Australia Senior Secured Credit Fund II, managed by the Group and is currently being 
marketed to prospective investors.

17 

trADe AnD other pAYABles

Trade creditors
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Affiliate payable – Moelis & Company
Other liabilities
GST payable (net)

total trade and other payables

18 

BorrowinGs

unsecured notes

2017  
$’000

 101 
 7,128 
 164 
 1,819 
 894 

 10,106

2017  
$’000

 32,150 

2016  
$’000

 35 
 4,361 
 69 
 – 
 639 

 5,104 

2016  
$’000

 – 

Unsecured notes were issued on 18 September 2017 with an interest rate of 5.25% per annum at $32.15 million principal 
value. The maturity date is 18 September 2020. Issue costs of $24,187 were incurred.

55

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

19 

provisions

Employee benefits*
Onerous Contract – refer note 35

total provisions

Current
Non‑current

total provisions

2017  
$’000

 15,794 
 – 

 15,794 

 14,405
 1,389 

 15,794 

2016  
$’000

 17,787 
 13,101 

 30,888

 30,277
 611 

 30,888

*  The provision for employee benefits represents annual leave, long service leave and bonus entitlements accrued. The reduction in the carrying amount 

of the current provision relating to employee benefits is due to the reduction in the bonus accrual as a result of part of the current year bonus being 
paid in Share Rights rather than cash and therefore being amortised over the vesting period.

20  ContriButeD equitY AnD shAre options 
20.1  Contributed equity

ordinary shares – fully paid

Contributed equity at 1 January 2016*
Movements

Contributed equity at 31 December 2016

Initial public offering
Acquisition of Armada Funds Management (refer note 33)
Issue to Redcape executives
Issue to Employee Share Trust
Placements

issue of ordinary shares
Cost of issuing Shares

Treasury shares (shares held by Employee Share Trust)**

Contributed equity at 31 December 2017

2017  
$’000

2016 
$’000

 191,507 

 14,796 

nUMBeR  
oF sHARes

 100,000,000 
 – 

 100,000,000 

 25,000,000 
 6,382,979 
 130,718 
296,079
22,000,000

53,809,776
 – 

 153,809,776 
(546,079)

 153,263,697 

 ConTRiBUTed 
eqUiTy  
$’000

 14,796 
 – 

 14,796 

 58,750 
 10,085 
400
906
110,000

180,141
 (1,419)

 193,518 
 (2,011)

 191,507 

*  Number of Shares for the 2016 comparative is adjusted for the pre‑listing Share split.

**  Of the 546,079 Shares held by the Employee Share Trust, 250,000 were acquired on market at an average price of $4.42 per share.

The Company had authorised share capital amounting to 153,809,776 ordinary shares at 31 December 2017  
(2016: 100,000,000). Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on the winding  
up of the Company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. The fully paid ordinary  
shares have no par value.

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.

20.2  share options 

During the year the Company granted Share Options to employees, giving them the right to acquire Shares at  
a future date at a fixed price. As at 31 December 2017 there were 5.8 million Share Options outstanding (2016: nil).  
Refer to note 34 for more detail. 

56

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

21  DiviDenDs

ordinary shares
Pre‑IPO dividend fully franked at a 30% tax rate

total

2017  
$’000

 31,000 

 31,000 

2016  
$’000

 – 

 – 

Adjusted franking account balance

 3,249 

 7,713 

22  CAsh AnD CAsh equivAlents
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period are reflected in the related items in the statement of 
financial position as follows:

Cash and bank balances

reconciliation of profit for the year to net cash flows from operating activities
Profit after income tax
Adjustments to profit after tax:
Income tax expense recognised in profit or loss
Net foreign exchange (gain)/loss
Realised gain on AFS investments
IPO costs
Share based payments
Intangible amortisation
Share of profits of associates less distributions received
Doubtful debts expense
Depreciation of non-current assets

Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
(Increase)/decrease in other assets
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables
Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities
Increase/(decrease) in provisions 

Cash generated from operations
Income taxes (paid)/refunded

net cash generated by operating activities

2017  
$’000

2016  
$’000

87,786 

 37,229 

 29,567 

 10,087 

 12,974 
 456 
 (3,902)
 989 
 5,181 
 703 
 (23)
 685 
 266 

 4,405 
 (76)
 (37)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (22)
 273 

 46,896 

 14,630 

 130 
 523 
 5,002 
 216 
 (15,093)

 37,674
 (9,328)

 28,346 

 (7,395)
 1,514 
 263 
 (12)
 8,205 

 17,205 
 763 

 17,968 

57

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

23  operAtinG leAses
23.1 

leasing arrangements

Moelis Australia Operations Pty Limited signed a tenancy lease on premises at Level 34, 120 Collins Street Melbourne 
which commenced in January 2015 and is due to expire in December 2021.

Moelis Australia Operations Pty Limited signed a tenancy lease on premises at Level 27 Governor Phillip Tower,  
Sydney which commenced in January 2016 and expires in December 2021. A lease was signed for additional space  
on Level 28 Governor Phillip Tower, Sydney which commenced in July 2017 and expires in December 2021.

23.2  payments recognised as an expense

Minimum lease payments

total payments recognised as an expense

23.3  non-cancellable operating lease commitments

Current 
2 to 5 years 
> 5 years

total non-cancellable operating lease commitments

24  reMunerAtion oF AuDitors

Auditor of the parent entity
Audit or review of the financial report
Advisory related services
Tax related services

total remuneration

The auditor of Moelis Australia Limited is Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

2017  
$’000

 1,808 

 1,808 

2017  
$’000

 2,168 
 7,408 
 – 

 9,576 

2017  
$’000

 398 
 454 
 125 

 977 

2016  
$’000

 1,555 

 1,555 

2016  
$’000

 1,633 
 7,312 
 – 

 8,945 

2016  
$’000

 179 
 – 
 31 

 210 

58

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

25  personnel expenses

Amortisation of share‑based payments (refer note 34)
Termination benefits
Salary, superannuation and bonuses paid in cash
Other personnel related expenses, including recruitment fees, payroll tax, 
insurance, consultants and contractors

total personnel expenses

2017  
$’000

5,175
 299 
 34,317 

5,134 

 44,925 

2016  
$’000

 – 
 – 
 32,018 

 3,112 

 35,130 

In 2017 some Group staff members elected not to receive some or all of the bonus that they might otherwise have  
been awarded. In recognition of this, the Group chose to donate $2.4 million to the Moelis Australia Foundation,  
a registered charity.

26  other FinAnCiAl Assets

Current
Listed securities – available for sale

non-current
Listed securities – available for sale
Unlisted securities

total other financial assets

27 

investMents in AssoCiAtes AnD Joint ventures

Acure Asset Management Ltd (Acure)
GWP Credit Opportunity Fund No 1 (Credit Op Fund)
Moelis Australia Redcape Hotel Group (Redcape)
Encore Care Group Pty Ltd (Encore)
Encore Care Trust (Encore Trust)
Moelis Australia Aged Care Fund (Aged Care Fund)

total investments in associates and joint ventures

2017  
$’000

2016  
$’000

 30,459 

 2,703 

 277 
 4,486 

 4,763 

2017  
$’000

 2,501 
 1,012 
 48,147 
–
 1,440 
 6,866 

 59,966 

 210 
 1,420 

 1,630 

2016  
$’000

 1,500 
 3,742 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 5,242 

59

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

INVESTMENTSINASSOCIATESANDjOINTVENTURES (cont.)

27
27.1  details of ownership interest activities

AssoCiATe

Acure
Encore
Encore Trust
Credit Op Fund
Redcape
Aged Care Fund

nATURe oF 
inTeResT

Joint Venture
Joint Venture
Joint Venture
Associate
Associate
Associate

plACe oF 
opeRATion

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

ACTiviTy

Fund manager
Aged care facility operator
Aged care facility owner
Investor in debt
Hotel owner and operator
Aged care facility operator

proportion oF ownership 
interest AnD votinG 
power helD BY the Group

2017

50.0%
50.0%
50.0%*
21.5%
10.1%
10.0%

2016

50.0%
 0% 
 0% 
21.5%
 0% 
 0% 

* 

the % shown is that of ordinary shares. Encore Trust also has preferred equity on issue. The Group’s % of all Encore Trust’s equity as at 31 December 
2017 was 7.6%.

27.2  Reconciliation of movements in carrying values

CRediT op 
FUnd

enCoRe

enCoRe 
TRUsT

RedCApe

Aged CARe 
FUnd

$’000

Opening value as at 1 January 2016
Acquisition
Disposals and capital returns
Share of profit/(loss) of associates 
and joint ventures for the year
Less dividends/distributions received 

ACURe

 1,500 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 4,330 
 (588)

 – 
 – 

 107 
 (107)

Closing value as at 31 December 2016

 1,500 

 3,742 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

ToTAl

 1,500 
 4,330 
 (588)

 107 
 (107)

 5,242 

Acquisition
Disposals and capital returns
Share of profit/(loss) of associates 
and joint ventures for the year
Share of other comprehensive 
income of associates and joint 
ventures for the year
Less dividends/distributions received 

 – 
 – 

 – 
 (3,550)

 310 
 – 

 1,440 
 – 

 46,000 
 – 

 7,000 
 – 

 54,750 
 (3,550)

 1,001 

 820 

 (310)

 – 

 (1,354)

 (134)

 23 

 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 5,179 
 (1,678)

 – 
 – 

 5,179 
 (1,678)

 1,440 

 48,147 

 6,866 

 59,966 

Closing value as at 31 December 2017

 2,501 

 1,012

60

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

27.3  summarised financial information for the group’s material associates and joint ventures.

$’000

2016
Current assets
Non‑current assets
Current liabilities
Non‑current liabilities
Net assets

The above amounts of assets and liabilities 
include the following:
Cash and cash equivalents

Revenue
Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive income for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year

2017
Assets and liabilities
Current assets
Non‑current assets
Current liabilities
Non‑current liabilities
Net assets

The above amounts of assets and liabilities 
include the following:
Cash and cash equivalents

Revenue, expenses and results
Revenue 
Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive income for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year

ACURe

CRediT op 
FUnd

enCoRe

enCoRe 
TRUsT

RedCApe

Aged  
CARe FUnd

3,377
102
(550)
–
 2,929 

 11,119 
 6,917 
 (670)
 – 
 17,366 

 1,323 

743

3,461
 779 
 – 
 779 

 549 
 498 
 – 
 498 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 4,704 
 45 
 (943)
 (18)
 3,788 

 4,714 
 – 
 (19)
 – 
 4,695 

 674 
 35,342 
 (772)
 (35,471)
 (227)

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 1,576 

27,909
 37,869  820,464
 (42,495)
(338,241)
467,637

 – 
 (21,382)
 18,063 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 186 
 67,226 
 – 
 – 
 67,412 

 1,329 

49

 458 

 1,575 

 16,255 

 186 

3,842
 859 
 – 
 859 

 3,961 
 3,805 
 – 
 3,805 

 96 
 (846)
 – 
 (846)

 341 
 227 
 – 
 227 

 116,855 
 (13,344)
 51,055 
 37,711 

 – 
 (1,344)
 – 
 (1,344)

61

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

INVESTMENTSINASSOCIATESANDjOINTVENTURES (cont.)

27
27.4  Further information on Moelis Australia Aged Care Fund

The Aged Care Fund holds a controlling stake in the Infinite Care Group, an operator of aged care facilities.

The magnitude and variability of returns the Group receives from the Aged Care Fund, including the fees it earns as 
trustee and asset manager and the investment return on its 10% holding, is such that the Group is not considered to 
control the Aged Care Fund. Its 10% direct holding in addition to its roles as trustee and asset manager is considered 
sufficient for the Group to retain significant influence over the Aged Care Fund.

27.5  Further information on Moelis Australia Redcape Hotel group

Moelis Australia Redcape Hotel Group (“Redcape”) owns and operates 25 hotels, offering food & beverage, takeaway 
liquor and gaming. The Moelis Australia Group is the trustee of Redcape and performs hotel operating and asset 
management services. 

In July 2017 Redcape raised $393.5 million in equity in order to acquire the Redcape hotel portfolio for a price of 
$677 million, plus associated business assets and liabilities and acquisition costs. In December 2017 Redcape raised  
a further $60 million to assist with funding additional hotel acquisitions. The Group subscribed for $40 million of  
equity in July 2017 and $6 million in December 2017.

A summary of Redcape’s balance sheet at 31 December 2017 is as follows:

Cash
Freehold going concern hotels
Other assets
Total assets

Creditors and accruals
Borrowings
Provision for distributions
Other liabilities
Total liabilities

Net assets

A summary of Redcape’s income statement for the period ending 31 December 2017 is as follows:

Operating profit
Acquisition costs
Portfolio revaluation
total comprehensive income

2017  
$’000

 16,255 
 807,815
24,303
848,373

 (32,181)
(337,050)
 (9,021)
 (2,483)
 (380,736)

467,637

 16,014 
 (29,359)
 51,055 
 37,710 

Redcape comprises two trusts, Moelis Australia Redcape Hotel Trust No. 1 and No. 2. The Group owns an equal number 
of units in both trusts and invested in Redcape to gain exposure to the risks and returns flowing from Redcape’s hotel 
portfolio, without regard to how the returns may be realised in the individual trusts. Further the Group has provided an 
undertaking to the trustee of the two trusts, that it will not sell any of the units it owns in one trust without also selling  
an equal number of units in the other trust. Consequently the Group considers its investment in Redcape as a single 
investment. Accordingly the financial information provided in this note 27 has been prepared on a consolidated basis,  
as if the two trusts were stapled. 

As at 31 December 2017 the Group owned 10.1% of Redcape and funds managed by the Group own 41.8% of Redcape. 
The magnitude and variability of returns the Group receives from the Redcape, including the fees it earns as trustee, asset 
manager and hotel operator, the increase in fees it earns through the 41.8% owned by other Moelis managed funds and 
the investment return on its direct 10.1% holding, is such that the Group is not considered to control Redcape. Its 10.1% 
direct holding in addition to its roles as trustee, asset manager and hotel operator is considered sufficient for the Group 
to retain significant influence over Redcape.

62

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

28  pArent entitY DisClosures
As at, and throughout, the financial year ended 31 December 2017 the parent entity of the group was Moelis Australia Limited.

result of the parent entity
Profit/(loss) for the period
Other comprehensive income

total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

Financial position of parent entity at year end
Current assets
Total assets

Current liabilities
Total liabilities

total equity of the parent entity comprising of:
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained earnings

total equity

2017  
$’000

 31,421 
 63 

 31,484 

 201,239 
 208,673 

 6,673 
 6,673 

 191,507 
 7,716 
 2,777 

 202,000 

2016  
$’000

 4,042 
 (158)

 3,884 

 14,208 
 21,642 

 4,556 
 4,556 

 14,796 
 0 
 2,290 

 17,086 

parent entity contingencies

The parent entity had no contingencies at year end other than those already disclosed in the financial statements.

parent entity guarantees in respect of the debts of its subsidiaries

There are no guarantees currently in place in relation to the debts of the parent entity’s subsidiaries.

29 
FinAnCiAl instruMents
29.1  Financial risk management objectives

The Group’s principal financial assets comprise cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, commercial loans 
and investments in listed and unlisted securities. The Group’s principal financial liabilities comprise trade and other creditors 
and borrowings.

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: for example, market risk (including interest rate risk  
and foreign currency risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the 
unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to ensure the potential adverse effects on the financial performance  
of the Group are kept to within acceptable limits. The Group uses different methods to measure different types of risk  
to which it is exposed. These methods include sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate risk, and ageing analysis 
for credit risk.

Risk management is carried out by senior management and the Board. The Board identifies and monitors the risk 
exposure of the Group and determines appropriate procedures, controls and risk limits. Senior management identifies, 
evaluates and monitors financial risks within the Group’s operations. 

There has been no change to the nature of the financial risks the Group is exposed to, or the manner in which these 
risks are managed and measured, other than the risks introduced as a result of the issuance of loan notes. The issuance 
of loan notes introduces an additional level of liquidity risk and an additional consideration for the management of the 
Group’s capital.

63

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

fINANCIAlINSTRUMENTS (cont.)
29
29.1  financial risk management objectives (cont.)

CATegoRies oF FinAnCiAl insTRUMenTs

Financial assets
Cash and bank balances
Commercial loans
Other receivables
Listed and unlisted equity securities
Other assets

Financial liabilities
Creditors including tax payable
Unsecured notes

29.2  Capital management

2017  
$’000

2016  
$’000

 102,025 
 42,500 
 17,034 
 35,222 
 874

 39,002 
 – 
 17,397 
 4,333 
 1,944

 16,119 
 32,150 

 9,714 
 – 

The capital structure of the Group consists of net cash (cash and bank balances offset by the unsecured notes detailed 
in note 18) and equity (comprising contributed equity, retained earnings and reserves). 

The Group manages its capital with the aim of ensuring that the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while 
maximising the return to shareholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The Group’s overall 
strategy remains unchanged from 2016.

The Group’s borrowings comprise unsecured loan notes (2017 $32 million, 2016 Nil) repayable on 18 September 2020. 
Except for the obligation to pay periodic interest and repay the principal at the end of the term, the terms of the loan 
notes do not include any material undertakings or obligations that, if not complied with, would result in the acceleration 
of the amount owing. 

A subsidiary of the Group, Moelis Australia Securities Pty Ltd, is a market participant on the ASX and therefore has an 
externally imposed capital requirement. In addition, the subsidiaries Moelis Australia Securities Pty Ltd, Moelis Australia 
Advisory Pty Ltd, Moelis Australia Asset Management Ltd and Mendoza Ltd all have Australian Financial Services 
Licenses which require the maintenance of a minimum level of net assets.

29.3  Foreign currency risk

The Group undertakes transactions denominated in foreign currencies, including fees on corporate advisory engagements 
and expenditure, principally on information technology and data services. The Group does not manage its exposure to 
advisory revenue denominated in foreign currency until fees are invoiced, as generally the receipt of revenue is too 
uncertain prior to invoicing. Foreign currency debtors and foreign currency bank balances are periodically reviewed 
relative to the Group’s balance sheet and liquidity requirements. Revenue received in foreign currency is sometimes 
retained in those currencies rather than converted into Australian dollars, in order to meet future foreign currency 
denominated expenses or to take advantage of potential future movements in exchange rates. While holding foreign 
currency balances assists in reducing exposure to adverse movements in exchange rates on future foreign currency 
denominated expenditure, it also creates exposure to adverse unrealised losses upon revaluation of the foreign currency 
balances themselves, and realised losses should the Group choose to convert the foreign currency balances into 
Australian dollars at a future date rather than retain them to satisfy future foreign currency denominated expenditure.

64

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the end 
of the reporting period are as follows:

Currency of USA

Currency of USA
Currency of Canada

2017  
$’000

2016  
$’000

liABilities

 216 

 69 

Assets

 8,189 
 1,286 

 5,041 
 1,300 

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% increase and decrease in the Australian dollar against the 
relevant foreign currencies. 10% represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in foreign 
exchange rates. The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and 
adjusts their translation at the year end for a 10% change in foreign currency rates. A negative number below indicates  
a reduction in profit where the Australian dollar strengthens 10% against the relevant currency. For a 10% weakening  
of the Australian dollar against the relevant currency, there would be a comparable impact on the profit, and the 
balances below would be positive.

Profit or loss

Profit or loss

2017  
$’000

2016  
$’000

usD iMpACt

 (797)

 (497)

CAD iMpACt

 (129)

 (130)

The Group’s sensitivity to foreign currency has increased during the current year mainly due to the receipt of US dollar 
receivables that have been maintained in a US dollar denominated bank account.

29.4 

interest rate risk

The Group is exposed to decrease in interest rates reducing the interest income earned on its cash at bank and its 
commercial loans.

The Group’s borrowings via unsecured notes (refer note 18) are subject to a fixed rate of interest.

interest rate sensitivity analysis

A 1% increase or decrease in interest rates represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change  
in interest rates.

If interest rates had been 1% higher or lower and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s profit for the year 
ended 31 December 2017 would be impacted by $612,000 (2016: $258,000).

The Group’s sensitivity to interest rates has increased during the current year due to the increase in cash at bank.

65

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

fINANCIAlINSTRUMENTS (cont.)

29
29.5  equity investment market price risk

The Group is exposed to decreases in the market prices of its equity investments, which would cause a decrease in their 
carrying value and may result in a lower realised profit on sale. 

If market prices had been 5% higher or lower:

 > profit for the year ended 31 December 2017 and 2016 would have been unaffected, as the investments are classified 

as available-for-sale and no investments were disposed of or impaired; and

 > other comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2017 would be impacted by $1,761,100 (2016: $433,000) 

as a result of changes in fair value of available-for-sale shares.

The Group’s sensitivity to market prices increased from the prior year, due to higher value of equity investments.

29.6  Credit risk management

Credit risk management is the risk that a counterparty defaults on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to 
the Group. A default may arise through a counterparty failing to repay loans and interest thereon, and through failing to 
meets it obligation to pay invoiced fees.

(i) 

invoices for services

The credit worthiness of clients is taken into account when accepting client assignments, however the nature of the 
Group’s advisory work includes engaging with clients that are under financial stress and where the risk of non-payment  
of invoices is elevated.

Receivables consist of a number of customers, spread across diverse industries and geographical areas. Ongoing  
credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition of accounts receivable.

As at 31 December 2017 the Group does not have a significant credit risk exposure to any single customer. Note 10 
includes an ageing of receivables past due. 

(ii) 

Commercial loans

The Group provided two commercial loans in December 2017 for $25.5 million and $17.0 million. The loans are secured by 
charges over the assets of the borrowers. The loans are considered non-investment grade and carry a commensurately 
higher rate of interest.

Credit risk analysis is focussed on ensuring that risks have been fully identified and that the downside risk is properly 
understood and acceptable.

(iii) 

Cash balances

The credit risk of the banks holding the Group’s cash is considered limited because the banks have high credit ratings 
assigned by international credit rating agencies.

29.7  liquidity risk management

Liquidity risk is the risk that financial obligations of the Group cannot be met as and when they fall due without incurring 
significant costs. The Group manages liquidity risk by monitoring forecast cash requirements, both short and longer term, 
against its current liquid assets (primarily cash and listed investments). In determining the level of liquidity to maintain, 
regard is had to cash flows required over the next 12 months, regulatory obligations such as Australian Financial Services 
Licence requirements and financial covenants attached to any relevant contractual obligations of the Group.

66

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

liquidity and interest rate tables

The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities.  
The tables have been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date 
on which the Group can be required to pay.

liABiliTies $'000

31 December 2017
Non‑interest bearing
Fixed interest rate 
instruments*

total

31 December 2016
non-interest bearing

WeigHTed 
AveRAge 
eFFeCTive 
inTeResT 
RATe

less THAn  
1 MonTH

1-3 months

3-12 months

1-5 years

5+ yeARs

ToTAl

–

6,500

1,788

7,291

489

5.3%

–

6,500

–

1,788

–

7,291

32,150

32,639

56

–

56

16,124

32,150

48,274

–

3,625

880

655

55

0

5,215

The following table details the Group’s expected maturity for its non‑derivative financial assets. The table has been 
drawn up based on the undiscounted contractual maturities of the financial assets. The inclusion of information on 
non-derivative financial assets is necessary in order to understand the Group’s liquidity risk management as the liquidity 
is managed on a net asset and liability basis.

AsseTs $'000

31 December 2017
Non‑interest bearing
Variable interest rate 
instruments*

total

31 December 2016
Non‑interest bearing
Variable interest rate 
instruments*

total

WeigHTed 
AveRAge 
eFFeCTive 
inTeResT 
RATe

less THAn  
1 MonTH

1-3 months

3-12 months

1-5 years

5+ yeARs

ToTAl

4,475

10,938

34,494

14,698

5.4%

87,786

92,261

12,000

22,938

17,000

51,494

27,739

42,437

13,973

2,271

3,367

4,063

2.0%

37,229

51,202

–

2,271

–

3,367

1,774

5,837

–

–

–

–

–

–

64,605

144,525

209,130

23,674

39,003

62,677

* 

interest receivable or payable on interest bearing assets and liabilities is included in the non-interest bearing cash flows.

The amounts included above for variable interest rate instruments for both non-derivative financial assets and liabilities 
is subject to change if changes in variable interest rates differ to those estimates of interest rates determined at the end 
of the reporting period.

67

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

fINANCIAlINSTRUMENTS (cont.)

29
29.8  Fair value of financial instruments

This note provides information about how the Group determines fair values of various financial assets and financial liabilities.

29.8.1   Fair value of the group’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value  

on a recurring basis

Some of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting 
period. The following table gives information about how the fair values of these financial assets and financial liabilities 
are determined (in particular, the valuation technique(s) and inputs used).

FAir vAlue 
hierArChY

VAlUATIONTEChNIqUE(S) 
ANDkEyINpUT(S)

FAir vAlue

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

Financial assets
1) Listed investments
2) Unlisted investments

30,736
4,486

2,913
1,419

Level 1
Level 2

Quoted bid prices in an active market
Based on recent transactions

29.8.2  Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value (but fair value 

disclosures are required)

The directors consider that the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recognised in the 
consolidated financial statements approximate their fair values.

30  keY MAnAGeMent personnel CoMpensAtion
The aggregate compensation made to Directors and other members of key management personnel of the Company  
and the Group is set out below:

Short‑term employee benefits (including superannuation)
Share-based payment
Long service leave

total

2017  
$’000

2,823
273
14

3,110

2016  
$’000

4,340
–
14

4,354

relAteD pArtY trAnsACtions

31 
Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have 
been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Details of transactions between the Group and other 
relates parties are disclosed below.

31.1 

loans to related parties

Loans to Existing Staff Trusts
Loans to employees

2017  
$’000

–
 348 

2016  
$’000

 64 
 1,845 

The Group has provided several employees with loans for investment into the Existing Staff Trusts. The loans are 
repayable over a maximum term of five years. The loans are limited recourse and the ability of the Group to recover the 
outstanding loan balance is limited to the value of the Existing Staff Trusts’ units held by each borrower. The value of  
the units held by each borrower is sufficient such that full recovery of the loan amounts outstanding is highly probable. 

During the prior year the Group made a loan to one of the Existing Staff Trusts. The balance of the loan as at 
31 December 2017 was $Nil (31 December 2016: $64,000). The loan carried an interest rate of 5.6%.

68

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

31.2  Transactions with overseas Moelis & Company entities

Moelis & Company Group LP (Moelis & Company) is a global financial institution with subsidiaries and offices in a number 
of countries. Moelis & Company owns 32.5% of the Group. During the year the Group worked with Moelis & Company 
offices to execute cross‑border transactions with the revenue shared based on the roles of the teams involved. There 
were also costs allocated from Moelis & Company for global technology and market data expenses.

Net revenue shares to Moelis & Company

Net expenses allocated from Moelis & Company
The main expense categories were:
Service level agreement
Information services
IT infrastructure
Other

2017  
$’000

 888 

2016  
$’000

 146 

 (1,014)

 (1,091)

 (195)
 (535)
 (283)
 (1)

 (202)
 (505)
 (259)
 (125)

31.3  Transactions with key management personnel

There were fees paid to entities associated with key management personnel of the Group during the year totalling 
$79,500 for capital commitments provided by the KMP in relation to the Group’s underwriting activities.

31.4  Transactions with funds managed by the group

The Group is involved in the management of various funds, through it roles as a trustee, manager, financial adviser  
and underwriter, and charges fees for doing so. The Group also invests in some of the funds which it manages. 
Investments made during the year are shown in the table below:

related party investments
Acure Asset Management Pty Ltd
Encore Care Trust
Encore Care Group Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Redcape Hotel Group
Moelis Australia Aged Care Fund
Moelis Australia Secured Loan Priority Fund

total

kMp 

2017 
$’000

–
–
–
11,450
2,150
80

13,680

Group 

2017 
$’000

–
 310 
 1,440 
 46,000 
 7,000 
 652 

 55,402 

kMp 

 2016 
$’000 

Group 

 2016 
$’000

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

 1,500 
–
–
–
–
–

 1,500 

The above amounts are recorded at the entry price paid or committed for the relevant investment in accordance with 
AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures and have not been adjusted for subsequent valuation changes.

69

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

RElATEDpARTyTRANSACTIONS (cont.)
31
31.4  transactions with funds managed by the group (cont.)

related party fees
Trustee and management fees 
Financial advisory and underwriting

total

receivables from related parties
Current trade and other receivables from related parties

32  reserves

Investments revaluation reserve
Share based payments reserve (refer note 34)

total reserves

investments revaluation reserve
Balance at beginning of year

Revaluations of associates included as other comprehensive income
Income tax relating the revaluations of Associates

share of other comprehensive income of associates

Net gain/(loss) arising on revaluation of available‑for‑sale financial assets
Cumulative (gain)/loss reclassified to profit or loss on sale of available‑for‑sale 
financial assets
Income tax relating to gain/(loss) arising on revaluation of available‑for‑sale  
financial assets

unrealised (loss)/gain on AFs investments

Balance at end of year

2017 
$000

2016 
$000

 9,102 
 12,139 

 21,241 

 1,010 

2017  
$’000

3,185
 5,308 

 8,493 

–
–

 – 

–

2016  
$’000

 893 
 – 

 893 

 893 

 1,218 

 5,179 
 (1,554)

3,625

–
–

–

 (605)

 (428)

 (1,300)

 572 

(1,333)

 3,185

 (37)

140

(325)

 893 

33 bUSINESSCOMbINATION–ARMADAfUNDSMANAgEMENT
33.1  subsidiary acquired

On 1 June 2017, the Group acquired 100% of Armada Funds Management (comprising Rockford Capital Pty Ltd and its 
subsidiaries, including Armada Funds Management Pty Ltd). Armada Funds Management is a real estate funds 
management business. The acquisition assists in the growth of the Group’s asset management business. The Group 
paid for the acquisition through a combination of cash and shares in the Company.

The accounting standards provide a measurement period for the acquisition accounting of up to 12 months following  
the acquisition date. This acknowledges the time required to gain access to and consolidate information for both entities 
and to make certain valuations as at the acquisition date.

70

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2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

33.2  Consideration transferred

Cash
Shares(i)
total 

1 JUne 2017 
$’000

 10,523 
 20,170 

 30,693 

(i)  The 6,382,979 Moelis shares that form part of the consideration were issued to the two Armada Funds Management principals on 18 July 2017.  
Half of these shares are restricted. Of the restricted shares, 1,595,745 will become unrestricted after two years, and 1,575,745 after three years.  
As a result, $10,085,105 of the shares value has been deemed to be deferred remuneration (refer note 34 for treatment of share based payments).

Acquisition related costs of $105,786 are not included in the consideration transferred and have been recognised  
as an expense in profit or loss within the ‘other expenses’ line item.

33.3  Assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition

The table below shows the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables*
Other assets

non-current assets
Identifiable intangible assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax liability
Provisions

total

1 JUne 2017  
$’000

 879 
 248 
 46 

 16,263 

 (243)
 (4,879)
 (207)

 12,107 

* 

the fair value of $248,000 is the same as the gross contractual receivable amount. At acquisition, the best estimate of the contractual cash flows not 
expected to be collected was nil.

The identifiable intangible assets relate to the net present value of the right to receive management fees from its existing 
funds less operating expenses.

33.4  goodwill arising on acquisition

Consideration transferred
Less: amount deemed remuneration (restricted shares)
Less: fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

Goodwill arising on acquisition

2017  
$’000

 30,693 
 (10,085)
 (12,107)

 8,501 

Goodwill arose in the acquisition of Armada Funds Management because the acquisition included Armada Funds 
Management’s customer relationships, investment track record, and expertise of staff, which may combine to enable 
new funds to be established in the future. These assets could not be separately recognised from goodwill because they 
are not capable of being separated and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, either individually or together 
with any related contracts

None of the goodwill arising on this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

71

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2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

bUSINESSCOMbINATION–ARMADAfUNDSMANAgEMENT (cont.)

33
33.5  net cash outflow arising on acquisition

Consideration paid in cash
Less: cash and cash equivalent balances acquired

total

33.6 

impact of acquisition on the results of the group

2017  
$’000

 (10,523)
 878 

 (9,645)

The results of the Group include revenue of $2,437 thousand and a loss before tax of $2,398 thousand from Armada Funds 
Management since its acquisition on 1 June 2017.

Had the acquisition of Armada Funds Management been effected at 1 January 2017, net income of the Group  
for the year ended 31 December 2017 would have been $111.4 million and the profit before tax for the year would  
have been $43.2 million.

34  shAre BAseD pAYMents
share based payment reserve

Balance at beginning of year
Share Option premium received 
Amortisation of Share Option fair value
Amortisation of Share Rights 
Amortisation of Armada Funds Management deferred remuneration

Balance at end of year

(i) 

employee share options

2017  
$’000

 – 
133
11
 2,733 
 2,431 

 5,308 

2016  
$’000

 – 
 – 
–
 – 
 – 

 – 

Prior to the listing of the Company, a number of employees were provided the opportunity to purchase options (“Share 
Option”), with each Share Option carrying the right to acquire one Share in the Company at a future date. As a result of 
the offer, the Company issued 5,468,750 Share Options on 4 April 2017.

At the same time, the Company offered the Chairman and Non‑Executive Director Mr Jeffrey Browne (and Mr Browne 
accepted) the opportunity to purchase 781,250 Share Options, with each Share Option carrying the right to acquire one 
Share in the Company at a future date.

Each Share Option is exercisable for a period of one year, commencing on the first exercise date applicable to the 
relevant tranche (exercise window) as set out in the table below. Each Share Option expires if it is not exercised within 
the relevant exercise window.

Unless otherwise determined by the Board, a Share Option holder must continue to be employed by the Group in order  
to exercise the Share Option.

Share Options do not carry any dividend entitlement. Shares issued on exercise of a Share Option will rank equally with 
other Shares of the Company on and from issue. There are no inherent participating rights or entitlements inherent in 
the Share Options and the Share Option holders will not be entitled to participate in new issues of capital offered to 
shareholders during the life of the Share Options. 

The offer price is paid or is payable by the recipient on receipt of the Share Option.

72

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2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

The table below provides the details of Share Options issued on 4 April 2017:

nUMBeR oF 
opTions 
issUed in  
THe yeAR ACqUiRed By

1,822,917 Employees
1,822,917 Employees
1,822,916 Employees
390,625 J Browne
390,625 J Browne

6,250,000

gRAnT dATe 
sHARe pRiCe

$2.35
$2.35
$2.35
$2.35
$2.35

exeRCise 
pRiCe oF 
opTion

$3.00
$3.15
$3.36
$2.80
$3.00

issUe pRiCe

$0.03
$0.03
$0.01
$0.02
$0.02

eARliesT 
dATe oF 
exeRCise

8-Apr-21
8-Apr-22
8-Apr-23
8-Apr-19
8-Apr-20

expiRy dATe

7-Apr-22
7-Apr-23
7-Apr-24
7-Apr-20
7-Apr-21

opTions 
FoRFeiTed 
dURing THe 
yeAR

147,617
147,617
147,616
–
–

nUMBeR oF 
opTions AT 
yeAR end

1,675,300
1,675,300
1,675,300
390,625
390,625

442,850

5,807,150

The Share Options acquired by employees shown in the table above include 500,000 Share Options (divided equally 
across the three exercise dates) granted to Mr Andrew Martin. Mr Martin is one of the top five employees of the Group 
ranked by remuneration. 

Fair value of share options granted in the period

The weighted average value of the Share Options at the time of grant is $0.0375.

The fair value of the Share Options has been calculated using a Black Scholes model, adjusted for expectations of 
forfeiture due to employee departures. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value are shown below and are 
common to all tranches of Share Options, unless otherwise stated: 

 > Dividend yield 4.0%

 > Risk‑free rate 2.5%

 > Expected volatility of 13.8%, based on the volatity of the ASX Small Cap Index at the time of the grant

 > Expected life of option is the maximum term up to last day of the exercise window

 > Forfeiture assumptions for the options granted to employees are that 16%, 20% and 23% of options are forfeited  
for tranches 1, 2 and 3 respectively. No allowance for forfeiture has been made for the Share Options granted  
to the Chairman.

The table below shows the Share Options granted and forfeited during the year.

 nuMBer oF shAre options 

 weiGhteD AverAGe 
ExERCISEpRICE($)

 eMployees 

 CHAiRMAn 

ToTAl

 eMployees 

 CHAiRMAn 

Share Options outstanding at 1 January 2017
Granted during the year
Forfeited or lapsed during the year

–
 5,468,750 
 (442,850)

–
 781,250 
–

–
 6,250,000 
 (442,850)

share options outstanding at 31 December 2017  5,025,900 

 781,250 

 5,807,150 

–
 3.17 
 3.17 

 3.17 

–
 2.90 
–

 2.90 

No Share Options were issued, forfeited or exercised since year end. No Share Options were exercisable at year end.

73

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

34 ShAREbASEDpAyMENTS (cont.)
share based payment reserve (cont.)

(ii) 

share Rights

2017 year-end allocated share rights

At the end of the year, the Board of Directors determined the annual bonus pool to be paid to employees, and the 
components to be paid in cash and to be paid through granting Share Rights.

The Share Rights granted to employees in connection with the 2017 annual bonus (“2017 Share Rights”) entitle the 
employees to Shares in the Company in the future for no payment. The Share Rights vest in equal amounts over a five 
year period. Vesting is conditional on continuous service, unless otherwise determined by the Board.

The fair value of each Share Right at grant date (27 December 2017) was $6.08, determined by reference to the trading 
in the Company’s shares. 

2017 year-end unallocated equity compensation

In addition to the 2017 Share Rights, the Group paid $3.5 million to the Moelis Australia Employee Share Plan Trust 
(Employee Share Trust), with this amount to be used to acquire Shares in the Company and deliver them to employees 
(via Share Rights or some other method) as determined by the trustee of the Employee Share Trust. The $3.5 million 
transferred to the Employee Share Trust cannot be returned to the Group. The $3.5 million expense is accounted for as  
a share based payment with the amortisation period commencing on the same date as the allocated Share Rights grant.

share rights granted as sign-on incentives

In addition to the 2017 Share Rights, the Company granted Share Rights to senior executives commencing employment 
with the Group, including 296,079 Share Rights granted to senior executives joining the Company from Redcape Group 
Limited. These Share Rights are priced with reference to the trading price of the Company’s shares at the time the offer 
of employment is made. Vesting is subject to continuous employment, with terms varying on a case by case basis. 
Amortisation of the expense commences on the day the senior executive starts their employment.

The average fair value of all Share Rights granted during the year was $4.90/Share Right. There were no Share Rights 
granted in 2016 or prior years. It is anticipated that the Share Rights will be equity settled.

Opening balance
Issued during the year

Closing balance

nUMBeR oF  
sHARe RigHTs

vAlUe oF  
sHARe RigHTs

–
1,545,823

1,545,823

–
7,576,916

7,576,916

(iii) 

Armada Funds Management acquisition

As part of the acquisition of Armada Funds Management, 6,382,979 Shares in the Company were issued to the two 
Armada Funds Management principals, now employed by the Group. Half of these shares are restricted (3,191,489) and, 
as a result, have been deemed to be a share based payment and are being amortised over the restriction period, being 
two years for 1,595,745 and three years for the remaining 1,595,745. The value was based on a traded price of the 
Company’s shares on the day of acquisition of $3.16. The grant date was 1 June 2017.

74

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

35  terMinAtion oF onerous ContrACt
Moelis Australia’s asset management business includes the provision of funds marketed to overseas persons wishing  
to apply for a significant investor visa (“SIV FM Business”). This business was established in 2013 through the collaboration 
with two parties (Service Providers), each of whom were engaged on 4 July 2013 to perform specific roles. On 30 June 2015, 
MAVFM agreed with the respective Service Providers to terminate their service and management arrangements.  
In consideration for the termination, the second Service Provider entered into a new agreement (“Second Services 
Agreement”) on 30 June 2015. The Second Services Agreement has been classified as an onerous contract and a liability 
(“Second Services Agreement Liability”) for the fair value of the future payments to the Second Service Provider has 
been recognised in the balance sheet as at 31 December 2015.

The forecast cashflows relating to the Second Service Agreement Liability was re-assessed as at 31 December 2016, 
and the difference between the value as 31 December 2015 less payments made to the Second Service Provider in  
the year ($5.7 million) was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Comprehensive Income as  
an expense in the year ended 31 December 2016.

The provision for the Onerous Contract disclosed in note 19 relates to the restructure of the SIV FM Business. The Group 
terminated the contract in April 2017 and paid the service provider $12.8 million. The Group now undertakes the 
promotional activities itself.

36  eArninGs per shAre

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

2017 CenTs  
peR sHARe 

2016 CenTs  
peR sHARe 

23.4
22.8

10.1
10.1

The earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is profit after tax.

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (net of treasury shares)  
used in calculating basic earnings per share

potential equity shares:
Share Options**
Share Rights 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (net of treasury shares)  
and potential equity shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share

2017

2016*

 126,261,993

 100,000,000 

 2,836,938 
 319,644 

 – 
 – 

 129,418,575 

 100,000,000 

*  number of shares for the 2016 comparative is adjusted for pre‑listing share split.

**  The number of shares assumed to be issued on exchange of options is calculated using the difference between the option exercise price  

and the average traded price of the Company’s shares during the year.

75

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

suBsiDiAries

37 
Details of the Group’s subsidiaries at the end of the reporting period are as follows:

nAMe oF sUBsidiARy

A.C.N. 167 316 109 Pty Ltd
Armada Funds Management Pty Ltd
Global Wealth Aged Care Pty Ltd
Global Wealth Partners Fund Pty Ltd
Global Wealth Residential Pty Ltd
KC Finance Pty Ltd
KCF ST Pty Ltd
MAAM GP Pty Ltd
MAAM Holdings Pty Ltd
MACDF TT Pty Ltd
MAHPT TT Pty Ltd
MARAM TT Pty Ltd
Mendoza Ltd
Moelis Australia Advisory Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Asset Management Ltd
Moelis Australia Finance Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Foundation Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Funds Management Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Hotel Management Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Operations Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Partners Holdings Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Partners Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Retail Asset Management Ltd
Moelis Australia Securities Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Share Plan Pty Ltd
Moelis Australia Visa Fund Manager Pty Ltd
R88A Finance Pty Ltd
R88B Finance Pty Ltd
Rockford Capital Pty Ltd
TMASL Finance Pty Ltd
Western Funds Management Pty Ltd

pRinCipAl ACTiviTy

Investment
Asset management
Asset management
Asset management
Asset management
Lending
Asset management
Asset management
Asset management
Asset management
Asset management
Asset management
Asset management
Corporate advisory
Asset management
Financing
Trustee
Asset management
Asset management
Administration entity
Asset management
Asset management
Asset management
Equities
Administration entity
Asset management
Lending
Lending
Asset management
Asset management
Investment

proportion oF ownership 
interest AnD votinG power 
helD BY the Group

plACe oF 
inCoRpoRATion 
And opeRATion 31 deCeMBeR 2017 31 deCeMBeR 2016

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99%
99%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99%
99%
100%
100%
100%

100%
0%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
100%
100%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%

Moelis Australia Limited is the head entity within the tax‑consolidated group.

The wholly‑owned subsidiaries are members of the tax‑consolidated group.

76

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2017 AnnuAl report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

Composition of the group

pRinCipAl ACTiviTy

Corporate Advisory and Equities
Asset management
Administration

total

38  ContinGent liABilities AnD CoMMitMents

Commitments exist in respect of:

– Undrawn credit facilities

39  suBsequent events
The Company declared a dividend of 7.0 cents per Share.

NUMbEROfwhOlly-
owneD suBsiDiAries

plACe oF 
inCoRpoRATion 
And opeRATion 31 deCeMBeR 2017 31 deCeMBeR 2016

Australia
Australia
Australia

3
19
4

26

3
5
1

9

2017  
$’000

2016  
$’000

85,000

–

At 31 December 2017, the Group had commitments of $85.0 million in undrawn credit facilities. In January 2018, the 
Group lent $24.6 million under the credit facilities, reducing its commitments to $60.4 million.

77

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Directors’ Declaration

for the year ended 31 December 2017

In the Directors’ opinion:

(a)  there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become 

due and payable; and

(b)  the attached financial statements and notes thereto are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), 
including complying with accounting standards and giving a true and fair view of the financial position and 
performance of the consolidated entity.

Note 1(a) includes a statement that the financial report complies with International Financial Reporting Standards.

The Directors have been given declarations by the CEO and COO required by section 295A of the Corporations  
Act 2001.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors

Jeffrey Browne 
Independent Chairman 

Andrew pridham 
Chief Executive Officer

Sydney 
19 February 2017

78

 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Independent Auditor’s Report

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 
ABN 74 490 121 060 

Grosvenor Place 
225 George Street 
Sydney  NSW  2000 
PO Box N250 Grosvenor Place 
Sydney NSW 1220 Australia 

Tel:  +61 2 9322 7000 
Fax:  +61 2 9322 7001 
www.deloitte.com.au 

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Moelis 
Australia Limited 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion  

We have audited the financial report of Moelis Australia Limited (the “Company”) and its 
subsidiaries (the “Group”) which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 
31 December 2017, the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, 
the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for 
the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant 
accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the directors’ declaration.  

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including:  

(i)  

giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of 
their financial performance for the year then ended; and   

(ii)  

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

Basis for Opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
Report  section  of  our  report.  We  are  independent  of  the  Group  in  accordance  with  the  auditor 
independence  requirements  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  and  the  ethical  requirements  of  the 
Accounting  Professional  and  Ethical  Standards  Board’s  APES  110  Code  of  Ethics  for  Professional 
Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have 
also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.  

We  confirm that the independence  declaration required  by the  Corporations Act 2001, which  has 
been given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as 
at the time of this auditor’s report. 

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

Key Audit Matters  

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance 
in  our  audit  of  the  financial  report  for  the  current  period.  These  matters  were  addressed  in  the 
context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we 
do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.  

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 
Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited 

79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Independent Auditor’s Report (cont.)

Key Audit Matter 

Investment in Redcape Hotel Group 

On 10 July 2017, the Group acquired a 
direct investment of 10% in Moelis 
Australia Hotel I and Moelis Australia Hotel 
II, which acquired Redcape Group Limited 
as disclosed in Note 27.5. 

Through the investments in the Trusts, the 
Group has the direct 10% ownership as 
well as indirect ownership through the 
Moelis managed funds.  

Management have classified the 
investments in Moelis Australia Hotel I and 
Moelis Australia Hotel II as investments in 
associates. In making this classification, 
management have applied judgement in 
assessing the link between power and 
returns. 

Acquisition of Armada 
In June 2017, Moelis completed the 
acquisition of Rockford Capital Pty Limited 
and its subsidiaries (Armada) for $20.6m 
as disclosed in Note 33.  

Acquisition accounting gives rise to the 
following key areas of management 
judgement: 

  Determination of the acquisition 

date, 

  Determination of the fair value of 

identifiable net assets acquired, 
and 
The fair valuation of consideration 
transferred. 

 

Goodwill Impairment 
As at 31 December 2017 the Group’s 
goodwill balance totals $9.8 million which 
comprises goodwill relating to the 
acquisition of Armada of $8.5 million as 
well as $1.3 million of goodwill recognised 
on acquisition of Moelis Australia Securities 
Pty Limited as disclosed in Note 14. 

The assessment of the recoverability of 
goodwill requires significant judgement due 
to the assumptions and estimates used in 
preparing a discounted cash flow model 
(‘value in use’), including determination of: 

How the scope of our audit responded to the 
Key Audit Matter 
Our procedures included, but were not limited to: 

  Challenging management’s accounting 
position paper on the appropriate 
accounting treatment for the investment 
in Moelis Australia Hotel I and Moelis 
Australia Hotel II including: 
- 

Inspecting the purchase and sale 
agreement, Hotel Investment Fund 
Constitutions, Hotel Fund Operating 
Agreement, Hotel Group Information 
Memorandum and other relevant legal 
documentation for consistency with 
managements’ assessment, 
Enquiries with management and 
inspection of documents to assess the 
nature of the financial information 
obtained and used by management in 
monitoring the performance of the 
investment, and 

- 

-  Recalculating the variability and 

magnitude of returns from direct and 
indirect streams to assess linkage 
between power and returns. 

We have also assessed the appropriateness of the 
disclosures in Note 27.5 to the financial 
statements. 
Our procedures included, but were not limited to: 

 

  Assessing the purchase and sale 
agreements, board minutes, and 
management paper on the transaction for 
appropriateness of managements key 
judgements, 
Evaluating the purchase price allocation 
performed by management including the 
assessment of the fair values applied to 
the assets and liabilities acquired,  
Engaging internal specialists for the 
review of the discounted cash flow model 
supporting the recognition of the 
intangible asset. 

 

We have also assessed the appropriateness of the 
disclosures in Note 33 to the financial statements. 
Our procedures included, but were not limited to: 

 

Evaluating the appropriateness of 
management’s identification of the 
Group’s CGUs to which the goodwill is 
allocated, 

  Assessing the reasonableness of cash flow 
projections and growth rates against 
external economic and financial data and 
the Group’s own historical performance,  
Engaging our valuation specialists to 
assess the key assumptions and 
methodology used by management in the 

 

80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
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Independent Auditor’s Report (cont.)

 

Identification of Cash Generating 
Units (“CGU’s”), 
Future cash flows for the CGU’s, 

 
  Discount Rates, and 
 

Terminal value   growth rates. 

Investment Banking Revenue 
Recognition  
The revenue generated by the Corporate 
Advisory Segment within the group is 
primarily from investment banking 
transactions. This revenue stream is 
recognised by reference to the stage of 
completion of the transaction at the end of 
the reporting period as disclosed in Note 
1(a). 

Revenue recognition requires management 
judgement where not all stages of the 
transaction are complete.  

Share based payments 
The Group utilises share based payments 
as part of its remuneration strategy. The 
share based payments expense for the year 
then ended 31 December 2017 is $5.2m as 
disclosed in Note 34. 

Recognition and measurement of incentive 
schemes involves significant management 
judgement to calculate the fair value of 
options granted and to assess whether it is 
likely that vesting conditions will be 
satisfied. 

impairment model, in particular the 
discount rate and the cost of debt, and 
Testing the mathematical accuracy of the 
impairment model. 

 

We have also assessed the appropriateness of the 
disclosures in Note 14 to the financial statements. 
Our procedures included, but were not limited to: 

 

 

Evaluating management’s controls over 
the revenue recognition process, 
Testing, on a sample basis, the calculation 
of the fees recognised to the key 
milestones as outlined in the client 
engagement letters,  

  Reviewing subsequent period invoices and 
bank statements, to assess whether 
revenue has been recorded in the correct 
period, and 

  Reviewing management reporting, board 

minutes, market available information and 
making enquiries of management to 
support the revenue recognised. 

We have also assessed the appropriateness of the 
disclosures in Note 1(a) to the financial 
statements. 

Our procedures included, but were not limited to: 

 

Evaluating management’s methodology 
used against requirements of accounting 
standards for share options issued, 
  Verifying the number of grants, grant 

dates and corresponding exercise price to 
supporting documentation for a sample of 
share based payments, and 

  Challenging management assumptions 

used to calculate the fair value in the 
share based payments.   

We also assessed the appropriateness of the 
related disclosures in Note 34 to the financial 
statements. 

Other Information  

The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  other  information.  The  other  information  comprises  the 
information included in the Group’s annual report for the year ended 31 December 2017, but does 
not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon.  

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not express any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon.  

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial 
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, 
based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this 
other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.  

81

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Independent Auditor’s Report (cont.)

Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of 
the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error.  

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group 
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using 
the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to 
cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.  

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report  

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that 
an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 
misstatement  when  it  exists.  Misstatements  can  arise  from  fraud  or  error  and  are  considered 
material  if,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  they  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  influence  the 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report. 

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional 
judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:   

 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due 
to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain 
audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk 
of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting 
from  error,  as 
intentional  omissions, 
involve  collusion, 
fraud  may 
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.  

forgery, 

  Obtain an  understanding  of  internal  control relevant to the audit in order to design audit 
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing 
an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.  

 

Evaluate  the  appropriateness  of  accounting  policies  used  and  the  reasonableness  of 
accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.  

  Conclude  on  the  appropriateness  of  the  directors’  use  of  the  going  concern  basis  of 
accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists 
related  to  events  or  conditions  that  may  cast  significant  doubt  on  the  Group’s  ability  to 
continue  as  a  going  concern.  If  we  conclude  that  a  material  uncertainty  exists,  we  are 
required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial 
report  or,  if  such  disclosures  are  inadequate,  to  modify  our  opinion.  Our  conclusions  are 
based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future 
events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.  

 

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the 
disclosures,  and  whether  the  financial  report  represents  the  underlying  transactions  and 
events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.  

  Obtain  sufficient  appropriate  audit  evidence  regarding  the  financial  information  of  the 
entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial report. 
We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group’s audit. We 
remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing 
of the audit and significant audit findings, including  any significant deficiencies in internal control 
that we identify during our audit.  

82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Independent Auditor’s Report (cont.)

We  also  provide  the  directors  with  a  statement  that  we  have  complied  with  relevant  ethical 
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with  them  all relationships and  other 
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related 
safeguards.  

From the matters communicated with the directors, we determine those matters that were of most 
significance in the audit of the financial report of the current period and are therefore the key audit 
matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public 
disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter 
should  not  be  communicated  in  our  report because  the  adverse  consequences  of  doing  so  would 
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report 

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 20 to 25 of the Directors’ Report for 
the year ended 31 December 2017.  

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Moelis Australia Limited, for the year ended 31 December 
2017, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  

Responsibilities  

The  directors  of  the  Company  are  responsible  for  the  preparation  and  presentation  of  the 
Remuneration  Report  in  accordance  with  section  300A  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001.  Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in 
accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  

DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU 

Delarey Nell 
Partner 
Chartered Accountants 
Sydney, 19 February 2018 

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Additional Information

DiviDenD DetAils
Moelis Australia generally pays a dividend on its fully paid ordinary Shares once a year following its full-year financial  
results announcement.

The payment date for the dividend following the announcement of the 2017 results is 6 March 2018.

shAre reGistrY inForMAtion
The following information is correct as at 1 February 2018.

20 lArGest shAreholDers

RegisTeRed HoldeR

MOELIS & CO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC
MAGIC TT PTY LTD
HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED
J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED
TOUCHARD PTY LTD 
UBS NOMINEES PTY LTD
CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED
RICHARD GERMAIN AND NINA GERMAIN
NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED
HAN TANG AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
AET SFS PTY LTD 
CS THIRD NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 
G J P INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 
MOELIS AUSTRALIA SHARE PLAN PTY LTD 
BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 
HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED – A/C 2
WEI YANG
ZHENXIANG HUO
AUSTRAL CAPITAL PTY LTD 
TELUNAPA PTY LTD 

DistriBution oF shAreholDers

nUMBeR oF 
oRdinARy 
sHARes Held

% oR oRdinARy 
sHARes

50,000,000
50,000,000
11,797,719
5,982,242
4,787,562
2,345,709
1,821,685
1,723,417
1,367,422
1,000,000
662,000
655,000
651,915
546,079
539,933
527,796
525,532
351,064
240,000
230,000

32.5%
32.5%
7.7%
3.9%
3.1%
1.5%
1.2%
1.1%
0.9%
0.7%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.3%
0.3%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%

Holding

1 – 1000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 and over

Unmarketable parcels

nUMBeR oF 
sHAReHoldeRs

nUMBeR oF 
sHARes

% oR oRdinARy 
sHARes

277
473
295
392
44

150,108
1,386,996
2,411,779
10,635,786
139,225,107

0.1%
0.9%
1.6%
6.9%
90.5%

1,481

153,809,776

100.0%

There were 19 shareholders (representing 216 Shares) who held less than a marketable parcel.

84

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Additional Information (cont.)

suBstAntiAl shAreholDers
The following holders are registered by the Company as a substantial shareholder, having declared a relevant interest, 
in accordance with the Corporates Act, in the Shares below:

nAMe

Moelis Australia Limited, Magic TT Pty Ltd, Andrew Pridham
Moelis & Company Group LP, Moelis & Company International Holdings LLC, 
Kenneth Moelis

nUMBeR oF 
sHARes

% oR oRdinARy 
sHARes

53,737,567

103,737,567

34.94

67.45

votinG riGhts
At meetings of members or classes of members, each member may vote in person or by proxy, attorney or (if the member 
is a body corporate) corporate representative. On a show of hands, every person present who is a member or a proxy, 
attorney or corporate representative of a member has one vote and on a poll every member present in person or by 
proxy, attorney or corporate representative has one vote for each fully paid Share held by the member.

voluntArY esCrow shAres
As at 1 February 2018, 50,000,000 Shares were subject to voluntary escrow. The voluntary escrow period ends on the 
dates and for the amount of Shares set out in the table below.

dATe oF ReleAse

10 April 2018
10 April 2019
10 April 2020
10 April 2021
10 April 2022
10 April 2023

options

size oF Holding

1 – 1000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 and over

total

sHARes ReleAsed FRoM volUnTARy esCRoW

5,000,000
5,000,000
5,000,000
11,666,666
11,666,667
11,666,667

opTions

–
–
70,000
1,202,150
4,535,000

5,807,150

nUMBeR oF 
HoldeRs

–
–
7
29
17

53

85

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Glossary

TeRM

deFiniTion

Annual Bonus Scheme

The annual bonus incentive scheme applicable to Employees

Armada Funds 
Management

ASX

AUM

Board

CGU

The business operated by Rockford Capital Pty Ltd and its subsidiaries

ASX Limited (ACN 008 624 691) or the official list of ASX Limited

Assets under management

The board of directors of Moelis Australia Limited

Cash generating unit

Company

Moelis Australia Limited (ABN 68 142 008 428), a company limited by shares

Corporations Act

Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

Credit Fund

Moelis Australia Senior Secured Credit Fund II

Directors

EBITDA

The directors of the Company as at the date of this Report

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

Employees

Employees of the Group

Employee Share Trust

Moelis Australia Employee Share Trust established by trust deed dated 15 March 2017

Equity Incentive Plan

Moelis Australia Equity Incentive Plan

Existing Staff Trusts

Trusts established prior to the IPO of the Company, which hold Shares on behalf  
of current and former employees of the Group

Group

IPO

MAF

The Company and its subsidiaries

Initial Public Offering

The Moelis Australia Foundation

Moelis Australia

The Company and/or its subsidiaries as the context requires

Moelis & Company

Moelis & Company Group LP, listed on the New York Stock Exchange

NYSE

New York Stock Exchange

Onerous Contract

The agreement with a service provider associated with the promotion of the Group’s 
Significant Investor Visa funds terminated in April 2017

Prospectus

The prospectus issued by the Company dated 28 February 2017

Redcape Fund

Consisting of Moelis Australia Asset Management Ltd (ACN 142 008 535) as trustee  
of Moelis Australia Hotel Trust I and Moelis Australia Hotel Trust II

Redcape 

Redcape Group Ltd (ACN 124 753 733) and/or its subsidiaries as the context requires

86

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Glossary (cont.)

TeRM

REIT

deFiniTion

Real estate investment trust

Shareholder

The holder of a Share

Shares

Fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of the Company

Share Options

Options over unissued Shares

Share Rights

Rights to receive Shares at some point in the future

Small Cap

Any company outside the ASX 100 and measured against the S&P/ASX Small  
Ordinaries Index

Staff Trustee

Magic TT Pty. Ltd. (ACN 143 275 138) as trustee of the Existing Staff Trusts

Underlying EBITDA

Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

Underlying NPAT

Underlying net profit after tax as described on page 16

Underlying Revenue

Revenue as measured by management when assessing its operating segments

2017 Share Rights

Share Rights granted to Employees as part of the 2017 Annual Bonus Scheme

87

Moelis AustrAliA liMiteD 
2017 AnnuAl report

Corporate Directory

DireCtors
Jeffrey Browne (Chairman) 
Kenneth Moelis 
Joseph Simon  
Andrew Pridham  
Julian Biggins 

CoMpAnY seCretArY
Peter Dixon

reGistereD oFFiCe 
(Principal place of business)

Level 27, Governor Phillip Tower 
1 Farrer Place 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Tel: + 61 2 8288 5555

shAre reGistrY
Boardroom Pty Limited 
Level 12, Grosvenor Place  
255 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Tel: 1800 634 850 
Fax: (02) 9279 0664 
www.boardroomlimited.com.au 
moelis@boardroomlimited.com.au

AuDitor
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 
Grosvenor Place 
225 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

weBsite
www.moelisaustralia.com

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sydney
Level 27, Governor Phillip Tower  
One Farrer Place  
Sydney NSW 2000 
Australia 
T: 61 2 8288 5555 
F: 61 2 8288 5550

MelBoURne
Level 34, 120 Collins Street 
Melbourne VIC 3000  
Australia 
T: 61 3 8650 8650  
F: 61 3 8650 8601

www.moelisaustralia.com