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Serko

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FY2023 Annual Report · Serko
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Annual  
Report  
2023

This Annual Report is dated 17 May 2023 and is signed on behalf  
of the Board of Directors (Board) of Serko Limited by Claudia Batten,  
Chair, and Darrin Grafton, Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Claudia Batten 
Chair

Darrin Grafton 
Chief Executive Officer

Contents

Serko at a Glance 

Chair & CEO Letter 

Our Leadership 

Our Strategy 

Our Products 

Sustainable Business Growth 

Management Commentary 

Financial Statements 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Remuneration Report 

Corporate Governance & Disclosures 

Glossary 

Company Directory 

2

4

8

10

12

14

16

34

68

73

89

102

104

We bring people      
together

Serko believes in the power of being face-to-face.  
Our purpose is to bring people together. Our vision  
is a connected, frictionless travel experience.

To deliver that, we’re building the world’s leading  
business travel marketplace — connecting business  
travellers everywhere with the content, information  
and services they need at every stage of the journey.

About Serko

Serko is a leader in online travel booking and expense management for the  
business travel market. Zeno is Serko’s next generation travel management 
application, using intelligent technology, predictive workflows and a global  
travel marketplace to transform business travel across the entire journey.  
Listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange Main Board (NZX:SKO) and  
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:SKO) Serko is headquartered in  
New Zealand, with offices across Australia, China and the United States (US).

For more information, visit serko.com

2

At a glance

After a year that saw significant growth in Booking.com  
for Business and Australasian booking volumes recovering  
to pre-pandemic levels Serko is achieving significant operating 
leverage and is well positioned for further growth

$48m

Total income

$87.7m

Cash and short-term deposits

1.5m

($30.5m)

Completed room nights

Net loss after tax

93%

Increase in online  
booking transactions

($21.8m)

EBITDAF* Loss

*   EBITDAF is a non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measure representing  

Earnings Before the deduction of costs relating to Interest, Taxation, Depreciation, Amortisation,  
Foreign Currency (Gains)/Losses and Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration. 

Serko at a glance

3

4

Dear fellow shareholders,

Unmanaged travel 

Unmanaged travel demonstrated significant growth in 
2023 through the Booking.com for Business platform. 
The progress we have made to date is testament to the 
collaborative partnership between the teams at Serko 
and Booking.com. 

We have seen significant growth in completed room 
nights, driven by the Booking.com for Business 
partnership, up 381% to 1.5 million from 320,000.  
In the second half, completed room nights increased  
to over 1 million. Average Revenue per Completed  
Room Night (ARPCRN) for the service was €9.34,  
up 36% from €6.88. 

In May 2023, travel management company and  
North American-headquartered Serko partner CWT 
announced it had entered into an agreement with 
Booking.com for Business to support an expanded 
Booking.com for Business offering. This brings two of 
our key partners together to deliver new and exciting 
content for business customers across the world. 

The launch of this expanded offering is another 
step forward in Serko’s strategy to bring the best of 
business travel to Booking.com for Business and is the 
culmination of many months of planning by Serko,  
CWT and Booking.com. 

Serko’s achievements in the past year 
reflect the dedication of a talented team 
and the benefits from prior investments.  
We completed the year with a sense  
of accomplishment and are more  
focused than ever on building a globally 
competitive business. 

At the start of 2023, we undertook to maximise the 
business travel recovery and deliver significant growth 
under the Booking.com for Business partnership.  
We have achieved both, in an often complex and 
uncertain external environment. 

What we’ve achieved also demonstrates an evolution 
in how we operate. This includes investing in the right 
capability and technology expertise to be poised to win 
in our chosen markets and to increase global scale and 
operational efficiency. 

Key highlights 

•  Serko’s total income for the FY23 year is  

79% higher than for FY20, the financial year 
immediately prior to the pandemic and  
Serko’s previously highest year for revenue. 

•  The number of online bookings rose 93%  

year on year to 4.1 million from 2.2 million. 

•  Booking.com for Business completed room  
nights were up 381%, and underpinned by  
growth in the second half. 

•  The number of online bookings were up  

77% in Australasia year on year to 89% of  
pre-pandemic levels. 

chair & ceo letter

5

Managed travel 

Our managed travel segment remains an important 
part of our strategy and focus. It is made up of our 
established markets in Australia and New Zealand and 
the newer North American market. In these markets 
we partner with travel resellers (TMCs) to deliver online 
travel and expense management services to medium 
and large organisations. 

The recovery in business travel in Australia and  
New Zealand has been strong, with online bookings  
up 77%. In Australasia, average online bookings for the 
year were 89% of pre-pandemic levels. In New Zealand, 
volumes were 136% of pre-pandemic levels and in 
Australia this was 82%. 

In North America, we have continued to make progress 
and build our strategic position. We signed additional 
reseller agreements and we have continued to develop 
technology to support NDC, a data standard that  
allows airlines to evolve how they personalise and  
sell inventory. We have also launched new updates  
to our expense technology within the market and  
we are piloting some innovations in this space with  
key customers. 

Financial performance and funding 

Our FY23 focus was to build a global scaled  
business, underpinned by appropriate cost discipline. 
We continue to make strategic investments to grow  
the company profitably. 

Total income increased 154% to $48 million reflecting 
business travel recovery and Booking.com for  
Business growth. 

Total income was well ahead of the guidance provided 
at the start of FY23 of approximately doubling revenue. 
We closed FY23 just ahead of our revised FY23 
guidance range of $42 million to $47 million. 

6

Total spend increased 34% to $83.3 million. Total spend 
as a percentage of revenue decreased from 349%  
in FY22 to 179% in FY23 and cost growth reduced to  
3% in the second half. 

Both EBITDAF loss and net losses after tax improved 
in the FY23 year. EBITDAF losses were $21.8 million, 
an improvement of 23% and net losses after tax were 
$30.5 million, an improvement of 15%. 

We remain well capitalised, with average underlying 
monthly cash burn reducing from $3.3m to $2.7m. 
Underlying average monthly cash burn in 2H23  
was $1.8 million. 

Our priorities and how we will deliver 

We are firmly focused on the execution of our growth 
priorities in managed and unmanaged travel and 
ensuring that growth is sustainable and profitable. 

We are also focused on how we achieve this, 
ensuring we have the right international expertise 
across all disciplines. We are increasingly using 
an experimentation-based approach to product 
development, evident most recently in our work  
on the Booking.com for Business platform. 

This approach is underpinned by data-driven  
decision-making and a systems approach across  
the entire organisation. 

Building a sustainable business 

We have steadily advanced our sustainability journey 
over the past year and have reported solid progress 
across environment, social and governance categories. 
We are committed to continuously improving what we 
focus on regarding sustainability and how we measure, 
manage and report on it. We encourage you to read the 
ESG Report released with this Annual Report. 

Outlook 

Annual Meeting 

Serko has made significant progress towards its 
goals as reported in FY23. Business travel demand is 
tracking strongly and Serko is well positioned to deliver 
increased scale and operational efficiency. 

Serko confirms its aspiration of $100m in Total Income 
in FY25.

Serko is well capitalised with cash of $88m and no 
debt. Underlying monthly cash burn peaked in 1H23 and 
Serko is committed to achieving positive cashflow for 
the FY25 financial year with appropriate cash reserves 
on hand at the point of breakeven. 

Serko anticipates full year total income of between 
$63m and $70m for FY24 based on current trends 
including the continued business travel recovery, growth 
in active customers in Booking.com for Business, a 
strong Euro:NZD exchange rate and current average 
revenue per completed room night. There are a number 
of initiatives which have the potential to drive further 
revenue growth, however, the timing and therefore the 
impact on FY24 revenues is uncertain. 

Serko anticipates total spend of between $86m and 
$90m based on its current investment plans and 
anticipated efficiency gains partially offset by higher 
volume related costs. 

Guidance remains subject to ongoing risks including 
geo-political and macro-economic risks. 

We are pleased to invite you to our annual meeting  
of shareholders at 2pm (NZT) on Wednesday, 28 June 
2023. It is currently intended that shareholders will  
be able to attend the meeting physically in Auckland  
or virtually online. Other details relating to the  
Annual Meeting will be advised in the Notice  
of Meeting, which will be sent in due course. 

Thank you 

Thank you to our shareholders. Your commitment  
has meant we have been able to continue to invest  
to maximise opportunities - and we are seeing the 
benefits of this. Our commitment to you is that we  
are 100% focused on executing on our strategy and  
to building a globally competitive, profitable business. 

To our valued customers and partners, thank you for 
your support. We love what we do and it’s our privilege 
to deliver technology that supports your people and 
your business. 

Our greatest thanks is to the great people at Serko.  
You stepped up to another level this year and our  
work continues. Thank you for striving for excellence. 

Claudia Batten 
Chair

Darrin Grafton 
CEO & Co-founder

chair & ceo letter

7

Our Board of Directors

Claudia Batten 
Independent Non-executive Director, Chair, New Zealand  
Appointed 30 April 2014, re-elected August 2020 

Claudia has been a founding member of two highly successful entrepreneurial ventures. The first venture 
was Massive Incorporated, a network for advertising in video games. Massive was sold to Microsoft in 
2006. In 2009 she co-founded Victors & Spoils (‘V&S’), the first advertising agency built on the principles 
of crowdsourcing. V&S was majority acquired by French holding company Havas Worldwide in 2011. 
Claudia is a strong supporter of the New Zealand start-up scene as an active mentor and adviser. She is 
also a director of Air New Zealand and Vista Group. Claudia holds an LLB (Hons) and BCA from Victoria 
University (Wellington).

Jan Dawson
Independent Non-executive Director, New Zealand 
Appointed on 18 August 2021, elected August 2022

Jan is Chair of Ports of Auckland Limited. She is a member of the University of Auckland Council  
and was previously a member of the Capital Investment Committee of the National Health Board.  
Jan was previously Chair of Westpac New Zealand, Deputy Chair for Air New Zealand, and director  
of Beca, AIG NZ and Meridian Energy Limited. She was a partner of KPMG for 30 years and the Chair  
and Chief Executive of KPMG New Zealand from 2006 until 2011. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce 
from the University of Auckland and is a fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants 
and a fellow of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.

Darrin Grafton
Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer & Co-founder 
Appointed 5 April 2007, re-elected August 2022

Darrin has more than 30 years’ experience in travel technology and is a recognised industry innovator, 
previously named as one of the top 25 most influential executives in the travel industry by the BTN 
Group. Darrin has held directorships and senior management positions across a number of private 
and public companies, including the Gullivers Travel Group. In 2021 Darrin was awarded the INFINZ 
Leadership Award and has previously been awarded the NZX Hi-Tech Entrepreneur Award. He is a 
member of the Institute of IT Professionals NZ and the Institute of Directors NZ.

Clyde McConaghy
Independent Non-executive Director, Australia 
Appointed 30 April 2014, re-elected August 2022

Clyde is based in Australia. He is the founder of Optima Boards, providing independent director and 
advisory services to public, private, family office and charitable entities around the world. Clyde has 
worked in publishing, media, online and technology sectors, living in the UK, Germany, China and 
Australia. He is a director of Neuroscience Research Australia and holds a BBus (University of South 
Australia), as well as an MBA from Cranfield University (UK). Clyde is a fellow of the Australian Institute 
of Company Directors.

Bob Shaw
Executive Director, Chief Strategy Officer & Co-founder 
Appointed 5 April 2007, re-elected August 2021

Bob has been involved in transforming the travel industry since 1987, collaborating with the world’s 
leading airlines, travel agencies and global distribution systems. He has held a number of directorships 
and senior management positions in various high-profile ventures, including Gullivers Travel Group and 
Interactive Technologies. Bob has been a past finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He is  
a member of the Institute of IT Professionals NZ, the Institute of Directors NZ/Australia and NZCDP.

8

Our Executive Team

Charlie Nowaczek
Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Duanne O’Brien
Chief Technology Officer

Shane Sampson
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Charlie has over 25 years’ experience 
as an operations executive and 
management adviser, specialising 
in business transformation and 
operational excellence. Over the  
last decade he has been COO for  
a number of technology start-ups  
in the US and Canada.

Duanne is a technology leader with 
over 25 years’ experience, specialising 
in building global enterprise SaaS 
(software as a service) platforms. 
Duanne leads the largest of our global 
teams, designing, building and running 
Serko’s platforms and products.

Shane joined Serko with over 30 years’ 
experience in finance and commercial 
leadership roles at Vector, Spark and  
Pulse Energy and most recently as the  
CFO of PushPay. Shane has a BCA and  
LLB (Hons) from Victoria University 
of Wellington and is a member of 
Chartered Accountants Australia  
and New Zealand.

Rachael Satherley
Chief People Officer

Murray Warner
SVP Managed Travel

Nick Whitehead
Chief Marketing Officer

Rachael has 20 years of experience in 
people leadership roles across Europe, 
North America and Asia-Pacific, most 
recently with Expedia Group. She has  
a passion for unlocking individual,  
team and organisational potential 
through transformation.

Murray has 20 years’ experience 
working with cloud software 
technology, building new sales and 
revenue operations. He has previously 
held several senior management 
positions with Concur Technologies, 
an SAP company, across Asia-Pacific, 
Europe and North America.

Nick has a 20-year track record  
of commercialising technology  
through the development of effective 
go-to-market strategies and leads 
Serko’s global marketing and 
communications function.

our leaderShip

9

Our strategy

Our 
Purpose

Our Vision 
+ Mission

3 yr  
Strategic 
Goals

FY24 
Objectives

We bring people together

To create a connected, frictionless  
travel experience by building the world’s  
leading business travel marketplace

1

Customer  
success

deliver an exceptional  
customer experience (cX)  
through experimentation

2

Unmanaged  
revenue

Establish significant  
market share  
in the unmanaged  
travel market

Build travel software 
that people love

Make booking  
for business easier

engage and delight our 
customers through data-
driven product improvement 
that has the most impact

combine Serko’s experience 
of what matters most to 
business travellers with the 
best of Booking.com

10

Our strategy provides our stakeholders —employees, 
customers, end users, partners, suppliers, shareholders  
and others — with a clear sense of what drives us, where  
we are heading and how we will create long-term value.

3

Managed  
revenue

consistently grow market 
share in the global managed 
travel market through  
tMc partnerships and 
inorganic growth

4

Marketplace  
and content

commercialise  
connected trip  
experience through  
an open platform

5

Culture

create a culture  
of engaged Serkodians 
aligned to our purpose, 
mission and values

Unleash the  
US market

Adopt next generation 
technology foundations

The best place  
to do your work

our whole team taking 
our market-leading a/nZ 
experience to improve the 
success of our uS-based 
tMc partners

continue the build of our 
next-gen technology 
platform to optimise scale, 
cost and pace of innovation

an environment where you 
can do career defining work, 
that delights our customers 
and partners

our Strategy

11

Our products

Zeno is an integrated travel and expense platform that is revolutionising 
the world of corporate travel and expense management globally.

Zeno Travel

Zeno Expense

Zeno Travel is an Online Booking Tool (OBT) that is  
used by corporate travellers to book flights, trains, 
hotels, rental cars and airport transfers in line with  
their corporate travel policies. 

This provides the oversight and control that travel 
managers need to ensure that spend is effectively 
managed, with the ease of use and personalised 
experience that encourages corporate travellers  
to use the OBT and avoid travel program ‘leakage’  
to supplier websites or leisure travel retailers. 

Zeno achieves this with an intuitive interface that 
makes booking business travel super simple,  
intelligent technology that provides personalised 
itinerary recommendations based on traveller 
preferences and a global marketplace that allows 
travellers to connect with preferred suppliers  
at every stage of the journey.

Zeno Expense automates the process of corporate card 
and out-of-pocket expense submission, reconciliation 
and reimbursement. Employees capture receipts  
via the mobile app, or email receipts directly to Zeno, 
add a description or cost centre if needed and submit 
for approval there and then. To make it even simpler, 
Zeno also offers automated integrations with providers, 
such as Uber for Business. 

Zeno’s intelligent technology proactively identifies and 
manages out-of-policy claims, helping prevent expense 
claim fraud and dramatically streamlining the expense 
administration function. 

Zeno also provides managers and finance teams with  
a full suite of analysis tools that help them to run their  
travel and expense budgets more effectively, identify  
problem areas and optimise expense policies.

Serko generates revenue through corporate customers paying  
a booking fee per transaction and through supplier commission.

Serko generates revenue through corporate customers paying  
a fee per active user or per expense report submitted.

12

Booking.com for Business · Powered by Zeno

In 2019 Booking Holdings extended its partnership with Serko to enable Booking.com to 
resell the Zeno platform, white-labelled under the Booking.com for Business brand, with a 
commercial partnership based on a revenue share model between Booking.com and Serko. 

Dedicated teams at both companies worked together to bring to market an initial product that 
went live in the UK and Ireland in May 2020 ahead of a global roll out that began in early 2021. 
The platform is now available in multiple languages across more than 190 countries. 

The new Booking.com for Business platform powered by Zeno aims to provide a one-stop-
shop for all business travel needs, helping save time and money and making life easier 
for business travellers and their administration teams alike. In addition to Booking.com 
accommodation content, we are continuing to build a global connected trip offer, including 
flights and rail content in selected countries. 

Serko generates revenue through supplier commission from  
travel bookings completed through Booking.com for Business.

our productS

13

Building sustainable  
long-term business growth

We believe strong ESG practices 
give Serko its social licence to 
operate, as well as creating 
long-term value for  
our business.

Building sustainability  
in our business 

Sustainability is embedded 
in our approach to long-
term value creation. Here 
are the key drivers of our 
sustainability strategy: 

01

02

03

Being a brand you can 
count on — trusted by our 
employees, customers, 
investors and partners 

Powering our people —  
to do amazing work that 
drives our business and 
sustainability goals

Continuously 
innovating — to adapt 
to rapid environmental 
changes and deliver 
sustainable and innovative 
products to our customers 

Serko’s 2023 ESG Report available  
now at www.serko.com/investors

14

Assisting our customers  
to make sustainable  
business decisions 

As an office-based technology business with relatively low  
scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, we see our greatest area of  
influence is supporting our customers to make informed decisions 
when booking travel. Serko’s vision for supporting efficient  
business travel with Mission Zero is built around four principles:

Real-time data 

Informed choice 

Impact visibility 

Net Zero impact 

By providing complete 
visibility of a business 
travel program’s 
environmental 
impacts, Zeno enables 
organisations to make 
policy choices that get 
their travellers where 
they need to go, while 
treading as lightly  
as possible. 

Through our partnership 
with TEM, Mission Zero 
offers organisations 
a measurable way to 
offset their greenhouse 
emissions by investing 
in carbon offset projects 
that deliver social and 
economic benefits to 
communities as well as 
emissions reduction. 

Serko is collaborating 
with its partners to 
enable Zeno users to 
measure the impact of 
their flights in real-time.  

Travel programs can be 
designed to minimise 
environmental impact, 
not just financial cost. 
The most efficient flight 
routes, cabin classes 
and vehicle types can 
be identified at the 
point of purchase to 
drive more sustainable 
buying behaviour. 
Mission Zero also offers 
‘sustainability badges’, 
that allow Booking.
com users to search 
for accommodation 
that meets certain 
sustainability criteria. 

SuStainaBle BuSineSS growth

15

Management 
commentary

Please read the following commentary with the financial statements 
and the related notes in this report. Some parts of this commentary 
include information regarding the plans and strategy for the 
business and include forward-looking statements that involve risks 
and uncertainties.

Actual results and the timing of certain events may differ materially 
from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking 
statements contained in the following commentary. All amounts  
are presented in New Zealand dollars (NZD), except where indicated. 
All references to a year are the financial year ended 31 March, unless 
otherwise stated.

Non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting practice) measures have 
been included, as we believe they provide useful information for 
readers to assist in understanding Serko’s financial performance. 
Non-GAAP financial measures do not have standardised meanings 
and should not be viewed in isolation or considered as substitutes 
for measures reported in accordance with New Zealand Equivalents 
to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS). These 
measures have not been independently audited or reviewed.

16

Business results 

($30.5m)

Net loss before tax

Year ended 31 March

2023

2022

Change

%

Revenue

Other income

Total income

Operating expenses

Percentage of revenue

Foreign exchange gains/(losses)

Net finance (expense)/income

Net (loss) before tax

Percentage of revenue

Income tax expense

Net (loss) after tax

Percentage of revenue

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

46,492

1,533

48,025

17,855

1,019

18,874

28,637

514

29,151

(82,819)

(55,057)

(27,762)

(178%)

(308%)

1,737

2,596

(35)

578

(30,461)

(35,640)

(66%)

(200%)

(79)

(319)

(30,540)

(35,959)

(66%)

(201%)

1,772

2,018

5,179

240

5,419

160%

50%

154%

50%

(5063%)

349%

(15%)

(75%)

(15%)

Revenue increased 160% to $46.5 million primarily due to significant growth in Booking.com for Business and 
business travel recovery. Total income for the year to 31 March 2023 increased 154% to $48 million. Operating  
costs increased by 50% to $82.8 million, as the Group continued to scale to drive future growth opportunities.  
Serko recorded a net loss result after tax of $30.5 million, an improvement of 15% against the prior year net loss  
of $36.0 million.  

The Group recognised $1.5 million in other income (primarily grants), an increase of $0.5 million or 50% from the prior  
year. Other income primarily comprised of the research and development tax credit (RDTI). Grant income in relation 
to RDTI of $1.6 million was claimed, while a portion was treated as deferred income as the costs to which the grants 
related had been capitalised. This deferred income will be recognised in future years over the useful lives of the 
related assets. 

Foreign exchange gains resulted in a favorable variance of $1.7 million compared to prior year, this is due to a weaker 
New Zealand Dollar against both the Euro and United States Dollar. Net finance income increased 349% to $2.6 million 
primarily reflecting increased interest earned on increased short-term investments. 

ManageMent coMMentary

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$50m

$40m

$30m

$20m

$10m

$0m

$33.9m

$28.4m

$9.5m

$9.4m

$41.1m

$42.2m

$28.6m

$19.4m

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

  Total spend      

  Revenue & other income

Growth in Total Income continued to be strong in the second half of the financial year while growth in Total Spend 
declined to 3% relative to the first half as Serko largely completed scaling and implemented some initial efficiency 
initiatives. Serko is achieving operating leverage as revenue continues to grow. Total spend is a non GAAP measure 
which Serko uses internally to measure spend before the impacts of capitalisation and amortisation. In software 
businesses the nature of the projects being worked on can result in significant differences in the proportion of product 
design and delivery costs capitalised. We consider that Total Spend is a more useful measure of the cost base of the 
business as it removes the volatility which can occur as a result of capitalisation decisions.

18

EBITDAF 

($21.8m)

EBITDAF Loss

Year ended 31 March

2023

2022

Change

%

Net (loss) after tax

Deduct: net finance (expense)/income

Add back: income tax

Add back: depreciation and amortisation 

Add back: net foreign exchange (gains)/losses

EBITDAF (loss)

Percentage of revenue

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

(30,540)

(35,959)

(2,596)

79

13,040

(1,737)

(578)

319

8,038

35

(21,754)

(28,145)

(47%)

(158%)

5,419

(2,018)

(240)

5,002

(1,772)

6,391

15%

349%

(75%)

62%

(5063%)

23%

EBITDAF is a non-GAAP measure representing Earnings Before the deduction of costs relating to Interest, Taxation, 
Depreciation, Amortisation, Foreign Currency (Gains)/Losses and Fair value remeasurement.  

EBITDAF improved by $6.4 million from a loss of $28.1 million to a loss of $21.8 million reflecting increased Total 
Income partially offset by increased expenditure. 

Depreciation and amortisation increased by $5 million over the prior year primarily reflecting an increase in the 
average balance of computer software assets over the prior year. Depreciation includes right-of-use assets (leased 
premises) under IFRS-16 (Leases) adoption of $1.1 million (FY22 $0.9 million).  

ManageMent coMMentary

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue and other income (total income)

$48.0m

Total income

Year ended 31 March

2023

2022

Change

%

Revenue – transaction and usage fees:

Travel platform booking revenue

Expense platform revenue

Supplier commissions revenue

Services revenue

Other revenue

Other Income

Total income

Total travel bookings (000)

Online bookings (000)

ARPB (travel related revenue only/online bookings)

Average revenue per completed room night (ARPCRN)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

16,283

4,960

23,363

1,555

331

1,533

9,042

4,039

3,447

1,007

320

1,019

7,241

921

19,916

548

11

514

48,025

18,874

29,151

4,804

4,146

$9.56

€9.34

2,556

2,153

$5.80

€6.88

2,248

1,993

$3.76

€2.46

80%

23%

578%

54%

3%

50%

154%

88%

93%

65%

36%

Travel related revenue includes travel platform booking revenue and supplier commissions revenue. 
Total income includes revenue from customers and other income such as grants but excludes finance income.

Total income increased by 154% to $48.0 million. 

Travel platform revenue increased by 80% to $16.3 million. Expense platform revenue, which includes fixed 
components to pricing, increased by $0.9 million.

Supplier commissions revenue increased by $19.9 million (578%) to $23.4 million reflecting growth in revenue  
from Booking.com for Business. Supplier commissions revenue is recognised net of consideration payable to 
customers of $1.8 million (2022: $0.9 million). 

Services revenue increased by 54% to $1.6 million, while other revenues was flat at $0.3 million.

Total travel platform bookings by volume increased 88% over the prior year. Total travel bookings during FY23  
were 4.8 million. Total travel bookings include 0.6 million Offline bookings (system automated bookings) that  
don’t contribute significantly to revenue or are bundled into the ‘Online’ booking rate. Online bookings for the  
year increased 94% to 4.2 million.

Average Revenue Per Booking (ARPB) for travel-related revenue (Travel platform and supplier  commissions) 
increased during the year by 65% to $9.56 from $5.36 based on Online bookings and driven by a higher Average 
Revenue per Completed Room Night (ARPCRN) and the increased proportion of Booking.com for Business bookings.

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long Term Revenue Trends

$50m

$40m

$30m

$20m

$10m

$0m

  Services
   Supplier commissions  
& other
  Expense platform
  Travel platform

covid-19 
impact

Fy13 Fy14 Fy15 Fy16 Fy17 Fy18 Fy19 Fy20 Fy21 Fy22 Fy23

Revenue increased by 80% relative to FY20, the last year unaffected by Covid and the previous highest revenue  
year for Serko.

Booking volumes 1

5m

4m

3m

2m

1m

  Other bookings
  Online bookings

covid-19 
impact

Fy13 Fy14 Fy15 Fy16 Fy17 Fy18 Fy19 Fy20 Fy21 Fy22 Fy23

1   Booking volumes are total volumes and include Offline Bookings, which can be either bundled into a price per Online booking or at an additional price, 

as these are primarily automated bookings but processed through the booking tool. 

ManageMent coMMentary

21

Recent Revenue Trends

Total income ($m)

Total online bookings

$28.6m

$19.4m

1.99m

2.15m

$9.5m

$9.4m

1.13m

1.02m

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

Total income grew strongly in FY23 with an increase in total income of $9.2 million or 47% from the first half to  
the second half. The growth in the second half was driven by increased Active Customers on Booking.com for 
Business as business travel recovered and by a full six months of using the Booking.com hotel shop experience  
as communicated at the Annual Shareholder Meeting in August 2022.

22

Unmanaged revenue

Completed 
room nights

Average 
revenue per 
completed 
room night

Active  
customers

1.1m

0.1m

0.2m

0.5m

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

€6.61

€7.04

€10.10

€9.03

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

157k

109k

64k

28k

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

Unmanaged revenue relates to Booking.com for Business and primarily comprises Supplier commissions revenue 
from hotel bookings. The ARPCRN is impacted by the price of the hotel room and the commission rate for that hotel. 
Revenue is recognised on the date the hotel stay is completed. Bookings can be for multiple rooms and Serko does 
not receive revenue in relation to bookings which are subsequently cancelled. Serko therefore focuses on Completed 
Room Nights (CRN) and Average Revenue per Completed Room Night (ARPCRN) as key metrics unlike in Managed 
where bookings and ARPB are the key metrics. Completed room nights are higher than the number of bookings so 
that ARPB is higher than the ARPCRN. 

ManageMent coMMentary

23

Australasia transactions as % of pre-Covid-19

Managed revenue

200%

160%

120%

80%

40%

0%

Mar-22

May-22

Jul-22

Sep-22

nov-22

Jan-23

Mar-23

  New Zealand TMCs
  Australasia

  Australian TMCs
  Australasia avg. per workday

Australasia Online Bookings

Australasia ARPB

1.73m

1.68m

$4.91

$5.11

$5.06

$4.87

1.06m

0.87m

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

Travel volumes in Australia and New Zealand continued to recover throughout the 2023 financial year with online 
bookings growing 77% relative to FY22. Over the year total bookings in Australasia were 89% of 2019 levels, the 
last pre-pandemic calendar year. New Zealand was at 136% of 2019 levels reflecting the onboarding of a major 
New Zealand TMC during 2019 and Australia was at 82% of 2019 levels reflecting business travel having not fully 
recovered. March volumes were strong, partly driven by the relative number of work days in March 2023 relative to 
March 2019 and partly to the continued recovery across the year.

24

Revenue by geography

Year ended 31 March

2023

2022

Change

%

Australia

New Zealand

North America

Europe and Other

Total Revenue

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

18,130

2,480

3,015

22,867

46,492

10,686

1,539

2,597

3,033

17,855

7,444

941

418

19,834

28,637

70%

61%

16%

654%

160%

Serko earned 39% (FY22: 60%) of revenue from Australia and 5% (FY22: 9%) from New Zealand sources,  
with New Zealand-sourced income up 61% and Australian-sourced income up 70% over the prior year.  

North American revenue increased by 16% but declined as a proportion of total revenue (FY23: 6%, FY22: 15%)  
due to the growth in Europe and Other. 

Europe and Other revenue increased by 654% to $22.9 million driven by growth in revenue from the Booking.com  
for Business partnership. 

ManageMent coMMentary

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
How Serko makes money

Business traveller  
makes a booking  
via Serko platforms

Business traveller books  
a hotel, car or taxi  
via Serko platforms

Business traveller  
submits receipts using  
Serko platforms

$

Booking and  
other fees

$

Supplier  
commissions

$

Monthly  
user fee

Serko’s main source of revenue is Travel platform revenue from Serko Online and Zeno however Supplier commissions 
revenue is growing.

Travel platform revenue is made up of transaction fees, ancillary service fees and contracted minimum payments 
(where applicable) and is stated net of volume-related rebates and discounts. Travel platform revenue is generally 
recognised at the time a booking is made.

Serko also earns commission income on a portion of bookings when corporates opt to book Serko-sourced hotel 
and other traveller-related services. Serko is paid directly from the suppliers of these services, therefore income 
from this source through its platforms is included in supplier commissions. The Booking.com for Business platform 
provided in partnership with Booking.com is a free service with Booking.com receiving commissions from suppliers, 
primarily hotels. The commissions earned through this platform are recognised under supplier commissions. Supplier 
commission revenue is recognised at the time the relevant stay is completed as bookings which are cancelled do not 
result in revenue.

Serko also earns income from its expense management platform Serko Expense, which allows registered users of 
corporate customers to process travel and expense claims for accounting and reimbursement. Revenues are derived 
from a combination of fees for active users, registered users and reports processed. 

Other revenue includes income from Serko Mobile licence fees and other miscellaneous revenues.

Services revenue is derived from installation service and customized software development undertaken on behalf of 
the TMCs. It also includes the fees charged to develop connections to third party systems wanting to integrate with 
Serko’s platforms. The basis of charging can vary depending on the contractual terms with the customer, which may 
specify time and materials, capped or fixed pricing.

Other income historically has been primarily government grants for research and development projects and 
international growth grants. With the change of R&D grants to a tax credit regime, Serko no longer receives research 
and development grants and instead receives research and development tax incentives (RDTI).

26

Operating Expenses

Operating Expenses

Total remuneration and benefits

Percentage of revenue

Third party direct costs

Percentage of revenue

Other operating expenses

Percentage of revenue

Total amortisation and depreciation

Percentage of revenue

Total Operating Expense

Percentage of revenue

FY23

$'000

49,329

106%

10,445

22%

10,005

22%

13,040

28%

82,819

178%

FY22

$'000

32,074

180%

6,483

36%

8,462

47%

8,038

45%

55,057

308%

change

change

$'000

17,255

%

54%

3,962

61%

1,543

18%

5,002

62%

27,762

50%

Operating expenses grew by 50% to $82.8 million but declined as a percentage of revenue from 308% to  
178% as revenue grew and operating leverage was achieved.

Operating expense growth included growth in non-cash items including: amortisation and depreciation and  
the Employee Incentive Share Scheme (EISS). The table below shows the year on year (YoY) change in total  
operating expenses.

YoY change in operating expenses

$12.93m $1.91m $1.77m

$4.00m

$5.00m $2.17m

$90m

$80m

$70m

$60m

$50m

$40m

$30m

FY22  
Operating 
Expenses

Remuneration 
and other 
benefits

EISS

Capital-
isation

3rd party  
direct  
costs

Amortisation  
and  
depreciation

Other  
expenses

FY23  
Operating 
Expenses

ManageMent coMMentary

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Spend

2023

2022

change

change

Expenses from ordinary activities

82,819

55,057

27,762

$'m

Add back: capitalised development

Deduct: depreciation and amortisation 

Total Spend

Percentage of revenue

13,551

(13,040)

83,330

179%

15,320

(8,038)

62,339

349%

%

50%

(12%)

62%

(1,769)

(5,002)

20,991

34%

As noted above Total Spend is a non GAAP measure which Serko uses internally to measure spend before the impacts 
of capitalisation and amortisation. In software businesses the nature of the projects being worked on can result in 
significant differences in the proportion of product design and delivery costs capitalised. We consider that total spend 
is a more useful measure of the cost base of the business as it removes the volatility which can occur as a result of 
capitalisation decisions.  

Total spend for the year increased from $62.3 million to $83.3 million (34% increase). This is due to the scaling  
of operations to accommodate the revenue growth. Total spend as a percentage of revenue however, decreased  
from 349% in FY22 to 179% in FY23. 

Operating expense growth included growth in non-cash items including: amortisation and depreciation and the 
Employee Incentive Share Scheme (EISS).

Total spend

$28.4m

$33.9m

$41.1m

$42.2m

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

Growth in Total Spend from the first half to the second half declined to 3%. Serko has been scaling the business 
to support revenue growth and has largely reached the scale required to achieve its revenue targets. The majority 
of Serko’s Total Spend relates to remuneration and benefits and has grown as headcount has increased. In the 
second half Serko continued to invest in new growth and cost efficiency initiatives but these were partly funded from 
efficiency gains rather than new spending.

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product design and development (PD&D) costs

Year ended 31 March

2023

2022

Change

%

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

Total Product Design & Development

Percentage of revenue

41,735

90%

30,121

169%

11,614

39%

Less: capitalised product development costs

(13,551)

(15,320)

1,769

(12%)

Percentage of Product Design & Development costs

32%

51%

Total Product Design & Development  
(excluding amortisation)

Percentage of revenue

Add: Amortisation of capitalised development costs

Total

Percentage of revenue

28,184

14,801

13,383

90%

61%

11,163

39,347

85%

83%

6,386

21,187

119%

4,777

18,160

75%

86%

Product design and development (PD&D) costs is a non-GAAP measure representing the internal and external costs 
related to PD&D that have been included in operating costs or capitalised as computer software development during 
the period. PD&D includes all activities related to the design, development and maintenance of Serko’s product but 
excludes operating costs such as Hosting expenses. PD&D expenses include employee and contractor remuneration 
related to these activities.

Total PD&D costs increased by 39% to $41.7 million reflecting increased average PD&D headcount. As a percentage  
of revenue PD&D costs reduced by 79 percentage points to 90%. Capitalised PD&D costs decreased by 12% to  
$13.6 million due to less spend on capitalisable projects.

ManageMent coMMentary

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Headcount and average revenue per headcount

By function:

Year ended 31 March

2023

2022

Change

%

Product development and maintenance

Sales and marketing

Customer support

Administration

Total headcount at end of the year

Average income per headcount (NZD $000)

261

20

42

41

364

138

226

23

41

41

331

61

35

(3)

1

—

31

77

15%

(13%)

2%

—

10%

126%

Headcount increased from 331 at 31 March 2022 to 364 at 31 March 2023, a 10% increase. The majority of the 
increase in headcount was in Product Development and maintenance.

FY22

FY23

  Administration
   Sales & marketing
  Customer support
   Product development  
& maintenance

FY22

FY23

Geography  
of headcount

  USA
   Australia
  China
   New Zealand

By Region:

Year ended 31 March

2023

2022

Change

%

New Zealand

Australia

United States

China

Total headcount at end of the year

250

15

27

72

364

218

18

41

54

331

32

(3)

(14)

18

33

15%

(17%)

(34%)

33%

10%

Headcount growth was in the New Zealand and China offices. In the United States Serko’s US expense product design 
and development team was scaled down on completion of a major product release.

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By Employment type:

Year ended 31 March

Permanent staff

Contractors

Total headcount at end of the year

2023

2022

Change

336

28

364

312

19

331

24

9

33

%

8%

47%

10%

Serko increased the number of contractors to support key product development initiatives while retaining the flexibility 
to reduce resourcing once those initiatives are complete.

Total Headcount

312

331

363

364

400

300

200

100

0

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

  Employees      

  Contractors

After significant headcount growth in prior halves in the second half of FY23 headcount growth was minimal as Serko 
reached its targeted resourcing level.

ManageMent coMMentary

31

 
 
 
 
 
Underlying cash flows

Year ended 31 March

2023

2022

Change

%

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

Adjusted cash flows from operating activities

(19,156)

(23,731)

4,575

(19%)

Adjusted cash flows from investing activities

(14,014)

(16,094)

2,080

(13%)

Adjusted cash flows from financing activities

Net foreign exchange differences

21

529

200

(23)

(179)

(90%)

552

(2400%)

Underlying cash flow

(32,620)

(39,648)

7,028

(18%)

Average monthly underlying cash burn

(2,718)

(3,304)

586

(18%)

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term deposits at beginning of year

124,513

79,919

44,594

56%

Add back adjustments:

One-off payment relating to 2022 made in 2023

Capital Raise (net funds received)

(4,149)

4,149

—

80,093

nm1

nm1

nm1

nm1

Reported Cash, cash equivalents and short term deposits at the end of the year

87,744

124,513

(36,769)

(30%)

nm1  stands for not meaningful

The table above reconciles Underlying Cash Flows to the Cash flow Statement in the Financial Statements. Underlying 
cash flow is cash flows adjusted for items which are technically cash flows but do not reflect the operating cash 
requirements of the business such as: net flows between cash and short term investments and net funds from capital 
raise. We have also made adjustments for payments paid in FY23 that would ordinarily been paid in FY22 and relate  
to FY22.

Cash flows from operating activities decreased from a net outflow of $23.7m to a net outflow of $19.2m which  
is as a result of increased receipts from customers due to increased revenue.

Cash flows from investing activities, includes cash outflows for property, plant and equipment and intangibles. 
The decrease in outflow is reflective of the decrease in capitalised internal development, effectively increasing the 
reported cash flows from operating activities.

Financing cash flows for the year includes receipts for share options exercised by employees. 

Total underlying cash burn for the year decreased from $39.6 million to $33.1 million representing a 18% reduction  
in cash burn. The underlying average monthly cash burn decreased from $3.3 million to $2.7 million, a 18% decrease 
in average outflow per month.

Cash balances and short-term deposits decreased 30% to $87.7 million as at 31 March 2023,  
a $36.8 million reduction. 

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underlying average  
monthly cash-burn

$3.7m

$3.6m

$2.9m

$1.8m

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

Underlying cash flow

Fy22 h1

Fy22 h2

Fy23 h1

Fy23 h2

-$11.0m

-$17.6m

-$22.1m

-$21.6m

Looking across the last four halves underlying cash flows peaked at $22.1 million in the six months to 31 March 2022 
($3.7 million average monthly cash burn) and has declined to $11.0 million in the second half of FY23 ($1.8 million 
average monthly cash burn) reflecting strong operating leverage as revenue has grown.

Statement of Financial Position

Balance Sheet

Cash and Short Term Deposits

Other Current Assets

Intangibles

Other Non Current Assets

Total Assets

Current Liabilities

Non Current Liabilities

Equity

Total Liabilities and Equity

2023

2022

Change

Change

$'m

$'m

$'m

%

87,744

124,513

(36,769)

13,835

35,041

4,296

6,226

32,058

4,394

7,609

2,983

(98)

(30%)

122%

9%

(2%)

140,916

167,191

(26,275)

(16%)

12,242

13,300

(1,058)

2,744

3,010

(266)

125,930

150,881

(24,951)

140,916

167,191

(26,275)

(8%)

(9%)

(17%)

(16%)

Serko’s balance sheet remains strong with cash and short-term investments of $87.7 million and no debt. Receivables 
grew strongly driven by increased revenue while payables declined due to the repayment noted in the Underlying Cash 
Flow commentary, partially offset by higher expenses in the March 2023 quarter relative to the March 2022 quarter.

ManageMent coMMentary

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial  
Statements

For the year ending 31 March 2023

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Consolidated statement of financial position

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Notes to the financial statements

Independent auditor’s report

36

37

38

39

40 

68 

34

The directors of Serko Limited are pleased to present the financial statements  
for Serko Limited and its subsidiaries (the Group) for the year ended 31 March 2023  
to shareholders.

The directors are responsible for presenting financial statements in accordance with 
New Zealand law and generally accepted accounting practice, which fairly present the 
financial position of the Group as at 31 March 2023 and the results of its operations 
and cash flows for the year ended on that date.

The directors consider the financial statements of the Group have been prepared using 
accounting policies that have been consistently applied and supported by reasonable 
judgements and estimates and that all relevant financial reporting and accounting 
standards have been followed.

The directors believe that proper accounting records have been kept that enable,  
with reasonable accuracy, the determination of the financial position of the Group  
and facilitate compliance of the financial statements with the Companies Act 1993, 
NZX Listing Rules, Financial Reporting Act 2013 and the Financial Markets Conduct  
Act 2013.

The directors consider they have taken adequate steps to safeguard the assets  
of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. Internal control 
procedures are also considered to be sufficient to provide a reasonable assurance  
as to the integrity and reliability of the financial statements.

The financial statements are signed on behalf of the Board of Directors  
on 17 May 2023 by:

Claudia Batten 
Chair

Jan Dawson 
Chair of Audit, Risk and Sustainability Committee

Financial StateMentS

35

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 March 2023

Revenue

Other income

Total income

Remuneration and benefits

Other operating expenses

Amortisation and depreciation

Expenses from ordinary activities

Loss before finance items

Foreign exchange gains/(losses) – net

Finance income

Finance expenses

Loss before income tax

Income tax expense

Net loss attributable to the shareholders of the company

Movement in foreign currency reserve

Total comprehensive loss for the period

Earnings per share

Notes

31 Mar 2023

31 Mar 2022

4 

4 

5 

5 

5 

6 

$ (000)

$ (000)

 46,492 

 1,533 

 48,025 

 (49,329)

 (20,450)

 (13,040)

 (82,819)

 17,855 

 1,019 

 18,874 

 (32,074)

 (14,945)

 (8,038)

 (55,057)

 (34,794)

 (36,183)

 1,737 

 2,878 

 (282)

 (35)

 696 

 (118)

 (30,461)

 (35,640)

 (79)

 (30,540)

 (440)

 (30,980)

 (319)

 (35,959)

 (57)

 (36,016)

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share (dollars)

17 

 (0.26)

 (0.33)

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

36

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes

Share 
capital

$ (000)

Share-based 
payment 
reserve

Foreign 
currency 
reserve

Accumulated 
losses

Total

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

 235,101 

 7,483 

 (236)

 (91,467)

 150,881 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 (30,540)

 (30,540)

 (440)

 (440)

 -   

 (440)

 (30,540)

 (30,980)

Balance as at 1 April 2022

Net loss for the year

Other comprehensive loss*

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners

Equity-settled share-based payments

 2,875 

 3,154 

 -   

 -   

 6,029 

Balance as at 31 March 2023

16 

 237,976 

 10,637 

 (676)

 (122,007)

 125,930 

Balance as at 1 April 2021

Net loss for the year

Other comprehensive loss*

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners

Issue of share capital

Cost of equity issued

Equity-settled share-based payments

Shares vested with employees via Restricted 
Share Plan
Shares forfeited by employees via Restricted 
Share Plan
Non-executive director’s settlement of non-
recourse loan

 153,706 

 4,509 

 (179)

 (55,508)

 102,528 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 83,281 

 (3,188)

 1,055 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 2,929 

 95 

 (3)

 247 

 (47)

 -   

 (35,959)

 (35,959)

 (57)

 (57)

 -   

 (57)

 (35,959)

 (36,016)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 83,281 

 (3,188)

 3,984 

 95 

 (3)

 200 

Balance as at 31 March 2022

16 

 235,101 

 7,483 

 (236)

 (91,467)

 150,881 

*  Items in other comprehensive income may be reclassified to the income statement and are shown net of tax.

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Financial StateMentS

37

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 March 2023

Current assets

Cash at bank and on hand

Short-term deposits

Receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets 

Deferred tax asset

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Lease liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Income tax payable

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Deferred income

Lease liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Share capital

Share-based payment reserve

Foreign currency reserve

Accumulated losses

Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

31 Mar 2023

31 Mar 2022

$ (000)

$ (000)

11 

11 

7 

8 

9 

10 

6 

12 

14 

15 

13 

8 

14 

13 

16 

16 

 15,244 

 72,500 

 13,691 

 144 

 34,513 

 90,000 

 6,226 

 —

 101,579 

 130,739 

 3,946 

 35,041 

 350 

 39,337 

 4,319 

 32,058 

 75 

 36,452 

 140,916 

 167,191 

 9,862 

 1,204 

 —   

 1,093 

 —

 83 

 11,308 

 1,008 

 28 

 820 

 16 

 120 

 12,242 

 13,300 

 727 

 2,017 

 2,744 

 853 

 2,157 

 3,010 

 14,986 

 16,310 

 237,976 

 10,637 

 (676)

 (122,007)

 125,930 

 235,101 

 7,483 

 (236)

 (91,467)

 150,881 

 140,916

 167,191 

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors, who authorise these financial statements for issue on 17 May 2023

Claudia Batten 
Chair

Jan Dawson 
Chair of Audit, Risk and Sustainability Committee

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

38

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
As at 31 March 2023

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers

Receipts from government grants - Covid-19 subsidies

Interest received

Receipts from government grants - other

Taxation paid

Payments to suppliers and employees

Interest payments on lease liabilities

Net GST refunded

Notes

31 Mar 2023

31 Mar 2022

$ (000)

$ (000)

 43,102 

 22,878 

—

 2,170 

 1,629 

 (393)

 962 

 228 

 856 

 (44)

 (70,812)

 (43,637)

 (223)

 2,201 

 (69)

 370 

Net cash flows (used in)/from operating activities

20 

 (22,326)

 (18,456)

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Capitalised development costs and other intangible assets

Short-term deposits

Net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Issue of ordinary shares

Cost of new share issue

Payment of lease liabilities

Non-executive directors non-recourse loan 

Net repayment of loans

Net cash flows (used in)/from financing activities

Net decrease in total cash

Net foreign exchange difference

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

Cash and cash equivalents comprises the following:

Cash at bank and on hand

11 

 (463)

 (13,551)

 17,500 

 3,486 

 21 

—

 (951)

 —

 (28)

 (958)

 (19,798)

 529 

 34,513 

 15,244 

 15,244 

 15,244 

 (774)

 (15,320)

 (45,000)

 (61,094)

 83,281 

 (3,188)

 (1,064)

 200 

 (62)

 79,167 

 (383)

 (23)

 34,919 

 34,513 

 34,513 

 34,513 

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Financial StateMentS

39

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2023

1. CORPORATE INFORMATION

b)  Going Concern

The financial statements of Serko Limited (‘the 
Company’ or ‘Serko’) and subsidiaries (‘the Group’) 
were authorised for issue in accordance with a Board 
resolution.

The Company is a limited liability company domiciled 
and incorporated in New Zealand under the Companies 
Act 1993 and is listed on the New Zealand Stock 
Exchange (NZX) and the Australian Securities Exchange 
(ASX) as an ASX Foreign Exempt Listing. Its registered 
office is at Unit 14d, 125 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland.

The Group provides online business travel booking 
software solutions and is headquartered in Auckland, 
New Zealand.

2. BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The principal accounting policies applied in the 
preparation of these consolidated financial statements 
are set out in the respective notes and in this note. 
These policies have been consistently applied to  
all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

a)  Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting practice 
in New Zealand (NZ GAAP) and the requirements of 
the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. The financial 
statements comply with New Zealand equivalents to 
International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS) 
and International Financial Reporting Standards, as 
appropriate for profit-oriented entities. Other than  
where described below, or in the notes, the consolidated 
financial statements have been prepared using the 
historical cost convention.

The financial statements are presented in New Zealand 
dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest 
thousand dollars unless stated otherwise.

The financial statements provide comparative 
information in respect of the previous period.

40

The Board has considered the ability of the Group to 
continue to operate as a Going Concern for at least the 
next 12 months from the date the financial statements 
are authorised for issue. It is the conclusion of the 
Board that the Group will continue to operate as a 
going concern and the financial statements have been 
prepared on that basis. In reaching their conclusion the 
Board has considered the following factors:

•  Cash reserves (Cash at bank and Short-term 

deposits) at 31 March 2023 of $87.7 million provides 
a sufficient level of headroom to help support the 
business for at least the next 12 months; and

•  Average monthly cash burn for the year was  

$3.1 million, while the second half average was  
$2.5 million.

c)  Basis of consolidation

The Group 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, or has the rights, to variable returns from 

its involvement with the investee; and

•  Has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the 
Company obtains control. They are de-consolidated 
from the date that control is lost. The acquisition 
method of accounting is used to account for  
the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group.  
The consideration transferred for an acquisition is 
measured as the fair value of the assets transferred 
by the Group, equity instruments issued, and liabilities 
incurred or assumed, by the Group at the date of 
exchange. Costs directly attributable to the acquisition 
are recognised in the income statement. At the 
acquisition date the identifiable assets acquired and  
the liabilities assumed are recognised at their fair value.

A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, 
without a cease of control, is accounted for as an  
equity transaction. If the Group ceases control over  
a subsidiary, it:

•  Derecognises the assets (including goodwill)  

and liabilities of the subsidiary;

•  Derecognises the carrying amount of any 

noncontrolling interests;

•  Derecognises the cumulative translation  

difference recorded in equity;

•  Recognises the fair value of the consideration 

received;

•  Recognises the fair value of any investment retained;

•  Recognises any surplus or deficit in profit or loss; and

•  Reclassifies the parent’s share of components 

previously recognised in other comprehensive income 
to profit or loss or retained earnings, as appropriate, 
as would be required if the Group had directly 
disposed of the related assets or liabilities.

Intra-Group transactions, balances and unrealised gains 
and losses on transactions between Group companies 
are eliminated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries are 
consistent with the policies adopted by the Group.

d)  Foreign currency translation

i)  Functional and presentation currency

Items included in these financial statements of each of 
the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of 
the primary economic environment in which the entity 
operates (the ‘functional currency’). These financial 
statements are presented in New Zealand dollars, which 
is the Group’s presentation currency and the parent’s 
functional currency.

Key factors supporting the determination that New 
Zealand dollars are the parent’s functional currency are:

•  Serko is NZX listed and has raised capital in  

New Zealand dollars;

•  Serko generates revenue in multiple currencies; and

•  New Zealand dollars are the primary currency for 
labour, operating cost and capital expenditure.

ii)  Transactions and balances

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded 
in the functional currency by applying the exchange 
rates ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies 
are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at 
balance date.

Non-monetary items measured in terms of historical 
cost in a foreign currency are translated using the 
exchange rate as at the date of the initial transaction. 
Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign 
currency are translated using the exchange rates  
at the date when the fair value was determined.  
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from  
the settlement of such transactions, and from  
the translation at year end of exchange rates for 
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in  
foreign currencies, are recognised in the profit and loss.

iii)   Foreign currency translation reserve 

(FCTR)

Serko translates the results of its foreign operations 
from their functional currencies to the presentation 
currency using the closing exchange rate at balance 
date for assets and liabilities and the average monthly 
exchange rates for income and expenses. The 
difference arising from the translation of the statement 
of financial position at the closing rates and the 
statement of comprehensive income at the average 
rates is recognised in other comprehensive income and 
accumulated within the foreign currency translation 
reserve within the statement of changes in equity.

noteS to Financial StateMentS

41

e)  Sales tax

The Income Statement and the Statement of Cash 
Flows have been prepared so that all components are 
stated exclusive of sales tax, except where sales tax is 
not recoverable. All items in the Statement of Financial 
Position are stated net of sales tax with the exception 
of trade receivables and trade payables, which include 
sales tax payable. Sales tax includes Goods and 
Services Tax.

f)   Application of new and revised 
standards, amendments and 
interpretations.

There are no new revised or amended IFRS  
Standards that have a material impact on the  
Group for the year. The accounting policies  
adopted are consistent with the prior year. 

3.   SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING  

ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements requires the Group to make judgements, 
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities 
and the accompanying disclosures.

The significant judgements, estimates, and 
assumptions made by management in the preparation 
of these financial statements are outlined within  
the financial statement notes to which they relate.  
A summary of these judgements is as follows:

•  Capitalised development costs (note 10)

•  Impairment of intangible assets (note 10)

•  Revenue (note 4)

4.  REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME

Revenue is recognised and measured at the fair value  
of the consideration received or receivable to the 
extent it is probable that the entity will collect the 
consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange  
for the goods or services that will be transferred to  
the customer. Revenue is disclosed net of credit notes, 
rebates and discounts.

a) Revenue from transaction and usage fees

Revenue from transaction and usage fees include travel 
platform booking revenue, expense platform revenue 
and supplier commission revenue.

Revenue from travel platform bookings is recorded at 
the time the travel bookings are processed through 
Serko’s platforms. The revenue generated is derived 
from numerous customer contracts that feature diverse 
pricing structures including transactional and usage 
fees with varying triggers for recognising revenue. 
Some contracts have fixed minimum booking volume 
arrangements. These commitments typically cover the 
duration of the agreement and extend across multiple 
financial reporting periods, and revenue is recognised 
over the period of volume commitment. Serko records 
revenue from its portfolio of contracts with reference to 
actual transactions, forecast transactions and minimum 
contracted commitments. Management exercises 
judgement to estimate future transaction volumes in 
order to determine projected revenue and accrued and 
defer revenue accordingly. For contracts without fixed 
consideration, we have applied the ‘as invoiced’ basis  
of recognition.

Expense platform revenue is earned over a month, 
however we have applied the practical expedient by 
recognising revenue at a point in time. Revenue is 
recognised on an active user basis at the end of  
each month.

Supplier commission revenue, predominantly from 
hotel bookings, is recognised when the performance 
obligation is fulfilled, which is when the reservation 
has been completed (completed stay). Management 
exercises judgement to estimate the amount of accrued 
commissions due at reporting date due to the timing of 
commissions received from partners.

b) Revenue from services

Revenue from services is generated from installation  
or other chargeable work orders  and is recognised 
upon completion of the contract or services.

42

4.   REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME (continued)

c)  Contract assets

Contract assets primarily relate to accrued supplier commissions revenue (refer note 7).

The contract asset is reclassified to trade receivables at the point at which it is invoiced to the customer. Contract 
modifications arising from changes in pricing minimum guaranteed volumes are assessed on an individual basis and 
are accounted for prospectively, rather than adjusting the revenue for already satisfied performance obligations.

d)  Contract liabilities

If payments received exceed the revenue recognised to date, a contract liability is recognised for the difference  
(refer note 14).

Revenue – transaction and usage fees:

Travel platform booking revenue

Expense platform revenue

Supplier commissions revenue

Services revenue

Other revenue

Total revenue

Government grants

Other

Total other income

Total income

Geographic information

Australia

New Zealand

US

Europe and Other

Total revenue

Notes

2023

2022

$ (000)

$ (000)

14 

16,283

4,960

23,363

1,555

331

46,492

1,533

-

1,533

9,042

4,039

3,447

1,007

320

17,855

1,006

13

1,019

48,025

18,874

2023

2022

$ (000)

$ (000)

18,130

2,480

3,015

22,867

46,492

10,686

1,539

2,597

3,033

17,855

noteS to Financial StateMentS

43

4.  REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME (continued)

The Board and Executive team monitor the results of the Group’s operations as a whole for the purpose of making 
decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment and therefore the Board has determined the  
Group is a single reportable operating segment. As required under NZ IFRS 8 Serko is required to report on major 
customers making up more than 10% of the revenue for the year. Under this disclosure Serko advises that two 
customers (2022: three) had revenue more than 10% of the revenue for the Group. These customers accounted for 
$33,268,500 of the revenue for the year ended 31 March 2023 (2022: $9,335,635).

Serko reduces supplier commissions revenue by the amount of consideration payable to customers relating to jointly 
agreed marketing fees. For the year ended 31 March 2023, consideration payable to customers was $1,816,833  
(2022: $911,000).

5.  EXPENSES

Operating loss before taxation includes the following expenses:

Employee remuneration

Contributions to pension plans

Share-based payment expenses

Other remuneration and benefits

Total remuneration and benefits

Hosting expenses

Third party connection costs

Other platform related costs

Auditor remuneration and other assurance fees

Directors' fees*

Movement of expected credit loss allowance on receivables

Bad debts written off

Rental and operating lease expenses

Professional fees

Computer licences

Insurance costs

Marketing expenses

Recruitment fees

Donations

Travel and entertainment

Other expenses

Total other operating expenses

Amortisation on intangibles

Depreciation

Total amortisation and depreciation

Expenses from ordinary activities

*   Directors’ fees include $18,000 (2022: $25,000) earned by a director of subsidiary, Serko India Private Limited.

44

2023

$ (000)

37,995

4,688

6,008

638

49,329

6,638

1,889

1,918

268

465

28

13

134

1,627

1,540

986

1,610

567

11

1,128

1,628

20,450

11,163

1,877

13,040

82,819

2022

$ (000)

26,059

1,303

4,095

617

32,074

4,932

894

657

275

493

(23)

195

172

1,618

1,306

705

1,536

365

1

308

1,511

14,945

6,386

1,652

8,038

55,057

5.  EXPENSES (continued)

Finance income and expenses includes:

Finance income

Interest received

Dividends received

Total finance income

Finance expenses

Interest expense on lease liabilities

Other finance expenses

Total finance expenses

Total finance income and expenses

Auditor remuneration

Amounts for services performed by Deloitte Limited:

Audit of financial statements

Tax services

Other assurance services*

Total audit fees

2023

$ (000)

2022

$ (000)

2,877

1

2,878

(223)

(59)

(282)

2,596

695

1

696

(69)

(49)

(118)

578

2023

$ (000)

2022

$ (000)

238

-

30

268

267

-

8

275

*   Other assurance services relate to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory assurance review in the current year and the review of the Group’s 

compliance with Callaghan Innovation Grant requirements in prior year.

noteS to Financial StateMentS

45

6.  INCOME TAX

Income tax expense comprises of current and deferred tax movements.

Tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from, or paid to, 
the taxation authorities based on the current period’s taxable income. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute  
the amounts are those that are enacted or substantively enacted in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates  
at the reporting date. Taxation is recognised in the income statement, except when it relates to items recognised 
directly in equity.

Deferred income tax is provided on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases  
of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

Deferred income tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences except:

•  Where the entity has unrecognised losses sufficient to cover the deferred income tax liability; and

•  For a deferred income tax liability arising from the initial recognition of goodwill; and

•  Where the deferred income tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction  
that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor 
taxable profit or loss.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses,  
to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences 
can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each balance date and reduced to the extent that  
it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax 
asset to be utilised.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year  
when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) relevant to the appropriate  
tax jurisdiction, that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance date.

Current income tax

Current income tax charge

Adjustments in respect of income tax

Deferred income tax

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Income tax expense/(benefit) reported in the statement of comprehensive income

2023

$ (000)

2022

$ (000)

509

(144)

365

(286)

79

419

(141)

278

41

319

46

6.  INCOME TAX (continued)

The prima facie tax payable on profit before income tax is reconciled to the income tax expense as follows:

Accounting loss before income tax

2023

$ (000)

2022

$ (000)

(30,461)

(35,640)

At the statutory income tax rate of 28% (2022:28%) 

(8,529)

(9,979)

Non-deductible items

Adjustments in respect of income tax

Foreign taxes

Tax losses and temporary differences unrecognised

Effect of tax on overseas subsidiaries at different rate

Income tax (benefit)/expense

At effective income tax rate of:

Deferred income tax at 31 March relates to the following:

4,728

(144)

224

4,196

(396)

79

-0.3%

2,658

(141)

460

7,650

(329)

319

-0.9%

2023

2022

Statement of  
financial  
position

Statement of  
comprehensive  
income

Statement of  
financial  
position

Statement of 
 comprehensive  
income

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

Deferred income tax liabilities recognised

Intangibles

Deferred income tax asset recognised

Intangibles and non-current assets*

Employee entitlements

Bonus provision

Net deferred tax asset recognised

Deferred income tax liabilities not recognised

Intangibles

Deferred income tax asset not recognised

Intangibles and non-current assets*

Provision for expected credit loss

Employee entitlements

Bonus provision

Share based payments

Capital expenditure - patents

Deferred income tax asset not recognised

(19)

3

185

181

350

—

132

60

528

450

1,592

1

2,763

65

2

38

181

286

22

90

11

72

72

(49)

—

218

(72)

—

147

—

75

(22)

43

48

456

378

1,641

2

2,546

(19)

—

(22)

—

(41)

8

(52)

(12)

131

(155)

1,115

(177)

858

noteS to Financial StateMentS

47

6.  INCOME TAX (continued)

Unrecognised tax losses carried forward include $98.6m (2022: $74.8m) relating to New Zealand and $10.8m  
(2022: $7.9m) relating to foreign jurisdictions.

The New Zealand group has a history of tax losses which do not expire. Given the current uncertainty that exists,  
no recognition of New Zealand temporary or tax loss assets has occurred.

7.  RECEIVABLES

Receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method, less provision for impairment.

Collectability of receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts that are known to be uncollectible are written off 
when identified. In accordance with NZ IFRS 9: Financial instruments, trade receivables are assessed for impairment 
and an expected credit loss (ECL) provision made based on lifetime expected credit losses. The ECL model considers 
various aspects of credit risk within a risk matrix, considering history of debtor write off, ageing of invoices, country, 
market and product risk.

The impairment, and any subsequent movement, including recovery, is recognised in the statement of  
comprehensive income.

Trade receivables

Expected credit loss provision

Trade receivables (net)

GST receivable

Sundry debtors

Contract assets

Prepayments

Total receivables

Foreign currency risk

The carrying amounts of the group’s receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

New Zealand dollars

Australian dollars

US dollars

Other

2023

2022

$ (000)

$ (000)

3,289

(220)

3,069

545

17

8,287

1,773

13,691

2,636

2,509

376

6,397

11,918

2,354

(192)

2,162

312

66

2,373

1,313

6,226

2,702

1,716

430

65

4,913

Total

0-30 days

31-60 days

61-90 days

91+  days

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

At 31 March the ageing analysis of receivables was as follows:

Trade receivables

Trade receivables

11,576

4,727

7,963

3,445

3,015

923

71

86

527

273

2023

2022

48

7.  RECEIVABLES (continued)

Allowance for impairment loss – Trade receivables

Group trade receivables over 60 days were $598,000 (2022: $359,000). An ECL provision of $220,000 (2022: $192,000) 
has been made, resulting in a movement for the period of $28,000. Additionally within the ECL provision,  
the Group recognises a specific allowance of individual receivables if there is objective evidence of credit  
impairment or non-collectability.

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30 to 60-day terms. Serko has historically low levels  
of impairment on trade receivables.

Movement in ECL provision during the year was as follows:

Balance at 1 April 2022

Bad Debts written off

Expected credit loss provision

Balance at 31 March 2023

8.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Derivative financial instruments

2023

$ (000)

192

(13)

41

220

2022

$ (000)

215

(195)

172

192

The Group uses derivatives in the form of forward exchange contracts (FECs) to reduce the risk that movements  
in the exchange rate will affect the Group’s New Zealand dollar cash flows. Such derivative financial instruments 
are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
remeasured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial 
liabilities when the fair value is negative.

The following table presents the Group’s foreign currency forward exchange contracts measured at fair value:

2023

$ (000)

2022

$ (000)

Current:

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts: asset/(liability)

144

(16)

Contractual amounts of forward exchange contracts outstanding were as follows:

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

38,806

2,853

Derivative financial instruments have been determined to be within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Foreign currency 
forward exchange contracts have been fair valued using published market foreign exchange rates and contract 
forward rates discounted at rates that reflect the credit risk of the counterparties.

noteS to Financial StateMentS

49

9.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

All items of property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment.  
Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

The following estimates have been used:
•  Leasehold improvements - Term of lease (16.7% - 25%)
•  Furniture and fittings - 10% - 13.5%
•  Computer equipment - 17.5% - 48%
•  Right-of-use asset - Term of lease

Leasehold 
improvement

Furniture & 
fittings

Computer 
equipment

Right-of-use 
asset*

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

609

7

-

1

617

477

69

-

(3)

543

74

608

-

-

1

609

345

130

-

2

477

132

870

85

(6)

3

952

421

86

(2)

-

505

447

827

42

-

1

870

337

84

-

-

421

449

2,574

371

(28)

31

2,948

1,680

608

(28)

26

2,286

662

1,846

732

(9)

5

2,574

1,163

520

(9)

6

1,680

894

5,086

1,018

(379)

48

5,773

2,242

1,114

(379)

33

3,010

2,763

3,091

2,628

(641)

8

5,086

1,958

918

(641)

7

2,242

2,844

Total

$ (000)

9,139

1,481

(413)

83

10,290

4,820

1,877

(409)

56

6,344

3,946

6,372

3,402

(650)

15

9,139

3,803

1,652

(650)

15

4,820

4,319

2023

Cost or valuation

Balance at 1 April 2022

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation

Balance at 31 March 2023

Depreciation

Balance at 1 April 2022

Depreciation expense

Disposals

Currency translation

Balance at 31 March 2023

Net carrying amount

2022

Cost or valuation

Balance at 1 April 2021

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation

Balance at 31 March 2022

Depreciation

Balance at 1 April 2021

Depreciation expense

Disposals

Currency translation

Balance at 31 March 2022

Net carrying amount

*  Right-of-use assets relate to premises leases.

50

9.   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

(continued)

a) Impairment

The carrying values of property, plant and equipment  
are reviewed for impairment when events or changes  
in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not  
be recoverable.

If any such indication exists and where the carrying 
values exceed the estimated recoverable amount, the 
assets are written down to their recoverable amounts.

b) Disposal

An item of property, plant and equipment is 
derecognised upon disposal or when no further  
future economic benefits are expected from its use  
or disposal. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition  
of the asset (calculated as the difference between  
the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount  
of the asset) is included in profit or loss in the year  
the asset is derecognised.

10.  INTANGIBLES

Intangible assets consist of both internally generated 
intangible assets such as capitalised expenditure 
for software development, and externally generated 
intangible assets such as trademarks, intellectual 
property and goodwill upon acquisition.

Key judgements on the capitalisation  
of development costs

An intangible asset arising from development 
expenditure on an internal project is recognised 
only when the Group can demonstrate the technical 
feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that  
it will be available for use or sale, its intention to 
complete and its ability to use or sell the asset.  
Also considered by management is how the asset  
will generate future economic benefits, the availability  
of resources to complete the development and the 
ability to reliably measure the expenditure attributable  
to the intangible asset during its development. 
Following initial recognition of the development 

expenditure, the cost model is applied requiring the 
asset to be carried at cost less any accumulated 
amortisation and impairment losses. Any expenditure 
capitalised is amortised over the period of expected 
benefit from the related project.

Software assets in the current year relate to the 
continued development of the Group’s Booking.com 
integration with Zeno. The group capitalises software 
development costs based on direct costs associated 
with the project and a proportion of employee costs 
that directly relate to the software development project. 
Computer software development costs recognised 
as assets are amortised over their estimated useful 
lives and tested for impairment whenever there is an 
indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. 
Intangible assets under development and not yet 
completed at balance date are recorded as capital  
work in progress.

Other expenditures that do not meet the above criteria 
are recognised as expenses as they are incurred.  
This includes research costs and costs associated with 
maintaining internal computer software programs.

Amortisation and Impairment of  
non-financial assets

Amortisation is recognised as an expense in the income 
statement. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

•  Goodwill and Other intangible assets  

(indefinite useful life, not amortised but tested 
annually for impairment);

•  Intellectual property (finite, amortised on  

5 years straight-line basis); and

•  Computer software (finite, amortised between  

3 and 5 years on a straight-line basis).

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill 
acquired in a business combination is, from the 
acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group’s 
cash-generating units expected to benefit from the 
combination, irrespective of whether other assets or 
liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units. 

noteS to Financial StateMentS

51

10.  INTANGIBLES (continued)

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or 
immediately if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that it might be impaired and carried at cost 
less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment 
losses on goodwill are not reversed. 

Any gain on bargain purchase is recognised 
immediately on acquisition to profit and loss.

Intangible assets that are recorded as capital work 
in progress or that have indefinite useful lives are 
not subject to amortisation. These assets are tested 
annually for impairment or more frequently if events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that they might 
be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount  
by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its 
recoverable amount. Recoverable amount is the  
higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell, and 
value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, 
assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which  
there are separately identifiable cash inflows that  
are largely independent of the cash inflows from  
other assets or groups of assets (cash-generating  
units (‘CGUs’). Non-financial assets, including 
development work in progress and computer software, 
are assessed for impairment at a Group level under  
one CGU.

Non-financial assets, other than goodwill that 
suffered impairment, are tested for possible reversal 
of the impairment whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the impairment may  
have reversed.

The recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit  
is determined from a value-in-use calculation that uses 
a discounted cash flow analysis. The key assumptions 
for the value-in-use calculation are those regarding 
the discount rate, growth rates and forecast financial 
performance and cash flows.

Management estimates the discount rate using rates 
that reflect current market assumptions of the time 
value of money and risk specific to the cash-generating 
unit. The growth rates are based on management’s 
best estimate. Forecast revenues, direct and indirect 
costs, are based on historical experience/past practices 
and expectations of future changes in the markets the 
Group operates in and services.

Key judgements and estimates —  
impairment considerations

In undertaking an impairment review of the single  
cash-generating unit the following assumptions  
were used in the impairment model:

•  Cash flow projections across a five-year  

forecast period;

•  The assumptions with the greatest impact  

on impairment testing are as follows:

 – The retention of and continued growth in  

revenues from key customers.

 – A pre tax discount rate of 16.6% (2022: 15.6%), 
equivalent to a post tax weighted average cost  
of capital of 13.4% (2022: 12.2%)

 – The Discount factor is applied using a mid-year 

convention; and

 – Terminal growth rate of 3% (2022: 2%).

In assessing the sensitivity of the forecasts to 
changes in assumptions, an analysis in key underlying 
assumptions was performed and applied to the 
weighted average scenario. This included reducing the 
estimated revenue in the fifth year by 20%, reducing the 
terminal growth rate by 3% and increasing the discount 
rate by 2%. These reasonably possible changes in 
assumptions did not result in any impairment.

52

10.  INTANGIBLES (continued)

Goodwill

Intellectual 
property

Other  
intangible  
assets

Development  
work in 
progress

Computer 
software

Total

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

2023

Cost

Balance at 1 April 2022

1,336

1,409

Additions

Transfer of cost

Currency translation

Balance at 31 March 2023

Amortisation and impairment

Balance at 1 April 2022

Amortisation

Currency translation

Balance at 31 March 2023

Net carrying amount

2022

Cost

—

—

185

1,521

—

—

—

—

1,521

—

—

194

1,603

928

321

114

1,363

240

Balance at 1 April 2021

1,445

1,524

Additions

Transfer of cost

Currency translation

Balance at 31 March 2022

Amortisation and impairment

Balance at 1 April 2021

Amortisation

Currency translation

Balance at 31 March 2022

Net carrying amount

—

—

(109)

1,336

—

—

—

—

1,336

—

—

(115)

1,409

668

286

(26)

928

481

78

—

—

—

78

—

—

—

—

78

78

—

—

—

78

—

—

—

—

78

6,275

13,551

36,774

—

(15,448)

15,448

—

416

45,872

13,551

—

795

4,378

52,638

60,218

—

—

—

—

4,378

12,886

10,842

86

23,814

28,824

1,345

15,320

26,368

—

(10,433)

10,433

43

(27)

6,275

36,774

—

—

—

—

6,275

6,788

6,100

(2)

12,886

23,888

13,814

11,163

200

25,177

35,041

30,760

15,320

—

(208)

45,872

7,456

6,386

(28)

13,814

32,058

noteS to Financial StateMentS

53

11.  CASH AT BANK AND ON HAND AND SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS

Cash in the statement of financial position comprise cash at bank, and on hand, short-term highly liquid investments 
with an original maturity of three months or less.

Cash at bank – New Zealand dollar balances

Cash at bank – foreign currency balances

Cash at bank and on hand

The carrying amounts of the group’s cash at bank and on hand are denominated  
in the following currencies:

New Zealand dollars

Australian dollars

Chinese Yuan

US dollars

European Euros

Short term deposits

2023

$ (000)

6,338

8,906

15,244

6,338

602

1,330

5,857

1,117

15,244

72,500

2022

$ (000)

27,323

7,190

34,513

27,323

661

896

2,552

3,081

34,513

90,000

Cash includes USD$1 million (2022: USD$1.5 million) of restricted cash in the form of a minimum bank balance 
required in the US to provide same-day clearance for expense reimbursement services.

Short-term deposits of $72.5 million (2022: $90 million) represent term deposits with a maturity period of more  
than 90 days, but less than one year. Short-term deposits are all New Zealand dollars denominated.

12.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are carried at amortised cost and represent liabilities for goods and services provided  
to the Group prior to the end of the financial year that are unpaid and arise when the Group becomes obliged to  
make future payments in respect of the purchase of these goods and services.

The average credit period on trade payables is approximately 30 days.

54

12.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES (continued)

Employee benefits

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, long-service leave and annual leave expected  
to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date, are recognised in respect of employees’ services up to the 
reporting date. They are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.

Trade payables

Other payables

Accrued expenses

Annual leave accrual

Total trade and other payables

Disclosed as:

Current

Non-current

Foreign currency risk

The carrying amounts of the group’s payables are denominated in the following currencies:

New Zealand dollars

Australian dollars

US dollars

Other

13.  LEASE LIABILITIES

2023

2022

$ (000)

$ (000)

2,311

–

4,644

2,907

9,862

9,862

–

9,862

7,416

716

1,133

597

9,862

1,945

3,376

3,628

2,359

11,308

11,308

–

11,308

9,112

654

1,393

149

11,308

Recognition and measurement of Serko leasing activities

The Group leases property for fixed periods of between one and six years and some include extension options.  
These extension options are usually at the discretion of The Group and are included in the measurement of the  
lease asset if management concludes it is reasonably certain that the extension will be exercised.

Lease liabilities include the net present value of fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable. The lease 
payments are discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate, being the rate that the lessee would have  
to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a similar economic environment with 
similar terms and conditions.

The amortisation of the discount applied on recognition of the lease liability is recognised as interest expense  
in the income statement.

noteS to Financial StateMentS

55

13.  LEASE LIABILITIES (continued)

Low value and short term leases are expensed to the income statement. These include leases on property of $78,744 
(2022: $172 000) that are short term in nature.

Key movements relating to lease balances are presented below:

Balance at 1 April 2022

Leases entered into during the period

Principal repayments

Foreign exchange adjustment

Closing balance

Classified as:

Current

Non-current

Closing balance

Maturity analysis - contractual undiscounted cash flows:

Less than 1 year

Later than 1 year and not later than 2 years

Later than 2 years and not later than 5 years

Total undiscounted lease liabilities at 31 March

14.  GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND DEFERRED INCOME

Deferred income is presented in the table below:

Opening deferred income

Covid-19 government subsidies

Research and development tax credit (RDTI)

Contract liabilities

Closing deferred income

Deferred income disclosed as:

Current

Non-current

2023

$ (000)

2,977

1,073

(951)

11

3,110

1,093

2,017

3,110

1,263

1,142

1,017

3,422

2023

$ (000)

1,861

(151)

293

(72)

1,931

1,204

727

1,931

2022

$ (000)

1,407

2,628

(1,064)

6

2,977

820

2,157

2,977

1,023

962

1,365

3,350

2022

$ (000)

-

377

994

490

1,861

1,008

853

1,861

Government grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the Group will comply with the 
conditions attaching to them and that the grants will be received.

The Research and development tax credit is recognised as income as it is expected to be recognised in cash.

56

14.  GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND DEFERRED INCOME (continued)

Government grants are recognised in profit or loss on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Group 
recognizes as expenses the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate. As some grants relate  
to costs capitalised to depreciable assets, amounts are recognised as deferred income in the consolidated statement 
of financial position and transferred to profit or loss on a systematic and rational basis over the useful lives of the 
related assets.

Income relating to grants is presented in table below:

During the year, the Group claimed the following grants:

Covid-19 government subsidies

Research and development tax credit (RDTI)

Other government grants

Total compensation

Income recognised

Covid-19 government subsidies

Research and development tax credit (RDTI)

Other government grants

Total income recognised

15.  INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS

Current

Leasehold fitout loan

Non-current

Leasehold fitout loan

Total Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

2023

$ (000)

—

1,589

86

1,675

151

1,296

86

1,533

2022

$ (000)

969

1,337

76

2,382

587

343

76

1,006

2023

$ (000)

2022

$ (000)

—

—

—

—

—

28

28

—

—

28

noteS to Financial StateMentS

57

16.  EQUITY

Ordinary share capital is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received. Transaction costs relating to 
the listing of new ordinary shares and the simultaneous sale and listing of existing shares are allocated to those 
transactions on a proportional basis.

Transaction costs relating to the sale and listing of existing shares are not considered costs of an equity  
instrument as no equity instrument is issued and, consequently, costs are recognised as an expense in the statement 
of comprehensive income when incurred. Transaction costs relating to the issue of new share capital are recognised 
directly in equity as a reduction of the share proceeds received.

During the year the Group allocated the following restricted shares to Serko employees (refer to note 18):

•  In respect of the Restricted Share Plan (RSP), the Group allocated nil shares (2022: nil).  

Unallocated shares are 1,263,865 (2022: 1,263,865); and

•  In respect of Restricted Share Units (RSU), the Group allocated 1,168,329 (2022: 801,984).

Ordinary shares

Balance at 1 April

Issue of shares pursuant to institutional capital placement

Issue of shares pursuant to Share Purchase Plan (SPP) placement

Transaction costs for issue of new shares

Non-executive director's settlement of non-recourse loan

Issue of shares pursuant to US Options plan

Issue of shares pursuant to RSU scheme

2023

2022

2023

2022

Number of 
shares

Number of 
shares

$ (000)

$ (000)

(000)

(000)

235,101

153,706

119,921

107,822

-

-

-

-

21

2,854

75,000

8,281

(3,188)

247

4

1,051

-

-

-

-

8

10,638

1,209

-

-

1

514

251

Share capital at 31 March

237,976

235,101

120,443

119,921

Share-based payment reserve

Balance at 1 April

RSUs expensed during the year

Shares vested to employees via RSU scheme

RSUs forfeited by employees

Shares vested to employees via RSP

Shares forfeited by employees via RSP

Non-executive director's settlement of non-recourse loan

Share-based payments - employee share options

Share-based payment reserve at 31 March

7,483

6,542

(2,854)

(516)

-

-

-

(18)

10,637

4,509

4,051

(1,051)

(108)

95

(3)

(47)

37

7,483

58

17.  EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

Basic EPS amounts are calculated by dividing the profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the 
parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted EPS amounts are calculated by dividing the profit / (loss) attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent 
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, plus the weighted average number 
of shares that would be issued on conversion of all of the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares. 
Potential ordinary shares are treated as dilutive when their conversion to ordinary shares would decrease EPS  
or increase the loss per share.

The following reflects the Income and share data used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:

Loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent

Continuing operations

2023

$ (000)

(30,540)

(30,540)

2023

Number

(000)

2022

$ (000)

(35,959)

(35,959)

2022

Number

(000)

Notes

Basic earnings per share

Issued ordinary shares

Weighted average of issued ordinary shares

Adjusted for unallocated employee restricted share plan shares

Weighted average of issued ordinary shares outstanding

16

120,443

119,921

 120,344 

(1,264)

119,080

111,839

(1,264)

110,575

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share (dollars)

(0.26)

(0.33)

Net tangible assets per security

2023

Cents

76.26

2022

Cents

100.14

Net tangible assets per security is a non-GAAP measure and is provided for NZX reporting purposes. Net tangible 
assets per security is calculated as Total assets less Total liabilities less Intangible assets divided by the issued 
ordinary shares (excluding treasury shares) as at 31 March.

noteS to Financial StateMentS

59

18.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Employees of the Group receive remuneration at the Board’s discretion in the form of share-based payment 
transactions, where services are provided as consideration for the receipt of equity instruments.

The cost of share-based payment transactions are recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, 
over the period in which the service conditions are fulfilled. The cumulative expense recognised for share-based 
transactions at each reporting date, until the vesting date, reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired 
and the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The expense or credit  
for a period represents the movement in cumulative expenses recognised at the beginning and end of that period.

No cumulative expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest except where vesting is conditional upon 
a market condition.

Employee Restricted Share Plan

The employee Restricted Share Plan has been superseded by the Restricted Share Units scheme. There are no future 
plans to allocate the shares held by the trustee.

Unvested shares at 1 April

Forfeited during the year

Vested during the year

Unvested shares at 31 March - allocated to employees

Ageing of unvested shares

Vest within one year

Ageing of unvested shares at 31 March - allocated to employees

2023

2022

Number of shares

Number of shares

—

—

—

—

—

—

343,880

(1,081)

(342,799)

—

—

—

Unallocated shares - held by trustee

1,263,865

1,263,865

Employee Restricted Share Units scheme (RSUs)

Under the Restricted Share Units scheme (RSUs), ordinary shares in Serko Limited are allocated to employees at  
grant date with a zero-exercise price and will be taxable to the employee in the income year when the awards vest.

Vesting conditions are based on:

•  Continued employment at vesting date and/or;

•  Performance hurdles, such as performance against revenue targets.

The weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs issued during the year was determined by either the volume 
weighted average price (VWAP) of shares traded in the previous 20 trading days preceding the date of grant or  
closing price the day before issue.

60

18.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

Outstanding at 1 April

Allocated to employees during the year

Cancelled during the year

Vested during the year

Outstanding at 31 March

2023

2023

2022

2022

Weighted  
average price  
NZ$

4.45

4.91

5.55

Weighted  
average price  
NZ$

 6.79 

 5.70 

 4.19 

Number  
of RSUs

1,997,222

1,168,329

(271,968)

(514,588)

2,378,995

Number  
of RSUs

1,514,291

801,984

(68,114)

(250,939)

1,997,222

Employee incentive share options scheme

There were no options granted during the year, as this scheme has been replaced with employees now receiving RSUs.

Options are conditional on the completion of the necessary years of service (the vesting period) as appropriate to  
that tranche. The options are considered graded equity instruments that vest in tranches over two to five years from 
the grant date. No options can be exercised later than five years from grant date. There were 21 holders of options  
at 31 March 2023 (2022: 37).

The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the options in cash. Movements in the 
number of options outstanding and their related weighted average exercise prices are as follows:

2023

2023

2022

2022

Weighted  
average exercise 
price ($)

 3.63 

 2.68 

Weighted  
average exercise 
price ($)

 3.61 

 3.32 

Options 

148,309

(45,497)

(7,838)

94,974

Options 

168,667

(19,365)

(993)

148,309

Outstanding at 1 April

Cancelled during the year

Exercised during the year

Outstanding at 31 March

Options outstanding at 31 March fall within the following ranges:

Granted

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

Expiry date

Grant price (NZ$)

Options

Options

2023

2022

 2023-24 

 2023-24 

 2023-24 

 2.68-3.32 

 3.95-4.49 

 4.80 

24,324

40,930

29,720

94,974

56,521

42,750

49,038

148,309

noteS to Financial StateMentS

61

19.  RELATED PARTIES

The Group has related party relationships with its controlled entities and with key management personnel.

a.  Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Serko Limited and subsidiaries as listed in 
the following table:

% Equity interest

Serko Australia Pty Limited

Serko Trustee Limited

Serko India Private Limited

Serko Investments Limited

Principal activity

Sales and marketing

Trustee

Non-trading

Non-trading

Foshan Sige Information Technology Limited

Research and development services

Serko Inc

InterplX Inc

Sales and marketing

Expense management

b.  Transactions with related parties

There were no transactions with related parties for the year other than key management remuneration.

c.  Key management remuneration*

Non-executive directors’ remuneration

Salary and other short-term benefits

Share-based payments

Total compensation

2023

$ (000)

465

4,251

3,377

8,093

2023

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

2022

$ (000)

468

3,595

2,093

6,156

*   Key management personnel includes Serko’s board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer and direct reports. Share-based payments represent the 

value movement in the unvested share-based payments granted that will vest in future years.

d.  Terms and conditions of transactions with related parties

Outstanding balances at year end are unsecured and settlement occurs in cash.

For the year ended 31 March 2023 the Group has not made any allowance for impairment loss relating to amounts 
owed by related parties (2022: $nil). An impairment assessment is undertaken each financial year by examining the 
financial position of the related party and the market in which the related party operates, to determine whether there 
is objective evidence that a related party receivable is impaired. When such objective evidence exists, the Group 
recognises an allowance for the impairment loss.

62

20.   RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO NET CASH OUTFLOW  

FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net loss after tax

Add non-cash items

Amortisation

Depreciation

Deferred tax loss/(gain)

Loss on foreign exchange transactions

Share-based compensation

Add/(less) movements in working capital items

(Increase)/decrease in receivables

Increase/(decrease) in income tax payable

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

2023

$ (000)

2022

$ (000)

(30,540)

(35,959)

11,163

1,877

(275)

(1,681)

6,008

(13,448)

(7,465)

(37)

(1,376)

(8,878)

6,386

1,652

41

27

4,076

(23,777)

(833)

127

6,027

5,321

Net cash flow used in operating activities

(22,326)

(18,456)

21.   FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash at bank and on hand, short-term deposits, derivatives, 
receivables, payables and loans.

Group capital consists of share capital and retained earnings. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group 
may adjust amounts of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or amend 
capital spending plans.

Financial assets:

Cash at bank and on hand, short term deposits and receivables are financial assets measured at amortised cost. When 
financial assets are recognised initially they are measured at fair value plus directly attributable transaction costs.

noteS to Financial StateMentS

63

21.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (continued)

Financial liabilities:

Financial liabilities are classified as ‘other financial liabilities’. Other financial liabilities, including interest-bearing loans 
and borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

The effective interest method calculates the amortised cost of a financial liability and allocates the interest expense 
over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments 
through the expected life of the financial liability or, where appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying amount of 
the liability. Financial liabilities are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer 
settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after balance date.

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are foreign currency, interest, credit and liquidity risk.  
The Group uses different methods to measure and manage the different types of risks to which it is exposed.  
These include monitoring levels of exposure to foreign exchange risk and assessments of market forecasts for 
foreign exchange. Ageing analyses and monitoring of specific credit allowances are undertaken to manage credit risk. 
Liquidity risk is monitored through the development of future rolling cash flow forecasts.

The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks as summarised below.

a)  Risk exposures and responses

i) Interest rate risk

At balance date this year and prior year, the Group did not have any financial liabilities exposed to variable interest  
rate risk.

Excess funds over the forecasted requirements for the 12-month period following year end are invested in short-term 
deposits with a mixture of maturity dates to manage interest rate risk and liquidity risks.

ii) Liquidity and interest rate risk

Liquidity risk represents the Group’s ability to meet its financial obligations on time. In terms of managing its liquidity 
risk, the Group holds sufficient cash reserves to meet its obligations arising from its financial liabilities.

The following table sets out the contractual cash flows for all non-derivative financial liabilities settled  
on a gross cash flow basis:

Weighted average  
effective interest  
rate %

Contractual 
cash flows

6 months  
or less

6-12  
months

1-2  
years

2-5  
years

More than  
5 years

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

$ (000)

Group - 2023

Trade and other payables

Lease liability

Group -  2022

Trade and other payables

Leasehold fitout loan

Lease liability

64

0%

10%

0%

8%

8%

9,862

3,423

9,862

616

13,285

10,478

11,308

11,308

28

3,350

14,686

28

548

11,884

—

648

648

—

—

475

475

—

1,142

1,142

—

—

962

962

—

1,017

1,017

—

—

1,365

1,365

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

21.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (continued)

b)  Currency risk

The Group has exposure to foreign exchange risk as a result of transactions denominated in foreign currencies.  
The risk specifically relates to the variability of foreign exchange rates for the currencies the Group trades in and  
the impact this has on the Group’s financial results. The majority of the Group’s expenditure occurring in New Zealand 
dollars, however, sales to overseas customers are transacted in Euros, Australian dollars and US dollars.

Refer to notes 7 (receivables), 11 (cash at bank and on hand and short-term deposits) and 12 (trade and other 
payables) for further details on the Group’s foreign currency denominated accounts receivable, accounts payable  
and cash and short-term deposit balances.

The following table summarises the sensitivity to foreign currency exchange rate movements.  
A sensitivity of +/- 20% (2022: +/-15%) has been selected owing to exchange rate volatility observed.

The sensitivity table below is excluding the impact of foreign exchange contracts:

Foreign currency risk

Carrying  
amount

$ (000)

8,906

9,282

(2,445)

15,743

Carrying  
amount

7,190

2,211

(2,196)

7,205

+20%

Post-tax  
profit

$ (000)

1,069

1,114

(293)

1,890

+15%

Post-tax  
profit

675

288

(206)

757

Equity

$ (000)

1,069

1,114

(293)

1,890

Equity

675

288

(206)

757

-20%

Post-tax  
profit

$ (000)

(1,603)

(1,671)

440

(2,834)

-15%

Post-tax  
profit

(914)

(390)

279

Equity

$ (000)

(1,603)

(1,671)

440

(2,834)

Equity

(914)

(390)

279

(1,025)

(1,025)

2023

Foreign exchange balances

Cash at bank

Trade receivables

Trade payables

Net exposure

2022

Foreign exchange balances

Cash at bank

Trade receivables

Trade payables

Net exposure

noteS to Financial StateMentS

65

21.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (continued)

c)  Credit risk

Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Group, which comprise cash at bank and on hand, short-term 
deposits, receivables and contract assets. The Group’s exposure to credit risk arises from potential default  
of the counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount of these instruments. Exposure  
at balance date is addressed in each applicable note.

The Group does not hold any credit derivatives to offset its credit exposure.

The Group monitors and manages the exposure to credit risk by ensuring customers have an appropriate  
credit history.

The credit risk associated with Expense customers is small owing to the inherently low transaction value  
and the distribution over a large number of customers.

The Group’s other largest concentration of credit risk is with one customer, with $6,359,074  receivable  
at 31 March 2023 (2022:$988,000).

At reporting date the Group’s cash and short-term deposits were held in several banks with the following distribution: 
Two banks held 34% each and the remaining 32% were held in other banks (2022: 53% held with one bank and  
47% in other banks). A total of 92% of cash is held by New Zealand and Australian banks with a credit rating of  
at least ‘AA-’. The Group has no other concentrations of credit risk.

d)  Fair value

The Board considers that the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recognised in the 
consolidated financial statements approximate their fair value.

22.  EVENTS AFTER BALANCE SHEET DATE

There were no significant events between the balance sheet date and the date these financial statements  
were authorised for issue.

23.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

There were no contingent liabilities at balance date (2022: $nil).

66

noteS to Financial StateMentS

67

68

Independent Auditor’s Report To the Shareholders of Serko Limited Opinion We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Serko Limited and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’), which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 March 2023, and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements, on pages 36 to 66 present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 31 March 2023, and its consolidated financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with New Zealand Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (‘NZ IFRS’) and International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’). Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (‘ISAs’) and International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) (‘ISAs (NZ)’). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report.  We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. We are independent of the Group in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. Other than in our capacity as auditor and the provision of assurance services, we have no relationship with or interests in the Company or any of its subsidiaries, except that partners and employees of our firm may deal with the Company and its subsidiaries on normal terms within the ordinary course of trading activities of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries. Audit materiality We consider materiality primarily in terms of the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements of the Group that in our judgement would make it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced (the ‘quantitative’ materiality). In addition, we also assess whether other matters that come to our attention during the audit would in our judgement change or influence the decisions of such a person (the ‘qualitative’ materiality). We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work. We determined materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole to be $1,500,000.  Key audit matters Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.  independent auditor'S report

69

Key audit matter How our audit addressed the key audit matter Revenue Recognition Included within total revenue of $46.5 million is travel booking platform revenue ($16.3 million) and supplier commissions revenue ($23.4 million), as set out in note 4 ‘Revenue and other income’. The recognition of revenue is a key audit matter due to the significance of revenue to the financial statements and judgements involved in determining the timing of revenue recognition. •Travel platform booking revenue is derived frommultiple customer contracts that contain differentpricing schedules and varying revenue recognitiontriggers. Complexity exists because customer contractscan include transactional and usage fees (sometimeswith minimum contracted commitments),establishment and installation fees, and chargeablework orders, which impact on the allocation of revenueacross different goods and services. The group mustexercise judgement to determine accrued or deferredrevenue accordingly, dependent on estimated futuretransaction volumes impacting the timing of whenrevenue is recognised.•Supplier commissions revenue is predominantly fromhotel bookings. It is recognised net of performancemarketing fees, and is not recognised until a reservationhas been completed. Judgement is required to estimatethe amount of accrued commissions as at the reportingdate.For travel platform booking revenue: •We evaluated the systems, processes and controls inplace to recognise revenue.•We engaged our Information Technology specialists totest the IT environment in which bookings occur andinterfaces with the general ledger.•We recalculated travel platform booking revenuerecognised for a sample of material customers byreconciling transactions recorded in the relevant ITsystems to the general ledger and validating pricinginputs to invoices and signed customer contracts.•We considered the application of NZ IFRS 15: Revenuefrom Contracts with Customers for new and materialcontracts or significant variations to contracts enteredinto during the year.For supplier commissions revenue: •We built an understanding of how bookings data isobtained from third party systems, what activities areundertaken by the Group to validate the informationreceived, and how the information flows through to theGroup’s general ledger.•We reconciled underlying transactional data to cashsubsequently received.•We obtained a third party confirmation of totalcommissions paid to the Group for the period (net ofmarketing fees), and assessed the Group’s estimate ofaccrued revenue by challenging the inputs withinmanagement’s calculation.We tested samples of manual journal entries recorded outside of normal business processes by profiling for unusual revenue impacting journals. Capitalisation of software development including impairment considerations The Group capitalises costs for internally developed work in progress and transfers those to software upon completion of the project. In the current year the Group capitalised costs of $13.6 million and transferred $15.4 million of work in progress to software assets, as set out in note 10 'Intangibles'. $4.4 million of development work in progress has been recognised as at balance date. Capitalisation of software development As a Software as a Service (“SaaS”) provider, the Group incurs significant expenditure in developing and enhancing software products. Judgement is required to determine whether the recognition criteria under NZ IAS 38 Intangible Assets have been met in order to capitalise the applicable costs of development. This includes considering whether the costs are directly attributable to the development of an asset, and Capitalisation of software development We evaluated the nature of expenditure, the stage of product development, and how the Group distinguishes expenditure between research, development and maintenance costs. We assessed the Group’s processes and controls for recording time spent on products and the allocation between research or software development to be capitalised under NZ IAS 38. We tested a sample of additions to evaluate whether the recognition criteria under NZ IAS 38 have been met. Impairment assessment We considered existing software for technical obsolescence, by ensuring appropriate revenues exist for those products and corroborating with management whether features or product enhancements previously capitalised are still in use. We challenged the key assumptions within the cash flow 70

Key audit matter How our audit addressed the key audit matter whether the Group can demonstrate that the asset is in the development stage. This includes demonstrating the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use, the Group’s intention to complete the asset, how the asset will generate future economic benefits, the viability of resources to complete the asset development and the ability of the Group to reliably measure the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset. Impairment assessment The Group must also assess each period whether there are any indications that the software development assets are impaired and must perform impairment testing on any capitalised development costs for which there are indicators of impairment, or which relate to software that is not yet available for use.  The recoverable amount of the group’s cash-generating unit is sensitive to assumptions around the retention of and continued growth in revenue from key customers, as well as to the terminal growth rate and discount rate applied in the discounted cash flow model.  We have included capitalisation and impairment considerations of software development as a key audit matter due to the level of judgement required. forecasts by considering historical cashflows, our understanding of the business strategy and other relevant external information. We used our internal valuation specialists to assist in evaluating the assumptions used in the Group’s discounted cash flow model, specifically the discount rate and terminal growth rates used, to support the carrying value of assets as at 31 March 2023. We performed sensitivity analysis over key drivers in the Group’s impairment model, particularly assumptions around forecast travel bookings and volume growth on Booking for Business platform. Other information The directors are responsible on behalf of the Group for the other information. The other information comprises the information in the Annual Report that accompanies the consolidated financial statements and the audit report. Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and consider whether it is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If so, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Directors’ responsibilities for the consolidated financial statements  The directors are responsible on behalf of the Group for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with NZ IFRS and IFRS, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the directors are responsible on behalf of the Group for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements  Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are 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 ISAs and ISAs (NZ) will always detect a material misstatement when it independent auditor'S report

71

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 these consolidated financial statements. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements is located on the External Reporting Board’s website at:  https://www.xrb.govt.nz/standards-for-assurance-practitioners/auditors-responsibilities/audit-report-1  This description forms part of our auditor’s report. Restriction on use This report is made solely to the Company’s shareholders, as a body. Our audit has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s shareholders those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company’s shareholders as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Paul Seller Partner for Deloitte Limited Auckland, New Zealand 17 May 2023 72

Remuneration 
Report 

PRAC Committee Chair’s Letter

Governance

Remuneration Strategy & Framework

Remuneration Structure & Policy

Remuneration Benchmarking

CEO Remuneration

Employee Remuneration

Executive Director Remuneration

Non-Executive Director Remuneration

74

76

77

78

78

81

85

87

88

reMuneration report

73

PRAC Committee Chair’s Letter

As Chair of Serko’s People, Remuneration 
and Culture Committee (PRAC Committee), 
I am pleased to present to you Serko’s first 
comprehensive Remuneration Report, 
covering the financial year ended  
31 March 2023. 

To better enable our shareholders to understand how 
we reward our executives and employees, and how our 
remuneration practices are aligned with our business 
strategy and performance, we have sought to provide 
greater transparency through enhanced disclosures 
this year. We trust shareholders will find the additional 
information useful. 

At Serko we have always believed that a well-designed 
and flexible remuneration framework is crucial to 
attracting, retaining and motivating our top talent to 
deliver our growth strategy. Equally, it must ensure our 
employees’ interests are aligned with the long-term 
success of our company and delivering value  
to shareholders. 

We are pleased with the significant progress we 
have made over the past two years in redesigning, 
embedding and enhancing our approach to total 
rewards, creating a solid foundation for remuneration 
to reinforce performance as we deliver on our 3-year 
strategic objectives. 

Serko’s remuneration practices over the past few 
years were redesigned to align with practices across 
the technology industry, placing a major focus on 
attraction and retention of key talent as we faced 
unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic and 
seized unprecedented commercial alliances. 

In FY23, we introduced a range of enhancements to 
align incentives more closely with delivery of strategic 
objectives and generation of long-term shareholder 
value. This included the introduction of a more 
comprehensive performance scorecard against  
which execution of strategic objectives was measured. 
These measures comprised minimum, target and 
maximum thresholds and saw the introduction of 
revenue and cash reserve performance gateways. 

74

Other areas of focus for the year included: 

As a result, our aim over the next two years is to: 

•  Driving Serko’s strategic OKRs (Objectives and  
Key Results) across the business to support  
focused execution and prioritisation. 

1.  Ensure a broader and more informed assessment to 

ensure our remuneration remains in line with industry  
trends and the macroeconomic environment. 

2.  Structure at-risk long-term incentives for Executives 
with increased alignment to improved shareholder 
returns, as well as tenure, which has been a prime 
retention method in the past. 

The Board has made the considered decision not 
to increase the CEO’s base salary. The proportions 
allocated to short term and EISS long term 
remuneration are also not anticipated to change.  
The CEO’s long-term EISS incentive will adapt to reflect 
measures relating to an increase in shareholder return. 

We are keen to engage in ongoing dialogue with 
shareholders to understand their perspectives on our 
remuneration practices. Should you have any questions, 
you can contact me directly at RemChair@Serko.com.

Clyde McConaghy  
Chair • People, Remuneration  
and Culture Committee

•  Embedding Serko’s career level framework,  
thereby ensuring a strong foundation for 
benchmarking, analysis and reward decisions. 

•  Ensuring a data driven approach to remuneration 

reviews, using external Radford/AON  
benchmarking and consistent methodology  
to differentiate performance. 

•  Publishing our first Pay and Gender Equity  

Statement and registering on the New Zealand  
‘Mind the Gap’ Registry. 

•  Enhancing our leave and wellness entitlements, 
including introducing broader parental leave  
benefits with gender neutral application. 

Remuneration Outlook

In response to the changing macro-economic 
environment, and as travel revenue returns to post- 
Covid-19 levels, the PRAC Committee has spent the 
latter part of the financial year reviewing the current 
remuneration framework to ensure it remains fit for 
purpose. In doing so, we have reviewed the Executive 
Team’s (including the CEO’s) remuneration structure, 
with a particular focus on incentive structure  
and market benchmarking. This review has been 
undertaken with the assistance of independent 
remuneration consultants, AON and Guerdon 
Associates. The information obtained from these 
reviews has been used to inform Serko’s FY24 
remuneration policy. 

reMuneration report

75

Governance

The PRAC Committee is responsible for annually 
reviewing Serko’s remuneration policies and 
framework and recommending any changes to the 
Board. The PRAC Committee is tasked with ensuring 
the remuneration framework is transparent, fair and 
reasonable for employees and shareholders. 

The PRAC Committee is also responsible for making 
recommendations to the Board in relation to the 
remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and 
of the company’s executives (in consultation with the 
CEO). Company-wide performance measures and 
targets that relate to incentives are reviewed annually by 
the PRAC Committee and approved by the Board. 

The Board retains ultimate responsibility for approving 
Serko’s remuneration frameworks, setting criteria 
for, and evaluating the performance of the CEO and 
approving his remuneration. 

The current members of the PRAC Committee are Clyde 
McConaghy (Chair), Jan Dawson and Claudia Batten. 
All members are independent, non-executive directors. 
For more information on the role and responsibilities 
of the Board and PRAC Committee with respect to 
remuneration practices, see our latest ESG Report — 
Governance Section. 

76

Remuneration Strategy & Framework

Serko’s Purpose is to bring people together. This Purpose is underpinned by our vision and mission, and by  
our strategic goals and annual objectives (summarised on page 10 of this Annual Report). Serko’s remuneration 
strategy and framework is designed to attract and retain high-calibre talent who are empowered to deliver  
against these strategic goals and objectives, and to create long-term shareholder value. 

Serko’s Remuneration Policy outlines the remuneration principles that apply to all employees to ensure remuneration 
practices within Serko are fair and equitable and there is a clear link between remuneration and employee and 
company  performance. The Remuneration Policy separately outlines principles to apply to director remuneration.  
The Remuneration Policy is available on the investor section of the company’s website in the Corporate  
Governance Manual. 

Serko’s remuneration framework and policy reflects the following principles: 

Remuneration Principles

The Principle Explained 

Organisational alignment 

clear alignment with Serko’s  
Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategy 

Valued by employees

Supports the attraction, retention  
and engagement of employees

Clear

clearly understood by employees  
and other stakeholders

Fair, competitive & equitable  

Equitable and flexible. Appropriately competitive 
with the market and within an organisational context 

Rewards performance

recognises company and individual performance  
and differentiates reward for individuals achieving 
high performance 

Shareholder alignment

recognises company performance and the 
creation of long-term shareholder value 

Each year, the PRAC Committee conducts a review of Serko’s Remuneration Policy to assess whether any  
changes are required to ensure it continues to deliver a remuneration structure and levels that are consistent  
with the policy principles. 

reMuneration report

77

Remuneration Structure & Policy 

Remuneration Benchmarking 

The PRAC Committee reviews Serko’s Remuneration 
Policy on a regular basis to ensure it remains fit for 
purpose and continues to support delivery of Serko’s 
strategic objectives and shareholder value. 

During FY23, a comprehensive review was undertaken 
of executive remuneration. To assist with this review, 
the Board engaged external independent remuneration 
consultants, Guerdon Associates and AON. 

Guerdon Associates was engaged to provide feedback 
on the executive incentive remuneration structure. 
Aon was engaged to undertake independent executive 
remuneration benchmarking, and also to provide 
benchmark data for remuneration at all levels of  
the organisation. 

Each remuneration consultant signed a declaration 
attesting to their independence when carrying out 
their review and reported to the Chair of the PRAC 
Committee during the review. 

Serko’s remuneration framework is applied to all 
employees. Its global banding structure ensures  
roles are mapped into specific bands with broadly 
equivalent work scope and complexity. Pay ranges for 
each band are determined based on local benchmarking 
of market rates. 

Total remuneration at Serko includes a mix of fixed 
remuneration and variable at-risk remuneration, 
delivered via Serko’s incentive programmes. The 
proportion of at-risk remuneration increases with the 
seniority of employees. Variable at-risk components 
are tied to company performance, as well as individual 
performance. This approach is designed to support the 
policy of ‘pay for performance’ and to ensure alignment 
to shareholder value over the short and longer term. 

Company and individual short-term objectives are 
agreed annually. The PRAC Committee reviews 
performance against the company objectives following 
the release of the results for the first six months of the 
financial year and again at year end. 

Every employee, including the CEO, has regular 
performance reviews and is subject to a formal annual 
performance review. The annual review is measured 
against agreed key performance targets, both financial 
and non-financial. During the year ended 31 March 
2023, performance reviews took place in accordance 
with that process. 

In addition, Serko offers benefits that may have  
a monetary benefit to employees but are not considered 
part of remuneration. 

78

The following table summarises each component of employee remuneration offered at Serko: 

Component 

Summary 

Link to Strategy and Performance

Fixed Remuneration 

•  Base salary 

•  Benefits: Including employer 
retirement contributions  
(e.g. Kiwisaver and Australian 
Superannuation). 

Short Term Incentive 
(STI) 

At risk

•  Discretionary at-risk cash payment 
with targets set as a percentage of 
base salary. 

•  Eligible to selected roles – 

primarily Executive and Senior 
Leadership Teams. 

Additional terms of the scheme  
are detailed on page 80 

•  Based on individual skills, experience, 
accountabilities, and performance. 

•  Benchmarked to the median of the  

market in Serko’s respective locations. 

•  Reviewed annually based on market  
data, internal benchmark relativities  
and performance criteria.

•  Designed to reward performance of 

annual financial and strategic objectives 
for the respective financial year, creating 
alignment with shareholder value creation. 

•  Rewards the achievement of company  

and individual performance 

Equity-based / Long 
Term Incentive Scheme 
(LTI)

At risk

•  Equity-based award in the form  
of Restricted Share Units (RSUs) 
that convert into Serko shares  
at vesting. 

•  Designed to retain key people to  

support delivery of multi-year strategy, 
and align rewards with longer-term 
shareholder value. 

•  At-risk with targets set as a 
percentage of base salary. 

•  Eligible to all permanent 

employees in New Zealand, 
Australia and the United States 

Additional terms of the scheme  
are detailed on page 80 

•  The RSU awards are performance-based, 
having gateways that must be met before 
a grant is made. 

•  Rewards the achievement of company  

and individual performance

Sales Incentive Plans 

At risk

•  Discretionary cash-based payment 
linked directly to sales/business 
development performance targets.

•  Designed to support the delivery  
of Serko’s revenue and customer- 
base growth

•  Eligible to select sales roles. 

In addition to offering RSUs, Serko has historically also offered employees equity incentives in the form of  
Restricted Shares and Options (in the US only). The Restricted Share Plan has subsequently been grandfathered 
and no restricted shares were allocated during the current financial period. No employees currently have unvested 
Restricted Shares allocated to them. Similarly, no new Options were offered to US employees during the period, 
with RSUs being offered in their place. The number of Options currently on issue is detailed in the Governance and 
Disclosures section of this Annual Report. 

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79

Incentive Schemes – Key Terms 

Short-Term Incentive

Equity-Based Long-Term Incentive 

Purpose 

Eligibility

Designed to reward performance 
of annual financial and strategic 
objectives for the respective 
financial year 

Eligible to selected roles only – 
primarily Executive and Senior 
Leadership Teams. 

Pay Vehicle

Cash-based payment with target 
incentive based on pre-determined, 
% of base salary. 

Designed to align rewards with longer-term shareholder value and retain key 
staff to support delivery of multi-year strategy. 

All permanent employees in New Zealand, Australia and the United States*. 
Since Serko’s inception, the Founders have been committed to supporting all 
employees (where possible) to own shares in the Company. This is achieved 
by the majority of employees being eligible for Equity-Based LTI as a % of 
base remuneration. 

Award of restricted share units with a target % of base salary. 

Performance 
Criteria

Rewards the achievement of company performance based on a company scorecard of metrics (measuring “what” 
outcomes are achieved) including longer-term strategic deliverables. Includes individual performance objectives 
and measures (measuring “what” outcomes are achieved and “how” those outcomes are achieved). 

Vesting  
Criteria

Annual cash payment following 
achievement of company and 
individual performance criteria. 

Three-year vesting period following the end of the respective financial year 
with a vesting schedule of one third each year. 

No incentive to be paid/awarded if minimum gross revenue and cash reserve performance gateways are not met. 
Vesting is subject to meeting threshold performance hurdles based on the financial and strategic metrics detailed 
in the table on page 83. 

The Board retains broad discretion in relation to the STI & LTI schemes.

Unless Board discretion is 
exercised, if a participant is no 
longer employed at the time of 
payment, they will not be eligible 
under the Scheme. 

Payment of any incentive under 
the Scheme is at the absolute 
discretion of the Board. 

Unless Board discretion is exercised, if a participant ceases employment 
with the Company, any unvested awards will be forfeited. 

The RSU Scheme Rules permit the Board to exercise discretion to clawback 
an award or require repayment of the net proceeds of shares sold, in the 
event of fraud, dishonesty or breach of other obligations (including a 
material misstatement of financial information). This provision is designed 
to ensure no unfair benefit is obtained by any participant. 

The Board has discretion to adjust awards to account for capital changes to 
obtain an equitable outcome for participants. The Board also retains broad 
discretion to determine the treatment of unvested awards in the event of a 
change of control. 

No director or employee is permitted to enter into financial products or 
arrangements that operate to limit the economic risk of their vested or 
unvested entitlements. 

Board  
Discretion

Termination

Malus/ 
Clawback

Capital Event

Economic 
Risk

*   In limited circumstances outside of these countries, cash-based incentives are offered in place of equity-based incentives due to the regulatory 

complexity of offering securities into that jurisdiction. 

80

CEO Remuneration

This section describes the remuneration received by the CEO, Darrin Grafton, who is also an Executive Director of 
Serko. Darrin Grafton receives remuneration and other benefits in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer in line with 
the Remuneration Policy outlined above and, accordingly, does not receive directors’ fees. No termination payments 
are payable to the CEO in the event of serious misconduct. As noted above, the RSU Scheme Rules enable clawback of 
awards/net proceeds of sale of shares in the event of misconduct. 

The table below shows the CEO’s target and maximum total remuneration for FY23: 

CEO Performance Pay *

Max total rem

32%

23%

45%

target total rem

41%

20%

39%

Fixed rem

100%

($million)

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.4

  Fixed remuneration        

  STI (Cash-based award)        

  LTI (Equity-based award)

*   The CEO has a STI gross annual target of 50% of the base salary following each financial year, up to a maximum of 75% of base salary if 

outperformance occurs in both company performance and individual measures; and a LTI target value of 100% of the base salary remuneration. 
Maximum value is 150% of target value if outperformance occurs in both company performance and individual measures. 

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81

The tables below (and accompanying notes) set out the total remuneration and value of other benefits received by the 
Serko CEO during the financial period ended 31 March 2023: 

Base  
salary 1

Taxable 
benefits 2

Subtotal

Pay for performance

Total  
remuneration

STI 3 

EISS / LTI 4 

Subtotal

$432,482 

$11,186 

$443,668 

$100,375 

$177,459 in the form 
of 43,817 restricted 
share units

$277,834 

$721,502

1   Base salary includes employer contributions towards KiwiSaver at 3%. CEO Darrin Grafton also received a carpark and life insurance, which do not 

have individually allocated values.

2   Taxable benefits include health insurance. 

3   The short-term incentive stated was earned in FY22 and paid in FY23.

4   Equity-based incentives previously granted to the CEO that vested during the financial period. Refer to table below for more detail. Represents the  
NZX closing price of SKO (Serko) ordinary shares on the day of vesting, multiplied by the number of securities vested. Vesting was settled via the 
issue of new shares.

The tables below (and accompanying notes) set out the total remuneration and value of other benefits earned by the 
Serko CEO relating to the financial period ended 31 March 2023. Some of this remuneration will be paid in FY24:  

Base  
salary 1

Taxable 
benefits 2

Subtotal

Pay for performance

Total  
remuneration

STI 3 

EISS / LTI 4 

Subtotal

$432,482 

$11,186 

$443,668 

$193,200 

$336,000 in the form 
of restricted share 
units to be issued

$529,200 

$972,868 

(92% of STI target)

(80% of LTI target)

1   Base salary includes employer contributions towards KiwiSaver at 3%. CEO Darrin Grafton also received a carpark and life insurance, which do not 

have individually allocated values. 

2   Taxable benefits include health insurance. 

3   The short-term incentive stated was earned in FY23 and will be paid in FY24. 

4   An equity-based incentive is intended to be granted in May 2023 for non-cash consideration. The restricted share units will vest at one third a year 

over three years after the allocation date. The value stated is the gross amount earned. The number of securities to be issued will be calculated based 
on the 20-day volume weighted average price of Serko (SKO) shares on NZX at the time of grant. 

The following equity-based incentives previously granted to the CEO vested during the financial period ended 31 March 2023: 

Form of  
equity

Grant  
Year

Grant  
Amount

Vested  
in FY23

Value on 
vesting 1

Remaining 
unvested

Final  
vesting year

Restricted share units

Financial Year 2020

Restricted share units

Financial Year 2021 3

Restricted share units

Financial Year 2022 2

Restricted share units

Financial Year 2023 2

31,899

50,145

35,752

65,320

Total

31,899

$129,191

—

—

11,918

$48,268

—

—

43,817

$177,459

—

45,063

23,834

65,320

2023

2024

2024

2025

1   Represents the NZX closing price of SKO (Serko) ordinary shares on the day of vesting, multiplied by the number of securities vested. Vesting was 

settled via the issue of new shares. 

2   Note that grants made in FY22 (relating to FY21 performance) and onwards, had the new vesting schedule of one third per year over 3 years.  

3   The FY21 grant relating to FY20 performance had a 3-year vesting period, which is due to vest in May 2023 and therefore no restricted share units 
vested during the year. 5,082 restricted share units had a shorter vesting period (and vested in December 2020). These restricted share units were 
granted as part of a Covid-related salary sacrifice scheme implemented in early 2020.

82

FY23 CEO Performance Metrics and Outcomes 

The CEO’s performance-based remuneration components are assessed annually based on individual performance 
and company performance against a performance scorecard, comprising financial and strategic measures. Individual 
key performance metrics were set by the Board at the beginning of the year for the CEO. These related to qualitative 
supporting initiatives required to successfully execute against Serko’s strategic objectives. 

The company measures applied for FY23 were as follows: 

Serko Scorecard

Financial Metrics

Key Strategic Objectives

Strategic goal 
FY23-FY25

FY23 OKR  
summary

Target  
measurement 1

Revenue

Customer 
Success

Platform 
Optimisation* 

Culture

Establish 
significant 
market share in 
the unmanaged 
travel market. 
Consistently 
grow the market 
share in the global 
managed travel 
market

Gross revenue 
increase (based on 
audited financial 
statements)

Optimise Serko 
technology 
platform

Organisational 
alignment & 
engagement

Deliver an 
exceptional 
customer 
experience 
through 
experimentation

Customer 
Satisfaction  
(CSAT) score

Modernisation of 
legacy technology

Employee 
engagement

Equity-based LTI 
weighting

STI weighting

40% 

60% 

60% 

40% 

FY23 result

target exceeded

Slightly below target, threshold achieved

*  Previously Marketplace and Content 

1   Each measure has a defined threshold, target and stretch/maximum target. Achievement below the threshold results in 0% outcome for  
that component. No STI or LTI is payable if minimum annual gross revenue and cash reserve targets are not met. These gateway targets  
were met for FY23. 

The overall results for FY23 were determined to be: 

•  92% for STI company performance against objectives. 

•  80% for LTI company performance against objectives. 

These calculations are used to determine the Company multiplier applied when assessing incentive performance 
outcomes. When assessing the performance outcomes against the pre-agreed objectives and target measures, the 
Board gave particular attention to the incentive outcomes in a year where the share price had declined materially.

reMuneration report

83

CEO Pay Relative to Performance 

Serko’s Total Shareholder Returns (TSR) over the last five years, as at 31 March, are shown below, along with incentive 
payments and equity grants awarded against on-target performance. 

Total shareholder returns

300%

200%

100%

0%

-100%

Mar-18

Mar-19

Mar-20

Mar-21

Mar-22

Mar-23

  SKO      

  NZX50      

  MSCI ACWI

Metric

Total income

NPAT

Market capitalisation

Underlying average monthly cash-burn 1

2023  
($000)

$48,025

-$30,540

$287,859

$2,718

2022  
($000)

18,874

-$35,959

$558,832

$3,304

Change 
($000)

$29,151

$5,419

-$270,973

-$586

Change  
%

 154%

  -15%

  -48%

  -18%

1   Cash-burn is adjusted for one-off items, such as net funds from capital raise and payments made in FY23 that ordinarily would have been paid in FY22. 

CEO Remuneration (actual as a % of target) over five-year period 

Total 
Remuneration

% STI awarded 
against on-target 
performance

STI Performance 
Period

% LTI awarded 
against on-target 
performance

Span to  
LTI Performance  
Periods

FY23

FY22

FY21

FY20 1

FY19

$972,868

$722,898

$690,568

$598,841

$556,734

92%

50%

50%

0%

29%

FY23

FY22

FY21

FY20

FY19

1  There were no STI pay-outs awarded for FY20 due to the impacts of Covid-19.  

84

80%

75%

73%

56%

36%

May 2022 to May 2025

Aug 2021 to May 2024

Sept 2020 to May 2023

July 2019 to May 2022

  
Employee Remuneration 

The table below shows the number of employees and former employees of Serko and its subsidiaries, not being 
directors of Serko, who, in their capacity as employees, received remuneration and other benefits during the year 
ended 31 March 2023 totalling at least NZ$100,000. 

The remuneration of employees paid outside of New Zealand has been converted into New Zealand dollars as at  
31 March 2023. No employee appointed as a director of a subsidiary company of Serko receives any remuneration  
or other benefits for acting in that capacity. 

The table below includes base salaries, short-term incentives, contributions to pension plans and vested or  
exercised equity-based payments. The table does not include equity-based incentives that have been granted  
and have not yet vested. 

Remuneration range (NZD)

Number of employees whose remuneration 
includes vested share-based payments 1

Total number of 
employees in range

$100,000 - $110,000
$110,000 - $120,000
$120,000 - $130,000
$130,000 - $140,000
$140,000 - $150,000
$150,000 - $160,000
$160,000 - $170,000
$170,000 - $180,000
$180,000 - $190,000
$190,000 - $200,000
$210,000 - $220,000
$220,000 - $230,000
$230,000 - $240,000
$240,000 - $250,000
$250,000 - $260,000
$260,000 - $270,000
$270,000 - $280,000
$290,000 - $300,000
$300,000 - $310,000
$320,000 - $330,000
$340,000 - $350,000
$380,000 - $390,000
$390,000 - $400,000
$430,000 - $440,000
$450,000 - $460,000
$480,000 - $490,000
$490,000 - $500,000
$600,000 - $610,000
$680,000 - $690,000
$890,000 - $900,000

9
4
5
14
7
13
11
9
8
2
5
6
1
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

25
16
17
28
15
23
19
13
10
4
5
6
2
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Total number of employees and former employees

115

204

1    Specifies total number of employees within the range whose remuneration includes equity-based payments that have vested during the period.  

Table excludes the executive directors’ remuneration. 

reMuneration report

85

Pay Equity 

We are committed to ensuring we pay our people  
fairly and we are continually reviewing our practices  
to check we have the right policies and processes  
in place to ensure pay equity for our people.  
Serko’s Pay and Gender Equity Statement can  
be viewed at www.serko.com/careers. 

We support the New Zealand Mind The Gap reporting 
initiative. When benchmarked to the median market 
remuneration (based on career levels), the median 
remuneration difference for males and females is 
less than 1%1 when comparing roles of comparable 
scope and complexity. As of 31 March 2023, Serko’s 
overall global gender pay gap is 12%2. This is impacted 
by distribution of females and males at different 
levels across the organisation. We are committed to 
maintaining pay equity across all roles at Serko.

For more information on Serko’s broader diversity and 
inclusion initiatives, see our latest ESG Report, located 
at www.serko.com/investors. 

1   Based on comparative ratio positioning to remuneration mid points 

for salaries by career level.

2   This figure represents the straight mean for base salaries, converted 
to NZD. Analysis includes all permanent employees and represents 
full time equivalent salaries. 

86

Executive Director Remuneration 

The executive directors, Darrin Grafton and Bob Shaw, receive remuneration and other benefits in their respective 
executive roles as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and, accordingly, do not receive 
directors’ fees. As detailed above, the remuneration packages for the CEO, CSO and other Executive Team members 
are set by the Board to reflect the scope and complexity of each role, with reference to comparative market data. 

Darrin Grafton’s remuneration and other benefits are detailed on page 82. 

Remuneration for Chief Strategy Officer

During the period ended 31 March 2023, the CSO’s variable remuneration components were based on Company  
and individual performance against the scorecard detailed on page 83. 

The tables below (and accompanying notes) set out the total remuneration and value of other benefits received by 
Serko’s CSO during the financial period ended 31 March 2023:

Base  
salary 1

Taxable 
benefits 2

Subtotal

Pay for performance

Total  
remuneration

STI 3 

EISS / LTI 4 

Subtotal

$295,013

$9,144 

$304,157 

$72,519 

$76,436 in the form 
of 18,873 restricted 
share units

$148,955 

$453,112 

1   CSO Bob Shaw also received a carpark and life insurance, which do not have individually allocated values.  

2   Taxable benefits include health insurance. 

3   The short-term incentive stated was earned in FY22 and paid in FY23.  

4   Equity-based incentives previously granted to the CSO that vested during the financial period. Represents the NZX closing price of SKO (Serko) 

ordinary shares on the day of vesting, multiplied by the number of securities vested. Vesting was settled via the issue of new shares.

The tables below (and accompanying notes) set out the total remuneration and value of other benefits earned by  
Bob Shaw relating to the financial period ended 31 March 2023. Some of this remuneration will be paid in FY24:  

Base  
salary 1

Taxable 
benefits 2

Subtotal

Pay for performance

Total  
remuneration

STI 3 

EISS 4 

Subtotal

$295,013

$9,144 

$304,157 

$122,544 

$213,120 in the form 
of restricted share 
units to be issued

$335,664 

$639,821 

1   CSO Bob Shaw also received a carpark and life insurance, which do not have individually allocated values. 

2   Taxable benefits include health insurance. 

3   The short-term incentive stated was earned in FY23 and will be paid in FY24.  

4   An equity-based incentive is intended to be granted in May 2023 for non-cash consideration. The restricted share units will vest at one third a year 

over three years after the allocation date. The value stated is the gross amount earned. The number of securities to be issued will be calculated based 
on the 20-day volume weighted average price of Serko (SKO) shares on NZX at the time of grant. 

reMuneration report

87

Non-Executive Director Remuneration 

The fees paid to non-executive directors are structured to reflect the global nature and complexity of Serko’s  
business, and the time commitment and level of governance required by the Serko Board. In August 2021,  
Serko’s shareholders approved a total cap of NZ$600,000 per annum for non-executive directors’ fees for  
the purposes of the NZX Listing Rules. 

The Board has agreed that there will be no change to the directors’ fees paid in FY24. Accordingly, the following  
fixed annual fees will apply to all non-executive directors for the year ending 31 March 2024: 

Position 

Fees per annum (AUD) 

Board of Directors 

Chair 
Non-executive directors 

Audit, Risk & Sustainability Committee 

Committee Chair 

People, Remuneration & Culture Committee 

Committee Member 

Committee Chair 
Committee Member 

140,000 
95,000 

20,000 

9,000 

20,000 
9,000 

Periodically, by exception, non-executive directors receive special exertion fees for ad hoc committee meetings 
attended (for example, in relation to capital raisings or merger and acquisition (M&A) activity). Where special fees  
are paid, they are required to fall within the shareholder-approved fee cap. No special fees were paid during FY23. 

Non-executive directors received the following directors’ fees, remuneration and other benefits from the Company  
in the year ended 31 March 2023: 

Remuneration and value of other benefits received 1

Name of director

Non-executive 
directors’ Board fees

Audit, Risk & 
Sustainability 
Committee fees

People, Remuneration & 
Culture Committee fees

Total  
remuneration

Claudia Batten

$153,880 *

Clyde McConaghy

$104,396

Jan Dawson

Total

$104,729

$363,005

*  Indicates Chair of the Board/Committee. 

$9,892

$9,890

$22,048 *

$41,831

$9,892

$21,978 *

$9,922

$41,792

$173,665

$136,264

$136,699

$446,628

1  The figures shown are gross amounts, which have been converted into NZD from AUD and exclude GST (where applicable). 

In addition to directors’ fees, Serko meets costs incurred by non-executive directors that are incidental to the 
performance of their duties. This includes paying the costs of directors’ travel. As these costs are incurred by Serko  
to enable directors to perform their duties, no value is attributable to them as benefits to directors for the purposes  
of the above table. 

The non-executive directors do not receive any performance-based remuneration to ensure incentives do not  
conflict with their obligations to bring independent judgement to matters before the Board. However, it is Serko’s 
policy to encourage directors to hold shares in the company to increase alignment with shareholder interests.  
Director shareholdings are disclosed in the Corporate Governance & Disclosures section of this Annual Report. 

No retirement benefits will be paid to non-executive directors on their retirement unless required under legislation. 

88

Corporate  
Governance  
& Disclosures 

corporate goVernance & diScloSureS

89

Corporate Governance & Disclosures

For the year ended 31 March 2023

Introduction

Stock Exchange Listings

Serko is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange 
(NZX Main Board) and on the Australian Securities 
Exchange (ASX) as an ASX Foreign Exempt Listing. 
As an ASX Foreign Exempt Listing, Serko needs to 
comply with the NZX Listing Rules but does not need 
to comply with the vast majority of the ASX Listing Rule 
obligations.

Serko is incorporated in New Zealand.

The Board and management of Serko Limited (Serko  
or the Company) are committed to ensuring that  
Serko maintains best practice corporate governance 
and adheres to the highest ethical standards.

The Board has considered the applicable versions 
of the NZX Listing Rules and a number of corporate 
governance recommendations when establishing its 
governance framework, including the NZX Corporate 
Governance Code dated 1 April 2023 (NZX Code)  
and the Fourth Edition of the Australian Securities 
Exchange (ASX) Corporate Governance Council 
Principles and Recommendations.

The NZX Listing Rules require Serko to formally 
report its compliance against the recommendations 
contained in the NZX Code. Serko’s implementation of 
these recommendations is set out in Serko’s Corporate 
Governance Statement, which is included in its 2023 
ESG Report and can be found on the investor centre of 
the Company’s website. Go to: serko.com/investors. 

The Board considers that Serko’s corporate governance 
structures, practices and processes have followed all 
of the recommendations in the NZX Code during the 
financial year ended 31 March 2023 and as at the date 
of this Report. For the purposes of Recommendation 
3.4, the Board has determined that the whole Board 
will carry out the functions of a nomination committee 
owing to the small size of the Board.

Serko’s governance charters and policies can also be 
found on the investor centre of the Company’s website. 
Serko’s corporate governance charters and policies 
have been approved by the Board and are regularly 
reviewed by the Board and amended (as appropriate) to 
reflect developments in corporate governance practices 
and/or changes to relevant recommendations.

90

Overview of Serko’s Governance 
Structure

The Serko Board has been appointed by  
shareholders to protect and enhance the long-term 
value of Serko and to act in the best interests of  
Serko and its shareholders. The Board is the 
ultimate decision-making body of the Company and 
is responsible for the corporate governance of the 
Company. The role and responsibilities of the Board  
are set out in the Board Charter, which can be found  
in our Corporate Governance Manual on the investor  
centre of our website.

The Board currently comprises an independent non-
executive Chair, two independent non-executive 
directors and two executive directors, as detailed  
on page 8 of this Annual Report. These directors  
held office throughout the financial year ended  
31 March 2023.

The Board has established two standing Board 
Committees to assist in the execution of the Board’s 
responsibilities:

•  Audit, Risk and Sustainability Committee (formerly 

the Audit and Risk Committee) – The current 
members of the Committee are Jan Dawson (Chair), 
Clyde McConaghy and Claudia Batten. All members 
are independent, non-executive directors. Their 
qualifications and experience are set out under Board 
of Directors on page 8 of this Annual Report; and

•  People, Remuneration and Culture Committee – 

The current members of the Committee are Clyde 
McConaghy (Chair), Jan Dawson and Claudia 
Batten. All members are independent, non-executive 
directors. Their qualifications and experience are  
set out under Board of Directors on page 8 of this 
Annual Report.

The role of the nomination committee is currently, and 
was throughout the financial period ending 31 March 
2023, carried out by the full Board owing to the small 
size of the Board.

During the financial year the Board appointed a 
Technology Advisory Committee comprising one 
Board director, two independent expert advisers, 
the Serko Chief Technology Officer and the Serko 
Head of Product. The Committee assists the Board 
in its oversight of Serko’s technology strategy and 
the use of technology in executing Serko’s overall 
business strategy. It also supports the Audit, Risk and 
Sustainability Committee in providing oversight of 
technology risks. The Technology Advisory Committee 
meets on an ad hoc basis and reports to the Board after 
each meeting.

corporate goVernance & diScloSureS

91

Diversity

The respective numbers and proportions of men and women at various levels within the Serko workforce  
as at 31 March 2022 and 31 March 2023 are set out in the table below:

Female

All directors

Non-executive directors

Officers1

Senior employees 2

All workforce

Male

All directors

Non-executive directors

Officers 1

Senior employees 2

All workforce

no.

2

2

2

5

129

no.

3

1

8

12

207

2023

%

40%

67%

20%

29%

38%

2023

%

60%

33%

80%

71%

62%

no.

2

2

2

13

129

no.

3

1

8

12

183

2022

%

40%

67%

20%

52%

41%

2022

%

60%

33%

80%

48%

59%

1.  Officers are considered to be the Chief Executive Officer and his direct reports (the Executive Team). Note that Chief Executive Officer,  

Darrin Grafton, and Chief of Strategy, Bob Shaw, are included in both the number of directors and officers reported.

2. Direct reports to the Executive Team with managerial responsibilities.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Policy articulates our commitment to achieving diversity in the skills, attributes and 
experience of Serko’s Board members, management and staff across a broad range of criteria (including but not 
limited to, culture, gender and age). The Board as a whole is responsible for overseeing and implementing the  
Diversity and Inclusion Policy but has delegated to the People, Remuneration and Culture Committee the responsibility 
to develop, recommend and assess measurable objectives to the Board that are designed to adhere to Serko’s 
Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

The Board’s evaluation of Serko’s performance and progress to date against measurable objectives is set out in the 
latest ESG Report, which can be found on the investor centre of the Company’s website.

92

Board and Committee Attendance

The table below shows the Board and Committee meeting attendance during the year ended 31 March 2023:

Directors also met for several additional special meetings and to undertake strategic planning for the business 
outside of scheduled Board and Committee meetings.

Director attendance

Claudia Batten

Jan Dawson

Darrin Grafton

Clyde McConaghy

Bob Shaw

Board

12/12

12/12

12/12

12/12

12/12

Audit, Risk &  
Sustainability Committee

People, Remuneration  
& Culture Committee

4/4

4/4

*

4/4

*

4/4

4/4

*

4/4

*

Key: Attended meeting / eligible to attend meeting

*Indicates the director is not a member of the Committee (although they may have been in attendance for these meetings).

Director Independence

The Board currently comprises five directors – being the two co-founders and executive directors, Darrin Grafton and 
Bob Shaw; and three non-executive directors – Claudia Batten, Jan Dawson and Clyde McConaghy.

The Board has determined, based on information provided by directors regarding their interests, which has been 
evaluated against the criteria in the Board Charter, that as at 31 March 2023 and the date of this Annual Report, 
Claudia Batten, Jan Dawson and Clyde McConaghy are independent directors. In doing so, the Board has considered 
the relevance of Claudia’s and Clyde’s tenure on their ability to bring an independent view to decisions in relation to 
Serko. The Board considers that both directors continue to bring independence of judgement when carrying out their 
director duties. Of relevance to this decision is the fact that Claudia took over as Chair of the Board in 2020 and Clyde 
has led different Board Committees during his time on the Board. More information about the Board’s plan to refresh 
the Board is outlined in Serko’s latest ESG Report.

The Board has also determined that Darrin Grafton and Bob Shaw are not independent directors owing to also being 
executives and major shareholders in Serko.

corporate goVernance & diScloSureS

93

Director Interest Disclosures

There were no disclosures of interests pursuant to section 140(1) of the Companies Act 1993 recorded in Serko’s 
Interests Register during the financial year ended 31 March 2023.

Directors have given general notices disclosing interests pursuant to section 140(2) of the Companies Act 1993. All 
of those interests, and any changes to interests notified and recorded in Serko’s Interests Register during the financial 
year ended 31 March 2023 and subsequently, are set out below:

Director

Entity

Relationship

Claudia Batten

Darrin Grafton

Clyde McConaghy

Bob Shaw

Jan Dawson

Broadli Inc
Serko Inc 1
Westpac New Zealand Limited
Vista Group Limited
Air New Zealand Limited
Wonderful Investments Limited

Financial Equities Limited
Grafton-Howe No.2 Trust
InterplX Inc 1
Serko Australia Pty Limited 1
Serko Inc 1
Serko India Private Limited 1
Serko Investments Limited 1
Travelog World for Windows Pty. Limited

Optima Boards
Neuroscience Research Australia
Mindgardens Neuroscience Network

Financial Equities Limited
Ripon Trust
Serko Australia Pty Limited 1
Serko India Private Limited 1
Serko Investments Limited 1
Travelog World for Windows Pty. Limited

Ports of Auckland Limited
Meridian LTI Trustee Limited
Meridian Energy Limited
Jan Dawson Limited
AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited

Ceased to be Director
Director
Ceased to be Board Adviser
Director
Director
Appointed Director

Director / Shareholder
Trustee / Beneficiary
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director

Director
Director
Ceased to be Director

Director / Shareholder
Trustee / Beneficiary
Director
Director
Director
Director

Director/Chair
Ceased to be Director
Ceased to be Director
Director
Ceased to be Director

1. Serko subsidiary as detailed on page 100.

94

Director Interest Disclosures continued...

In accordance with section 148(2) of the Companies Act 1993, directors disclosed the following acquisitions or 
disposals of relevant interests in Serko ordinary shares during the financial year ended 31 March 2023:

Name

Claudia 
Batten

Nature of relevant interest

On market automated sale by the custodian under the Non-Executive 
Director Fixed Trading Plan to settle administration fees arising 
in relation to the administration and management of the Plan 
(following completion of the term of the Plan) 1

On market automated sale by the custodian under the Non-Executive 
Director Fixed Trading Plan to settle administration fees arising 
in relation to the administration and management of the Plan 
(following completion of the term of the Plan) 1

On market automated sale by the custodian under the Non-Executive 
Director Fixed Trading Plan to settle administration fees arising 
in relation to the administration and management of the Plan 
(following completion of the term of the Plan) 1

Number of 
securities 
acquired/
(disposed)

Consideration 
paid/ 
received 4

Date of 
acquisition/ 
disposal

(128.44)

$479.10 

5-Jul-22

(129.63)

$379.82 

1-Nov-22

(113.18)

$267.09 

2-Mar-23

Darrin  
Grafton

Registered holder and beneficial owner of ordinary shares issued 
upon vesting of restricted shares units pursuant to the Serko 
Employee Long Term Incentive Scheme 

43,817 2  Nil / Services

20-May-22

Indirect interest in ordinary shares issued upon vesting of  
restricted share units pursuant to the Serko Employee Long Term 
Incentive Scheme, by virtue of a personal relationship with the 
registered holder

Legal holder of unlisted restricted share units granted under the 
Serko Employee Long Term Incentive Scheme

Indirect interest in unlisted restricted share units granted under 
Serko Employee Long Term Incentive Scheme

1,089 2,3 Nil / Services

20-May-22

65,320 2 Nil / Services

30-May-22

 1,430 2,3  Nil / Services

30-May-22

Registered holder and beneficial owner of shares acquired on-market

17,000 4

$39,772.20 

21-Dec-22

Bob Shaw

Registered holder and beneficial owner of ordinary shares issued 
upon vesting of restricted shares units pursuant to the Serko 
Employee Long Term Incentive Scheme. 

18,873 2 Nil / Services

20-May-22

Legal holder of unlisted restricted share units granted under the 
Serko Employee Long Term Incentive Scheme

47,192 2 Nil / Services

30-May-22

Registered holder and beneficial owner of shares acquired on-market

21,250 4

$49,717.01

21-Dec-22

1.  As described in the Company’s FY22 ESG Report (available in the investor centre of Serko’s website), the Non-executive Director Fixed Trading Plan  

is now grand-fathered. Shares held under this Plan may not be disposed of while the holder remains a director of Serko.

2. These shares are subject to a deed restricting exercise of any voting rights attached to the shares/any shares issued upon vesting.

3.  By virtue of Darrin Grafton’s personal relationship, he is implied to have the power to exercise, or to control the exercise of,  

any right to vote attached to these shares by virtue of a personal relationship with the beneficial holder of these shares (Donna Bailey).  
These shares are subject to a deed restricting exercise of voting rights attached to the shares.

4. The consideration for on-market trades is stated as the market price paid, excluding fees and taxes.

corporate goVernance & diScloSureS

95

Director Interest Disclosures continued...

In accordance with the NZX Listing Rules, as at 31 March 2023, directors had a relevant interest (as defined in the 
Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013) in Serko shares as follows:

Name

Darrin Grafton 1

Bob Shaw 2

Clyde McConaghy 3

Claudia Batten 4

Jan Dawson

Relevant interest

Percentage

12,300,651

 9,232,883 

182,909

125,505.90

0

10.21%

7.67%

0.15%

0.10%

0.00%

1.  The relevant interest includes: 10,884,629 ordinary shares held via a trust in which the director is a trustee and beneficiary; 186,123 ordinary shares 
held directly; and an indirect interest in 1,229,899 ordinary shares by virtue of a personal relationship with the beneficial holder of these shares.  
Darrin Grafton is also the registered holder and beneficial owner of 134,217 unlisted restricted share units allocated pursuant to the Serko Employee 
Incentive Share Scheme and has an indirect interest in 3,044 unlisted restricted share units by virtue of a personal relationship with the beneficial 
owner. 

2.  The relevant interest includes: 9,151,250 shares held via a trust in which the director is a trustee and beneficiary and 81,633 ordinary shares held 
directly. Bob Shaw is also the registered holder and beneficial owner of 86,857 unlisted restricted share units allocated pursuant to the Serko 
Employee Incentive Share Scheme.

3. 181,818 ordinary shares are held via a trust in which the director is a trustee and beneficiary.

4. 42,051.90 ordinary shares are held in custody pursuant to the now grand-fathered, Serko Non-executive Director Fixed Trading Plan.

For the purposes of section 161 of the Companies Act 1993, the following entries were made in the Interests Register 
in relation to the payment of remuneration and other benefits to directors:

Date of disclosure

Director

Particulars of Board authorisation

27-May-22

Bob Shaw
Darrin Grafton

The payment of remuneration and the provision of other benefits by the 
Company to the executive directors on the terms detailed in the Board  
minutes dated 17 May 2022 and on the grounds set out in the corresponding 
directors’ certificate.

For the purposes of section 162 of the Companies Act 1993, an entry was made in the Interests Register in relation to 
insurance effected for directors and officers of Serko in relation to any act or omission in their capacity as directors.

There were no new entries made in the subsidiary company Interests Registers during the financial reporting period.

96

Shareholding Information

As at 31 March 2023 there were 120,443,023 Serko ordinary shares on issue, each conferring on the registered holder 
the right to vote on any resolution at a meeting of shareholders. These shares were held as follows:

Size of shareholding

Number of holders

%

Number of ordinary shares

1 - 1,000

1,001 - 5,000

5,001 - 10,000

10,001 - 50,000

50,001 - 100,000

100,001 and over

Total 1

1,543

1,088

274

218

35

54

48.04

33.87

8.53

6.79

1.09

1.68

100

671,001

2,627,247

2,074,735

4,547,385

2,529,458

107,993,197

%

0.56

2.18

1.72

3.78

2.10

89.66

100

1.  Includes 1,263,865 ordinary shares with restrictive conditions held by Serko Trustee Limited (all unallocated) pursuant to the now grand-fathered 

Serko Restricted Share Plan (detailed in previous Annual Reports available on the investor centre of Serko’s website). The last tranche of allocated 
restricted shares vested during FY22. Restricted shares, when allocated, have voting rights attached, which are exercised on behalf of a beneficial 
holder by the Trustee at the direction of the beneficial holder.

As at 31 March 2023, the following securities were on issue:

•  1,263,865 ordinary shares with restrictive conditions held by Serko Trustee Limited (all unallocated) pursuant to the 
now grand-fathered Serko Restricted Share Plan. The last tranche of allocated restricted shares vested during FY22;

•  21 participants holding a total of 94,974 options pursuant to the Serko (US) Share Incentive Plan; and

•  182 participants holding a total of 2,378,995 restricted share units pursuant to the Serko Employee Long Term 

Incentive Scheme (ANZ) and Serko Employee Share Incentive Plan (US). 

Further information on these incentive plans is contained in the Notes to the financial statements and the 
Remuneration Report included in this Annual Report.

corporate goVernance & diScloSureS

97

Shareholding Information continued...

Set out below are details of the 20 largest shareholders of Serko as at 31 March 2023: 

Shareholder 1

TEA Custodians Limited

Darrin Grafton & Geoffrey Robertson Ashley Hosking

Robert James Shaw & Michael John Moore

Custodial Services Limited

BNP Paribas Nominees NZ Limited Bpss40

Accident Compensation Corporation

Coronado Pte Limited

Hobson Wealth Custodian Limited

HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited

Citibank Nominees (NZ) Ltd

Premier Nominees Limited

New Zealand Superannuation Fund Nominees Limited

New Zealand Depository Nominee

JPMORGAN Chase Bank

National Nominees New Zealand Limited

PT Booster Investments Nominees Limited

NZ Permanent Trustees Ltd Grp Invstmnt Fund No 20

FNZ Custodians Limited

Serko Trustee Limited

Donna Bailey

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

 Number of ordinary shares held 

16,861,520

10,884,629

9,151,250

6,263,875

6,244,545

5,500,075

5,406,431

4,187,552

3,969,085

3,706,171

3,564,709

2,707,126

2,215,520

1,936,531

1,883,150

1,741,201

1,393,970

1,298,383

1,263,865

1,217,594

%

14.0

9.04

7.6

5.2

5.18

4.57

4.49

3.48

3.3

3.08

2.96

2.25

1.84

1.61

1.56

1.45

1.16

1.08

1.05

1.01

1.  The shareholding of New Zealand Central Securities Depository Limited (custodian for members trading through NZClear) has been reallocated to the 

applicable members.

98

Shareholding Information continued...

According to Serko records and disclosures made to Serko under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013,  
the following persons were substantial product holders as at 31 March 2023: 

Substantial product holder

Harbour Asset Management Limited 1

Darrin Grafton

Geoffrey Hosking 2

Fisher Funds Management Limited

Robert (Bob) Shaw

Michael Moore 3

Jarden Securities Limited 1

Number of ordinary shares in which 
relevant interest is held

% of class held at balance date 6

 13,558,824 4

 12,300,651 5

 10,884,629 5

 10,636,309 4

9,232,883 5

9,151,250 5

 982,231 4

11.257%

10.213%

9.037%

8.831%

7.666%

7.598%

0.816%

1. Harbour Asset Management Limited and Jarden Securities Limited file joint substantial product holder notices. 

2. Geoffrey Hosking is a trustee of the Grafton-Howe No. 2 Family Trust, of which Darrin Grafton is a trustee and a beneficiary.

3. Michael Moore is a trustee of the Ripon Trust, of which Robert Shaw is a trustee and a beneficiary.

4. Based on last substantial product holder notice filed prior to 31 March 2023.

5. Based on Serko’s records and on the last substantial product holder notice filed prior to 31 March 2023.

6. Based on issued share capital of 120,443,023 as at 31 March 2023.

corporate goVernance & diScloSureS

99

Subsidiary Company Directors

With the below exception, directors of Serko’s subsidiaries do not receive any remuneration or other benefits in 
respect of their appointments. The remuneration and other benefits of any such directors who are employees of 
the group totalling $100,000 or more during the year ended 31 March 2023 are included in the relevant bandings for 
remuneration disclosed on page 85 of this Annual Report.

Serko has agreed to pay Yogita Chadha NZ$18,000 per year in relation to acting as a director of Serko India Private 
Limited. During the financial year ended 31 March 2023, she earned, and was paid, NZ$18,000 during the year.

The following persons held office as directors of subsidiary companies as at 31 March 2023:

Subsidiary

Directors

Foshan Sige Information Technology Limited  (China) 1

Rob Wright (Legal Representative) 
Mark Xu (Supervisor)

InterplX Inc. (US)

Serko Australia Pty Limited (Australia)

Serko Inc (US)

Serko India Private Limited (India)

Serko Investments Limited (New Zealand)

Serko Trustee Limited (New Zealand) 2

1. Gerard Nielson retired during the year and Mr Wright was appointed in his place.

2. Sarah Miller retired and Shane Sampson was appointed in her place on 1 April 2023.

Darrin Grafton 
Tony D’Astolfo

Darrin Grafton 
Bob Shaw  
Murray Warner

Darrin Grafton 
Claudia Batten

Darrin Grafton  
Bob Shaw  
Yogita Chadha

Darrin Grafton  
Bob Shaw

Sarah Miller 
Rachael Satherley 

100

Regulatory Matters

No NZX waivers were granted or relied on by the Company during the financial year. 

Donations

Refer to the Notes to the Financial Statements for any donations made via the Serko Group during FY23.  
Serko does not make any political donations. 

Credit Rating

Serko does not presently have an external credit rating status.

Distributions / Dividends

There were no dividends or distributions paid to shareholders during the financial period. Dividends and other 
distributions with respect to the shares are only made at the discretion of the Serko Board. Serko is a growth 
technology company and is not intending to pay a dividend for FY24.

corporate goVernance & diScloSureS

101

Glossary

ANZ: Australia and New Zealand

ARPB: Average Revenue Per Booking

Asia Pacific: Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Sri Lanka,  
South Korea, South Africa, Singapore, Philippines,  
Pakistan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia,  
India, Hong Kong, China, Bangladesh and Australia  
for the purposes of this Annual Report

ASX: ASX Limited, also known as the Australian  
Securities Exchange

ATMR: ATMR (Annualised Transactional Monthly 
Revenue) is a non-GAAP measure. It is based on the 
monthly transactions and average revenue per booking 
(for its Travel platform revenue) and monthly user 
charges (for its Expense platform revenue) annualised

AUD or A$: Australian dollars

Australasia: New Zealand and Australia for the 
purposes of this Annual Report

Booking.com for Business: A global online travel 
booking offering targeting small to medium sized 
companies with Booking.com for Business branding 
powered by Zeno

BBZ: An abbreviation of Booking.com for Business  
(see above)

Board or Board of Directors: The board of directors  
of Serko

Cloud or cloud-based: Cloud computing is when the 
software and associated data is hosted outside the 
customer’s premises and delivered over a network 
or the Internet as a service, which allows immediate 
access to the software

Company or Serko: Serko Limited, a New Zealand  
incorporated company

102

EBITDAF (refer page 19): EBITDAF is a non-GAAP 
measure representing Earnings Before the deduction 
of costs relating to Interest, Taxation, Depreciation, 
Amortisation, Impairment, Foreign Exchange gains/
losses and Fair value remeasurements

ESG: Environmental Social Governance

FTE: Full-time equivalent

FX: Foreign exchange

FY: Financial year ended, or ending, on 31 March  
(unless otherwise stated)

GST: Goods and Services Tax

IFRS: International Financial Reporting Standards

Independent Directors: Claudia Batten,  
Clyde McConaghy and Jan Dawson

IPO: Initial Public Offering

Listing: The date Serko shares started trading  
on the NZX Main Board, 24 June 2014

NDC or New Distribution Capability: A data exchange  
format for airlines to create and distribute relevant 
offers to the customer regardless of the distribution 
channel

NORAM: North America

NZ: New Zealand

NZD or NZ$: New Zealand dollars

NZ GAAP or GAAP: New Zealand Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice

NZ IFRS or IFRS: New Zealand equivalents to 
International Financial Reporting Standards

NZX: NZX Limited, also known as the New Zealand  
Stock Exchange

NZX Listing Rules or Listing Rules: The Listing Rules  
applying to the NZX Main Board as amended from  
time to time

NZX Main Board: The New Zealand main board equity  
security market operated by NZX

R&D: Research and Development expenditure

SaaS: Software-as-a-service

Serko Expense Management: Serko’s online expense 
management solution that enables the capture and  
processing of corporate credit cards and out-of-pocket 
claims 

Serko Mobile: Serko’s mobile app for iPhones and 
Android devices that gives users access to information 
and travel booking functionality on their mobile devices

Serko Online: Serko’s legacy cloud-based online travel  
booking solution for large organisations

SME: Small and medium enterprise

TMC, Travel Agency or Travel Management Company:  
A travel management company that provides 
specialised travel-related services to corporate 
customers

USD or US$: United States dollars

Zeno: Serko’s premium cloud-based online travel 
booking platform

Zeno Expense: Serko’s Expense management solution 

$: All figures are in New Zealand dollars, unless 
otherwise stated

gloSSary

103

Company Directory

Serko is a company incorporated with limited liability under  
the New Zealand Companies Act 1993

New Zealand Companies Office registration number 1927488
Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN) 611 613 980
For investor relations queries contact: investor.relations@serko.com

Registered office

New Zealand
Saatchi Building
Level 1, 125 The Strand
Parnell, 1010
+64 9 309 4754

Australia
Boardroom Pty Limited
Level 12, 225 George Street  
Sydney 2000  
NSW, Australia

Principal Administration Office

New Zealand
Saatchi Building
Level 1, 125 The Strand
Parnell, 1010
+64 9 309 4754

Australia
Level 8, 75 Elizabeth Street
Sydney 2000
NSW, Australia
+61 2 9435 0380

Share Registrar

New Zealand 
Link Market Services Limited
Level 30, PwC Tower
15 Customs Street West
Auckland 1010, New Zealand
+64 9 375 5998
serko@linkmarketservices.co.nz

Australia 
Link Market Services Limited 
Level 12, 680 George Street
Sydney 2000
NSW, Australia
+61 1300 554 474

Directors

Auditor

Claudia Batten (Chair)
Jan Dawson 
Darrin Grafton
Robert (Clyde) McConaghy
Robert (Bob) Shaw

Deloitte Limited
Deloitte Centre
80 Queen Street
Auckland 1040, New Zealand
+64 9 303 0700

Serko’s ESG Report, which includes its Corporate Governance Statement,  
can be found at www.serko.com/investors.

104

coMpany directory

Key Dates

28 Jun 2023

Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

30 Sep 2023

Half-Year End

Nov 2023

Half-year Results Announced

31 Mar 2024

Financial-Year End

annual report 2023 · Serko limited 
serko.com