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Seven Group Holdings Limited

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FY2014 Annual Report · Seven Group Holdings Limited
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Seven Group Holdings Limited
ABN 46 142 003 469
Shareholder Review 2014

Creating value through 
a diversified portfolio with 
market leading positions in 
the core sectors in which 
we operate.

a

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Contents

Chairman’s Letter 

2014 Highlights 

Operating and Financial Review 

Industrial Services  

  Media Investments 

  Other Investments 

  Energy 

Risk factors associated with SGH 

3

4

6

12

20

24

26

27

Five year key results

Five year key financial results
Trading revenue

Underlying results:
EBITDA
EBIT
Profit before tax
Profit after tax

Reported results:
Profit before tax
Profit after tax
Underlying EPS
Reported EPS
Operating cash flow per share
Full year fully franked dividend per share

30 June 2014
$m
 3,088.2 

30 June 2013
$m
 4,751.6 

30 June 2012
$m
 4,467.4 

30 June 2011
$m
 3,162.8 

 422.5 
 374.4 
 302.2 
 253.2 

 310.7 
 262.5 
 $0.74 
 $0.77 
 $0.81 
 $0.40 

 686.0 
 622.8 
 514.0 
 398.9 

 622.9 
 488.6 
 $1.20 
 $1.49 
 $2.73 
 $0.40 

 629.8 
 553.1 
 440.1 
 343.2 

 132.8 
 176.7 
 $0.98 
 $0.43 
 $(0.37)
 $0.38 

 420.8 
 353.0 
 298.0 
 248.3 

 32.4 
 79.9 
 $0.67 
 $0.12 
 $(0.09)
 $0.36 

30 June 2010 (a)

$m
 537.6 

 58.9 
 47.2 
 39.4 
 28.1 

 724.5 
 718.7 
 $0.09 
 $5.87 
 $(0.14)
 $0.18 

(a) relates to the period from commencement of the Group’s trading on 28 April 2010 to 30 June 2010

Seven Group Holdings Limited  
ABN 46 142 003 469 
b

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014  
Seven Group Holdings  
Shareholder Review 2014 

Seven Group Holdings Limited  
is a significant Australian diversified 
operating and investment group. 
It has market leading businesses 
and investments with strong 
revenues and earnings.
SGH shareholders have exposure 
to Seven’s media assets, exposure 
to the operating business of WesTrac 
which is leveraged to the mining 
and construction industries and 
a growing investment in oil 
and gas assets in the energy sector.

1

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 2

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Chairman’s letter

Kerry Stokes AC
Executive Chairman

Seven Group Holdings faced challenging market conditions over the 
past financial year. Despite retaining a market leading position in the core 
sectors within which we operate; construction and mining machinery 
sales and service, media, and equipment rental, we experienced a 35 per 
cent decrease in trading revenue year on year. Many of our customers 
are also experiencing significant pressure due to decreased commodity 
prices. To address these market challenges, each of our operating 
businesses has been significantly restructured. Our goal has been to 
right-size the labour force and refine our cost base to remain competitive 
and deliver the best value to our customers. The actions we took during 
the year are already starting to deliver results. For example, 30 per cent 
of the variable cost base was removed from WesTrac China and we have 
returned this business to profitability. 

To ensure we retain our competitive position, the businesses 
continue to invest in world class infrastructure and product which will 
enable us to continue to service our customers effectively. One such 
investment is the new automated parts warehouse in Western Australia 
which systemically selects parts, aggregates orders, weighs to ensure 
accuracy and automatically reorders to guarantee availability. The next 
stage of this investment will see WesTrac implement SAP to ensure it 
drives operational efficiency and allow a greater level of integration with 
our customers and Caterpillar. To maximise the opportunities offered by 
this technology we are partnering with other Caterpillar dealers globally 
to develop and implement common dealer processes. Such Enterprise 
Resource Planning systems are more than merely financial reporting 
systems. They also deliver smarter operational practices. For example, 
when they are integrated with our upgraded oil sampling technology 
they will allow WesTrac to further expand its predictive maintenance 
customer offerings. 

To remain at the forefront of mining equipment automation, WesTrac 

Australia has also partnered with BHPB and FMG to operationalise 
Caterpillar’s autonomous mining equipment and Cat MineStar planning 
technology. Productivity and cost competitiveness will be vital for the 
Australian economy as a whole, and it is our belief that automation will 
play an increasing role. 

Seven West Media is also investing in top tier sports rights, winning 
the competitive tenders for both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games 
broadcast rights which will be pivotal to retaining its leading advertising 
market share. 

As we look to the future I’d like to pay tribute to David Leckie, 

Peter Gammell and Jim Walker. Each has played a critical role in 
forming and then nurturing their respective operating business. With 
the resignation of each of these stalwarts, each of the businesses has 
undergone leadership transition. New management teams have been 
introduced which are ready to meet the changing demands of the media, 
construction and mining sectors. 

Don Voelte AO has transitioned from Seven West Media to assume 

the role as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of SGH. In this 
role, Don’s valuable global experience positions him well to ensure wealth 
creation and developing the next generation of talented management 
within the Group. Don’s ability to generate sustained shareholder value 
is globally recognised, being one of only three ASX CEOs to be listed 

on Harvard Business School’s 100 Best-Performing CEOs in the World. 
I have tasked Don with driving his disciplined approach to value creation 
throughout each of the operating businesses.

Tim Worner will capitalise on his extensive television experience 

and integrate Seven’s rich content across television, newspapers and 
magazines in his new role as CEO Seven West Media. Jarvas Croome 
has assumed responsibility for WesTrac Australia, bringing his significant 
engineering expertise developed in numerous global multinationals. 
Lawrence Luo will lead WesTrac China utilising his valuable knowledge of 
the local market developed working for other OEMs in China and Europe. 
Complementing these CEOs, Don has recruited process engineers, 
safety security and finance personnel capable of supporting these 
talented leaders.

SGH has also effectively managed its investment portfolio to drive 

value whilst preserving financial flexibility. Under the leadership of our 
COO Ryan Stokes, the portfolio has delivered a 21 per cent pre-tax 
return this financial year, outperforming the comparative ASX 200 return 
by 6 per cent. Since inception in May 2010, the investment portfolio 
has outperformed the comparative ASX 200 return by 24 per cent. We 
have also focused on realising the full value of our legacy property assets 
through the development of Kings Square in Perth with stages 1-4 being 
contracted and 5-7 under consideration and the subdivision of Dianella 
likely to be realised in the next 12 months with the relocation of Channel 
Seven in Perth underway. 

SGH has continued to focus on creating shareholder value by 

disciplined capital management. The distribution of fully franked dividends 
places SGH in the top quartile of the ASX in terms of the gross dividend 
yield with a 8.3 per cent yield against an average of 5.1 per cent. This 
has been supplemented by an on-market share buy-back reflecting 
our fundamental belief that we continue to trade at a discount to our 
theoretical value.

To create further shareholder value, SGH has sought to establish a 
third operating arm in the oil and gas sector. We believe that Australia has 
a comparative advantage in the energy sector given the quality of the 
natural resource combined with our proximity to growing centres of 
demand. We have therefore acquired a direct interest in an operated oil 
field in the United States of America to supplement the long dated 
reserves we hope to gain via the acquisition of Nexus Energy Limited. 
Whilst the Nexus transaction has been publicly complex, SGH has 
remained focused and methodical in acquiring this business. This 
investment provides our Company with an opportunity to deploy 
substantial capital, investing in energy assets with industry leading partners 
and strong future growth prospects that will provide long term value.

We have great assets, a strong management team and significant 
opportunities to strengthen the performance of our businesses. We have 
a successful partnership with Caterpillar, we are creating new operating 
businesses that complement our presence in the mining and infrastructure 
sectors and we have a major investment and market-leading presence in 
media. We believe that the combination of our assets, people and 
opportunities will allow SGH to continue to deliver shareholder value.
On behalf of the Board I thank you, our shareholders, for your 

continuing support and commitment to your Company. 

3

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Industrial services
Challenging commodity prices and 
an emphasis on cost management by 
customers has lowered demand for 
the Group’s equipment and services. 
However, continued cost base 
refinements coupled with investments in 
productivity improvements position the 
Group’s industrial services businesses 
for growth in product support.

SeGment aSSetS at 30 June 2014

$2.9b

Seven Group Holdings  
Shareholder Review 2014 

2014 Highlights

Media investments
Seven West Media delivered its eighth 
consecutive year of television ratings 
dominance with a record advertising 
revenue share of 40.5 per cent for the 
twelve months ended 30 June 2014.

SeGment aSSetS at 30 June 2014

$1.0b

4

Other investments
The Group’s listed investment portfolio 
provided a pre-tax total return of 21 per 
cent for the year, outperforming the 
comparative ASX200 return by 6 per 
cent. It remains a strong store of value 
capable of being leveraged by the Group.

SeGment aSSetS at 30 June 2014

$1.0b

5

Energy
The Nexus transaction and the 
acquisition of an operated interest in 
oil and gas assets located in the United 
States of America provide the Group with 
a potential new earnings platform with 
exposure to opportunities in the growing 
domestic and international energy sector.

aSSetS at 30 June 2014 – $0.2 biLLion 
witH committed capitaL expenditure  
of a furtHer $0.3 biLLion

$0.2b

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Seven Group Holdings  
Shareholder Review 2014 

operating and Financial review

Group Business Model

Industrial Services

›

WeSTrAC AuSTrALIA
› Controlled business
› SGH Ownership: 100%
›  Industry: Mining and construction equipment
› Trading revenue FY2014: $2,377.4m
› Segment assets: $1,668.2m
›  Strategic Position: #1 equipment solution company  
in WA and NSW/ACT

WeSTrAC CHINA
› Controlled business
› SGH Ownership: 100%
›  Industry: Mining and construction equipment
› Trading revenue FY2014: $616.3m
› Segment assets: $676.6m
›  Strategic Position: One of the leading equipment  

solutions companies in China

CoATeS HIre
› Joint venture 
› SGH Ownership: 45%
›  Industry: Industrial and general equipment hire
› Trading revenue FY2014: $1,095.0m
› Segment assets: $452.3m
›  Strategic Position: #1 Australian equipment hire company

ALLIGHTSykeS
› Controlled business 
› SGH Ownership: 100%
›  Industry: Industrial lighting, pumps, generators and engines
› Trading revenue FY2014: $94.5m
› Segment assets: $130.3m
›  Strategic Position: Supplies one of the world’s broadest ranges 
of lighting towers, pumps, generators, engines and compressors

6

Media

›

SeveN WeST MedIA
› Associate
› Ownership: 35% + RCPS
› Industry: Diversified media
› Trading revenue  FY2014: $1,844.9m
› Segment assets: $964.0m
›  Strategic Position: Australia’s largest diversified media company

Other Investments

›

INveSTMeNTS
›  The investment portfolio is a store of value and liquidity
›  High yielding, generating franking credits for the benefit of the Group
›  Weighted average Beta of approximately 0.9 (Bloomberg)
›  $33m of realised and $57m of unrealised gains generated during 

FY2014

›  Cumulative unrealised gains of $217m currently reflected in reserves
›  Portfolio continues to outperform the S&P/ ASX 200 since inception 

in FY2010

ProPerTy
›   Legacy property assets from Seven Network
›  Principal assets include Kings Square and Dianella developments
›  Current carrying value at 30 June 2014 is $35m

Energy

›

eNerGy
›  Proposed as the next operating business of SGH
›  Currently includes $129m of funding to Nexus
›  Should Nexus be acquired, opportunity to deploy a further  

$300m of capital

›  Also acquired an 11.2 per cent operated interest  

in Bivins Ranch, Texas

Seven Group Holdings  
Shareholder Review 2014 

Business model
Seven Group HoldinGS limited (SGH) 
iS a leadinG auStralian diverSified 
inveStment and operatinG Group 
witH market leadinG buSineSSeS and 
inveStmentS in induStrial ServiceS 
and media.

The Group’s core operations are in the industrial services 
sector with WesTrac Group’s Caterpillar dealerships in 
Australia and China, a 45 per cent interest in Coates Group 
Holdings Pty Limited (Coates) and ownership of Allight 
Holdings Pty Limited (AllightSykes). The Group’s primary 
investment in media is a 35 per cent shareholding and 
redeemable convertible preference shares totaling $302.2 
million in Seven West Media Limited (SWM), Australia’s 
leading listed national multi-platform media business.

In addition to the above operating businesses in industrial 
services and media, SGH has a sizeable investment 
portfolio of listed securities, direct and indirect property 
interests and is currently pursuing opportunities in the 
energy sector.

SGH adopts a disciplined, value-driven methodology of 
investment selection, with potential investments assessed 
against a framework of:

›  asset quality (growth sectors that offer 

a comparative advantage)

›  ability to add value beyond the contribution of capital 

through the leveraging of existing assets, relationships 
and expertise

›  return on investment that exceeds the Group’s cost 

of capital

› enhancement of portfolio diversification 

› acceptable risk profile

› acceptable implied opportunity cost

Detail of the financial performance and outlook of SGH’s 
key operating segments is provided in the “Review 
of Businesses” section.

Richard Richards
Chief Financial Officer Seven Group Holdings
Age 46

Richard joined SGH as CFO in October 
2013 from diverse industrials group 
Downer Edi, where he was Deputy CFO 
having previously held roles with the 
private investment and philanthropic 
vehicle of the Lowy Family and various 
senior finance roles at Qantas. He 
has a Bachelor of Commerce/ Laws 
(Hons), a Master of Laws and a Master 
of Applied Finance being both a CA and 
admitted Solicitor. Richard is a Director 
of Coates Hire, WesTrac Australia and 
China and is also a Deputy Chair of 
KU Childcare.

Ryan Stokes
Chief Operating Officer
Seven Group Holdings
Age: 38

Ryan obtained a Bachelor of 
Commerce from Curtin University 
and is a Fellow of the AIM. He worked 
in investment banking with Merrill 
Lynch in New York prior to assuming 
an executive role in Australian Capital 
Equity (ACE) in July 2000, of which he 
is now CEO. He has been an Executive 
Director of SGH since February 2010 
and was appointed COO in 2012, 
leveraging his extensive experience 
gained through various roles with 
Seven Network Ltd and as a Director 
of WesTrac since 2001. He was a 
NED of Consolidated Media Holdings, 
has held operating roles in Pacific 
Magazines, was a founding Director of 
Yahoo7, gained extensive experience 
working in China, and is a Director of 
Iron Ore Holdings. Ryan is Chairman 
of the National Library of Australia, 
a Director of the Australian Strategic 
Policy Institute, and he is a member of 
the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council 
on Veterans Mental Health, having 
been a former Chairman of Australia’s 
National Youth Mental Health 
Foundation (Headspace).

7

operating and Financial review 
(continued)

financial performance

Total revenue
Total other income
Share of results from equity accounted investees
Impairment of equity accounted investees
Total expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation

Profit before depreciation and amortisation, net 
finance costs and tax

Depreciation and amortisation

Profit before net finance costs and tax

Net finance costs

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Profit for the year attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Profit for the year

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
Ordinary shares
Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share (a)

  As reported

  Significant items (a)

Underlying trading  
performance (b)

2014
$m

 3,088.2 
 148.3 
 103.6 
 (42.2)
 (2,886.7)

 411.2 

 (48.1)

 363.1 

 (52.4)

 310.7 

 (48.2)

 262.5 

 261.1 
 1.4 
 262.5 

2013
$m

 4,751.6 
 182.4 
 115.5 
 77.9 
 (4,344.1)

 783.4 

 (63.2)

 720.2 

 (97.3)

 622.9 

 (134.3)

 488.6 

 486.4 
 2.2 
 488.6 

2014
$m

 – 
 (43.7)
 0.9 
 42.2 
11.9 

 11.3 

 – 

 11.3 

 (19.8)

 (8.5)

 (0.8)

 (9.3)

 (9.3)
 – 
 (9.3)

2013
$m

 – 
 (103.7)
 9.6 
 (77.9)
 74.6 

 (97.4)

 – 

 (97.4)

 (11.5)

 (108.9)

 19.2 

 (89.7)

 (89.7)
 – 
 (89.7)

2014
$m

 3,088.2 
 104.6 
 104.5 
–
 (2,874.8)

 422.5 

 (48.1)

 374.4 

 (72.2)

 302.2 

 (49.0)

 253.2 

 251.8 
 1.4 
 253.2 

2013
$m

 4,751.6 
 78.7 
 125.1 
–
 (4,269.5)

 686.0 

 (63.2)

 622.8 

 (108.8)

 514.0 

 (115.1)

 398.9 

 396.7 
 2.2 
 398.9 

 $0.77 

 $0.77 

 $1.49 

 $1.49 

 $0.74 

 $0.74 

 $1.20 

 $1.20 

(a)   Further detail regarding the nature of significant items is contained in Note 4 of the Annual Report.
(b)  Underlying trading performance is comprised of reported results less significant items and are separately disclosed and reconciled to statutory performance to assist users 

in understanding the financial performance of the Group.

revenue & other income
Trading revenue for the year fell 35 per cent compared to the prior 
year to $3.1 billion due to reduced product sales in WesTrac Australia 
as a result of a marked decrease in equipment purchases from the 
mining downturn in both Western Australia and New South Wales. 
Compared to a 51 per cent fall in product sales revenue, product 
support only decreased 3 per cent, showing the relative stability 
of this income stream despite the focus on cost cutting and 
maintenance deferral by mining customers.

Dividend income from the listed investment portfolio was stable 
and represented a blended gross dividend yield of 5 per cent for the 
year. Furthermore, the proportion of franked dividends received from 
the listed investment portfolio increased by 6 per cent to 78 per cent.

expenses
Disciplined cost management and the realisation of restructuring 
initiatives implemented by WesTrac Australia and WesTrac China during 
the year saw total expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation 
reduce 34 per cent or $1,457.3 million to $2,886.8 million. Materials 
cost of inventory sold and used and raw materials and consumables 
used fell 35 per cent, in line with the reduced product sales and 
product support revenues generated by WesTrac Australia. 

Employee benefits expense decreased 34 per cent or $232.2 

million, representing 15 per cent of total expenses, a decrease of 
1 per cent from the prior year of 16 per cent through the impact 
of restructuring and redundancy program undertaken by WesTrac 
Australia in the first half of the financial year. Total restructuring and 
redundancy costs incurred during the year were $10.2 million, 
a $44.4 million reduction on the prior year costs of $54.6 million.

8

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 net finance costs
On a statutory basis, net finance costs decreased $44.9 million, 
a 46 per cent reduction on the prior year. Total finance income 
increased $22.7 million on the prior year due to the recognition of 
financial guarantee income from Flagship Property Holdings Pty 
Limited (Flagship), the unwinding of a fair value discount on deferred 
proceeds from the sale of vividwireless received during the year, 
interest and finance fee income receivable from the acquisition of 
Nexus Energy Limited’s (Nexus) senior debt and subordinated notes 
and a higher average cash balance held during the year compared 
to FY2013. 

Total finance costs decreased $22.2 million, driven by the 
repayment of US$70.0 million US private placement notes and 
$324.4 million reduction in average gross debt levels in the current 
year compared to the prior year.

Depreciation and amortisation expense for the year fell $15.1 million 
or 24 per cent driven by the amortisation of customer contracts 
referable to the Expanded Mining Products (EMP) Australia 
acquisition in the prior year and decreased depreciation due to 
the reduction in WesTrac Australia’s rental fleet.
income tax
The Group’s statutory effective tax rate of 15.5 per cent represents 
a reduction on the prior year’s rate of 21.6 per cent, reflecting 
the benefit of franked dividend income accounting for a greater 
proportion of the Group’s profit before tax.
Significant items
Significant items for the year totaling $9.3 million are excluded 
from statutory profit to determine the Group’s underlying financial 
and trading performance, as they are non-recurring and are 
summarised as follows:

Significant items ($m)

Gain on sale of other investments and mark-to-market of derivatives
(Impairment)/impairment reversal – SWM equity
Impairment – other
Restructuring, redundancy and other costs
Share of equity accounted investees’ significant items
Other items

Significant items – EBIT
Net finance income
Tax benefit/(expense) relating to significant items

Significant items – NPAT

Statutory NPAT

NPAT excluding significant items

30 June 
2014

30 June 
2013

 39.5 
(42.2)
 – 
(10.2)
(0.9)
 2.5 

(11.3)
 19.8 
 0.8 

 9.3 

 93.3 
 77.9 
(9.5)
(54.6)
(9.6)
 – 

 97.4 
 11.5 
(19.2)

 89.7 

 262.5 

 253.1 

 488.6 

 398.8

Provided below is a reconciliation of the Group’s statutory to underlying result by segment:

Earnings summary ($m)
Statutory EBIT
Add: unfavourable significant items
Restructuring, redundancy and other costs
Loss on sale of investments
SWM impairment
Mark-to-market on derivatives
Less: favourable significant items
Gain on sale of assets
Gain on sale of investments
Other items
Total significant items – EBIT
Segment EBIT

Total
Group
 363.1 

WesTrac 
Australia
 198.2 

WesTrac 

China AllightSykes
(4.6)
 19.6 

Coates
Hire
 22.5 

Media
Investments
 60.9 

Other 
Investments
 84.2 

 32.8 
 0.1 
 42.2 
 1.7 

(14.8)
(41.3)
(9.4)
 11.3 
 374.4 

 14.0 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
(9.4)
 4.6 
 202.8 

 1.1 
 0.1 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 1.2 
 20.8 

 1.8 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 1.8 
(2.8)

 15.7 
 – 
 – 
 – 

(11.9)
 – 
 – 
 3.8 
 26.3 

 – 
 – 
 42.2 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 42.2 
 103.1 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 1.9 

(2.9)
(40.3)
 – 
(41.3)
 42.9 

Other
(17.7)

 0.2 
 – 
 – 
 (0.2) 

 – 
(1.0)
 – 
(1.0)
(18.7)

9

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 operating and Financial review 
(continued)

Melanie Allibon
Group Executive – Human Resources 
Seven Group Holdings
Age: 49

A PASSIoN For 
deveLoPING LeAderS 
ANd IMProvING 
CAPABILITy.

After completing a Bachelor of Business 
at South Australian University, Melanie 
commenced her HR career with BHP. 
She has since held senior HR, Safety 
and Operating Risk roles in FMCG 
(Foster’s), manufacturing (Amcor) 
and retail/ fashion with Pacific Brands. 
Her experience spans the UK, China, 
Middle East, USA, Vietnam, Fiji, NZ 
and Australia. Melanie leads the HR 
functions for both SGH and Seven West 
Media and is also a Non-Executive 
Director for Melbourne Water.

financial position
Net assets of the Group increased $107.5 million 
to $3.1 billion at 30 June 2014.

Group net working capital (trade and 
other receivables, inventories, trade and other 
payables and current provisions) decreased 
$119.7 million to $868.5 million largely reflecting 
reduced investment in inventory and trade 
receivables given the significant reduction in 
sales in WesTrac Australia.

Inventory reduced 18 per cent to $856.6 
million reflecting the softer trading outlook and 
continued focus on working capital management.
Investments in equity accounted investees 

were down on the prior year, driven primarily 
by the adverse movement in share price of 
SWM offsetting the Group’s share of profit of 
Coates and SWM for the year. During the year, 
the Group’s investment in unlisted property 
fund Flagship Property Holdings Pty Limited 
(Flagship) provided a $21.1 million return of 
capital, proceeds of which were used to pay 
down debt.

The carrying value of investments in 
other financial assets rose $197.2 million to 
$1,232.5 million due to net additions to the 
listed investment portfolio and the acquisition 
of all of Nexus’ senior secured debt and 68 per 
cent of the subordinated notes, totaling $114.1 
million. Unrealised gains of $217.3 million 
at 30 June 2014 are currently recognised in 
reserves rather than the income statement as 
all securities in the Group’s listed investment 
portfolio are classified as available-for-sale. Other 
financial assets also include $302.2 million of 
convertible preference shares issued by SWM, 
currently earning a coupon of 7.143 per cent per 
annum or equivalent yield of 9.0 per cent with an 
anticipated maturity of 21 April 2016.

Intangible assets increased $109.6 million 
as a result of the EMP China distribution network 
acquired and interests in exploration and 
evaluation oil and gas assets based in the United 
States of America acquired during the year.

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

decreased $57.8 million during the year 
primarily due to the lower working capital 
requirements and the impact of exchange rates 
on foreign denominated debt which have also 
had an offsetting impact on derivative financial 
instrument liabilities. 

10

Net deferred tax liabilities have increased $51.0 
million to $349.0 million primarily driven by 
increase in the carrying value of the Group’s 
investment listed portfolio. SGH currently has 
a number of outstanding tax positions under 
review and objection with the relevant taxation 
authorities. While, these outstanding tax 
positions are not included in the Group’s net 
deferred tax liability position at 30 June 2014 as 
they do not meet the recognition requirements 
of actual or contingent assets, resolution of 
the matters may result in the realisation of 
significant benefits for the Group. These matters 
are currently being disputed or litigated and 
quantification of likely outcomes should be 
achieved in the next financial year.

net debt & cash flow
Group net debt increased $355.9 million to 
$1,069.3 million at 30 June 2014.

At 30 June 2014, the Group’s gearing 

(net debt to net debt plus equity) increased 
6.5 per cent to 25.9 per cent. Approximately 
81 per cent of Group debt is fixed, while the 
average tenor of the Group’s debt facilities 
was 3.9 years. Importantly, at 30 June 2014 the 
Group had $1,075.4 million available undrawn 
facilities, providing SGH with flexibility to fund 
future investment opportunities. This is further 
supplemented by the $915.6 million listed 
investment portfolio which could be used to 
fund investment in operating businesses.

Net operating cash inflows for the year 

reduced $595.6 million to $244.9 million, 
substantially down on the prior year, primarily 
driven by the downturn in trading activity in 
WesTrac Australia and an increase in income 
tax payments as a result of the record 
profitability of FY2013. The Group’s EBITDA to 
operating cash conversion ratio has fallen from 
155 per cent in the prior year to 107 per cent 
for the current year, reflecting the impact of the 
timing of the downturn in the previous financial 
year after a record first half on the previous 
year closing working capital.
Net investing cash outflows for the year of 
$387.7 million reflected the Group’s acquisition 
of Bucyrus China, senior and subordinated 
debt issued by Nexus and net additions to the 
listed investment portfolio.

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Bill Forbes AM
Chief Risk Safety & Security Officer
Seven Group Holdings
Age: 64

roBuST WorkPLACe 
SAFeTy ANd SeCurITy 
ArrANGeMeNTS Are 
ACHIeved THrouGH 
LeAderSHIP.

Bill was appointed Head of Risk, Safety 
& Security SGH in February 2014 
having had 9 years of experience in 
the oil and gas industry establishing 
security and emergency management 
arrangements at Woodside Energy. 
Bill has over 45 years experience 
at operational and strategic levels 
managing security events, emergencies 
and crisis in various roles, including the 
Australian SAS, US Marine Corps, US 
Navy Seals and WA’s Fire & Emergency 
Services. He is an Honours Graduate of 
the US Marine Corps (USMC) Command 
& Staff College.

The appointment of new executives at 
the Group level and in WesTrac Australia and 
WesTrac China provides SGH with talented 
personnel with the right balance of operational 
expertise and industry experience to drive the 
strategic changes required to guide the Group 
through this difficult period of changing market 
dynamics. Combined with the experience and 
expertise of the Group’s existing executive 
team, SGH is also well placed to capture any 
opportunities that arise in the energy sector.
The Group’s outlook varies by markets. 

Resources exposed businesses such as 
WesTrac Australia and WesTrac China are 
expected to be flat or declining on current 
low levels. Coates’ results should strengthen 
slightly as project expenditure transitions from 
mining to construction infrastructure.

Underlying mining commodity markets 

are currently very difficult for a number of 
key customers. The short term pressures on 
service providers like WesTrac and Coates is 
difficult to predict. Over the longer term we 
believe demand for our products and services 
will return to normal levels as customers seek 
to replace ageing fleet with more efficient 
autonomous equipment.

For FY2015, SGH is targeting flat 
underlying EBIT, subject to there being no 
further deterioration in market conditions.

Net financing cash outflows for the year of 
$270.2 million included the repayment of 
US$70.0 million in US private placement notes, 
payment of ordinary and TELYS4 dividends of 
$148.9 million and the $44.1 million impact of 
the on-market share buy-back.

capital management
On 11 December 2013, SGH announced an 
on-market share buy-back of approximately 
11.9 million shares as part of the Company’s 
ongoing capital management strategy. As at 
30 June 2014, 5.5 million shares were bought-
back and subsequently cancelled at a total cost 
of $44.1 million. Subject to market conditions 
and trading volumes, the buy-back is anticipated 
to be completed by December 2014.

SGH maintained its full year dividend of 
$0.40 per share which continues to be fully 
franked. Future dividend amounts and franking 
levels will be made with regard to the medium 
term profitability of the Group and its Australian 
tax paying position.

outlook & future prospects
SGH is looking for opportunities to grow and 
develop its investments in oil and gas assets, 
a sector which SGH believes offers superior 
medium to long term growth prospects 
and where Australia is perceived to have a 
competitive advantage. The creation of a 
portfolio of oil and gas interests with a mix of 
both production and development assets is 
envisaged to form a third operating pillar for 
the Group that would complement its existing 
industrial services and media businesses 
and provide a platform to increase future 
shareholder returns.

In industrial services, continued cost 
discipline remains a key focus area to ensure 
WesTrac Group profitability in light of the new 
mining environment where customers in both 
Australia and China are increasingly determined 
to reduce their costs of production. Market 
consensus on future iron ore and coal prices are 
mixed, however do not indicate a return to the 
highs experienced in the mining boom period 
of 2012, which will place continued pressure on 
WesTrac Australia’s revenues. 

11

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Seven Group Holdings  
Shareholder Review 2014 

Review of Businesses

Industrial Services

we are powerinG tHe induStrieS tHat drive our 
economy by SupportinG productS and productivity 
to deliver inteGrated cuStomer SolutionS 
efficiently and Safely.

12

Seven Group Holdings  
Shareholder Review 2014 

Autonomous Haulage Solutions (AHS) 
AHS is more than merely autonomous mining trucks, it is part of a 
system focused on delivering a solution rather than just a technology. 
It is focused on how customers can maximise their return, how they 
can improve and re-engineer mine planning processes together with 
putting autonomy into mine sites.

13

westrac Group
WesTrac Group is comprised of WesTrac 
Australia, the sole authorised dealer for 
Caterpillar equipment in Western Australia, 
New South Wales and the Australian Capital 
Territory, and WesTrac China, the sole 
authorised dealer for Caterpillar equipment in 
the north eastern China provinces of Hebei, 
Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shanxi, Inner 
Mongolia and the municipalities of Beijing 
and Tianjin. Both the Australian and China 
operating businesses have been strengthened 
by the acquisition of the EMP business from 
Caterpillar in June 2012 (Australia) and May 
2014 (China) providing each dealership with an 
extended product range.

WesTrac’s business is dependent on a 
strong long-term partnership with Caterpillar, 
the world’s leading equipment manufacturing 
company. WesTrac Group has redefined its 
strategic intent to be “the customer’s first choice 
for the provision of equipment solutions”. 

WesTrac Group has two main sources of 
revenue: equipment sales (product sales) 
which accounted for approximately 50 per cent 
(2013: 67 per cent) of WesTrac Group’s total 
sales for the 2014 financial year and parts and 
servicing (product support) which accounted 
for 50 per cent (2013: 33 per cent) of WesTrac 
Group’s total sales.

Other revenue sources for WesTrac Group 

include the sale of used equipment and used 
parts, rental of equipment and equipment 
management services such as conditioning 
monitoring, training and education.

Product support revenues are typically 

generated by a combination of customer 
programs involving preventive and repair or 
rebuild maintenance. These earning streams 
are generally fairly resilient during a downturn, 
evidenced by the change in WesTrac 
Australia’s current year revenue mix which saw 
product support revenue represent 57 per cent 
of total revenue and other income, against only 
34 per cent in the previous year. 

Review of Businesses

James Scott
Group Executive Performance  
Seven Group Holdings
Age: 42

FoCuSed oN drIvING 
TeCHNoLoGy, SySTeMS 
ANd ProCeSS To 
deLIver A CoMPeTITIve 
AdvANTAGe To 
our CuSToMerS.

James holds an Honours degree 
in Electrical Engineering from 
Loughborough University, UK. He 
has 20 years experience in system 
integration, digital technology and 
broadband/mobility solutions, having 
worked as a partner in both KPMG 
and Accenture. James oversees our 
technology engagement with CAT and 
customers focusing on Mobility and 
AHS (Autonomous Haulage Systems) 
driving technology and innovation. 
James is the executive sponsor and 
delivery owner of the S3 (Simplification, 
Standardisation and Scalability) 
program in which we are leveraging 
proven global CAT Dealer processes.

14

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Jarvas Croome
CEO WesTrac Australia
Age: 42

Greg Graham
Chief Executive WesTrac NSW/ACT
Age: 52

We MAxIMISe 
SHAreHoLder vALue By 
BeING our CuSToMerS’ 
FIrST CHoICe IN THeIr 
equIPMeNT SoLuTIoNS.

Jarvas has a combined Mechanical 
Engineering and Commerce degree 
from UWA and has held a variety of 
senior roles working domestically and 
overseas with Woodside and Shell and 
welcomed the opportunity to return 
with his family to Australia in March 
2014. Jarvas has previously managed 
billion dollar turnover operating units, 
has executed a number of significant 
business improvement programs 
and has demonstrated a strong 
ability to manage a broad leadership 
team to deliver long term benefit 
for shareholders. 

dedICATed To 
reFINING THe WeSTrAC 
oPerATING ModeL ANd 
PoSITIoNING WeSTrAC 
To deLIver THe BeST 
ouTCoMeS PoSSIBLe For 
CuSToMerS, eMPLoyeeS 
ANd SHAreHoLderS. 

Greg holds a Bachelor of Business from 
the QUT and an MBA from the UWA. 
Greg has over 25 years experience in 
the capital equipment sector having 
started his career with Caterpillar in 
1986. His career included operational 
roles domestically and internationally 
with customers and most recently was 
MD of Liebherr Australia and EVP, Sales 
and Marketing, for Liebherr Mining 
Equipment SAS. He is also a NED of 
Energy Power Systems Australia. 

WesTrac Australia 
($m)

30 June  
2014

30 June  
2013

Change  
% 

Product sales
Product support
Other revenue 
and other income

Total revenue 
and other income
Segment EBIT
Segment EBIT margin

 984.5 
 1,365.2 

 2,678.7 
 1,405.6 

 51.2 

 26.3 

 2,400.9 
 202.8 
8.4%

 4,110.6 
 446.7 
10.9%

(63)
(3)

95

(42)
(55)
(22)

westrac australia
Financial performance
WesTrac Australia delivered segment EBIT of 
$202.8 million, down 55 per cent on the record 
$446.7 million segment EBIT of FY2013, driven 
by a continued contraction in demand for 
new equipment by major mining customers in 
Western Australia and New South Wales first 
observed in the second half of FY2013.

A high Australian dollar and declining 
commodity prices has led to a customer 
focus on austerity. Customers are choosing 
to optimise their existing fleet rather than 
acquiring new equipment to the detriment of 
new product sales which are down 63 per cent 
on the prior year. Product support revenue, 
down 3 per cent to $1,365.2 million, was also 
negatively impacted as customers deferred 
maintenance spend through the rotation 
of surplus equipment and extending non-
mandatory service intervals.

Austerity has not only been a focus 
for WesTrac Australia’s customers, the 
considerable reduction in trading activity 
has seen the implementation of cost saving 
initiatives across the business particularly 
around the right-sizing of the work force 
and administration costs. Restructuring 
and redundancy costs of $10.8 million were 
incurred during the year resulting in a reduction 
of total head count by approximately 25 per 
cent or 863 FTE. The workforce restructuring 
is anticipated to deliver annualised cost 
savings of approximately $84.0 million, the 
benefit of only half of which occurred in the 
current year given the program was completed 
in November 2013 and some of which will be 
priced back to customers.

The shift in sales mix, where higher margin 

product support revenue accounted for a 
greater proportion of total revenue and other 
income in the current year (57 per cent versus 
only 34 per cent in FY2013) combined with 
the cost saving measures enabled WesTrac to 
only slightly drop segment EBIT margins from 
10.9 per cent in FY2013 to 8.4 per cent in the 
current year despite the significant reduction in 
product sales volume.

15

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Review of Businesses

Kerry Tonta 
Parts Warehouse Operations Manager for the WA
Age: 43

kerry IS FoCuSed oN 
CreATING FINANCIAL 
BeNeFITS By oPTIMISING 
WeSTrAC’S INveNTory 
MANGeMeNT WHILST 
BuILdING A SAFeTy 
BASed CuLTure. 

Kerry recently joined WesTrac 
leading the logistic team in one of 
the most significant warehousing and 
distribution changes the business 
has undertaken. Kerry has over 
20 years experience in the logistics 
arena, having held leadership roles 
with major third party logistics, retail 
and FMCG organisations. Kerry has 
been responsible for Warehouse 
Management System and new 
warehouse implementations which 
included the establishment of one 
of the largest distribution centres 
in Australia. 

WesTrac Australia – Equipment Population (Mining)

WesTrac Australia – Equipment Population (Construction)

 NSW Mining 

 WA Mining 

 EMP Mining

14.4% CAGR

 NSW Construction 

 WA Construction

5.9% CAGR

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

I

N
O
T
A
L
U
P
O
P

448

4,591

461

4,914

1
3,893

2,733

2,980

2,545

1,017

1,292

1,265

1,629

1,732

1,597

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

I

N
O
T
A
L
U
P
O
P

13,227

13,675

14,777

11,139

11,575

11,689

10,877

11,144

11,687

14,023

14,178

14,537

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

to be $38.3 million per annum.
As customers chase more efficiency from their 
equipment, WesTrac is progressing several 
initiatives to deliver excellence in product support 
through improved customer service, better 
channels to market and effective operations. 
Winning in each industry (i.e. mining or 
construction) requires a differentiated approach 
and so for key customer contracts, WesTrac has 
enhanced its delivery model to ensure customer 
needs are met and contracts are executed 
robustly. For the more transactional segments, 
WesTrac is implementing simpler solutions 
making it easier to do business with us.

Whilst gaining share in product support is 
a key focus of the strategy, WesTrac continues 
to lead the market with product sales, focusing 
on winning replacement opportunities.

In capturing the technology imperative, 

WesTrac is increasing capability and creating 
value for customers by improving their 
cost competitiveness and productivity, and 
through optimising the human interface on site 
ensuring safer work practices. One facet of 
WesTrac’s technology drive is leading the way 
in autonomous haulage technology as a key 
enabler for future growth. WesTrac is working 
side by side with Caterpillar to drive further 
development and innovation in this industry. 

Strategy and future opportunities
Despite the difficult market conditions faced 
in the current year, WesTrac’s equipment 
population has increased at a compound 
annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2 per cent since 
2009. The growing infield equipment base 
represents a significant opportunity for product 
support revenue in future periods. However, 
it should be noted that this opportunity 
is not without risk, particularly if volatile 
commodity markets continue to limit customer 
opportunities for new mine investment as well 
as maintenance expenditure.

Recently announced major infrastructure 

projects in NSW such as the WestConnex 
motorway, M1-M2 Link and North West Rail 
Link combined with a positive outlook in the 
NSW residential and commercial building 
construction market provide WesTrac Australia 
an opportunity to grow sales and mitigate the 
impact of the flat NSW coal mining market. 
Central to the execution of WesTrac’s 
new strategic intent of being “the customer’s 
first choice for the provision of equipment 
solutions” is a business transformation program 
known as S3 (simplification, standardisation 
and scalability). A major component of the 
S3 program is the delivery of a new operating 
platform based on SAP that will enable WesTrac 
to better service customers through increased 
efficiency of business processes and operations. 
The S3 program is due to be completed in 
FY2018, with the first phase being implemented 
in FY2015 at a cost of $16.4 million. Cost 
savings on full implementation are expected 

16

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Lawrence Luo
CEO elect WesTrac China
Age: 52

WeSTrAC IS WeLL 
PoSITIoNed IN CHINA 
To CAPTure THe 
BuSINeSS oPPorTuNITy 
oF CuSToMer 
uPGrAdING ANd 
MINe CoNSoLIdATIoN.

Lawrence has a Bachelor of Engineering 
from China University of Science & 
Technology, Hefei and a Master of 
Science from the Institute of Electronic 
Optics, China Academy of Science, 
Beijing. Lawrence joined WesTrac China 
in July this year and will transition to 
CEO on 1 January 2015. Lawrence 
has vast experience in the mining and 
construction equipment industry, for the 
last 20 years he worked for several major 
multi-national organisations including 
Volvo, Sandvik and Dynapac to establish 
and develop their China operations. 

westrac china
Financial performance
WesTrac China delivered segment EBIT of 
$20.8 million, a turnaround of $23.3 million on 
the segment EBIT loss of $2.5 million in the 
prior year.

Product sales revenue increased 34 
per cent behind strong engine sales due to 
growth in demand from the China oil and gas 
sector. The strong engine sales compensated 
for a decrease in hydraulic excavator sales 
in WesTrac China’s territories due to a 
contraction in coal mining activity as a result 
of falling coal prices. Product support revenue 
increased slightly, up 2 per cent on the prior 
year primarily due to increased awareness 
of customers on the importance equipment 
maintenance given the relative infancy of the 
Chinese heavy equipment market compared 
to more mature markets.

The benefits of the significant cost 
reconfiguration measures implemented in 
FY2013 came to fruition in the current year 
as WesTrac China’s segment EBIT margin of 
3.3 per cent exceeded that of FY2012 levels 
despite the total revenue base of FY2012 
being $53.9 million higher than FY2014. Cost 
discipline remains a key focus of the business, 
leveraging the business to fully take advantage 
of market share growth in the future.

WesTrac China  
($m)

30 June  
2014

30 June  
2013

Change  
% 

Product sales
Product support
Other revenue 
and other income
Total revenue 
and other income
Segment EBIT
Segment EBIT margin %

 513.8 
 102.6 

 383.5 
 100.9 

 5.2 

 2.1 

 621.6 
 20.8 
3.3

 486.5 
(2.5)
(0.5)

34
2

–

28
–
–

Strategy, future opportunities & outlook
WesTrac China successfully acquired the 
EMP business for its existing territories from 
Caterpillar on 5 May 2014. The acquisition 
greatly increases WesTrac China’s product 
offering, opening previously unavailable 
opportunities in the underground mining space, 
vital given underground mining accounts for 
more than 80 per cent of all coal production 
in China. Integration of EMP’s operations 
has gone smoothly, with the business now 
focused on the engagement and maintenance 
of key customer relationships and maximising 
market penetration. 

WesTrac China dealership territories

Heilongjiang

Jilin
Liaoning

Beijing

Inner 
Mongolia

Hebei

Tianjin

Shanxi

17

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Review of Businesses

Coates Hire  
($m)

30 June  
2014

30 June  
2013

Change  
% 

Segment result ($m)

30 June  
2014

30 June  
2013

Change  
% 

Revenue and 
other income
Gross profit
Underlying EBITDA
Underlying EBIT
Statutory NPAT

 1,095.0 
 698.2 
 431.6 
 188.4 
 39.7 

 1,241.0 
 824.2 
 533.7 
 279.2 
 81.5 

(12)
(15)
(19)
(33)
(51)

Share of Coates 
underlying NPAT
Other income

Segment result

 23.8 
 2.5 

 26.3 

 43.1 
4.7

 47.8 

(45)
(47)
(45)

Michael Byrne 
CEO elect of Coates Hire
Age: 49

Appointment effective 13 October 2014.
Michael joins Coates from Linfox 
Logistics where he has been in leadership 
roles for the past 15 years, the last 8 as 
CEO. Under his leadership, Linfox tripled 
in size with a coherent and well executed 
expansion strategy across Australia 
and the Asia Pacific Region making 
improvements in safety and sharpening 
its focus on strategic partnerships 
with its customer base. Michael was 
previously the CEO of Westgate Logistics 
and GM at Mayne Logistics. He has a 
Masters of Science in Transportation 
and Infrastructure from the University 
of Denver and has completed Advanced 
Management training at both the 
University of Virginia and MIT. 

coates Hire
Coates is Australia’s largest integrated 
equipment hire company with a network 
of over 200 branches and satellite locations, 
and one of the largest equipment hire 
businesses globally.

Coates is Australia’s largest hirer of 
excavation support equipment, trench safety 
systems, specialist pumps, dewatering equipment 
and associated products. Its product range 
includes equipment for compaction, access, 
power generation, mobile lighting, welding 
and general equipment, as well as portable 
buildings, commercial buildings, portable toilets, 
temporary fencing and containers, shoring, 
traffic management, confined space and 
laser equipment. 

Coates also operates in Indonesia under a 
division called Coates Hire Indonesia which hires 
air compressors, lighting towers, compaction, 
pumps, welding, access equipment and other 
equipment to mainly mining and oil and gas 
companies across the archipelago. Coates Hire 
Indonesia operates in major centres in Java and 
Kalimantan, with on-site facilities in Sulawesi, 
Sumatra and Irian Jaya.

In November 2013, Coates divested its 
operations in the United Kingdom, Coates 
Offshore, realising a profit on sale of $26.5 
million. Net sale proceeds received of $119.0 
million were used to pay down debt.

Financial performance
Coates full year underlying EBIT of $188.4 
million is 33 per cent below the prior year 
and reflects the impact of the reduction in 
the number of large infrastructure and mining 
projects, particularly in Western Australia.
Given the difficult trading conditions, 

Coates undertook a restructuring and 
redundancy program during the year and also 
impaired the carrying value of its hire fleet 
assets surplus to requirements to reflect their 
estimated sale value. SGH has recognised its 
share of the cost of the redundancy program 
and asset impairment, offset by the net gain on 
sale of Coates Offshore as significant items.

Strategy, future opportunities & outlook
Following a continued declining outlook in 
its markets, with increased cost sensitivity 
of customers and the emergence of online 
aggregator sites, Coates is conducting a 
strategic review of its operating model. Results 
of the strategic review are due in November 
2014. In addition, Coates are currently looking 
at a number of potential organic and acquisition 
opportunities to capitalise on its market 
leading position.

Coates Hire FY2014 revenue end market split

 Engineering 
 Residential 
 Non Residential 
 Government 
 Commercial & manufacturing 
 Events 
 Industrial Maintenance 
 Mining & Resources (Development) 
 Mining & Resources (Production) 
 Oil & Gas 

28%
4%
12%
4%
10%
2%
7%
9%
13%
11%

18

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 AllightSykes ($m)

Trading revenue
Segment EBIT
Segment EBIT  
margin (%)

30 June  
2014

30 June  
2013

Change  
% 

 94.5 
(2.8)

 155.8 
(0.6)

(3.0)

(0.4)

(39)
–

–

allightSykes
Financial performance
AllightSykes reported full year trading revenue 
of $94.5 million, a 39 per cent decline on the 
prior year driven by the prolonged contraction in 
investment by the mining sector, which negatively 
impacted demand for new capital equipment. 
In response to the declining revenues 
that the subdued market activity has had 
on the business, AllightSykes implemented 
measures to rationalise the cost base to levels 
appropriate to support current business 
activity. Restructuring and onerous property 
costs of $1.8 million were incurred during 
the year, with total headcount reducing by 
22 per cent to 266. Significant overhead cost 
reductions were achieved across all cost 
categories, with year on year cost savings of 
$10.6 million.

Strategy, future opportunities & outlook
AllightSykes’ lighting tower business remains 
at the forefront of product innovation and is 
the market leader of emerging LED lighting 
technology which the market is steadily 
embracing as the lighting solution of choice. 
However, increased competition from overseas 
suppliers has led to a focus on offshore 
procurement to reduce production costs, 
whilst retaining the quality proposition. The 
business is well progressed towards meeting 
its cost down targets, achieving in excess of 
a 15 per cent reduction in completed product 
costs at year end.

The dewatering pump business has made 
good progress towards securing an overseas 
strategic partner to distribute its range of 
products as well as introducing new and 
innovative pump products into the domestic 
and overseas markets.

Jamie Saunders
EGM WesTrac Client Solution
Age: 42

MAxIMISING CuSToMer 
vALue By deLIverING 
BeSPoke SoLuTIoNS.

Jamie holds a trade certificate as 
an Electrical Fitter Mechanic which 
complements his Bachelor of Electrical 
& Electronic Engineering. Jamie has 
16 years experience in mining and 
mining services related industries 
having held management positions 
within 2 major mining equipment 
companies including Service manager, 
MARC Manager, Sales Manager, 
Business Development Manager, 
India Managing Director and Western 
Australia and South Australia General 
Manager. In his current role he has 
responsibility for WesTrac Sales, 
Marketing & Technology is a Director 
of Sitech NSW & WA (Construction 
Equipment GPS guidance systems 
sales and service) a Director of EPSA 
(Engineered Power Systems Australia) 
– CAT engine sales for marine, 
defence, generation and a Director of 
AllightSykes – Manufacture, Sales and 
service of Lighting Plants, Generators 
and Pumps.

19

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Seven Group Holdings  
Shareholder Review 2014 

Media Investments

review of Businesses

Seven weSt media compriSeS Seven network, 
tHe leadinG free to air televiSion network; pacific 
maGazineS, tHe country’S Second larGeSt maGazine 
Group by readerSHip; yaHoo7, one of tHe nation’S 
moSt SucceSSful internet platformS, aS well aS 
weStern auStralia’S leadinG newSpaper, tHe weSt 
auStralian, and aSSociated wa reGional newSpaperS 
and radio StationS.

X Factor, Channel Seven

20

Seven Group Holdings  
Shareholder Review 2014 

21

Review of Businesses

media investments
Media Investments is comprised of the Group’s 
35.3 per cent equity interest and convertible 
preference shareholding in SWM, Australia’s 
leading listed national multi-platform 
media business. 

SWM’s full year net profit included Significant 
items of $87.0 million after tax largely due to the 
impairment of the magazine business’ intangible 
assets. Excluding significant items, the current 
year profit after tax was up 4.9 per cent on the 
previous year.

SWM revenue was down 1.1 per cent on 

prior year and EBIT was down 3.3 per cent 
on the prior year. The total advertising market 
returned to growth in the year up 1.9 per 
cent on the prior year according to SMI data. 
Advertising expenditure benefited from higher 
Government spending around the Federal 
Election, while the second half declined slightly, 
down 1.4 per cent, with consumer confidence 
and business sentiment softening. 

Based on SMI data, television industry 
advertising has broadly maintained its share of 
total advertising expenditure, while print’s share 
of total advertising has declined at the expense 
of growth in digital advertising. Newspaper 
advertising now represents 11.1 per cent of 
advertising spend and magazines 3.6 per cent. 
The metropolitan television advertising 
market grew 3.5 per cent for the year and 
Seven achieved a record 40.5 per cent revenue 
market share. Advertising conditions in print 
remain challenging although SWM continues 
to outperform its peers. Both the West 
Australian Newspapers and Pacific Magazines 
grew market share, outperforming the market 
with declines of 14.7 per cent and 6.0 per 
cent respectively.

Total SWM costs decreased 0.4 per cent 
in year as a result of continued focus on cost 
reduction initiatives. Newspaper and magazine 
cost reductions of 7.9. per cent and 4.3 per 
cent respectively were offset by Television 
cost growth of 1.7 per cent in the year. SWM 
achieved its cost reduction objectives, offsetting 
investment in content and inflation pressures. 

SWM’s key businesses continue to maintain 
strong margins with television increasing its 
EBITDA margin to 25.7 per cent (25.2 per cent 
in prior year), newspapers EBITDA margin 
of 32.8 per cent (35.5 per cent in prior year) 
and magazines EBITDA margin of 10.3 per 
cent (14.2 per cent in prior year). The strong 
performance in television led to an increase in 
the percentage of EBITDA contribution to the 
group by the television business, which now 
accounts for 73 per cent of SWM’s EBITDA.
At 30 June 2014 SGH’s share of SWM’s 

net assets was $1,022.7 million. The net 
debt of SWM declined 6.6 per cent, with the 
strong operating cash flow being used to pay 
down debt. 

The past twelve months has seen SWM 

drive home its leadership as it brings its 
broadcast television, publishing and online 
businesses together as “one company” and 
drive greater efficiencies as well as identify 
opportunities for growth. SWM has also made 
significant progress in its plans to expand its 
leadership in content creation and distribution 
to new delivery platforms. SWM is also making 
its first significant steps in implementing a 
major data initiative that will play a key role in 
defining how its media assets communicate 
with audiences to drive greater revenue 
opportunities. Further, SWM is creating a 
presence in live events with a new company 
that will expand its media brands and content 
beyond its current media businesses.

Seven deLiverS eiGHtH conSecutive year of 
market LeaderSHip in audience deLivery and 
confirmS market LeaderSHip in advertiSinG 
revenue SHare.

40.5%

22

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Media 
Investments($m)

30 June 
2014

30 June 
2013

% 
Change

Media 
Investments($m)

30 June 
2014

30 June 
2013

% 
Change

Share of associates 
NPAT:
Seven West Media
Consolidated Media 
Holdings
Other income:
 Other investment 
income
Segment EBIT

74.3

72.6

–

6.6

28.8
103.1

26.6
105.8

2

–

8
(3)

By investment:
Seven West Media
 Consolidated Media 
Holdings
Other
Segment EBIT

100.1

96.2

–
3.0
103.1

6.6
3.0
105.8

4

–
–
(3)

magazines
Pacific Magazines, is acknowledged as 
publishing Australia’s most powerful portfolio 
of magazines, occupying the largest per title 
share of all major publishers and reflects the 
continuing investment in our cornerstone 
brands and building on our highly successful 
partnerships with internationally regarded 
publishing companies including Groupe marie 
claire, Time Inc, Meredith and Rodale. Pacific 
Magazines out-performed the overall magazine 
market, increasing overall annual gross 
readership by 2.4 per cent in the twelve months 
to June 2014, with their titles now accounting 
for over 32 per cent of the readership market. 

yahoo7
Yahoo7 has continued its strong growth in 
audience with 9.1 million Australians visiting 
the site each month, an increase of 19.5 per 
cent. User engagement continues to grow with 
more than 7.4 billion page views and video 
downloads growing at 26 per cent year on year 
as the PLUS7 catch up service leverages the 
success of Seven’s primetime programming. 

Tim Worner
CEO of Seven West Media
Age: 52

IdeNTIFyING ANd 
orIGINATING THe 
BeST CoNTeNT 
ANd deLIverING IT 
ANyWHere, ANyTIMe To 
THe BIGGeST AudIeNCe.

Tim has a prodigious media pedigree 
having led the transformation of 
the Seven Network whilst he was 
responsible for Programming and 
Production of all three Seven channels 
(Seven, 7TWO and 7mate). He joined 
the Seven Network in Perth and his 
roles have included Head of Sport 
in Melbourne and Head of Program 
Development. Tim is also a Director 
and Chairman of Australian News 
Channel, which operates Sky News, 
and a Director of Yahoo7 and Free 
TV Australia.

television
Across the 2014 television season, Seven 
continues to lead in primetime. Seven is 
number one on primary channels and the 
combined audiences of digital channels across 
primetime, and has grown share in every key 
audience demographic, driven by My Kitchen 
Rules, House Rules, The X Factor and key live 
sports events.

Their success with the AFL along with 
coverage of big events including The Australian 
Open and The Melbourne Cup confirms the 
importance of major sports in defining Seven’s 
development as a media and communications 
company. This strategy underpins the signing 
of an historic, long-term agreement for an 
all-encompassing coverage of the Olympic 
Games over the coming decade. Seven 
continues to lead the market in television 
advertising revenue share, building share in a 
tough and competitive advertising market and 
delivering a record revenue market share of 
40.5 per cent in 2014. 

newspapers
The West Australian maintained its position as 
one of the strongest performing newspapers 
in the country, and continues to deliver world 
class operating margins despite challenging 
market conditions. While declines in print 
advertising continue, The West continues to 
outperform its peers both in terms of circulation 
and advertising. 

Cost management has been a key focus 
with total costs down 7.9 per cent in the year, 
although this has not compromised the quality 
of the product. Management continues to 
drive greater operating efficiencies across 
the business. The integration with Channel 7 
Perth continues with the completion of the 
studio complex and the formation of the single 
newsroom for both television and newspapers. 
The new multi-media editorial platform is also 
on track and is also scheduled for completion 
in late 2014. In a future world of digital news, 
with an emphasis on video, these two projects 
are fundamental to our future. 

23

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 other 
Investments

review of Businesses

SGH continueS to create SHareHolder 
value by profitably realiSinG 
HiStorical aSSetS providinG tHe Group 
witH tHe capacity to inveSt in new 
operatinG aSSetS SucH aS enerGy.

Kings Square, Development – Perth, Western Australia

24

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Other investments 
($m)

30 June  
2014

30 June  
2013

Change  
% 

Revenue
Other income
Share of results  
from equity accounted 
investees
Total revenue and 
other income
Expenses  
(excluding interest  
and corporate)
Segment EBITDA
Depreciation and 
amortisation
Segment EBIT

 – 
 42.0 

 5.8 
 38.9 

 4.1 

 – 

 46.1 

 44.7 

(2.7)
 43.4 

(0.5)
 42.9 

(6.9)
 37.8 

(0.5)
 37.3 

–
8

–

3

(61)
15

–
15

Don Voelte AO
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer 
Seven Group Holdings
Age: 61

Don has 39 years of global experience 
in oil and gas. Prior to SGH and SWM 
he was MD and CEO of Woodside for 
7 years having previously held Senior 
positions at Mobil, Atlantic Richfield 
and Chroma Energy. Mr Voelte was a 
member of the Society of Petroleum 
Engineers, the American Society of 
Civil Engineers, the Chi Epsilon Honor 
Society, and is a Foreign Fellow to 
ATSE and a Fellow of the AICD. He is a 
trustee of the University of Nebraska 
Foundation and was awarded the 
University of Nebraska Engineering 
Alumni of Year in 2002, from where 
he holds a Civil Engineering degree. In 
2012, Don was appointed an honorary 
officer (AO) within the general division 
of the Order of Australia. 

Other Investments
Other investments comprise the Group’s listed 
investment portfolio and direct and indirect 
property holdings. 

The listed investment portfolio is an 

important source of additional liquidity and store 
of value for the Group, invested in high yielding 
listed securities across a number of sectors 
providing a tax effective income stream. 

Direct property holdings of the Group 

include the Kings Square site (consisting 
of seven separate developments, three of 
which were divested in the prior year with the 
remaining four currently in progress) and Seven 
Network’s Dianella studio, both located in Perth. 
Given the small value of the Group’s direct 
property holdings ($35.3 million or less than 
one per cent of Group total assets) SGH looks 
to partner with proven and established players 
in the property sector in order to both leverage 
from their expertise and mitigate development 
risk. Indirect property holdings of the Group 
relate to its 46.8 per cent interest in Flagship 
and other unlisted property trusts that are 
accounted for using the equity method.

Financial performance
Other investments underlying segment EBIT of 
$42.9 million was up $5.6 million on the prior 
year, driven primarily through increased yield 
on the Group’s listed investment portfolio and 
the share of profit from Flagship for the year. 

Significant items excluded from the above 
underlying segment EBIT for the year included 
$40.3 million gain on sale of investments, 
$1.9 million mark-to-market movements 
on derivative positions, $2.9 million share 
of Flagship’s gain on the sale Australian 
Technology Park in Redfern, New South 
Wales and a $4.0 million guarantee fee 
also received from Flagship, demonstrating 
the Group’s ability to realise value from its 
property investments.

At 30 June 2014, unrealised gains of 

$217.3 million relating to the investment 
portfolio are currently recognised in equity 
and only released to the income statement 
on disposal as securities within the listed 
investment portfolio are designated as 
available-for-sale financial assets.

Strategy, future opportunities & outlook
The Group seeks to grow the value of its 
investment portfolio through the acquisition 
of selective opportunities that are a strategic 
fit and complementary to SGH’s existing 
businesses and areas of expertise. 

Construction on stages one to four of the 

Kings Square development continues with 
completion due in early 2015. Development 
proposals of the remaining three stages 
of Kings Square and the Dianella site are 
currently in progress with consideration made 
to maximising return with an appropriate level 
of development risk.

Listed Investment Total Return (including net dividends received) Since SGH Inception vs S&P/ASX200

 Investment Return 

 S&P/ASX 200 Return

200%

150%

100%

Jun 10

Dec 10

Jun 11

Dec 11

Jun 12

Dec 12

Jun 13

Dec 13

Jun 14

25

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Seven Group Holdings  
Shareholder Review 2014 

energy

review of Businesses

a GrowtH Sector wHere auStralia 
HaS comparative advantaGe due 
to SiGnificant reSourceS coupled 
witH proximity to tHe HiGH demand 
marketS of aSia.

On 31 March 2014, SGH announced that it had entered 
into a merger implementation agreement to acquire 
all the outstanding equity of Nexus via a scheme of 
arrangement, an ASX-listed oil and gas exploration, 
development and production company. 

Despite an independent expert concluding that 

the SGH offer to Nexus shareholders of $0.02 per 
share in cash was fair and reasonable and therefore 
in the best interests of shareholders, the scheme 
unfortunately was voted down by Nexus shareholders 
on 12 June 2014, with McGrathNicol appointed as 
administrators by directors of Nexus on the same day.
At 30 June 2014, the Group’s oil and gas assets 

include $129.2 million in debt securities issued by 
Nexus and a 11.2 per cent working interest in the 
Bivins Ranch basin in Texas, USA. 

While the Group’s entry into the oil and gas 
sector is still in its infancy, with oil and gas assets 
representing only 4 per cent of total assets, SGH 
believes that the market fundamentals underpinning 
the sector are conducive to generating returns in 
excess of the Group’s cost of capital and drive future 
shareholder value.

26

Seven Group Holdings  
Shareholder Review 2014 

risk Factors  
Associated with SGH

The business activities of SGH are subject to various risks and there 
are many factors which may impact on the future performance and 
position of SGH. These risks are both specific to SGH and also relate 
to general commercial and economic risks. These risks may, either 
individually or in combination, affect the future operating and financial 
performance of SGH and the value of SGH shares.

risk management
The Company recognises that the management of business 
and economic risk is an integral part of its operations and has 
established policies and procedures for the oversight and 
management of material business risks, including the establishment 
of the Audit & Risk Committee.

The Company maintains a Strategic Risk Assessment that 
identifies, assesses, ranks and updates the main strategic risks, 
including material business risks, facing the Company in respect 
of which management formulates and records the internal risk 
controls implemented for those risks.

Investment portfolio
SGH has investments in a number of ASX listed, and unlisted, 
companies that it does not control. There is price, liquidity, and other 
risks associated with any investment in such companies, including 
the risk that distributions paid to security holders will be reduced, 
adversely impacting on the yield of the broader portfolio. The price 
of shares in SGH’s portfolio may rise or fall due to numerous factors 
which may affect the market performance of SGH. These include 
changes in Australian and international stock markets and investor 
sentiment, domestic and world economic conditions and outlook, 
inflation rates, interest rates, employment, taxation and changes to 
government policy, legislation or regulation.

Coates Hire joint venture risk
SGH is exposed to risks associated its investment in Coates Hire. 
Carlyle and SGH each hold a ~45 per cent economic interest in 
Coates. Under the co-investment arrangements with Carlyle, SGH 
(via its wholly owned subsidiary National Hire Group Limited) or 
Carlyle may seek to sell their investment in Coates in the future. 

Each of the material business risks highlighted below is monitored 
and managed by appropriate senior management within SGH who 
are delegated responsibility to manage or escalate issues to the 
SGH executive. Where appropriate, external advisers are appointed 
to assist in managing the risk.

There is therefore a risk that SGH’s interest in Coates Hire will 
increase or decrease and that this increase or decrease will not be 
within SGH’s absolute control. There is a risk that the transaction by 
which SGH’s investment decreases or increases does not realise or 
attribute the same value as SGH attributes to that investment.

The material business risks are summarised below but should not 
be regarded as an exhaustive list of all risks that affect the business, 
furthermore the items have not been prioritised.

material business risk
1. Investment risk
Investment opportunities 
The financial performance of SGH and the returns available to SGH 
shareholders will be affected by the recognition and availability 
of suitable investment opportunities in the future. Investment 
opportunities are subject to market conditions and other factors 
largely outside of the control of SGH. SGH’s ability to divest its 
investments will also be subject to these factors.

Minority investment risk
SGH holds minority interests in a number of listed companies 
including SWM. Where SGH holds an investment and is limited in 
its ability to exert control over the investee entity, it may become 
subject to the operational control of other parties and the financial 
performance this may entail. Additionally, SGH will be exposed to 
the risks inherent in minority shareholdings and may not be able 
to achieve an easy or profitable exit from its investments. This 
could lead to a reduction in the financial performance of SGH. 
Listed equity markets fluctuate with time, which leads to the risk 
that the value of SGH’s significant listed investment portfolio will 
also fluctuate.

2. Financial risks
Interest rate, liquidity and bank default risk
SGH has substantial cash reserves on deposit with a number of 
major financial institutions. These reserves are invested in both 
cash call and term deposit accounts. Cash call accounts are 
immediately available to SGH but offer lower yields. Conversely, 
term deposits lock up SGH’s cash reserves for a specified period of 
time but earn higher yields. The use of term deposits exposes SGH 
to liquidity risk as SGH may be unable to access its cash reserves 
to fund an immediately available investment opportunity if the 
reserves are invested for a specified period of time. SGH manages 
the proportion of its cash reserves held in each type of account, 
seeking to maximise the return on its cash and cash equivalents. 
The rate of return available to SGH is largely outside of its control 
and is a function of both the Reserve Bank of Australia’s overnight 
cash rate and the spreads offered by deposit taking institutions. 
SGH is exposed to risk that the interest rates offered for both cash 
call and term deposit accounts could materially fluctuate which 
may affect the financial and operating performance of the company. 
Additionally, SGH is exposed to the risk of default by one or all of 
the deposit-taking institutions with which SGH banks.

27

risk Factors  
Associated with SGH (continued)

Foreign exchange
WesTrac Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk with the 
purchase of equipment and inventory which is denominated in USD 
and also from the derivation of revenues from WesTrac Group China 
which is denominated in Renminbi and USD. As part of its pricing of 
equipment globally, Caterpillar generally resets pricing annually for 
heavy equipment which is denominated in USD. Movements in the 
pricing of equipment impacts WesTrac Group’s cost of machines 
and may also affect the overall profit earned on the sale of 
equipment to customers which is denominated in either AUD, USD 
or both. Fluctuations in the AUD/USD, AUD/Renminbi and AUD/
HKD exchange rates could have an adverse impact on WesTrac 
Group’s business, financial condition and results of operations 
which are reported in Australian dollars. The Group’s investments 
WesTrac China, Agricultural Bank of China and US oil and gas 
assets have not been hedged given the indeterminable duration of 
the investment horizon.

WesTrac Group has a large diversified customer base and is not dependent 
on any single customer or group of customers
WesTrac Group’s customers may default due to bankruptcy or 
other reasons. A customer’s termination of, or default under, a 
contract with WesTrac Group, could result in a loss of expected 
revenues from the sale or rental of equipment and the provision 
of parts and maintenance, and additional expenses for WesTrac 
Group. Accordingly, the termination of, or default under, a contract 
by any of WesTrac Group’s customers could have an adverse 
effect on WesTrac Group’s business, financial condition and results 
of operations.

Tax risk
The Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries may be subject 
to reviews by taxation authorities from time to time in the ordinary 
course of business. These reviews may result in the taxation 
authorities taking a different view on the tax treatment of particular 
transactions from that of the Company and its wholly owned 
subsidiaries, which could lead to additional tax liabilities. SGH 
proactively manages this risk through the use of taxation advisors 
and working closely with taxation authorities.

3. Operational risks
Dependence on Caterpillar
WesTrac Group is dependent on Caterpillar to maintain its 
authorisation as the authorised dealer of Caterpillar equipment and 
parts in its Western Australia, New South Wales/ACT and North 
Eastern China Service Territories. WesTrac Group’s predecessor 
companies have been associated with Caterpillar since 1925 
and WesTrac’s association with Caterpillar has been since 1990. 
WesTrac Group has maintained a strong relationship with Caterpillar 
and although WesTrac Group expects this relationship to continue, 
as is customary in dealer agreements with Caterpillar, the dealer 
agreements with Caterpillar can be terminated by either party 

28

upon 90 days’ notice at any time. The dealer agreements also 
contain provisions for automatic or accelerated termination in 
certain circumstances, such as material breach, insolvency events, 
and changes in control without Caterpillar consent, and are not 
exclusive. The Caterpillar dealer agreements are not, however, 
subject to periodic renewal requirements and are perpetual in 
nature (subject to the termination right noted above). In the event 
Caterpillar terminates or appoints another dealer or deals directly 
in the territories in which WesTrac Group operates, it would have 
a material adverse effect on WesTrac Group’s business, financial 
condition and results of operations. WesTrac Group is dependent 
on Caterpillar for timely supply of equipment and parts from their 
global manufacturing factories and distribution warehouses. 
During periods of intense demand or in the event of disruption 
to Caterpillar’s business there may be delays in the supply of 
equipment and parts to WesTrac Group. This has not in the past 
proven to be an impediment to WesTrac. In the event that Caterpillar 
is unable to supply its products in the quantities and timeframes 
required by WesTrac Group’s customers, it may have a material 
adverse effect on WesTrac Group’s business, financial condition 
and results of operations. WesTrac is also dependent on Caterpillar 
to maintain product development and innovation to ensure that it 
has a quality product offering for its customers.

Decline in demand from mining or construction industries. WesTrac 
Group’s customer base consists primarily of companies in the mining 
and civil construction industries. Demand for WesTrac Group’s 
products and services in these industries is driven by the volume 
of earth and material moved. This is in turn driven by demand for 
commodities, stripping ratios in mining, demand for construction 
materials and the number and scale of infrastructure projects.

If these are negatively impacted, WesTrac Group’s business, 
financial condition and results of operations could be materially 
adversely affected.

Increased competition from other equipment suppliers
WesTrac Group operates in a competitive environment in each of 
its business sectors. Many of its competitors are well established 
companies. WesTrac Group’s range and quality of products and 
services, its ability to meet sophisticated customer requirements 
and its extensive dealer network enhance its competitive position. 
However, during periods of low demand, price competition can 
increase and this may have a material adverse effect on WesTrac’s 
business, financial condition and results of operations.

Customer contracts
WesTrac’s alliance agreements for equipment supply exist 
with select customers only. However, where they exist they are 
underpinned by global customer alliances with Caterpillar. The 
routine supply agreements which make up the majority of WesTrac 
Group’s customer contracts relate to specific pieces of equipment 
and are therefore short to medium term in nature. The maintenance 

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 and repair agreements are medium to long term in duration but, 
whilst material in value, are fewer in number. As there are very 
few contracts tying customers to WesTrac for terms in excess of 
five years, although viewed as unlikely, an event such as a strong 
competitor entering the market or Caterpillar authorising another 
dealer in the service territories in which WesTrac Group operates, 
WesTrac Group’s territories service business, financial condition 
and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Variation in pricing
Generally, Caterpillar resets pricing annually for equipment and 
reviews its parts pricing twice a year, with any Caterpillar parts 
pricing changes implemented in January and July. Usually, at least 
two months’ notice is given of equipment pricing changes. WesTrac 
may have committed to sell equipment to a customer at a certain 
price when the new Caterpillar prices are issued. WesTrac manages 
this risk through flexibility in the terms and conditions of sale and 
Caterpillar usually offers price protection policies to mitigate this risk.

Safety and environment
The health and safety of the Group’s staff is the Group’s first 
priority and SGH has improved its health and safety performance 
in recent years. SGH will seek to improve its health and safety 
performance targeting a goal of zero work-related injuries and 
environmental incidents.

The Group’s activities can result in harm to people and the 
environment. SGH has sought to mitigate this risk by assessing, 
understanding and mitigating the critical risks facing its various 
businesses and implementing “Life Saving Rules” which provide 
direction and guidance on these critical risks.

SGH has various risk management policies and procedures in place 
to enable the identification, assessment and mitigation of risks that 
arise through its activities. These include tender, project, interest rate, 
foreign exchange and credit risks. For further information in relation 
to SGH’s risk management framework, refer to page 10 of the 
Corporate Governance Statement in the Annual Report.

Volatility in oil and gas prices
The Energy business being developed will rely on the production 
and sale of oil and gas products (including LNG) to a variety of 
buyers under a range of short-term and long-term contracts some 
of which are expected to be oil-linked. A downward movement in 
oil prices could have a significant effect on the SGH’s performance 
and future prospects. Crude oil prices are affected by numerous 
factors beyond SGH’s control and have fluctuated widely 
historically. SGH has the option of entering into commodity crude 
oil price swap and option contracts to manage its oil price risk, 
and continually monitors oil price volatility to assess the need for 
commodity price hedging. During 2014 due to the infancy of these 
operations, and at the time of publishing this report, SGH did not 
have any hedging positions in place.

Project development risk
SGH proposes to invest significant amount of capital in the assets 
of Nexus (Longtom and Crux) projects. These and other projects 
may be delayed or be unsuccessful for many reasons, including 
unanticipated economic, financial, operational, engineering, 
technical, environmental, contractual or political events. Delays, 
changes in scope, cost increases or poor performance outcomes 
pose risks that may impact SGH’s financial performance. For 
example, SGH’s ambition to grow production may not be achieved 
if any of the projects currently under consideration are not 
delivered successfully or any of the yet to be sanctioned projects 
are not sanctioned for development. SGH has project and risk 
management and reporting systems in place and the progress and 
performance of material projects will regularly reviewed by senior 
management and the Board.

Oil and gas reserves
Estimations of recoverable oil and gas reserves and resources 
contain significant uncertainties, which are inherent in the reservoir 
geology, seismic and well data available and other factors such as 
project development and operating costs, together with commodity 
prices. SGH will adopt a reserves management system that is 
consistent with the Society of Petroleum Engineers standards.

Exploration risk
SGH’s future long-term prospects are also directly related to 
the success of efforts to replace existing oil and gas reserves as 
they are depleted through production. Exploration is a high risk 
endeavour subject to geological and technological uncertainties 
and the failure to replace utilised reserves with additional proved 
reserves is a risk inherent in the oil and gas exploration and 
production industry.

Environmental and safety risks and social licence to operate
A range of health, safety and environmental risks exists with oil and 
gas exploration and production activities. Accidents, environmental 
incidents and real or perceived threats to the environment or 
the amenity of local communities could result in a loss of the 
Company‘s social licence to operate, leading to delays, disruption 
or the shutdown of exploration and production activities. Nexus and 
Apache have a comprehensive environmental, health and safety 
management system to mitigate the risk of incidents.

Joint venture arrangements
SGH’s business is carried out through joint ventures. The use of 
joint ventures is common in the exploration and production industry 
and serves to mitigate the risk and associated cost of exploration, 
production and operational failure. However, failure of agreement or 
alignment with joint venture partners or the failure of third party joint 
venture operators could have a material effect on SGH’s business. 
The failure of joint venture partners to meet their commitments and 
share costs and liabilities can result in increased costs to SGH. 
SGH will work closely with its joint venture partners in order to 
reduce the risk of misalignment in joint venture activities.

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 www.sevengroup.com.au

Company  
information

List of directors
Kerry Stokes AC  
(Executive Chairman)

Peter Ritchie AO  
(Deputy Chairman)

Don Voelte AO  
(Managing Director  
& Chief Executive Officer)

David Leckie  
(Executive Director, Media) 
(Resigned 22 August 2014)

Dulcie Boling

Terry Davis

Christopher Mackay

Bruce McWilliam 
(Commercial Director)

Ryan Stokes  
(Chief Operating Officer) 

Richard Uechtritz

Prof. Murray Wells

company Secretary
Warren Coatsworth

registered office
Company Secretariat
Level 2
38 – 42 Pirrama Road
Pyrmont NSW 2009

Share registry
Boardroom Pty Limited 
Level 7, 207 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000

auditor
KPMG
10 Shelley Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Legal advisors
Herbert Smith Freehills 
ANZ Tower
161 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Clayton Utz
Level 15
1 Bligh Street
Sydney NSW 2000

SGH

Industrial Services, Media and Investments

Seven Group Holdings  Shareholder Review 2014 Seven Group Holdings Limited
ABN 46 142 003 469
Annual Report 2014

Delivering shareholder 
value through disciplined 
capital management, 
continued investment in key 
infrastructure, media content 
and energy assets.

Contents

Board of Directors 
Corporate Governance Statement 
Directors’ Report 
Remuneration Report 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
Consolidated Income Statement 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
1. Statement of significant accounting policies 
2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements 
3. Operating segments 
4. Significant items 
5. Net finance expense 
6. Income tax 
7. Dividends 
8. Earnings per share 
9. Trade and other receivables 
10. Inventories 
11. Investments accounted for using the equity method 
12. Derivative financial instruments 
13. Other financial assets 
14. Property, plant and equipment 
15. Intangible assets 
16. Trade and other payables 

17. Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
18. Provisions 
19. Deferred income 
20. Contributed equity 
21. Reserves 
22. Retained earnings 
23. Contingent liabilities 
24. Commitments 
25. Controlled entities 
26. Acquisition of business combination 
27. Disposal of businesses 
28. Employee benefits 
29. Auditor’s remuneration 
30. Director and executive disclosures 
31. Other related party disclosures  
32a. Cash and cash equivalents 
32b. Notes to the cash flow statement 
33. Events subsequent to balance date 
34. Parent entity disclosures 
35. Financial risk management 
Directors’ Declaration  
Independent Auditor’s Report 
Investor Information 
Shareholder Information 
Corporate Directory 
Company Information 

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1

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Board of Directors

Year ended 30 June 2014

Kerry Matthew Stokes AC
Executive Chairman of Seven Group Holdings Limited since 
April 2010.

Executive Chairman of Seven Network Limited since July 1999. 
Prior to that Non-Executive Chairman since June 1995.

Appointed a Companion in the General Division of the Order 
of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday honours announced 
on 9 June 2008.

Chairman of Seven Media Group Pty Limited since 
December 2006.

Chairman of Australian Capital Equity Pty Limited Group which 
has significant interests in activities which include media and 
entertainment and property and industrial activities.

Chairman of Seven West Media Limited (formerly West 
Australian Newspapers Holdings Limited) since 11 December 
2008. Appointed a Director on 25 September 2008.

Peter David Ritchie AO
Deputy Chairman of Seven Group Holdings Limited since 
April 2010.

Deputy Chairman of Seven Network Limited since August 1991.

Chairman of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee, 
Member of the Audit & Risk Committee, Member of the 
Independent & Related Party Committee.

Former Chairman of McDonalds Australia Limited and 
former Director of Westpac Banking Corporation, Solution 
6 Holdings Limited and the University of New South Wales 
Foundation Limited.

Current Chairman of Mortgage Choice Limited and a Director 
since 5 April 2004.

Current Chairman of Reverse Corporation Limited and a 
Director since 1 October 2002.

Bachelor of Commerce (University of New South Wales).

Fellow of CPA Australia.

Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Honorary Doctor of Business (University of New South Wales).

Donald Rudolph Voelte AO
Mr Voelte was appointed Managing Director & Chief Executive 
Officer of Seven Group Holdings Limited with effect from 
1 July 2013. He is also Chairman of Coates Group Holdings 
Pty Limited and was Chairman of Nexus Energy Limited until 
18 February 2014.

Mr Voelte was appointed Deputy Chairman of Seven West 
Media Limited with effect from 1 July 2013.

Mr Voelte held the position of Managing Director & Chief 
Executive Officer of Seven West Media Limited from 26 June 
2012 to 30 June 2013. Mr Voelte has been a director of Seven 
West Media Limited, and prior to the formation of Seven West 
Media Limited, West Australian Newspapers Holdings Limited 
since December 2008.

Mr Voelte has significant experience in the global oil and gas 
industry and, prior to his retirement in June 2011, was the 
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Woodside 
Petroleum Limited, a position he had held since joining the 
company in 2004.

Prior to joining Woodside Petroleum Limited, Mr Voelte held a 
number of Senior Executive positions in the oil and gas sector. 
Mr Voelte was a member of the Board of the University of 
Western Australia Business School during his Woodside tenure, 
and is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the 
American Society of Civil Engineers, the Chi Epsilon Honor 
Society, a Foreign Fellow to ATSE (FTSE) and a Fellow of 
the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). He is 
a trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation and was 
awarded the University of Nebraska Engineering Alumni of 
Year in 2002. The University of Nebraska recently named their 
Nanotechnology & Metrology Research Centre for Mr Voelte 
and his wife Nancy. He has a degree in Civil Engineering, from 
the University of Nebraska.

Mr Voelte was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia 
(AO) in 2012, for service to the Australian LNG industry and 
contribution to education and the arts in Perth.

Mr Voelte was appointed to the Board on 1 July 2013.

2

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Board of Directors

Year ended 30 June 2014

Elizabeth Dulcie Boling
Director of Seven Group Holdings Limited since April 2010.

Director of Seven Network Limited since August 1993.

Member of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee, 
Member of the Independent & Related Party Committee.

Former Chair and Chief Executive of Southdown Press; former 
Chief Executive Magazines, PMP Limited; former Director of 
News Limited, ING Australia Limited and Tourism Victoria.

Former Member of the board of the Australian Cancer Research 
Foundation, the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria and 
former Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Terry James Davis
Director of Seven Group Holdings Limited since June 2010.

Group Managing Director, Coca-Cola Amatil Limited from 
12 November 2001 to 3 March 2014.

Chairman of the Independent & Related Party Committee, 
Member of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee.

Director of St. George Bank Limited from December 2004 
to December 2008.

Over fifteen years experience in the global wine industry 
including Managing Director of Beringer Blass (the wine 
division of Foster’s Group Limited) and Managing Director 
of Cellarmaster Wines Group between 1987 and 1997.

Council Member of the University of New South Wales Council 
since 2006.

Christopher John Mackay
Director of Seven Group Holdings Limited since June 2010.

Managing Director of Magellan Flagship Fund Limited since 
1 October 2013.

Former Chairman of Magellan Financial Group Limited, resigned 
30 September 2013, now advisor to the Board.

Member of the Audit & Risk Committee, Member of the 
Independent & Related Party Committee.

Considerable experience in business management, capital 
allocation, risk management and investment. A former investment 
banker and corporate and banking lawyer, with broad experience 
in the financial and corporate sectors over many years.

Formerly Chairman of the investment bank UBS Australasia; 
having previously been its Chief Executive Officer.

A member of the Federal Treasurer’s Financial Sector 
Advisory Council and a former member of the Business 
Council of Australia and director of the International Banks 
& Securities Association.

A director of Consolidated Media Holdings Limited from 8 March 
2006 until 19 November 2012, when the company was taken 
over by News Corporation.

A director of Magellan Financial Group Limited from 
21 November 2006 to 30 September 2013 and a director of 
Magellan Flagship Fund Limited since 29 September 2006.

Bruce Ian McWilliam
Director of Seven Group Holdings Limited since April 2010.

Director of Seven Network Limited since September 2003.

Appointed Commercial Director for Seven Network Limited 
in May 2003.

Director of Seven Media Group Pty Limited since 
December 2006.

Former partner of law firms Gilbert & Tobin, Turnbull McWilliam 
and Allen Allen & Hemsley specialising in media and commercial 
law. Former Director BSkyB, Executive Director News International 
Television and General Counsel, News International plc.

Director of Australian News Channel Pty Limited.

Alternate Director of Seven West Media Limited since 
4 November 2008.

Honorary Fellow of the University of Sydney.

Chairman, Sydney University Law School Advisory Committee.

Council Member, St Pauls College, University of Sydney.

Honorary Governor – The Thalidomide Foundation Limited.

Ryan Kerry Stokes
Mr Ryan Stokes is Chief Executive Officer of Australian Capital 
Equity Pty Limited (ACE) and Chief Operating Officer of Seven 
Group Holdings Limited. Mr Stokes was appointed an Executive 
Director of ACE in 2001 and CEO in April 2010. ACE is a private 
company with its primary investment being an interest in Seven 
Group Holdings (SGH). He has been an Executive Director of 
Seven Group Holdings Limited since February 2010, and was 
appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2012.

Mr Stokes is also a Director of Iron Ore Holdings Limited (IOH) 
and WesTrac Pty Limited and has extensive experience in 
China, having developed relationships with various mining 
and media companies over the past 13 years. Mr Stokes is a 
Director of Seven West Media which owns the Seven Network, 
The West Australian Newspaper, Pacific Magazines and 50% 
of Yahoo7. Mr Stokes has been a Director of Seven Network 
Limited since 2005. Executive Director then Chairman of Pacific 
Magazines from 2004 until 2008 and previously a Director of 
Yahoo7 from inception in 2005 until 2013.

Between 10 September 2009 and 19 November 2012, 
Mr Stokes was a Director of Consolidated Media 
Holdings Limited.

3

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 COMPANY SECRETARY
Warren Walter Coatsworth
Company Secretary of Seven Group Holdings Limited since 
April 2010.

Company Secretary of Seven West Media Limited since 
April 2013.

Company Secretary of Seven Network Limited since July 2005.

Mr Coatsworth is a solicitor holding a current practising 
certificate with degrees in Arts and Law (Hons) from the 
University of Sydney. He has been Legal Counsel with Seven 
Network Limited for the past fourteen years, advising broadly 
across the company, and formerly a solicitor at Clayton Utz. 
He has completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate 
Governance and is a qualified Chartered Company Secretary 
and a Fellow and member of the Governance Institute of 
Australia (formerly Chartered Secretaries Australia).

Board of Directors

Year ended 30 June 2014

Mr Stokes is Chairman of the National Library of Australia, a 
position he has held since July 2012 and is a Director of the 
Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Mr Stokes is also a member 
of the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Veterans Mental 
Health established in 2014.

Mr Stokes is the former Chairman of Australia’s National Youth 
Mental Health Foundation (Headspace), a Federal Government 
initiative established in 2006. Mr Stokes was also a former 
member of the International Olympic Committee’s Radio and 
Television Commission.

Mr Stokes holds a BComm from Curtin University and is a 
Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management (FAIM).

Richard Anders Uechtritz
Director of Seven Group Holdings Limited since June 2010.

Member of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee, 
Member of the Independent & Related Party Committee.

Director of JB Hi-Fi Limited since 28 April 2011.

Chief Executive Officer and Director of JB Hi-Fi Limited from 
June 2000 to May 2010.

Over thirty years experience in retailing.

Co-founder of Rabbit Photo and Smith’s Kodak Express.

Director of Kodak (Australasia) Proprietary Limited from 
30 July 1998 to 20 July 2000.

Professor Murray Charles Wells
Director of Seven Group Holdings Limited since April 2010.

Director of Seven Network Limited since July 1995.

Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee, Member of the 
Independent & Related Party Committee. PhD, University 
of Sydney. M.Com, University of Canterbury. Fellow of CPA 
Australia, Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. 
Chairman, Kaplan Higher Education Pty Limited. Deputy 
Chairman, Australian Scholarships Foundation.

Emeritus Professor of Accounting, former Dean of Economics, 
and Director of the Graduate School of Business and the 
Foundation of the Graduate School of Business at the University 
of Sydney. Former Chairman and Director of Australian National 
Business School Limited.

Life Member, American Accounting Association; inducted 
into the Australian Accounting Hall of Fame, 2012. Life Fellow, 
Australia and New Zealand Academy of Management, 2000.

4

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Corporate Governance Statement

Year ended 30 June 2014

This statement outlines the Company’s main corporate 
governance practices and its compliance with the ASX Corporate 
Governance Council Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations 2nd Edition (ASX Recommendations). 
The Company is currently reviewing its corporate governance 
practices in light of the recent release of the 3rd Edition of the 
ASX Recommendations and will, as required, report on its 
compliance with the updated ASX Recommendations in next 
year’s Annual Report.

Delegation to management
Subject to oversight by the Board and the exercise by the Board of 
functions which it is required by the Company’s Constitution and 
the Corporations Act to carry out, it is the role of management to 
carry out functions that are expressly delegated to management 
by the Board as it considers appropriate, as well as those functions 
not specifically reserved to the Board, including those functions 
and affairs which pertain to the day-to-day management of the 
operations and administration of the Company. 

Various of the corporate governance policies referred to in 
this statement are available on the Company’s website at 
www.sevengroup.com.au/about-us/corporate-governance. 
Those policies which are not separately available on 
the Company’s website are summarised in this statement. 
A copy of this statement (including the summaries 
of the various policies) will be made available on the 
Company’s website.

PRINCIPLE 1 – LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT 
AND OVERSIGHT
Board responsibilities
The Board is empowered to manage the business of 
the Company subject to the Corporations Act and the 
Company’s Constitution.

The Board is responsible for the overall corporate governance 
of the Group and has adopted a Board Charter, posted 
on the Company’s website, which sets out the role and 
responsibilities of the Board as well as those functions delegated 
to management. The Board Charter provides that the Board’s 
role includes:
•	

representing and serving the interests of shareholders 
by overseeing, reviewing and appraising the Company’s 
strategies, policies and performance in accordance with any 
duties and obligations imposed on the Board by law and the 
Company’s Constitution;

•	 contributing to and approving management’s development 
of corporate strategy and performance objectives and 
monitoring management’s performance and implementation 
of strategy and policies;
reviewing, ratifying and monitoring systems of risk 
management and internal control and ethical and legal 
compliance; and

•	

•	 monitoring and reviewing management processes aimed at 

ensuring the integrity of financial and other reporting.

The Board Charter provides that matters which are specifically 
reserved for the Board or its Committees include:
•	 appointment and removal of the Group Chief 

Executive Officer;
•	 approval of dividends;
•	 approval of annual budget;
•	 monitoring capital management and approval of major 

capital expenditure, acquisitions and divestitures in excess 
of authority levels delegated to management; and

•	 calling of meetings of shareholders.

Management is responsible for implementing the policies and 
strategic objectives approved by the Board. Management 
must supply the Board with information in a form, timeframe 
and quality that will enable the Board to discharge its 
duties effectively.

The Company has adopted a Delegated Authority Policy 
delegating to management authority to carry out expenditure in 
relation to specified areas of the Company’s operations, subject 
to the Company’s policies and procedures in respect of the 
authorisation and signing of Company contracts which includes 
a system of legal review.

The functions exercised by the Board and those delegated to 
management, as disclosed herein and set out in the Board 
Charter, are subject to ongoing review to ensure that the division 
of functions remains appropriate.

In addition, during the year, management conducted a review 
and evaluation of the Group’s Financial Governance Policies and 
the Board’s delegations to Management, to ensure the Group’s 
governance and management processes remain appropriate for 
the Group. As a consequence of the review, updated Financial 
Governance Policies and a revised Delegated Authority Policy 
was considered and approved by the Board to enhance the 
Company’s operating and management procedures through its 
promulgation to the Group’s controlled entities. 

Senior management team
The management of the Company during the financial year 
comprised the Group Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating 
Officer, Chief Financial Officer as well as several Group 
Executives who together provide expertise in Finance, Mining, 
Systems and Processes, and Security and Compliance. In 
addition, several Seven West Media Limited executives provided 
management services to the Company in relation to which a 
portion of their salary cost was charged to the Company for the 
services provided.

Mr Don Voelte AO became the Managing Director & Chief 
Executive Officer of the Company on 1 July 2013, the date of 
Mr Voelte’s appointment as a Director. Prior to his appointment, 
Mr Voelte held the position of Managing Director & Chief 
Executive Officer of Seven West Media Limited from 26 June 
2012 to 30 June 2013. The Board considers it appropriate that 
Mr Voelte be charged with the responsibility for overseeing and 
supervising the Company’s investments in accordance with the 
Board’s strategies as well as managing the Company’s small 
executive team.

5

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Corporate Governance Statement

Year ended 30 June 2014

Until his retirement on 23 August 2013, the Chief Executive 
Officer, WesTrac Group, was Mr James Walker. Following a 
recruitment process, on 10 March 2014, Mr Jarvas Croome was 
appointed as Chief Executive, WesTrac WA & Chief Executive 
Officer WesTrac.

The Chief Operating Officer of the Company is Mr Ryan Stokes. 
Mr Stokes works closely with the Group Chief Executive Officer 
and reports to the Board on the performance, management and 
operations of the Group as well as matters relating to process, 
governance and optimisation of the businesses of the Group. 

The Chief Financial Officer of the Company is Mr Richard 
Richards. Mr Richards works closely with the Group Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer and reports to 
the Board on the financial performance and position of the 
Group and its businesses as well as matters relating to Group’s 
financial governance, controls and processes.

Assessment of management performance
The performance of the Group Chief Executive Officer is formally 
reviewed by the Board against the achievement of strategic 
and budgetary objectives in respect of the Group’s operations 
and investments whilst also having regard for his personal 
performance in the leadership of the Group. The Board’s review 
is carried out annually in regard to certain goals against which 
he is assessed, and throughout the year in regard to others, 
and forms the basis of the determination of the Group Chief 
Executive Officer’s performance-linked remuneration. The 
Remuneration Report sets out further details of the performance 
criteria against which the Group Chief Executive Officer’s 
performance-linked remuneration is assessed.

The performance of senior executives of the Company is 
reviewed on an annual basis in a formal and documented 
interview process with either the Group Chief Executive 
Officer or the particular executive’s immediate superior, which 
evaluates performance against agreed performance goals and 
assessment criteria in relation to the senior executive’s duties 
and material areas of responsibility, including management 
of relevant business units within budget, motivation and 
development of staff, and achievement of and contribution to 
the Company’s objectives. A performance evaluation of senior 
executives has taken place during the year in accordance with 
this process.

For further information about performance management of 
senior executives and staff, please see the discussion set out 
under “Principle 8 – Remunerate Fairly and Responsibly”.

For those executives of subsidiaries, performance assessments 
are undertaken by the Chairman and the respective Board for 
a Chief Executive Officer and by the Chief Executive Officer for 
other senior executives.

6

PRINCIPLE 2 – STRUCTURE THE BOARD TO ADD VALUE
Board composition and independence
As at the date of this statement, the Board comprises ten (10) 
Directors as follows.

The Non-Independent Directors in office are:
•	 Mr Kerry Stokes AC 
•	 Mr Donald Voelte AO 

Executive Chairman
 Managing Director &  
Chief Executive Officer 
Commercial Director
Chief Operating Officer

•	 Mr Bruce McWilliam 
•	 Mr Ryan Stokes  

The Independent Directors in office are:

•	 Mr Peter Ritchie AO 

•	 Mrs Dulcie Boling 
•	 Mr Terry Davis   
•	 Mr Christopher Mackay 
•	 Mr Richard Uechtritz 
•	 Professor Murray Wells 

 Deputy Chairman & Lead 
Independent Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director

The skills, experience, expertise and period in office of each 
Director of the Company at the date of this Annual Report are 
disclosed in the Board of Directors section of this Annual Report.

In determining whether a Director is independent, the Board 
conducts regular assessments and has regard to whether a 
Director is considered to be one who:
•	

is a substantial shareholder of the Company or an officer 
of, or otherwise associated directly with, a substantial 
shareholder of the Company;
is employed, or has previously been employed in an executive 
capacity by the Company or another group member, and 
there has not been a period of at least three years between 
ceasing such employment and serving on the Board;

•	

•	 has within the last three years been a principal of a material 

•	

professional advisor or a material consultant to the Company 
or another group member, or an employee materially 
associated with the service provided;
is a material supplier or customer of the Company or other 
group member, or an officer of or otherwise associated 
directly or indirectly with a material supplier or customer; or
•	 has a material contractual relationship with the Company or 

another group member other than as a Director.

The Board determines the materiality of a relationship on the 
basis of fees paid or monies received or paid to either a Director 
or a Director-related entity. If an amount received or paid may 
impact the Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and 
Amortisation (EBITDA) of the Group in the previous financial year 
by more than 5%, then a relationship will be considered material.

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance Statement

Year ended 30 June 2014

In the Board’s view, the Independent Directors on page 6 are free 
from any interest and any business or other relationship which 
could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere 
with the Directors’ ability to act with a view to the best interests 
of the Company. In terms of longevity of time in office, the Board 
does not consider that independence can be assessed with 
reference to an arbitrary and set period of time. The Company has 
diverse operations that have grown considerably over time and 
in the Board’s view derives the benefits from having long-serving 
Directors with detailed knowledge of the history and experience of 
the Group’s operations.

The Board currently comprises a majority of Independent 
Directors, with four Non-Independent Directors and six 
Independent Directors. From 23 August 2013, when Mr James 
Walker resigned as a Director until 22 August 2014 when Mr 
David Leckie resigned as a Director, the Board comprised five 
Non-Independent Directors and six Independent Directors. Prior 
to 23 August 2013 the Board comprised six Non-Independent 
Directors and six Independent Directors. The Board 
acknowledges the ASX Recommendation that a majority of the 
Board should be Independent Directors. However the Directors 
believe that, despite the Board not comprising a majority of 
Independent Directors during the period prior to 23 August 
2013, they were able to objectively analyse the issues before 
them in the best interests of all shareholders and in accordance 
with their duties as Directors. The Board continues to review its 
composition to ensure it remains appropriate for the operations 
and investments of the Company.

The Independent Directors (identified above) are members of 
the Independent & Related Party Committee which has Mr Terry 
Davis as its Chairman. The Committee provides a forum for the 
review of material transactions between the Company and its 
related parties, including transactions with Australian Capital 
Equity Pty Limited and interests associated with Mr Kerry Stokes 
AC. Review of related party transactions by the Committee 
occurs without management or Non-Independent Directors 
present. The Committee meets at least twice during the year, 
and the Committee otherwise holds discussions and receives 
management reports concerning related party transactions as 
necessary. As such, the Committee provides an opportunity 
for the Independent Directors to meet regularly without 
management or Non-Independent Directors present.

Mr Kerry Stokes AC is Executive Chairman of the Board of the 
Company. The Board acknowledges the ASX Recommendation 
that the Chairman be an Independent Director, however 
the Board views as an advantage the Chairman’s history of 
leadership across the businesses and investments comprising 
the Group, including in the areas of heavy equipment 
management and services, property and television management 
and related media investments, as well as Mr Stokes’ grasp of 
new technologies driving television production and transmission, 
not to mention his clear incentive to maximise the interests of 
the Group. Mr Stokes has been involved in investing in and 
managing diverse businesses for more than four decades and 

currently has broad business interests and investments in a 
range of major business sectors in Australia and overseas, 
including construction, mining, oil and gas exploration. His 
experience and insights are invaluable to the Group.

Each Director brings a range of personal and professional 
experiences and expertise to the Board. The Board seeks to 
achieve an appropriate mix of skills and diversity, including a 
deep understanding in the areas of corporate management, 
operational, safety and financial matters in the media, industrial 
services and investments industries in which the Group 
operates. Directors devote significant time and resources to the 
discharge of their duties.

The Board has established a Remuneration & Nomination 
Committee, further details of which are set out in this Corporate 
Governance Statement under the heading ‘Principle 8 – 
Remunerate fairly and responsibly’. The Remuneration & 
Nomination Charter is available on the Company’s website.

Board appointments
The process and policy for appointing new Directors to the 
Board is that when the Board considers a vacancy exists for a 
Board appointment the Board may require the Remuneration & 
Nomination Committee to assist and advise the Board in relation 
to any of:
•	

the identification of individuals who are qualified to become 
Board members;
the review of potential candidates for Board appointment 
having regard to the skills, experience, expertise and personal 
qualities that will best complement the Board effectiveness;
the capability of the candidate to devote the necessary time 
or commitment to the role; and
the diversity of members of the Board.

•	

•	

•	

Again, in considering any new Board appointments, the Board 
is seeking to achieve an appropriate mix of skills and diversity, 
including a deep understanding in the areas of corporate 
management, operational, safety and financial matters and the 
media, industrial services and investments industries in which 
the Group operates. The most suitable candidate is appointed 
by the Board, which retains the power to nominate and appoint 
Directors to the Board to fill casual vacancies. Directors 
appointed as casual vacancies hold office until the next Annual 
General Meeting and are then eligible for election.

Under the Constitution of the Company and subject to the 
ASX Listing Rules, a Director must retire from office, and will be 
eligible for re-election, no later than the longer of the third Annual 
General Meeting of the Company or three years following that 
Director’s last election or appointment. The Managing Director 
or an Alternate Director is not taken into account in determining 
the number of Directors to retire at an Annual General Meeting. 
The Notice of Meeting for the Annual General Meeting discloses 
other key current directorships of Director candidates, as well as 
other appropriate biographical details and qualifications.

7

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Corporate Governance Statement

Year ended 30 June 2014

Board appointees are inducted through a briefing with the 
Executive Chairman, discussions of the Company’s corporate 
governance (including its policies and procedures) with the 
Company Secretary, visits to key business sites and meetings 
with Company Executives.

The appointment of Mr Don Voelte AO to the Board on 1 July 
2013 was considered and approved by the full Board. In making 
the appointment, the Board considered Mr Voelte’s significant 
experience and expertise as a Chief Executive Officer of publicly 
listed companies, including his long-term tenure working in 
the global oil and gas industry as Chief Executive Officer of 
Woodside Petroleum Limited, as well Mr Voelte’s contribution 
to Seven West Media Limited as its Chief Executive Officer, 
including with regard to reviewing its cost structures and strategic 
direction and developing its senior executive team. The Board 
believes that Mr Voelte’s understanding of both industrial services 
and media businesses is relevant to and appropriate for the 
operations and investments of the Group.

Effective functioning of the Board
The Board, under the terms of appointment of Directors and 
by virtue of their position, is entitled to access, and is provided 
with, information concerning the Group needed to discharge 
its duties efficiently. Directors are entitled, and encouraged, to 
request additional information if they believe that is necessary to 
support informed decision making. Directors are able to obtain 
independent professional advice to assist them in carrying out 
their duties, at the Company’s expense.

In addition to an induction process for new Director appointments, 
Directors variously attend external education seminars and 
peer group meetings regarding regulatory and compliance 
developments. The Company arranges presentations to the Board 
by Executives to update the Directors on the Group’s business 
activities, as well as industry and regulatory developments.

The Company Secretary is charged by the Board to support the 
Board’s effectiveness by monitoring that Company policies and 
procedures are followed, and coordinating the timely distribution 
of Board and Committee agendas and briefing materials.

The Company Secretary’s appointment and removal is a matter 
for the Board. The Company Secretary is accountable to the 
Board through the Chairman on corporate governance matters. 
Each of the Directors has access to the Company Secretary.

Performance evaluation
The Executive Chairman closely monitors the performance 
and actions of the Board and its Committees and meets with 
individual Board members during a financial year to ensure that 
the Board and its Committees operate effectively and efficiently. 
The Executive Chairman and each Board member consider the 
performance of that Board member in relation to the expectations 
for that Board member and consider any opportunities for 
enhancing future performance. Matters which may be taken into 
account include the expertise and responsibilities of the Board 
member and their contribution to the Board and any relevant 

8

Committees and their functions. During a financial year the 
Chairs of the respective Committees also monitor and evaluate 
the performance of the Committee – according to the function 
and objectives of the Committee, its program of work, and the 
contributions of its members – and discuss the Committee’s 
performance with the Executive Chairman and its members. For 
the purposes of his own performance evaluation, the Chairman 
meets with the non-executive Deputy Chairman and a senior 
independent Director.

During the reporting period, performance evaluations of the 
Board, its Committees and individual directors were carried out 
in accordance with this process. 

The Directors’ Report at page 15 sets out the number of 
Committee and Board meetings under the heading “Directors’ 
Meetings”, including meetings of the Audit & Risk Committee, 
Remuneration & Nomination Committee and Independent & 
Related Party Committee, as well as the attendance of Directors 
at those meetings.

PRINCIPLE 3 – PROMOTE ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE 
DECISION MAKING
Ethical standards
The Board Charter, available on the Company’s website, 
provides that Directors will act at all times with honesty 
and integrity, will observe the highest standards of ethical 
behaviour and will not prioritise their personal interests over 
the Company’s interests.

The Company and its controlled subsidiaries, as applicable, 
uphold and maintain the following ethical standards:
•	 General statutory requirements and regulations of the 
Corporations Act, ASX Listing Rules and Income Tax 
Assessment Act;

•	 Equal employment opportunity and affirmative action;
•	 Encouraging high standards of safe work practices and 
implementing Occupational Health & Safety compliance 
procedures;

•	 Policy of community service through charitable organisations; 

and

•	 Policy of responding to national disasters and tragedies.

The Company assesses the Group as part of its compliance 
with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act and 
will be reporting relevant emissions and energy usage and 
production for the Group for the financial year.

Formal Employee Conduct Guidelines have been implemented 
for employees, including senior executives, and Directors, and 
are available on the Company’s website.

The Company has adopted Share Trading Policies for Group 
Directors and Executives and Staff, which are available on the 
Company’s website.

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Corporate Governance Statement

Year ended 30 June 2014

The Company has adopted a formal Issue Escalation Guideline 
to encourage the reporting and investigation of unethical and 
unlawful practices and matters of concern which cannot 
otherwise be adequately dealt with under Company policies. 
The Guideline, including reporting contacts, is available on the 
Company’s website.

The Company requires compliance with Company policies 
by staff under the terms of their employment and carries out 
training of employees in relation to its policies and procedures.

Diversity
The Company has an established Diversity Policy which 
is posted on the Company’s website. Under the policy 
the Company recognises the benefits of an inclusive and 
respectful workplace culture that draws on the experiences and 
perspectives of all Directors and employees, having regard to 
diversity factors, including but not limited to gender, age and 
cultural background.

As set out in the Diversity Policy, the Board is committed to:
•	 flexible	work	practices	– developing, on a case by case 
basis, flexible work practices that assist employees to 
balance work with family, carer or other responsibilities;
•	 career	development	and	performance – ensuring that 
decisions regarding employment and remuneration are 
based on merit, ability, performance and potential and are 
made in a transparent and fair manner; and

•	 equal	employment	opportunities – upholding the 

Company’s obligations in regard to equal opportunity through 
training and workplace awareness.

The Board is also committed to regularly establishing, reviewing 
and assessing achievement of the work practices objectives 
above in relation to gender diversity. The Board will continue to 
review the appropriateness of its diversity objectives.

Company progress on diversity objectives in 2014
Flexible work practices
In the Board’s view, the Company has achieved the objective 
of offering flexible working arrangements and setting out clear 
expectations of behaviours for employees that foster an inclusive 
and supportive organisational culture. The Company will 
continue to monitor performance against this objective to ensure 
expectations are clear and cultural outcomes attained.

Career development and performance
The Company’s commitment and progress towards achieving 
this objective includes establishing processes to determine fair 
and equitable benchmarked remuneration, commensurate with 
the employee’s experience and performance in the position they 
hold, regardless of age, gender or cultural background.

Equal employment opportunities
The Company strives to maintain a significant level of female 
participation throughout the organisation and endeavours 
to attract female employees at all levels. We are pleased to 
report an increased intake of women into our apprenticeship 

programmes, both an area of clear need for the Company and a 
national occupational category in which women have traditionally 
been under represented.

Group progress on diversity objectives in 2014
As an entity holding investments in companies operating across 
a range of industries, the Company supports the diversity 
initiatives of those companies in which it holds investments.

Our subsidiaries have set individual gender diversity targets 
consistent with regulatory requirements. The Company has 
a long-term goal of assisting subsidiaries to understand their 
role in group-wide female participation and to assist in the 
development of measurable objectives for achieving gender 
diversity where appropriate.

The Company undertakes an annual review of its Diversity Policy 
to assess the effectiveness of the Policy and to incorporate 
any developments concerning the Company’s practices and 
commitments in regards to workplace diversity.

The proportion of women employed within the Group is 
as follows:

Level

Number of Women

Proportion of Women

Board*
Senior executives**
Whole of organisation

1 of 11
6 of 68
630 of 4517

9%
 9%
14%

* 

From 22 August 2014 when Mr David Leckie resigned as a Director, the proportion of 
women on the Board has been 10% (one of 10).

**  Senior executives include Executive Directors of Seven Group Holdings Limited and its 
subsidiaries, as well as other members of the Executive leadership team and, where 
appropriate, direct reports to the Executive leadership team. Executive Directors have 
been included in both the Board and the senior executive categories. The Board and 
senior executives are included in the Whole of Organisation category. For the purpose of 
this section of the report employee numbers and statistics have been calculated based on 
employees who were paid in the final pay periods of June 2014.

Additionally, the Company has posted its Workplace Gender 
Equality Act Public Report for 2013–2014 on its website.

PRINCIPLE 4 – SAFEGUARD INTEGRITY IN 
FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Board has established an Audit & Risk Committee 
comprising three independent Non-executive Directors: 
Professor Murray Wells as its Chairman, Mr Peter Ritchie AO 
and Mr Christopher Mackay. Professor Wells is an Emeritus 
Professor of Accounting, University of Sydney. Mr Ritchie is a 
Fellow of CPA Australia. Mr Mackay, a former investment banker 
and corporate and banking lawyer, has considerable experience 
in business management, capital allocation, risk management 
and investment. The Board believes the ASX Recommendations 
are satisfied as regards the composition and technical expertise 
of the Audit & Risk Committee members.

The Audit & Risk Committee has adopted a formal Charter 
which is available on the Company’s website. The Committee’s 
key responsibilities in respect of its audit function are to assist 
the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to:

9

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Corporate Governance Statement

Year ended 30 June 2014

•	

•	

•	

•	

the accounting and financial reporting practices of the 
Company and its subsidiaries;
the consideration of matters relating to the financial controls 
and systems of the Company and its subsidiaries;
the identification and management of financial risk; and
the examination of any other matters referred to it by 
the Board.

The Audit & Risk Committee is also responsible for:
•	 making recommendations to the Board on the appointment 
(including procedures for selection), and where necessary, 
the replacement of the External Auditor;

•	 evaluating the overall effectiveness of external audit function 

•	

through the assessment of external audit reports and 
meetings with the External Auditors;
reviewing the External Auditor’s fees in relation to the 
quality and scope of the audit with a view to ensuring that 
an effective comprehensive and complete audit can be 
conducted for the fee; and

•	 assessing whether non-audit services provided by the 

External Auditor are consistent with maintaining the External 
Auditor’s independence.

Each reporting period, the External Auditor provides an 
independence declaration in relation to the audit. Additionally, 
the Audit & Risk Committee provides advice to the Board in 
respect of whether the provision of non-audit services by the 
External Auditor are compatible with the general standard of 
independence of auditors imposed by the Corporations Act.

The current practice is for the rotation of the appropriate 
External Audit partner(s) to occur every five years (subject to 
the requirements of applicable professional standards and 
regulatory requirements). If a new auditor is to be appointed, 
the selection process involves a formal tender and evaluation 
of the tenders by the Audit & Risk Committee. The Chair of the 
Committee leads the process, in consultation with the Chief 
Financial Officer.

It is the policy of the Audit & Risk Committee to meet periodically 
with the External Auditors without management being present.

The Audit & Risk Committee’s key responsibilities in respect of 
its risk function are set out below under “Principle 7 – Recognise 
and Manage Risk”.

PRINCIPLE 5 – MAKE TIMELY AND BALANCED DISCLOSURE
The Company complies with the disclosure obligations of the 
ASX Listing Rules.

The Company has adopted and implemented a Continuous 
Disclosure Policy which sets out the procedure for the 
identification of material price sensitive information and reporting 
of such information to the Company Secretary for review. 
A summary of the Continuous Disclosure Policy is available on 
the Company’s website.

The Company Secretary has been nominated as the person 
with primary responsibility for communication and liaison with the 
ASX in relation to ASX Listing Rules and disclosure requirements, 
including periodic and continuous disclosure issues. The 
Company Secretary also has responsibility for ensuring internal 
compliance with those ASX Listing Rules and the oversight of 
information released to the ASX and shareholders.

PRINCIPLE 6 – RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS
As disclosed in the Board Charter posted on the Company’s 
website, the Board aims to ensure that shareholders are 
informed of all major developments affecting the Company’s 
state of affairs. The Company adopts a communications 
strategy that promotes effective communication with 
shareholders principally through ASX announcements, the 
Company website, the provision of the Annual Report, including 
the financial statements, and the Annual General Meeting (and 
any extraordinary meetings held by the Company) and notices 
of General Meetings. Information concerning resolutions for 
consideration at the Company’s General Meetings is provided 
in the notice of meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to 
participate in General Meetings and are invited to put questions 
to the Chairman of the Board in that forum. The Board ensures 
that the Company’s External Auditor attends all Annual General 
Meetings and is available to answer shareholders’ questions 
about the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content 
of the Auditor’s report.

The Company’s website provides additional information about 
the Company. The Board continues to review its channels of 
communications with shareholders for cost effectiveness and 
efficiencies, including using electronic delivery systems for 
shareholder communications where appropriate.

PRINCIPLE 7 – RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISK
The Board recognises that the management of business 
and economic risk is an integral part of its operations and 
has established policies and procedures for the oversight 
and management of material business risks, including the 
establishment of the Audit & Risk Committee. The Board also 
believes a sound risk management framework should be aimed 
at identifying and delivering improved business processes and 
procedures across the Group which are consistent with the 
Group’s commercial objectives. As mentioned above under 
“Principle 4 – Safeguard Integrity in Financial Reporting”, the 
Audit & Risk Committee comprises Professor Murray Wells as 
its Chairman, Mr Peter Ritchie AO and Mr Christopher Mackay.

The Board requires management to design and implement 
a risk management and internal control system to manage 
the entity’s material business risks and report to it on the 
management of those risks. During the reporting period, 
management reported to the Board as to the effectiveness of 
the Company’s management of its material business risks.

10

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Corporate Governance Statement

Year ended 30 June 2014

In previous years the Company maintained a regular external 
Strategic Risk Assessment, commissioned by the Audit & 
Risk Committee and facilitated by an external consultant. The 
Strategic Risk Assessment identified, assessed, and ranked the 
main strategic risks, including material business risks, facing the 
Group in respect of which management continues to formulate 
and record the internal risk controls implemented for those risks. 

During the financial year the Company built upon the Strategic 
Risk Assessment, by implementing agreed process and 
systems improvements arising from targeted Internal Audit 
reviews and reviews conducted by an external audit firm in 
conjunction with management. Additionally, during the year the 
Board and Management have focussed on driving enhanced 
risk assessment and mitigation processes in the areas of 
physical risk and systems risk through the engagement of 
Senior Group Executives respectively responsible for Security 
& Compliance and for Systems & Processes, each reporting to 
the Chief Executive Officer. 

The Group Executive – Security & Compliance has:
•	 undertaken a rigorous inspection of key operating business 
sites, reviewing security and emergency arrangements, as 
well as business continuity planning with respect to these 
sites; and 
facilitated workshops with management and staff to drive the 
identification and effective management of physical risk and 
to promote a strong risk management culture. 

•	

The Group Executive – Systems & Processes has:
•	 conducted a review of technology systems and process 

controls within the Group’s key operating business divisions, 
participated in peer group technology and systems 
benchmarking and recommended a systems strategy 
designed to mitigate risk and provide the optimum business 
outcomes to the Group; and

•	 provided expertise and executive oversight in relation to the 

execution of major group technology tenders and projects to 
ensure the achievement of project milestones and benefits 
as well as appropriate management and mitigation of project 
implement risks. 

An enhanced Internal Audit function was also implemented 
during the financial year, with the engagement of a Head 
of Internal Audit and Process Improvement, reporting to 
the Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee, as well the 
engagement of an Internal Auditor for WesTrac China. The 
Internal Audit function is charged with conducting detailed 
reviews of relevant controls in the areas of accounting, 
information and business operations and fulfilling a program 
of work to test controls implemented by management in these 
areas. The Audit & Risk Committee reviews and approves the 
Internal Audit function’s Internal Audit plan, its resourcing as well 
as monitors its independence, performance and management’s 
responsiveness to its findings and recommendations. During 
Committee meetings throughout the year, the Audit & Risk 
Committee also received risk briefings from external auditors, 

management, Head of Internal Audit and Process Improvement 
as well as Group Executive – Security & Compliance concerning 
the Group’s key business operations. The Group’s business 
divisions provide regular reporting on workplace safety practices 
and management within the Group.

The Audit & Risk Committee also monitors compliance 
with applicable laws and regulations. As mentioned under 
“Principle 4 – Safeguard Integrity in Financial Reporting” the 
Committee has adopted a formal Charter which, in addition to 
a summary of the Risk Management Policy, is available on the 
Company’s website.

Pursuant to section 295A of the Corporations Act, the Chief 
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer must confirm in 
writing to the Board that the financial records of the Company 
for the financial year have been properly maintained, the 
financial statements are prepared in accordance with relevant 
accounting standards, and the financial statements and 
notes present a true and fair view of the financial position and 
performance of the consolidated group . These statements 
also confirm that the declarations provided in accordance 
with section 295A are founded on a sound system of risk 
management and internal compliance and control systems 
which is operating effectively in all material respects in relation 
to financial reporting risks. The risk assessment framework 
described above, including the Internal Audit function, is an 
integral part of the process underlying these statements.

The required statements from the Chief Executive Officer and 
Chief Financial Officer have been given for the financial year 
ended 30 June 2014.

Workplace Safety
The Company is committed to providing a safe workplace 
and maintains comprehensive workplace safety policies and 
systems which are managed by health and safety specialists 
within the Company. Safety related arrangements, particularly 
within WesTrac’s operations, are developed following a 
risk assessment process that considers potential events 
in accordance with current Emergency Risk Management 
guidelines. Workplace health and safety polices are 
promulgated to staff through induction and training and the 
availability of information on the Company’s intranet as well 
as through Occupational Health & Safety Committees and 
representatives which ensure that any workplace safety issues 
are dealt with promptly and in a consultative manner.

Security arrangements at the Company’s business sites 
are developed through formal security risk assessment and 
vulnerability determination processes using an ‘all hazards’ 
approach. Potential security related incidents are rated against 
consequence and likelihood and security plans are documented 
following a criticality assessment, incorporating internal 
prevention and preparedness measures, as well as internal and 
external emergency response arrangements.

11

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Corporate Governance Statement

Year ended 30 June 2014

Mr Terry Davis and Mr Richard Uechtritz. The Remuneration 
& Nomination Committee Charter posted on the Company’s 
website sets out the role and responsibilities of the Committee. 
The terms of the Committee’s charter in respect of its 
Remuneration function are summarised below and in the 
Directors’ Report. The primary responsibilities of the Committee 
are, as required:
•	

to review and advise the Board on Directors’ fees and the 
remuneration packages, including equity incentive grants, 
of the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Chief 
Executives and senior executives of the Group subsidiaries;
to provide advice and support and serve as a 
sounding-board for the Managing Director & Chief 
Executive Officer and Board in human resource and 
remuneration-related matters; and
to advise on succession planning and employee development 
policies.

•	

•	

Remuneration of Non-Executive Directors
The remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors of the Board 
is restricted, in aggregate, by the Constitution of the Company 
and the requirements of the Corporations Act. Currently, 
Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration in aggregate must 
not exceed $2 million per annum. Non-Executive Directors 
receive base fees and fees for chairing or serving on Board 
Committees. In contrast to Executive Directors and senior 
executives, Non-Executive Directors do not receive performance 
linked payments, although they may receive additional payments 
at the discretion of the Board where appropriate in relation to 
special services that they perform for the Company. Fees for 
Non-Executive Directors are set out in the Remuneration Report. 
No retirement benefits apply in respect of Seven Group Holdings 
Limited Non-Executive directorships other than superannuation 
contributions. Three Non-Executive Director Retirement Deeds 
remain current in respect of Seven Network Limited. The 
benefits payable upon retirement under the Deeds were frozen 
on 1 August 2003 and from that date, retirement benefits 
have not been offered to any newly appointed Non-Executive 
Directors of Seven Network Limited.

During the year fees received by Non-Executive Directors were 
reviewed by Remuneration & Nomination Committee and the 
Committee recommended that the fees not be changed. There 
has been no change to the fees paid to Non-Executive Directors 
since their approval in 2010.

Management provides leadership by promoting a culture 
of safety and risk identification and monitors and responds 
to incident reporting and provides regular workplace safety 
updates and briefings to the Board.  

Additionally, to support well-being within the workplace, the 
Company provides a free and confidential external counselling 
service for employees and their immediate families.

Environment and Sustainability
Environmental risks are considered as part of the Company’s 
risk assessment processes. Within WesTrac this process is 
driven by its Emergency Planning Committee. Environmental 
risks relating to the use or storage of hazardous materials are 
identified and managed through regular inspections of business 
premises, reviews of compliance and emergency procedures, 
and advice from external consultants and government agencies 
on environmental matters. Internal fire fighting capabilities and 
equipment are regularly tested and emergency arrangements 
with key external response agencies have been established.  

WesTrac has developed an Environmental Charter which 
promotes the achievement of environmental and sustainability 
objectives across its operations through: the efficient use of 
energy, water and other finite resources which thereby reduces 
greenhouse gas emissions and waste; integrating environmental 
requirements into the design or modification of facilities to 
reduce life cycle costs and environmental impacts; and focusing 
on continuous improvement of environmental performance 
throughout the business.

In the past 18 months WesTrac has transitioned to purpose-built 
product distribution facilities at its main premises at Guildford 
in Western Australia and Tomago in New South Wales, each 
incorporating significant sustainable design features, including 
energy efficient lighting, rain water capture for onsite reuse, and 
native and drought resistant landscaping.

PRINCIPLE 8 – REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY
Remuneration & Nomination Committee
The Directors consider that the attraction, retention and 
motivation of its Directors and senior executives is of critical 
importance in securing the future growth of the Company, its 
profits, share price and shareholder returns.

To assist it in achieving this objective, the Board has established 
a Remuneration & Nomination Committee comprising 
Mr Peter Ritchie AO as its Chairman, Mrs Dulcie Boling, 

12

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Corporate Governance Statement

Year ended 30 June 2014

Hedging Policy
The Company’s Group Directors Share Trading Policy, and the 
Executive and Staff Share Trading Policy, prohibit employees 
(including Key Management Personnel) from dealing in the 
Company’s shares, if the dealing is prohibited under the 
Corporations Act. Therefore, in accordance with this policy, 
all KMP are prohibited from entering into arrangements in 
connection with the Company’s shares which operate to limit 
the executives’ economic risk under any equity-based incentive 
schemes. The ability to deal with unvested rights is restricted in 
the ESOP (and LTI plan) rules which applies to any options over 
shares in the Company which may be granted from time to time. 
The Company will continue to monitor the appropriateness of 
this approach. 

Further details relating to remuneration and the Company’s 
remuneration policy, framework and structuring are contained 
within the Remuneration Report.

Remuneration of Executive Directors and senior executives
The objective of the remuneration process for Executive 
Directors and senior executives is to ensure that remuneration 
packages properly reflect the duties and responsibilities of the 
employees and that the remuneration is at an appropriate but 
competitive market rate which enables the Company to attract, 
retain and motivate people of the highest quality and best 
skills from the industries in which the Company operates. This 
policy provides for the Managing Director & Chief Executive 
Officer to consider the remuneration packages paid within the 
industry and the impact these people are expected to have 
on the operational and financial performance of the Company. 
Remuneration packages may include bonus, option or share 
elements and the Company has established Share and Option 
Plans for that purpose. The payment of bonuses is based on the 
achievement of specific goals which relate to the performance 
of the Company or as otherwise specified in the relevant 
employment contracts. Share Options, performance share 
rights and share appreciation rights are issued as a part of 
remuneration packages where they are considered appropriate, 
with exercise prices and hurdle rates which reflect the long-term 
objectives of the Company.

The Company conducts annual employee performance reviews, 
involving a written questionnaire, discussion between employee 
and manager of employee competencies and the agreement of 
performance goals for the employee.

Remuneration matters concerning WesTrac Senior Executives 
who are Key Management Personnel are brought to the 
Remuneration & Nomination Committee for its consideration. 
Otherwise, WesTrac largely determines performance linked 
incentives for senior employees and executives of the WesTrac 
Group within a budget approved by the Board and reported 
to the Remuneration & Nomination Committee. However, 
remuneration policy matters relating to WesTrac may also be 
brought to the Remuneration & Nomination Committee or Board 
as appropriate.

The Remuneration & Nomination Committee met after the end 
of the financial year to review and recommend to the Board any 
performance linked remuneration for the Managing Director & 
Chief Executive Officer during the financial year as well as for 
senior Company executives. This process and the outcomes 
are summarised in the Remuneration Report.

The key terms of Mr Voelte’s employment arrangements as 
Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director were announced to 
ASX on 1 July 2013. Further information concerning Mr Voelte’s 
employment and remuneration arrangements is set out in 
Remuneration Report. 

13

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Directors’ Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Your Directors present their report on the Group consisting of 
Seven Group Holdings Limited and the entities it controlled at 
the end of, or during, the year ended 30 June 2014.

Board
The following persons were Board members of Seven Group 
Holdings Limited during the whole of the financial year and up to 
the date of this report, unless otherwise stated:

Kerry Matthew Stokes AC (Executive Chairman)
Peter David Ritchie AO (Deputy Chairman)
Donald Rudolph Voelte AO (Managing Director  
& Chief Executive Officer)
David John Leckie (Executive Director, Media  
resigned 22 August 2014)
Elizabeth Dulcie Boling
Terry James Davis
Christopher John Mackay
Bruce Ian McWilliam
Ryan Kerry Stokes (Chief Operating Officer)
Richard Anders Uechtritz
Professor Murray Charles Wells
James Allan Walker (Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Group 
resigned 23 August 2013)

Particulars of their qualifications, experience, special 
responsibilities and any directorships of other listed companies 
are set out in this Annual Report under the headings “Board of 
Directors” and “Corporate Governance Statement” and form 
part of this report.

Warren Walter Coatsworth is the Company Secretary. 
Particulars of Mr Coatsworth’s qualifications and experience 
are set out in this Annual Report under the heading 
“Company Secretary”.

Principal Activities
The principal activities of the Group during the financial year 
were those of a diversified operating and investment group; 
with interests in heavy equipment sales and service and 
equipment hire and media and broadcasting. There were 
no significant changes in the nature of the Group’s principal 
activities during the financial year. During the year, the Group 
commenced activities in the oil and gas sector through its 
acquisition of the senior debt and subordinated notes issued 
by Nexus Energy Limited and a non-operating interest in 
producing, development and undeveloped oil and gas assets 
located in the United States of America.

Business Strategies, Prospects and Likely Developments
Information on the Group’s operations, financial position, 
business strategies and prospects for future financial years has 
been included in the “Operating and Financial Review”.

14

The Operating and Financial Review also refers to likely 
developments in the Group’s operations and the expected 
results of those operations in future financial years. Information 
in the Operating and Financial Review is provided to enable 
shareholders to make an informed assessment about the 
business strategies and prospects for future financial years of 
the Group. Detail that could give rise to likely material detriment 
to the Group, for example, information that is commercially 
sensitive, confidential or could give a third party a commercial 
advantage has not been included. Other than the information 
set out in the Operating and Financial Review, information 
about other likely developments in the Group’s operations and 
the expected results of these operations in future financial years 
has not been included.

Significant Changes in the State of Affairs
Significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group during the 
financial year were as follows:
•	 On 12 November 2013, WesTrac, a division of the Company, 
announced plans to implement an organisational restructure 
across its operations. The restructure resulted in a workforce 
reduction of approximately 630 WesTrac positions at an 
approximate cost of AUD $13 million. The restructure was 
successfully completed by the end of December 2013.
•	 On 10 December 2013, WesTrac China Limited, a wholly 

owned subsidiary of the Company, announced its 
acquisition from Caterpillar Global Mining LLC of the latter’s 
distribution and support business in certain Provinces in 
north-eastern China at a transaction cost of approximately 
USD $130 million.

•	 On 11 December 2013, the Company announced details of 

an on-market buy-back of up to 11.9 million of the Company’s 
shares, representing approximately 3.86% of the Company’s 
ordinary shares. The buy-back commenced on 13 January 
2014 and at the date of this report, 5,468,395 ordinary shares 
have been bought back at a cost of AUD $44 million.
•	 On 31 March 2014, the Company announced that it had 
signed a merger implementation agreement to acquire all 
of the outstanding equity of Nexus Energy Limited (Nexus) 
by way of a scheme of arrangement. The offer to Nexus 
shareholders was AUD 2 cents per share in cash. The 
agreement was subject to various conditions, including 
Nexus shareholder and court approval. The Company 
also provided Nexus with working capital to continue 
its operations, including an immediate AUD $30 million 
bridge-loan facility.
 The Federal Court of Australia ordered the despatch of the 
scheme booklet on 7 May 2014. The Court also ordered 
that a meeting of Nexus shareholders be convened to 
consider the scheme on 12 June 2014. On 12 June 2014, 
insufficient Nexus shareholder votes were received to 
approve the scheme. The same day, Nexus was placed into 
voluntary administration.

In the opinion of the Directors there were no other significant 
changes in the state of affairs of the Group that occurred during 
the financial year.

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
Directors’ Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Matters Subsequent to the End of the Financial Year
On 6 August 2014, the administrators of Nexus announced 
that only one offer was generated through the company’s sale 
process. The sole offer was a proposed Deed of Company 
Arrangement (DOCA) from a wholly-owned Group subsidiary, 
SGH Energy (No 2) Pty Ltd. The key terms of the DOCA 
included the repayment of the Nexus senior debt in full, trade 
creditors and employee priority claims paid in full, subordinated 
note holders to receive 74.5 cents in the dollar for principal 
and accrued interest and settlement of Sedco’s claims against 
Nexus for $30,000,000.

Nexus creditors subsequently resolved to execute the DOCA 
at the second meeting of Nexus creditors on 11 August 2014. 
Completion of the DOCA by Nexus is subject to several 
conditions precedent and is required to occur within 
15 business days of the second creditors meeting (i.e. by 
1 September 2014). Further information regarding the DOCA is 
available in Nexus’ ASX announcement dated 6 August 2014. 

On 27 June 2014, a wholly-owned Group subsidiary Seven 
Network (United States) Inc. (SNUS), acquired a non-operating 

interest in producing, development and undeveloped oil and gas 
assets located in the United States of America. Subsequent to 
30 June 2014, Apache Corporation, the operator of the oil and 
gas assets initiated legal action against the vendor and SNUS 
for alleged breaches of contract (by the vendor) and tortious 
interference (by SNUS). The Group believes the action to be 
without merit and is defending its position.

Except for the above, there are no other matters or circumstances 
which have arisen since 30 June 2014 that have significantly 
affected or may significantly affect:
(a) the Group’s operations in future financial years; or
(b) the results of those operations in future financial years; or
(c) the Group’s state of affairs in future financial years.

Meetings of Directors
The number of meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors 
and of each Board Committee held during the year ended 
30 June 2014, and the number of those meetings attended by 
each Director, were:

Director

KM Stokes AC
PD Ritchie AO
DR Voelte AO
DJ Leckie +
ED Boling
TJ Davis
CJ Mackay
BI McWilliam 
RK Stokes 
MC Wells
RA Uechtritz
JA Walker *

Board 

Audit & Risk §

Remuneration & Nomination

Independent & Related Party

(a)

12
12
12
3
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
–

(b)

10
11
11
3
12
11
12
11
12
12
12
–

(a)

–
7(1)
7(2)
–
–
–
7
7
7(2)
7(2)
–
(2)

(b)

–
6(1)
7(2)
–
–
–
7
7
7(2)
7(2)
–
(2)

(a)

(b)

(a)

(b)

1
3
3
–
3
3
–
–
–
–
3
–

1
2
3
–
3
1
–
–
–
–
3
–

–
3
–
–
3
3
3
2
–
3
3
–

–
2
–
–
3
3
3
2
–
3
3
–

(a)  The number of meetings held reflects the number of meetings held while the Director concerned held office during the year.
(b)  The number of meetings attended. Please note Directors may attend meetings of Committees of which they are not a formal member, and in these instances, their attendance is also 

included in the above. A Director may also have been absent from a meeting, or part thereof, if there was a conflict of interest.

+  Leave of absence granted.
*  Resigned as Director 23 August 2013.
§  Bracketed numbers in these columns refer to the number of meetings of a Sub Committee of the Audit & Risk Committee held and attended.

15

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Directors’ Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Dividends – Ordinary Shares
Since the start of the financial year, a final fully franked dividend 
for the 2013 financial period of 20.0 cents per share, amounting 
to $61,632,000, was paid on 11 October 2013.

Since the start of the financial year, an interim fully franked 
dividend for the 2014 financial year of 20.0 cents per share, 
amounting to $61,471,000, was paid on 11 April 2014.

A final fully franked dividend for the 2014 financial year of 
20.0 cents per share of $60,538,000 will be paid on 13 October 
2014, based on the number of issued shares at the date of 
this report.

Dividends – TELYS4
Since the start of the financial year, a fully franked dividend of 
$2.6427 per TELYS4 based on 4,963,640 TELYS4 on issue, 
amounting to $13,117,000 was paid on 2 December 2013.

A further fully franked dividend of $2.5608 per TELYS4 based 
on 4,963,640 TELYS4 on issue, amounting to $12,711,000 was 
paid on 2 June 2014.

Environmental Disclosure
In respect of the environmental regulations under any laws of 
the States, Territories and Commonwealth of Australia, the 
significant regulations that apply to the media operations of the 
entities the Company holds investments in are those guidelines 
and standards issued by the Australian Communications and 
Media Authority.

It is the Directors’ understanding that the Company is fully 
compliant with the provisions of these guidelines and standards. 
Various State Environmental Protection Authorities have issued 
licenses to the Company under the laws of the respective 
States. All requirements and conditions of these licenses have 
been complied with to the satisfaction of the issuing authority.

The Company assesses the Group as part of its compliance 
with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act and 
will be reporting relevant emissions and energy usage and 
production for the Group for the financial year to the Clean 
Energy Regulator.

There are no other particular environmental regulations applying 
to WesTrac or the Group.

Directors’ Interests in Shares
The relevant interest of each Director in ordinary shares, TELYS4 
or options issued by the companies within the Group, as 
notified by the Directors to the Australian Securities Exchange in 
accordance with S205G(1) of the Corporations Act, at the date 
of this report is as follows:

16

Directors’ holdings of Seven Group Holdings Limited shares as 
at 27 August 2014

Ordinary 
Shares

Options over
 Ordinary
 Shares 

KM Stokes AC 

207,304,349

PD Ritchie AO

DR Voelte AO

ED Boling

TJ Davis

CJ Mackay

BI McWilliam

RK Stokes

MC Wells
RA Uechtritz

46,072

40,000

Nil

Nil

10,000

124,011

115,780

4,000
536,476

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil 

Nil

Nil
Nil

TELYS4

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

5,500

Nil

Nil

Nil

710
2,400

Options granted over Ordinary Shares in Seven Group 
Holdings Limited
On 28 April 2010, an Employee Share Option Plan was 
approved by the Board to enable the provision of performance 
based incentives to the Company’s Senior Executives.

Options granted under the Employee Share Option Plan entitle 
the holder to one fully paid ordinary share at the exercise price. 
All options expire on the earlier of their expiry date or 180 days 
following the termination of the holder’s employment. In addition, 
the ability to exercise options is conditional on the achievement 
of Total Shareholder Return hurdles. Further details are included 
in the Remuneration Report.

During the financial year and up to the date of this report 
1,500,000 options with an exercise price of $7.00 and 1,000,000 
options with an exercise price of $8.00 were exercised. The 
terms of these options allowed them to be satisfied on exercise 
by the issue of new shares or by the transfer of shares acquired 
on market or to be cashed out, at the Company’s discretion. 
The Company elected to satisfy the exercised options through 
the transfer of shares acquired on market or cashing out and no 
new shares were issued.

On 30 June 2014, 1,000,000 options with an exercise price of 
$9.00 lapsed. No options were granted during or since the end 
of the year.

Unissued Shares under Options
At the date of this report, there are no options on issue under 
the Employee Share Option Plan, nor any other options on issue 
over unissued shares in the Company.

The names of the executives who previously held options, 
granted at any time, are entered in the Register of Options kept 
by the Company pursuant to Section 170 of the Corporations 
Act. The Register may be inspected free of charge.

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Message from the Board

Dear Shareholders

Executive remuneration outcomes
In the 2014 financial year (FY14), Seven Group Holdings Limited 
(the Company) and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 
Group) have spent considerable time recruiting and selecting 
a new executive management team with the appropriate skills 
and experience to position the Group for future growth and 
ensure its long term viability. The new management team are 
driving fundamental changes to meet the changing demands 
of the mining sector, have undertaken significant cost reduction 
initiatives and have set foundations for future growth across our 
industrial services businesses and media investments. 

While putting in place the frameworks for the Group’s 
development and growth, the Group has encountered a 
challenging economy across our operating businesses. 
Demand for resources and significant pressure on commodity 
prices have impacted the performance of our businesses 
over the past twelve months as the mining services market 
contracted in response to significant cost cutting across 
the mining industry and our customers have reduced their 
capital expenditure. 

In FY14 the Board set a challenging budget reflective of 
market conditions and consistent with market guidance. 
Despite the challenging conditions, the Group delivered a 
strong performance in FY14 to achieve the Net Profit after Tax 
(NPAT) target of $236.8 million on a statutory basis which was 
10% ahead of target ($262.5 million). The underlying NPAT 
performance was also ahead of target by 6%. 

While the result was a 46% decrease on the prior year record 
performance on a statutory basis, the executive management 
team have adapted to the changing environment and delivered 
an outstanding performance, demonstrated by all of our 
businesses and investments maintaining their market leading 
positions in FY14.

Executive variable remuneration outcomes in FY14 were 
dependent on both the Group’s achievement of its NPAT target 
and on individual executive performance outcomes against 
financial and non-financial key performance indicators. In FY14 
the key performance indicators for executives were focussed on 
the achievement of key goals associated with the restructuring 
and cost reduction programs implemented during the year 
which were successfully delivered by the management team. 
As a result, short-term incentive plan awards at between 86 and 
92 per cent of the “at target” level will be made to executives, 
reflecting the Board’s commitment to maintaining the link 
between executive remuneration and Group performance.

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer remuneration
We welcome Mr Don Voelte AO to the Company as Managing 
Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO). Mr Voelte AO 
was appointed to this position on 1 July 2013. The MD & CEO’s 
remuneration structure was considered and approved by the 
Board and announced to the ASX on 1 July 2013. Further details 
concerning the MD & CEO’s employment and remuneration 
arrangements and the performance-linked remuneration 
applying to the MD & CEO are set out in section 5 of the 
Remuneration Report.

MD & CEO performance-linked remuneration outcomes
The MD & CEO is eligible to participate in performance-linked 
remuneration under a Short Term Incentive (STI) plan and a 
Long Term Incentive (LTI) plan. 

The MD & CEO delivered an outstanding performance to 
achieve his goals under the STI plan and as such was awarded 
90 per cent of the at target payment under this plan. 

The MD & CEO received a grant of 1,221,374 share appreciation 
rights on 1 July 2013 under the LTI plan applicable to the 
MD & CEO. The LTI plan provides an opportunity for the 
MD & CEO be paid a cash amount based on the increase 
in the Company’s share price over a defined exercise price 
subject to the satisfaction of specified vesting conditions over 
an initial three year performance period. The plan is designed to 
encourage sustained long-term performance and enhance the 
alignment between the interests of the MD & CEO and those 
of shareholders by rewarding the MD & CEO for increasing the 
market value of the Company.

Executive leadership team
Following his appointment as MD & CEO, Mr Voelte AO made a 
number of new appointments and changes to the management 
team to place the Group in a strong position to meet the 
demands of the changing landscape. We are pleased to 
introduce the Group’s Executive Leadership Team.

Donald Rudolph Voelte AO 

Melanie Jayne Allibon 

Martin Bryant 

Jarvas Ernest Croome 

Martin John Ferguson AM 

William Neil Forbes AM 

Bruce Ian McWilliam 
Richard Joseph Richards 
James Robert Scott 
Ryan Kerry Stokes  

 Managing Director &  
Chief Executive Officer
 Group Executive, 
Human Resources
 Chief Executive Officer, 
WesTrac China 
 Chief Executive Officer, 
WesTrac Australia
 Group Executive, 
Natural Resources
 Chief Risk, 
Safety & Security Officer
Commercial Director
Group Chief Financial Officer
Group Executive, Performance
Chief Operating Officer

17

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Also leaving Key Management Personnel during the year 
was Mr David Cooper, Interim Chief Financial Officer on 
30 September 2013, who had been retained by the Company 
on an interim basis prior to the appointment of Mr Richards as 
Group Chief Financial Officer. Mr Cooper was subsequently 
appointed as Chief Financial Officer, WesTrac.

Leaving Key Management Personnel subsequent to 30 June 
2014 was Mr David Leckie, Executive Director, Media who 
resigned as a Director of the Company on 22 August 2014 to 
take up a consulting role with the Group and was no longer Key 
Management Personnel from this date.

Remuneration & Nomination Committee
During the financial year the Remuneration & Nomination 
Committee (the Committee) comprised the following members:

PD Ritchie (Chairman of the Committee)
ED Boling
TJ Davis
RA Uechtritz

Further executive remuneration details
Further details concerning executive remuneration 
arrangements and the performance-linked remuneration 
outcomes for FY14 are set out in this Remuneration Report. 

Yours faithfully

Peter Ritchie AO 
Chairman of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee

Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

We look forward to continuing to work with our Executive 
Leadership Team as we strive to create the opportunities for 
further growth and development of the Group and further 
enhance the performance of our operating businesses.

Executive leadership team changes during the year
Certain members of the Executive Leadership Team have 
authority and responsibility for planning, directing and 
controlling the activities of the Group either directly or indirectly 
and as such are members of the Group’s Key Management 
Personnel (KMP). The remuneration of KMP is detailed in the 
Remuneration Report.

New in FY14 to the Executive Leadership Team, and Key 
Management Personnel, were Ms Melanie J Allibon – 
Group Executive, Human Resources from 1 July 2013 and 
Mr Richard Richards – Group Chief Financial Officer from 
1 October 2013. 

Joining the Executive Leadership Team during the year 
was Mr James Scott – Group Executive, Performance 
from 2 September 2013, Mr Martin Ferguson AM – Group 
Executive, Natural Resources from 9 October 2013 and 
Mr William Forbes AM – Chief Risk, Safety & Security Officer 
from 17 February 2014.

Additionally, following the announcement of the retirement 
of Mr James Walker – Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac, 
Mr Voelte AO reorganised the responsibilities of the Executive 
Leadership Team in the WesTrac businesses.

The changes to the Executive Leadership Team at WesTrac were:
•	 From 1 December 2013, WesTrac China’s Chief Executive 

Officer, Mr Martin Bryant, was responsible for WesTrac China 
reporting directly to Mr Voelte AO and as such is a member 
of the Key Management Personnel of the Group from this 
date. Mr Walker was previously responsible for the WesTrac 
China business with Mr Bryant reporting to Mr Walker’s 
position prior to 1 December 2013; and

•	 On 10 March 2014, Mr Jarvas Croome was appointed 

as Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Australia and to Key 
Management Personnel of the Group.

Leaving the Executive Leadership Team and Key Management 
Personnel during the year was Mr James Walker, 
Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac who retired on 31 January 
2014. Mr Walker resigned as an Executive Director of the 
Company on 23 August 2013. Mr Walker joined WesTrac 
in 1989 and was the Chief Executive Officer of WesTrac for 
the past 13 years leading the Group’s rapid development in 
industrial services in Australia and China. We honour his work 
and commitment to the Group, our people and our customers 
over so many decades and wish him the very best for the next 
stage of his career as a Company Director and Chairman.

18

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Remuneration Report – audited
Contents
The Remuneration Report is set out under the following main headings:

Introduction

1. 
2.  Remuneration governance
3.  Remuneration principles and strategy
4.  Executive Chairman and Non-Executive Director remuneration framework
5.  KMP Executive remuneration framework

a.  Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer remuneration
b.  Short-term incentive plan
c.  Long-term incentive plan
d.  Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer long-term incentive plan

6.  Key Management Personnel equity holdings
7.  Key Management Personnel related party transactions
8.  Legacy share-based remuneration
9.  Summary of executive contracts
10. Remuneration in detail
11.  Link between remuneration and Group performance

1. Introduction
The Directors of Seven Group Holdings Limited present the Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 June 2014 (FY14). 
The Remuneration Report forms part of the Directors’ Report and has been audited in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001. 

The Remuneration Report details the remuneration arrangements for Key Management Personnel (KMP), which include Executive 
Directors, Non-Executive Directors and certain senior executives of the Group who have authority and responsibility for planning, 
directing and controlling the activities of the Group (Group Executives). Executive Directors and Group Executives are hereafter 
collectively referred to in this report as KMP Executives.

The Group’s KMP for the year ended 30 June 2014 are listed in the table below. 

Executive Directors 

Kerry Matthew Stokes AC 
Donald Rudolph Voelte AO
David John Leckie
Bruce Ian McWilliam
Ryan Kerry Stokes 

Non-Executive Directors 

Peter David Ritchie AO
Elizabeth Dulcie Boling
Terry James Davis
Christopher John Mackay
Richard Anders Uechtritz
Professor Murray Charles Wells

Executive Chairman
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) (appointed 1 July 2013)
Executive Director, Media (resigned 22 August 2014)
Commercial Director
Chief Operating Officer

Deputy Chairman
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director

19

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
 
 
 
Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Group Executives

Melanie Jayne Allibon
Martin Bryant
David Anthony Cooper (a)
Jarvas Ernest Croome
Richard Joseph Richards
James Allan Walker (b)

Group Executive, Human Resources (appointed as KMP on 1 July 2013)
Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac China (appointed as KMP on 1 December 2013)
Interim Group Chief Financial Officer (ceased 30 September 2013)
Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Australia (appointed 10 March 2014)
Group Chief Financial Officer (appointed 1 October 2013)
Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Group (retired 31 January 2014)

(a)  Mr Cooper was retained by the Company as Interim Group Chief Financial Officer through a company to company agreement with Deloitte where Mr Cooper was a Partner, prior to the 

appointment of Mr Richards as Group Chief Financial Officer.

(b)  Mr Walker was an Executive Director of the Company until 23 August 2013 and was Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Group until 31 January 2014.

2. Remuneration governance
Role of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee
The role and responsibilities of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee (the Committee) are explained in detail in the 
Corporate Governance Statement. The key responsibilities of the Committee are summarised below and include the following:
•	 Make recommendations to the Board in relation to the remuneration of the MD & CEO and Non-Executive Directors, as 

necessary or requested by the Board;

•	 Review and make recommendations to the Board on all proposed offers to participate in, and all grants made pursuant to, the 

Company’s equity plans and the overall functioning of the equity plans; and 

•	 Review and advise on senior management succession planning and employee development policies, as requested by the Board 

or the MD & CEO.

Engagement of remuneration advisers
The Remuneration & Nomination Committee obtains independent advice on the appropriateness of remuneration arrangements for 
the KMP, as required. Advice is sought in relation to remuneration trends for comparative companies both locally and internationally. 
Any advice received by the Company is considered in light of the Company’s remuneration policy and objectives.

During FY14 no remuneration recommendations, as defined by the Corporations Act, were requested by or provided to the 
Remuneration & Nomination Committee or the Board by any remuneration consultant. 

During FY14 Mercer Consulting (Australia) Pty Ltd (Mercer) was engaged by the Company to provide market remuneration data 
on executive roles. In the course of providing this information, the Board is satisfied that Mercer did not make any remuneration 
recommendations as defined by the Corporations Act relating to Key Management Personnel.

3. Remuneration principles and strategy
Remuneration principles
Given the nature of the Group’s business and the policy of primarily setting operational management remuneration at the operating 
entity levels, the Company is focused on retaining quality directors and a small team of key personnel with the appropriate skills 
and expertise. 

While the Board determines and applies specific remuneration policies at the holding Company level, the operating entities have 
a level of flexibility in determining and setting their own sector specific remuneration policies and arrangements. The policies and 
arrangements are within delegated authority limits and budgets for the operating entity which are reviewed by management of 
the Company and approved by the Board. Remuneration matters relating to the Group’s controlled operating entities are brought 
forward to the Remuneration & Nomination Committee as appropriate. 

The key principles of the Group’s Remuneration Policy are:
•	 Ensure that remuneration packages properly reflect the duties and responsibilities of the employees and that the remuneration is 
at an appropriate, competitive market rate which enables the Group to attract, retain and motivate people of the highest quality 
and best skills from the industries in which the Company and Group operate; 

•	 Ensure the Group’s remuneration structures are equitable and aligned with the long-term interests of the Group and its 

shareholders and having regard to relevant Group policies; 

•	 Structure incentives that are linked to the creation of sustainable shareholder returns; and 
•	 Ensure any termination benefits are appropriate.

20

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Remuneration strategy
The following diagram illustrates how the Group’s remuneration strategy and approach are linked to, and support the business’ 
objectives and how they are aligned to the long-term interests of shareholders and the creation of sustainable shareholder returns. 

Deliver strong revenue and earnings growth in core operating businesses. Efficiently allocate capital to work with investee companies  
in which it has a significant stake to increase the value of its investments.

Business objective

Remuneration strategy and objectives

Attract, retain and motivate people of the highest quality
Attract, motivate and retain key talent by providing market competitive 
remuneration, which provides a mix of fixed and variable short-term and 
long-term incentives.

Align remuneration structures with the long-term interests of the 
Group and shareholders
Short-term and long-term incentive outcomes are dependent on the 
achievement of financial and non-financial business objectives, and 
shareholder return measures including Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 
and Earnings Per Share (EPS).

Fixed remuneration

Short-term incentives 

Long-term incentives 

Fixed remuneration (FR) consists of base 
salary as well as employer superannuation 
contributions.
FR is set by having regard to listed companies of 
a similar size and complexity.
Non-monetary benefits are provided in addition 
to FR. Non-monetary benefits, as disclosed in 
the remuneration tables, include benefits paid 
for by the Company such as car parking and 
tickets to events.

The short-term incentive (STI) plan delivers 
an annual incentive where executives have 
achieved stretching performance measures. 
In the case of the MD & CEO the incentive is 
delivered via deferred shares and cash, and 
for all other KMP Executives the incentive is 
delivered in cash.
Performance is typically measured using a mix 
of financial corporate goals such as NPAT and 
non-financial personal goals including:
•	 Divisional profit before significant items, net 
finance costs and tax (EBIT) performance;

•	 Leadership and staff development;
•	 Strategic direction; and
•	 Investment performance.

MD & CEO
The MD & CEO long-term incentive (LTI) plan 
provides annual grants of cash-settled share 
options which provide an opportunity for the MD 
& CEO to be paid a cash amount based on the 
increase in the Company’s share price over a 
defined exercise price subject to the satisfaction 
of specified vesting conditions. The plan is 
designed to encourage sustained long-term 
performance and enhance the alignment 
between the interests of the MD & CEO and those 
of shareholders by rewarding the MD & CEO for 
increasing the market value of the Company.
KMP Executives
The KMP Executive LTI plan provides an 
opportunity for grants of performance rights to 
selected executives. Grants are only made if the 
financial performance targets for the relevant 
financial year are achieved. The plan provides 
that any grants made are subject to further 
performance hurdles of Earnings per Share 
growth and relative Total Shareholder Return 
over a three-year period. 

21

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

4. Executive Chairman and Non-Executive Director remuneration framework
Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration is reviewed by the Board, taking into account the recommendations of the Remuneration 
& Nomination Committee and, as appropriate, external benchmarking of remuneration for Non-Executive Directors of 
comparable companies. 

The objective of the Committee in making its recommendations is to attract, retain and properly motivate Directors who will, through 
their contribution to the Board and the Group, work towards creating sustainable value for shareholders and stakeholders. 

Approved fee pool
In accordance with the Company’s Constitution and the requirements of the Corporations Act and ASX Listing Rules, the aggregate 
fees payable to the Non-Executive Directors are set at a maximum level approved by shareholders. The current aggregate pool 
available for the payment of fees to the Executive Chairman and Non-Executive Directors is $2,000,000 per annum. 

Executive Chairman fees
Mr Kerry M Stokes AC, Executive Chairman, receives a director’s fee of $350,000. He does not receive any variable remuneration 
or other performance related incentives such as options or rights to shares. In addition, no retirement benefits are provided to the 
Executive Chairman other than statutory superannuation contributions.

Non-Executive Director fees
Non-Executive Directors receive a fixed fee which includes a base fee and additional fees for being the Chair or member of a Board 
Committee (Committee fees). Board and Committee fees are paid in the form of cash and statutory superannuation contributions. 

The table below sets out the base and Committee fees inclusive of superannuation which applied during FY14. There was no 
increase in Non-Executive Director fees during FY14, which have remained unchanged since August 2010.

Non-Executive Director fees

   Base fee
Committee Chair fees
   Audit & Risk
   Remuneration & Nomination
   Independent & Related Party
Committee member fees
   Audit & Risk 
   Remuneration & Nomination
   Independent & Related Party

$150,000

$60,000
$40,000
$40,000

$20,000
$20,000
$20,000

The Non-Executive Directors do not currently receive any variable remuneration or other performance related incentives such as 
options or rights to shares, and no retirement benefits (except as outlined below) are provided to Non-Executive Directors. However, 
Non-Executive Directors may receive performance linked payments and other payments at the discretion of the Board in relation to 
special services that they perform for the Company. No performance linked payments or other payments for special services were 
made to Non-Executive Directors in FY14.

Non-Executive Director Retirement Benefits
A Retirement Deed was previously entered into with three qualifying Non-Executive Directors of Seven Network Limited in relation 
to the benefit payable on retirement to Directors who have served more than five years as Seven Network Limited Directors. These 
Retirement Deeds have been in place for a number of years. The benefits payable upon retirement under the Deeds were frozen on 
1 August 2003 at three times the average of the Directors’ emolument over the previous three years and no further increases will 
apply. From that date, retirement benefits were not offered to any newly appointed Non-Executive Directors. Three Non-Executive 
Director Retirement Deeds now remain current in respect of Seven Network Limited. No other retirement benefits apply in respect 
of Seven Group Holdings Limited Non-Executive directorships.

22

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

5. KMP Executive remuneration framework
The Group’s remuneration structures are designed to attract suitably qualified candidates, reward the achievement of strategic 
objectives and achieve the broader outcome of creation of value for shareholders. 

Total remuneration comprises of fixed and variable remuneration (which is dependent on the achievement of financial and 
non-financial performance measures). When determining the nature and amount of remuneration the Remuneration & Nomination 
Committee considers the appropriate level of total remuneration for each KMP Executive by examining the total reward provided 
to comparable roles in organisations of similar global complexity, size and reach.

Fixed remuneration
Fixed remuneration consists of base salary, as well as employer contributions to superannuation funds. 

Remuneration levels are reviewed by the Remuneration & Nomination Committee through a process that considers individual, 
segment and overall performance of the Group. In addition, external consultants may be requested to provide analysis and advice 
to ensure the KMP executives’ remuneration is competitive in the market place. 

Variable remuneration
Performance linked remuneration is designed to reward certain KMP Executives for meeting or exceeding financial and 
individual objectives.

Further details on the STI and LTI plans are included below.

Remuneration mix
The following table outlines the current target remuneration mix for the MD & CEO and other KMP Executives (excluding the 
Executive Chairman who does not receive any variable remuneration). The MD & CEO has a higher proportion of remuneration  
“at-risk” (and subject to performance conditions) to reflect the greater responsibility and accountability for the business’ performance 
relative to other KMP Executives.

KMP Executives

Position

DR Voelte AO
MJ Allibon (a)
M Bryant (b)(c)
JE Croome (d) 
DJ Leckie (c) 
BI McWilliam (a)
RJ Richards (e) 
RK Stokes
JA Walker (f)(g) 

MD & CEO
Group Executive, Human Resources
Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac China
Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Australia
Executive Director, Media
Commercial Director
Group Chief Financial Officer
Group Chief Operating Officer
Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac

FR

45%
100%
100%
50%
100%
100%
50%
50%
57%

STI

22%
–
–
25%
–
–
25%
25%
21.5%

Deferred 
STI

11%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

LTI

22%
–
–
25%
–
–
25%
25%
21.5%

(a)  Ms Allibon and Mr McWilliam are employed by Seven West Media Limited and do not participate in performance-linked remuneration plans with Seven Group Holdings Limited but may have 

the opportunity to receive discretionary incentive payments.

(b)  KMP Executive role commenced 1 December 2013 on the appointment of Mr Bryant.
(c)  Mr Bryant and Mr Leckie do not participate in performance-linked remuneration.
(d)  KMP Executive role commenced 10 March 2014 on the appointment of Mr Croome.
(e)  KMP Executive role commenced 1 October 2013 on the appointment of Mr Richards.
(f)  KMP Executive role ceased 31 January 2014 on the resignation of Mr Walker.
(g)  Mr Walker resigned on 31 January 2014 and as such was not eligible to receive performance-linked remuneration in FY14.

23

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Minimum shareholding guidelines for KMP Executives
With effect from 1 July 2012, the Board implemented minimum shareholding guidelines to encourage KMP Executives to hold Seven 
Group Holdings Limited shares and further align their interests with those of shareholders. The guidelines impose a minimum level of 
shareholding based on the KMP Executive’s length of service with the Group, as set out in the table below.

Years of service of KMP Executive

Minimum value of shares to be held by KMP Executive

5
10
15
20

20% of annual fixed remuneration
40% of annual fixed remuneration
60% of annual fixed remuneration
80% of annual fixed remuneration

Shareholdings for each KMP are detailed in section 6 of the Remuneration Report.

a. Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer remuneration
Mr Voelte AO was appointed Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2013. Mr Voelte AO is employed under an 
open-ended employment contract under which the MD & CEO may give six months’ notice to terminate employment. The Company 
is required to provide one month notice to terminate. 

The remuneration mix for the MD & CEO comprises both a fixed component and a variable (or “at risk”) component (which 
comprises separate short-term incentive and long-term incentive elements). These components are explained in detail below.

Fixed remuneration
The MD & CEO’s fixed remuneration is $3,200,000 per annum inclusive of superannuation. 

The remit of the MD & CEO includes overseeing the strategy of the Group, subject to the input and approval of the Board. The Board 
considers the MD & CEO’s fixed remuneration is appropriate having regard to the responsibilities and duties of Mr Voelte AO as MD & 
CEO, as well as his extensive experience and demonstrated performance in influencing achievement of substantial business strategy 
as a CEO in both Australia and the United States. Mr Voelte AO has very considerable responsibilities as the head of a small executive 
team, and accordingly placement of this complex role is critical due to its high capacity for it to influence Company performance and 
shareholder value. Mr Voelte AO is uniquely qualified for the position given his very recent media experience as Managing Director & 
Chief Executive Officer of Seven West Media Limited, a core investment of the Group and his significant experience as a CEO in the 
gas and energy industry, a sector in which the Group is seeking to invest.

Under the Board’s Charter the appointment of the MD & CEO is a matter for the Board. Accordingly, the MD & CEO’s remuneration 
was proposed with the assistance of a sub-committee of the Board under delegation from the Board and with reference to market 
remuneration data from companies in Seven Group Holdings Limited’s market peer group and with regard to the criticality of the role 
and of Mr Voelte AO to the Group.

Variable remuneration
The MD & CEO is eligible to participate in performance-linked remuneration under an STI plan and an LTI plan. Further details on the 
STI and LTI plans applying to the MD & CEO are at section 5.b and 5.d of the Remuneration Report.

b. Short-term incentive plan
Certain KMP Executives, including the MD & CEO, participated in the Company’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) plan in FY14 which 
provided executives with the opportunity to receive an annual incentive subject to the achievement of corporate and personal 
performance objectives. 

STI delivery
For the MD & CEO, two-thirds of the STI is awarded as a lump sum cash payment after corporate and personal goals have been 
measured and assessed.

For the MD & CEO, one-third of the award is deferred into restricted shares. The deferred portion of STI is not subject to further 
performance conditions (other than continuous employment such that if the MD & CEO’s employment is terminated under certain 
circumstances, he does not receive the portion of the unvested restricted shares). The shares vest in three equal tranches, over a 
period of three years.

24

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

For other KMP Executives, the STI is awarded as a lump sum cash payment after corporate and personal goals have been 
measured and assessed following the end of the financial year. 

STI awards, including the corporate goals component of the STI award, are not provided in circumstances where individual 
performance is unsatisfactory. 

STI opportunity
The weighting between corporate and personal goals and the target opportunity under the STI plan for each KMP Executives 
participating in the STI plan are set out in the following table.

KMP 
Executive

DR Voelte AO
JE Croome
RJ Richards
RK Stokes

Position

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer 
Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Australia
Group Chief Financial Officer 
Group Chief Operating Officer 

Target STI
opportunity 
(as a percentage 
of FR)

75%
50%
50%
50%

Corporate 
goal 
weighting

Personal 
goals 
weighting

50%
40%
40%
40%

50%
60%
60%
60%

Corporate goals
The corporate goals for each of the STI participants are determined relative to the Group’s statutory NPAT performance. Subject to 
Board discretion the statutory NPAT outcome may be calculated before significant items. The NPAT target for FY14 was $236.8 million. 

Personal goals
The personal goals for each of the STI participants are measured using a balanced scorecard approach based on measurable and 
quantifiable targets. Financial and non-financial measures are differentially weighted to reflect the different focus for KMP Executives 
in driving the overall business strategy. Example scorecard measures for participants are set out in the table below.

Position

MD & CEO

KMP Executives

Performance measures

Personal goals are assessed against specified criteria:
•	 Performance against budget;
•	 Leadership and staff development;
•	 Strategic direction;
•	 Investment performance; and 
•	 Direction regarding the Company’s operating businesses. 

Personal goals are assessed against specified criteria, for example:
•	 Divisional EBIT performance;
•	 Performance against various budget measures;
•	 Leadership and staff development;
•	 Cost management and delivery of cost targets;
•	 Analysis and execution of investment opportunities; 
•	 Monitoring Group investments; and
•	 Representation of the Company to relevant stakeholders.

Performance measurement
The Committee assesses the performance of the MD & CEO and makes a recommendation on the level of STI award to the Board 
for approval. The performance of other KMP Executives against targets is assessed by the MD & CEO and the level of STI award is 
recommended to the Committee for approval.

25

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

FY14 STI outcomes
In FY14 the Group operated in a changing environment and economy and the Board set a challenging budget reflective of the 
market conditions and consistent with market guidance. The Group delivered a strong performance in FY14 to achieve the Net Profit 
after Tax (NPAT) target of $236.8 million on a statutory basis which was 10% ahead of target ($262.5 million). The underlying NPAT 
performance was also ahead of target by 6%. 

Executive variable remuneration outcomes in FY14 were dependent on both the Group’s achievement of its NPAT target, which was 
achieved, and on individual executive performance outcomes against financial and non-financial key performance indicators. 

The Group spent considerable time during FY14 recruiting and selecting a new executive management team with the appropriate 
skills and experience to position the Group for future growth and ensure its long term viability. In FY14 the key performance 
indicators for executives were focussed on the achievement of key goals associated with the restructuring and cost reduction 
programs implemented during the year which were successfully delivered by the management team. 

The new management team have adapted to the changing environment, are driving fundamental changes to meet the changing 
demands of the mining sector, have undertaken significant cost reduction initiatives, have set foundations for future growth across 
our industrial services businesses and media investments and under the leadership of the executive team, all of our businesses and 
investments have maintained their market leading positions in FY14.

As a result, short-term incentive plan awards at between 86 and 92 per cent of the “at target” level will be made to executives, 
reflecting the Board’s commitment to maintaining the link between executive remuneration and Group performance. 

The table below provides the weighting of corporate and personal goals, the level of performance achieved (achieved, partially 
achieved, did not achieve) and cash incentive (expressed as a percentage of fixed remuneration) awarded for FY14.

Cash 
incentive
awarded 
for FY14 
(as a
 percentage
 of FR)

Deferred
 equity 
incentive
awarded 
for FY14 
(as a 
percentage 
of FR)

Percentage 
of STI
 awarded

Percentage
 of STI not
 awarded

Weighting

Level of 
achievement

Corporate goals (50%)

Achieved 

45%

22.5%

90%

10%

KMP 
Executive

Position

DR Voelte AO

MD & CEO

JE Croome (a)

Chief Executive Officer,  
WesTrac Australia

Personal goals (50%)

Partially Achieved

Corporate goals (40%)

Achieved 

Personal goals (60%)

Partially Achieved

RJ Richards (b)

Group Chief Financial Officer

Corporate goals (40%)

Achieved 

RK Stokes

Group Chief Operating Officer

Corporate goals (40%)

Achieved 

Personal goals (60%)

Partially Achieved

Personal goals (60%)

Partially Achieved

46%

46%

43%

NA

NA

NA

92%

92%

8%

8%

86%

14%

(a)  Mr Croome was appointed to this KMP Executive role on 10 March 2014. The value of Mr Croome’s FY14 STI award outcome has been calculated on a proportional basis relative to his time 

in the role.

(b)  Mr Richards was appointed to this KMP Executive role on 1 October 2013. The value of Mr Richards’s FY14 STI award outcome has been calculated on a proportional basis relative to his 

time in the role.

c. Long-term incentive plan
Selected KMP Executives, excluding the MD & CEO, participate in a Long Term Incentive (LTI) plan which was approved by 
shareholders at the 2012 AGM held on 15 November 2012. The MD & CEO participates in a separate LTI plan which is described 
at section 5.d of the Remuneration Report. The purpose of the LTI plan is to encourage sustained performance, drive long-term 
shareholder value creation and ensure alignment of executive remuneration outcomes to shareholder interests. 

26

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

LTI opportunity
Details of KMP Executives participating in the LTI plan and their target opportunity under the LTI plan are set out in the following table.

KMP Executive

Position

JE Croome  (a)
RJ Richards (b)
RK Stokes

Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Australia
Group Chief Financial Officer
Group Chief Operating Officer

Target LTI opportunity  
(as a percentage of FR)

50%
50%
50%

(a)  Mr Croome was appointed on 10 March 2014. Mr Croome’s FY15 LTI award to be granted in respect of FY14 performance will be calculated on a proportional basis relative to his time in the role.
(b)  Mr Richards was appointed on 1 October 2013. Mr Richards’s FY15 LTI award to be granted in respect of FY14 performance will be calculated on a proportional basis relative to his time in the role.

Awards under the LTI plan are only made if the NPAT target for the relevant year has been achieved and, once granted, awards 
only vest if the performance hurdles over the three-year performance period are met. LTI awards are structured as rights to 
acquire ordinary shares in the Company at no cost to the participant and will only deliver benefits to participants if certain earnings 
targets and shareholder returns are achieved and the KMP Executive remains employed by the Company over the three-year 
performance period.

No rights were granted under the LTI plan during FY14 in respect of FY13 performance as the FY13 LTI target (NPAT) was not achieved.

The NPAT target for FY14 was $236.8 million. The FY14 NPAT target set by the Board was achieved ($262.5 million) and as a result 
the Board has determined that LTI awards will be granted in FY15 in respect of FY14 performance to eligible KMP Executives, with 
the grant to Mr R Stokes to be made subject to shareholder approval as an Executive Director of the Company. 

Further details on the LTI plan are set out below.

Long-Term Incentive plan

What will be granted?

Subject to the achievement of financial targets for the relevant financial year, performance rights will be granted for nil 
consideration. Each right entitles the participant to one ordinary share in the Company, subject to the achievement of the 
performance hurdles for vesting, as outlined below.

How many performance rights 
will be granted?

The value of LTI granted annually is 50% of the relevant KMP Executive’s fixed remuneration. The number of 
performance rights granted to each KMP Executive is equivalent to the face value of the LTI grant divided by an amount 
calculated based on the share price in accordance with the terms and conditions of the plan. 

What will be the vesting 
performance measures?

The vesting of performance rights granted under the LTI plan will be dependent on two independent performance 
measures, Earnings per share (EPS) and Total Shareholder Return (TSR).

Why was the EPS performance 
hurdle chosen, and how is 
performance measured?

Half (50%) of the award will be subject to an Earnings Per Share (EPS) hurdle. EPS provides a direct link between 
executive reward with the creation of wealth driven through the increase in earnings per share received by shareholders. 
EPS performance will be measured with reference to the audited annual accounts fully diluted EPS after allowing for any 
adjustments to this figure for abnormal or unusual profit items as the Board considers appropriate. 
Threshold and stretch annual percentage EPS growth targets for three years will be set for each proposed LTI grant, with 
the proportion of vesting ranging from 0% (where the threshold EPS growth target is not achieved) to 100% (where the 
stretch EPS growth target is achieved). 
The percentage of EPS performance rights that vest (if any) at the end of the three-year performance period is based on 
the following schedule:

Company’s EPS over the three years

Proportion of EPS performance rights that vest (%)

Equal to or above the stretch EPS

100%

Between the threshold EPS and the stretch EPS

Straight-line vesting*

At the threshold EPS

Less than the threshold EPS

50%

Nil

* 

The proportion of EPS performance rights that vests increases in a straight line between 50% and 100% for EPS performance between the 
aggregate threshold EPS and aggregate stretch EPS.
For the grant of performance rights in respect of FY14 performance, the threshold EPS hurdle is the aggregate of budget EPS targets for each 
financial year of the performance period and the stretch EPS hurdle is the aggregate of budget EPS plus 10% for each financial year of the 
performance period.

27

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Long-Term Incentive plan

Why was the TSR performance 
hurdle chosen, and how is 
performance measured?

The other half of the LTI award will be subject to a relative TSR hurdle. Relative TSR provides an indicator of shareholder 
value creation by comparing the Company’s return to shareholders relative to other companies of similar size. TSR 
provides an external, market-based hurdle and creates alignment of executive remuneration outcomes to shareholder 
returns. Participants will not derive any benefit from this portion of the grant unless the Company’s performance is at 
least at the median of the comparator group.
The comparator group chosen for assessing the Company’s relative TSR consists of constituents of the  
S&P / ASX 100 index excluding companies classified as Financials under the Global Industry Classification System. 
This comparator group was selected as it represents a broad base of companies against which investors in SGH 
may benchmark their investment.
The comparator group is defined at the start of the performance period. The composition of the comparator group may 
change as a result of corporate events, such as mergers, acquisitions, de-listings etc. The Board has agreed guidelines 
for adjusting the comparator group following such events, and has the discretion to determine any adjustment to the 
comparator group.
TSR performance is monitored and assessed by an independent advisor. The percentage of TSR performance rights that 
vest (if any) at the end of the three-year performance period will be based on the following schedule:

Company’s TSR ranking relative to comparator  
group companies

Proportion of TSR performance rights that vest (%)

Equal to or above the 75th percentile

100%

Between the 50th and 75th percentiles

Straight-line vesting

At the 50th percentile

Less than the 50th percentile

50%

Nil

When will performance 
be tested?

Do the performance rights carry 
dividend or voting rights?

What happens in the event of 
a change in control?

What happens if the participant 
ceases employment?

Awards will be subject to a three-year performance period. Immediately following the completion of the performance 
period, the performance hurdles are tested to determine whether, and to what extent, awards vest. Upon vesting of the 
rights, the Board has discretion to either issue new shares or acquire shares on market. 
Any performance rights that do not vest following testing of performance hurdles (i.e., at the end of the three-year 
performance period) will lapse. 

Performance rights do not carry dividend or voting rights. 

In the event of a change of control of the Company the Board will have discretion to determine whether, and the extent 
to which, unvested performance rights vest. The Board will consider when making its decision the extent to which 
performance hurdles have been achieved to the date of the event.

If the participant ceases employment with the Company due to termination for cause or gross misconduct, or other 
reasons determined by the Board (which would normally include resignation) all unvested performance rights will lapse. 
If the participant ceases employment other than for the reasons outlined above the performance rights will not lapse, 
unless the Board determines otherwise. 

28

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

d. Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer long-term incentive plan
The LTI plan for the MD & CEO is in the form of cash-settled share options which provide an opportunity for the MD & CEO to be 
paid a cash amount based on the increase in the Company’s share price over a defined exercise price subject to the satisfaction 
of specified vesting conditions (Share Appreciation Rights or SARs).

The LTI plan is designed to encourage sustained long-term performance and enhance the alignment between the interests of the 
MD & CEO and those of shareholders. 

The Board considers the design of the MD & CEO’s LTI plan is appropriate on the basis that it is designed to provide an incentive 
to increase the market value of the Company. Mr Voelte AO’s tenure as MD & CEO is currently anticipated to be three years, but 
longer by agreement. Therefore in designing an appropriate incentive plan for Mr Voelte AO’s appointment, the Board considered 
elements that would be effective across Mr Voelte AO’s tenure and designed a plan that is focussed on increasing shareholder value. 
Under the LTI plan, the value of the Share Appreciation Rights (SARs) is dependent on the Company’s share price. The MD & CEO 
therefore has an incentive to maximise shareholder value in absolute terms. Further, a share price based performance measure is 
appropriate for Mr Voelte AO as the MD & CEO is better placed than any other executive to influence the share price.

MD & CEO Long-Term Incentive plan

What is the purpose of the  
MD & CEO’s LTI plan?

What will be granted?

The LTI plan is designed to encourage sustained long-term performance and enhance the alignment between the 
interests of the MD & CEO and those of shareholders by rewarding the MD & CEO for increasing the market value of 
the Company.

Cash-settled share options which provide an opportunity for the MD & CEO to be paid a cash amount based on the 
increase in the Company’s share price over a defined exercise price subject to the satisfaction of specified vesting 
conditions (Share Appreciation Rights or SARs).

When will the SARs be granted?

SARs will be awarded annually with an effective grant date of 1 July in the relevant financial year (Grant Date).

How many share appreciation 
rights (SARs) will be granted?

The LTI grant opportunity for the MD & CEO is 50% of fixed remuneration.
The number of SARs to be granted each year will be determined using the following formula:

LTI grant opportunity percentage x fixed remuneration

Fair value of a SAR on the Grant Date

For this purpose the fair value of a SAR will be determined by the Company using the dividend adjusted Black-Scholes 
option valuation model.
On 1 July 2013 the MD & CEO was granted 1,221,374 SARs. The fair value of a SAR on the Grant Date was $1.31. 

How will the exercise price for 
the SARs be determined?

The exercise price for each vested SAR will be equal to the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s ordinary 
shares for the 30 calendar days prior to the Grant Date (Exercise Price).
The exercise price of the MD & CEO’s 1 July 2013 grant of SARs is $7.0274.

When will the SARs vest?

The SARs have a three year performance period and will therefore vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date. Once 
vested the SARs can be exercised at any time until the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date (at which time the SARs will 
lapse if not exercised). 

How will the award be delivered? On exercise of vested SARs, the MD & CEO will be entitled to receive a cash payment calculated using the following formula:

Number of SARs exercised x (Final Price – Exercise Price)

Where Final Price is the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s ordinary shares for the 30 calendar days prior 
to the date the SARs are exercised.

What happens in the event of 
a change in control?

In the event of a change of control of the Company the Board will have discretion to determine whether, and the extent to 
which, unvested SARs vest. 

What happens if the participant 
ceases employment?

If the MD & CEO ceases employment with the Company due to termination for cause or gross misconduct, or other 
reasons determined by the Board (which would normally include resignation) all unvested SARs will lapse. 
If the MD & CEO ceases employment other than for the reasons outlined above the SARs will not lapse, unless the Board 
determines otherwise. 

29

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

6. Key Management Personnel equity holdings
a. Equity granted as remuneration
Restricted shares granted as remuneration
Movements in the holdings of restricted shares by KMP during the year held directly, indirectly, beneficially and including their 
personally-related entities are set out below. 

Short-term incentive plan
Under the Company’s STI plan, the MD & CEO has the opportunity to receive restricted shares in the Company. Restricted shares 
to the value of $720,000 will be granted to the MD & CEO subsequent to, but in respect of the year ended 30 June 2014, subject to 
shareholder approval. Further details on the STI plan are included at section 5.b of the Remuneration Report.

Performance Management Plan
Movements in the holdings of restricted ordinary shares in the Company by KMP during the year are set out in the table below. 
The restricted ordinary shares were granted under the legacy Performance Management Plan subsequent to, but in respect 
of the year ended 30 June 2011. Further details on the legacy Performance Management Plan are included at section 8 of the 
Remuneration Report.

KMP

M Bryant (a) 
RK Stokes
JA Walker (b)

Held at 
30 June 2013

Vested at 
30 June 2013

Granted as
remuneration

Exercised
 in FY14

Vested 
during FY14

Held at 
30 June 2014

Vested at 
30 June 2014

21,561
15,186
62,162

7,187
–
20,720

–
–
–

–
7,593
41,441

7,187
7,593
20,721

21,561
7,593
20,721

14,374
–
–

(a)  Opening details are as at date of commencement as KMP.
(b)  Closing details are at date of cessation as KMP.

Performance rights granted as remuneration

Long-term incentive plan
The Group offered certain KMP Executives the opportunity to participate in the Group’s LTI plan in respect of FY12, FY13 and FY14 
performance. Awards under the LTI plan are only made if the NPAT target for the relevant year has been achieved and once granted, 
awards only vest if the performance hurdles over the three-year performance period are met. LTI awards are structured as rights to 
acquire ordinary shares in the Company at no cost to the executive.

No grants under the LTI plan have been made to date. 

The FY14 NPAT target was achieved and as a result the Board has determined that LTI awards will be granted in FY15 in respect of 
FY14 performance to eligible executives. 

Share appreciation rights granted as remuneration
Movements in the holdings of share appreciation rights by the MD & CEO are set out in the table below. Further details on the  
MD & CEO’s LTI plan are included at section 5.d of the Remuneration Report.

KMP

DR Voelte AO

Grant 
date

Vesting 
date

1 Jul 13

30 Jun 16

Fair 
value

$1.39

Exercise 
price

$7.0274

Held at 
1 July 
2013

Granted

Forfeited

Vested and
exercised

Held at 
30 June 
2014

–

1,221,374

–

–

1,221,374

No amount is paid or payable by the MD & CEO in relation this grant. Once vested, the SARs may be exercised any time until the fifth 
anniversary of the grant date.

30

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Share options granted as remuneration

Employee Share Option Plan
Movements in the holdings of options by KMP during the year held directly, indirectly, beneficially and including their 
personally-related entities are set out in the table below. The options were issued under the legacy Employee Share Option Plan.

KMP

DJ Leckie

BI McWilliam

Tranche

1
2
3
1

Number 
held at 
1 July 2013

1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
500,000

Cancelled
for cash
consideration

(1,000,000)
(1,000,000)
–
–

Exercised

(500,000)
–
–
–

Forfeited

–
–
(500,000)
(500,000)

Held at 
30 June 2014

Vested 
during the 
year

Vested and
exercisable at
30 June 2014

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

All options have been exercised or have expired as at 30 June 2014. Further details on the legacy Employee Share Option Plan are 
included at section 8 of the Remuneration Report.

b. Equity granted as remuneration affecting future periods
The fair value of equity granted as remuneration is amortised over the service period and therefore remuneration in respect of equity 
grants may be reported in future years. The following table summarises the maximum value of these grants that will be reported in 
the remuneration tables in future years, assuming all vesting conditions are met. The minimum value of the grant is nil should vesting 
conditions not be satisfied.

KMP

DR Voelte AO

JE Croome

RJ Richards

RK Stokes

Award

Cash settled share options (2014 LTI)
Deferred shares (2014 STI)

Performance rights (2014 LTI)

Performance rights (2014 LTI)

Performance rights (2014 LTI)

FY15

$565,903
$260,000

$23,666

$40,936

$47,972

FY16

$565,903
$140,000

$23,666

$40,936

$47,972

FY17

–
$60,000

$23,666

$40,935

$47,973

c. Modification to equity grant
On 2 October 2013, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) granted the Company a waiver to modify the terms and conditions 
of the options granted to Mr Leckie under the legacy Employee Share Option Plan. Further details on the legacy Employee Share 
Option Plan are included at section 8 of the Remuneration Report. As a result of the modification, the Company agreed to cancel 
2,000,000 of the unlisted options in return for payment of an amount representing the difference between the market price of the 
underlying ordinary shares and the exercise price per option. 

The value of consideration provided to Mr Leckie for the cancellation of the options was calculated as the market price of the options 
on the date of the agreement between the Company and Mr Leckie to cancel the options. The total value attributed to the cancelled 
options was $2,261,450.

The ASX waiver to permit the cashing out of Mr Leckie’s options was obtained because it provided a simpler, more cost-effective 
settlement mechanism for the Company than purchasing the required shares on-market and transferring them to Mr Leckie. The 
waiver was granted for reasons including the fact that the proposed cash settlement arrangements were not disadvantageous to the 
Company or the rights of shareholders, the options were over a small number of shares, and the Company would have otherwise 
settled the options through on-market share purchases rather than the issue of new shares.

There were no other modifications to share-based payment arrangements during the year.

31

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

d. Shareholdings and transactions
Movements in the holdings of ordinary shares and TELYS4 by KMP, held directly, indirectly, beneficially and including their 
personally-related entities are set out in the tables below.

Number 
held at 
1 July 2013

207,304,349

46,072

–

–

–

–

426,476

4,000

–

41,561

–

66,908

287,152

115,780

–

132,162

Purchases 
and other
 changes
during 
the year

Shares
 granted as
 remuneration
 during the
 year

Rights
 converted to
 shares 
during the 
year

–

–

40,000

–

–

10,000

110,000

–

6,000

–

–

(500,000)

(163,141)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

500,000

–

–

–

–

Number 
held at 
30 June 2014

207,304,349

46,072

40,000

–

–

10,000

536,476

4,000

6,000

41,561

–

66,908

124,011

115,780

–

132,162

Number 
held at 
1 July 2013

5,500

2,400

710

200

Purchases 
and other
 changes
 during the
 year

Shares
 granted as
 remuneration
 during the
 year

Number 
held at 
30 June 2014

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,500

2,400

710

200

Ordinary Shares

KMP

KM Stokes AC

PD Ritchie AO

DR Voelte AO

ED Boling

TJ Davis

CJ Mackay

RA Uechtritz

MC Wells

MJ Allibon (a)

M Bryant (a)

JE Croome (a)

DJ Leckie

BI McWilliam

RK Stokes

RJ Richards (a)

JA Walker (b)

(a)  Opening details are as at date of commencement as KMP.
(b)  Closing details are at date of cessation as KMP.

TELYS4

KMP

TJ Davis

RA Uechtritz

MC Wells

JE Croome  (a)

(a)  Opening details are as at date of commencement as KMP.

32

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

e. Hedging policy
The Company’s Group Directors Share Trading Policy, and the Executive and Staff Share Trading Policy, prohibits employees 
(including KMP) from dealing in Seven Group Holdings Limited shares, if the dealing is prohibited under the Corporations Act 2001. 
Therefore, in accordance with this policy, all KMP are prohibited from entering into arrangements in connection with Seven Group 
Holding Limited shares which operate to limit the executives’ economic risk under any equity-based incentive schemes. 

The ability to deal with unvested rights is restricted in the relevant equity plan rules which apply to the options over shares in the 
Company which have been granted. The Company will continue to monitor the appropriateness of this approach.

7. Key Management Personnel related party transactions
A number of Key Management Personnel, or their personally-related entities, hold positions in other entities that can result in them 
having control or significant influence over those entities. A number of these entities transacted with the Company or its subsidiaries 
during the year. 

The Group transacted with entities of which the Directors of the Company, Mr KM Stokes AC and Mr RK Stokes are or were 
Directors of Officers (excluding equity accounted investees, which are disclosed in Note 31 of the Financial Statements) or otherwise 
had an interest (2013: Mr KM Stokes, Mr RK Stokes). 

The aggregate value of the related party transactions with Directors and director related entities was as follows:

Revenues and expenses
  Revenues
  Expenses

Assets and liabilities
  Trade and other receivables – current
  Trade and other payables – current

2014
$

2013
$

–
45,571,852

1,131,462
45,394,529

14,756
(502,200)

280,400
–

These transactions included nil revenue (2013: $1,131,462) charged to the related party invoiced at standard WesTrac rates, the 
lease of premises and related outgoings amounting to $39,063,064 (2013: $37,165,486); travel expense amounting to $3,307,071 
(2013: $2,245,954); electricity under supply agreement of $2,647,217 (2013: $2,810,880) and other net expense reimbursements of 
$304,500 (2013: $2,922,209).

The lease of premises cost relates to triple net leases that the WesTrac Group entered into, the material terms of which were set 
out in page 406 of Part B of the merger scheme documentation and include annual rent increases of the greater of 3% and CPI, 
responsibility for most costs of maintaining the properties (including capital/structural repairs), and extensive insurance obligations. 
The rent expense for the use of these properties is disclosed in the table within expenses. 

During the year a wholly-owned Group subsidiary entered into a two year electricity supply contract valued at $1,908,142 with an 
entity which the Directors of the Company, KM Stokes AC and RK Stokes are Directors or Officers. The contract was awarded after 
a market tender process using an independent tendering contractor.

Loans and other transactions with Key Management Personnel
During the year a company associated with Director, Mr B McWilliam was party to a consulting agreement with the Group. Total 
fees paid during the year in relation to this consulting agreement totalled $250,000 (2013: $250,000). This amount is included in the 
remuneration disclosures.

Subsequent to 30 June 2014, a wholly-owned Group subsidiary reached an in-principle agreement with a director related entity 
to early terminate a take or pay contractual agreement for the use of an aircraft. The key terms of the agreement (which was due 
to expire on 30 June 2018) were disclosed in Part B of the merger scheme documentation. The Independent & Related Party 
Committee approved the early termination and payment of $3,047,000 was made on 13 August 2014 as final settlement of the 
agreement. The total value which would have been payable under the agreement was $11,481,888.

33

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

8. Legacy share-based remuneration
Performance Management Plan
Prior to the 2012 financial year, the variable remuneration plan for certain KMP Executives was called the Performance Management 
Plan (PMP). The PMP contained a deferred equity component under which selected executives received a portion of their total STI 
opportunity (subject to performance and to the extent that an EPS target was achieved in that year) in the form of ordinary shares in 
Seven Group Holdings Limited, for nil consideration. 

Under the PMP, the EPS target was measured over the relevant financial year before significant items (subject to the Board’s 
discretion). EPS was calculated by dividing the NPAT, after deducting TELYS4 dividends paid by the total weighted average number 
of shares the Company had issued. The measure took into account all the revenues, costs (including interest) and tax payable by the 
Company for the relevant year and did so on a per share basis.

The shares granted vested in three equal tranches over the three years following grant subject to continued service. The shares 
granted are held on trust for each executive. If an executive ceases employment with the Company due to death, redundancy, 
retirement, disability or permanent illness, an application can be made to the Board for unvested shares to be transferred to that 
participant along with shares that have already vested. If an executive ceases employment with the Company for any other reason, 
all unvested shares will be forfeited, unless the Board determines otherwise. 

The shares granted under the PMP carry dividend and voting rights.

The details of outstanding shares to KMP Executives under the PMP are as follows:

KMP Executive

M Bryant

RK Stokes

JA Walker (a)

Number of 
shares granted

Grant date

Vesting date

Fair value 
per share

% vested 
in FY14

% forfeited 
in FY14

7,187
7,187
7,593
7,593
20,721
20,721

9 Nov 11
9 Nov 11
9 Nov 11
9 Nov 11
9 Nov 11
9 Nov 11

1 Oct 13
1 Oct 14
1 Oct 13
1 Oct 14
1 Oct 13
1 Oct 14

$8.23
$8.23
$8.23
$8.23
$8.23
$8.23

100%
–
100%
–
100%
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

(a)  Under the rules of the PMP, if an executive ceases employment with the Group for the reason of retirement, the shares are not forfeited, unless the Board determines otherwise. 

Mr Walker’s unvested PMP shares that were granted in respect of the 2011 financial year remain on foot following his retirement on 31 January 2014, subject to their original vesting 
schedules. The value of unvested shares is included in Mr Walker’s detailed remuneration within Share Based Payments in section 10 of the Remuneration Report.

Employee Share Option Plan
The legacy options described below were issued as replacement grants for the Seven Network Limited options that were held 
by KMP Executives at the time of the Seven Network Limited and WesTrac Holdings Pty Ltd scheme of arrangement under the 
Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP). 

The options were issued under the ESOP on 28 April 2010, and were issued in consideration for the cancellation of previously-issued 
Seven Network Limited options on the same terms and were detailed in the Scheme Booklet for the Seven Network Limited and 
WesTrac Holdings Pty Ltd transaction. It was not appropriate for the Company to impose new incentive arrangements with different 
terms on executives when replacing the existing incentive entitlements as part of the implementation of the scheme. 

The options were granted subject to a TSR performance condition (tested relative to the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 
Accumulation Index), and all legacy options were either exercised, cancelled or expired during the FY14 year.

No further options have been granted under the ESOP since 28 April 2010.

All options have been exercised or have expired as at 30 June 2014. The details of options to KMP Executives under the ESOP held 
during FY14 are set out in the table on the following page. 

34

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

KMP
Executive

DJ Leckie

BI McWilliam

Number
 of options
 granted

1,500,000

1,000,000

500,000

500,000

Tranche

1

2

3

2

Vesting 
date

30 Jun 10

30 Jun 11

30 Jun 12

30 Jun 12

Expiry 
date

Exercise
 price

30 Jun 14

30 Jun 14

30 Jun 14

30 Jun 14

$ 7.00

$ 8.00

$ 9.00

$ 9.00

Fair 
value 
per 
option

$ 1.21

$ 0.98

$ 0.79

$ 0.79

% 
vested 
in FY14

% 
expired 
in FY14

% 
exercised
 in FY14

–

–

–

–

–

–

100%

100%

33%

–

–

–

% 
cancelled in 
consideration
 for cash 
payment 
in FY14

67%

100%

–

–

All options were granted on 28 April 2010 and were valued independently using a Monte Carlo Simulation.

During FY14 Mr Leckie exercised 500,000 options with an exercise price of $7.00. The value of the shares exercised during the 
year is calculated as the market price of shares of the Company as at close of trading on the date the options were exercised after 
deducting the price paid to exercise the options. The total value attributed to these options at the date of exercise was $564,140. No 
amounts remain unpaid in relation to the option exercise. 

During FY14 the Company and Mr Leckie agreed to cancel 1,000,000 of Mr Leckie’s options with an exercise price of $7.00 
(Tranche 1) and to cancel 1,000,000 of Mr Leckie’s options with an exercise price of $8.00 (Tranche 2). The value of consideration 
provided to Mr Leckie for the cancellation of the options was calculated as the market price of the options on the date of the 
agreement between the Company and Mr Leckie to cancel the options. The total value attributed to the 1,000,000 $7.00 options 
was $1,161,450. The total value attributed to the 1,000,000 $8.00 options was $1,100,000. No amounts remain unpaid in relation to 
the option cancellations.

Further information about the modification to the Employee Share Option Plan is included in section 6 of the Remuneration Report.

9. Summary of executive contracts
The key terms of the executive contracts including the term of the contract, the period of notice required to terminate the contract 
(by either the Company or executive) and any contractual termination payments are set out below.

KMP Executive

Contract term

DR Voelte AO

M Bryant

JE Croome 

DJ Leckie

RJ Richards 

RK Stokes

On-going

2 years and  
7 months (a)

On-going

2 years (a)

On-going

On-going

Notice period required  
by the Company

Notice period required  
by the Executive

1 month

Not applicable

6 months

Not applicable

Contractual termination payments

No contractual termination payments

No contractual termination payments

6 months

1 month

6 months

3 months

6 months

1 month

6 months

3 months

No contractual termination payments

No contractual termination payments

No contractual termination payments

No contractual termination payments

(a)  The employment contracts are currently on foot and variously part performed as to the duration of each of them. The contracts are terminable in the event of the KMP Executive’s serious 
misconduct or a non-rectified material breach. Only remuneration which is due but unpaid up to the date of termination and normal statutory benefits will be paid to the employee in 
these circumstances.

Mr McWilliam and Ms Allibon are not directly employed by the Company however their services are provided under an agreement 
with Seven West Media Limited. Consequently Mr McWilliam and Ms Allibon do not have any applicable contract term, notice period 
or contractual termination payments.

There are no formal employment contracts for Non-Executive Directors.

35

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

10. Remuneration in detail
The following table sets out the remuneration details for the Group’s KMP for the year ended 30 June 2014.

Short-term benefits

Post- employment 
benefits

Other long-term 

Termination 

benefits

benefits

Share-based payments

Salary & fees
$

STI cash bonus
$

Non-monetary
benefits
$

Superannuation
benefits
$

Long service 

leave and 

annual leave

Termination

 benefits

 compensation (b)

Deferred 

shares

appreciation 

rights

Cash 

settled 

share 

Options and 

rights over 

equity 

instruments

 granted as

Remuneration

performance 

Value of 

share-based

payments 

as % of 

related

remuneration

%

332,225 

350,000

212,225 

230,000

173,913 

190,000

192,225 

193,530

173,913 

174,311

173,913 

174,311

212,225 

230,000

–

2,983,530

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

3,200,000 

1,440,000

–

254,745

–

356,356

–

–

25,500

–

–

–

308,532

142,000

–

–

475,163

982,225

983,530

–

–

–

–

–

– 

–

– 

–

7,124 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

8,733

5,271 

–

–

–

100,271

–

–

–

–

–

57,668

–

17,775 

–

17,775 

–

16,087 

–

17,775 

16,470

16,087 

15,689

16,087 

15,689

17,775 

–

–

16,470

– 

–

–

–

48,510

–

5,515

–

–

11,233

17,775

16,470

$

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

49,231 

34,483

23,743

$

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

926,398

10,814

$

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

320,833

260,000 

14,850

$

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

$

350,000 

350,000

230,000 

230,000

197,124 

190,000

210,000 

210,000

190,000 

190,000

190,000 

190,000

230,000 

230,000

4,255,964

280,245

554,470

–

–

–

–

–

–

497,210

1,057,668

1,000,000

%

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

8

–

9

–

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

8

–

–

–

3

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

565,903 

5,520,405

41 

15

7,889

487,679

31

KMP(a)

KM Stokes AC 
(Executive Chairman)

PD Ritchie AO  
(Deputy Chairman)

ED Boling 
(Non-Executive Director)

TJ Davis 
(Non-Executive Director)

CJ Mackay 
(Non-Executive Director)

RA Uechtritz 
(Non-Executive Director)

MC Wells 
(Non-Executive Director)

PJT Gammell(c) 
(Group Chief Executive Officer) 
(resigned 28 June 2013)

DR Voelte AO 
(Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer) 

MJ Allibon (d) 
(Group Executive, Human Resources)  
(appointed KMP 1 July 2013)

M Bryant 
(Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac China)  
(appointed KMP 1 December 2013) 

JE Croome 
(Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Australia  
(appointed 10 March 2014) 

AC Harrison (e)  
(Group Chief Financial Officer) 
(resigned 1 March 2013)

DJ Leckie  
(Executive Director, Media)  
(resigned 22 August 2014)

36

Year

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 10. Remuneration in detail

The following table sets out the remuneration details for the Group’s KMP for the year ended 30 June 2014.

Short-term benefits

Post- employment 

benefits

Other long-term 
benefits

Termination 
benefits

Share-based payments

Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

KMP(a)

KM Stokes AC 

(Executive Chairman)

PD Ritchie AO  

(Deputy Chairman)

ED Boling 

(Non-Executive Director)

TJ Davis 

(Non-Executive Director)

CJ Mackay 

(Non-Executive Director)

RA Uechtritz 

(Non-Executive Director)

MC Wells 

(Non-Executive Director)

PJT Gammell(c) 

(Group Chief Executive Officer) 

(resigned 28 June 2013)

DR Voelte AO 

(Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer) 

MJ Allibon (d) 

(Group Executive, Human Resources)  

(appointed KMP 1 July 2013)

M Bryant 

(Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac China)  

(appointed KMP 1 December 2013) 

JE Croome 

(Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Australia  

(appointed 10 March 2014) 

AC Harrison (e)  

(Group Chief Financial Officer) 

(resigned 1 March 2013)

DJ Leckie  

(Executive Director, Media)  

(resigned 22 August 2014)

Year

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

$

332,225 

350,000

212,225 

230,000

173,913 

190,000

192,225 

193,530

173,913 

174,311

173,913 

174,311

212,225 

230,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

475,163

982,225

983,530

$

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,124 

16,087 

$

– 

–

– 

–

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

57,668

17,775 

17,775 

17,775 

16,470

16,087 

15,689

16,087 

15,689

17,775 

16,470

$

–

–

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

11,233

17,775

16,470

2,983,530

3,200,000 

1,440,000

8,733

5,271 

254,745

25,500

356,356

100,271

48,510

308,532

142,000

5,515

Salary & fees

STI cash bonus

Non-monetary

Superannuation

benefits

benefits

Long service 
leave and 
annual leave
$

Termination
 benefits
$

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

49,231 

–

–

–

34,483

–

23,743

–

–

–

–

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

926,398

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

10,814

–

–

Options and 
rights over 
equity 
instruments
 granted as
 compensation (b)

$

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

7,889

–

–

–

–

–

Cash 
settled 
share 
appreciation 
rights
$

Deferred 
shares
$

Total
$

350,000 

350,000

230,000 

230,000

197,124 

190,000

210,000 

210,000

190,000 

190,000

190,000 

190,000

230,000 

230,000

–

4,255,964

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

565,903 

5,520,405

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

280,245

–

554,470

–

487,679

–

–

497,210

1,057,668

1,000,000

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

320,833

260,000 

–

–

–

14,850

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Remuneration
performance 
related
%

Value of 
share-based
payments 
as % of 
remuneration
%

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

8

41 

–

9

–

3

–

31

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

8

15

–

–

–

3

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

37

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Long service 

leave and 

annual leave

Termination

 benefits

 compensation (b)

Deferred 

shares

appreciation 

rights

Cash 

settled 

share 

Value of 

share-based

payments 

as % of 

Remuneration

performance 

related

remuneration

Options and 

rights over 

equity 

instruments

 granted as

30,702

47,972

$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$

–

–

–

–

15,625

36,458

42,638

99,488

333,113

456,779

6,154

$

–

–

–

–

–

22,444

106,517

22,444

(7,094)

457,506

457,506

937,212

86,563

565,903

Total

$

525,000

525,000

915,680

–

1,142,943

876,458

1,270,664

1,541,315

13,351,878

10,285,947

$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

%

–

–

33

–

34

14

3

6

%

–

–

3

–

6

4

3

6

Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Short-term benefits

Post- employment 
benefits

Other long-term 

Termination 

benefits

benefits

Share-based payments

KMP(a)

BI McWilliam (f) 
(Commercial Director)

RJ Richards 
(Group Chief Financial Officer)  
(appointed 1 October 2013) 

RK Stokes  
(Group Chief Operating Officer) 

JA Walker (g) 
(Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Group)  
(retired 31 January 2014)

Total KMP

Salary & fees
$

STI cash bonus
$

Non-monetary
benefits
$

Superannuation
benefits
$

525,000

525,000

586,669

–

732,225

733,530

752,614

1,389,400

9,169,005

8,632,305

–

–

276,000

–

322,500

90,000

–

–

2,206,000

90,000

–

–

2,824

–

6,846

–

–

4,983

180,004

13,716

–

–

13,331

–

17,775

16,470

25,000

25,000

247,267

133,491

Year

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

(a)  In addition to KMP listed above, Mr Cooper was retained by the Company as Interim Group Chief Financial Officer through a company to company agreement with Deloitte prior to the 

appointment of Mr Richards as Group Chief Financial Officer. Fees paid to Deloitte in respect of Mr Cooper’s services as Interim Group Chief Financial Officer in FY14 were $166,315 and in 
FY13 were $144,702. 

(b)  Expense relates to notional amounts included for the FY14 LTI award of performance rights which will be granted in FY15 in respect of FY14 performance.
(c)  Termination benefit for Mr Gammell includes his statutory entitlement to accrued but untaken annual leave ($176,398) and three months’ fixed remuneration in lieu of notice ($750,000).
  Mr Gammell’s ‘Options and rights over equity instruments granted as compensation in prior years’ amount includes $224,583 relating to amortisation relating to the FY13 year and 

$96,250 relating to amortisation that would have occurred in future years on shares that were determined by the Board to remain on foot subject to their original vesting schedules following 
the termination of his employment on 28 June 2013. 

(d)  Remuneration for Ms Allibon relates to amounts recharged by Seven West Media Limited to Seven Group Holdings Limited.
(e)  The remuneration for Mr Harrison is for the period from 1 July 2012 until 1 March 2013. Termination benefit for Mr Harrison is his statutory entitlement to accrued, but untaken annual leave.
(f)  Remuneration for Mr McWilliam includes $275,000 recharged by Seven West Media Limited to Seven Group Holdings Limited and payments to a company associated with Mr McWilliam 

that was party to a consulting agreement with the Group of $250,000.

(g)  The remuneration for Mr Walker is for the period from 1 July 2013 until his retirement on 31 January 2014.

The termination benefit for Mr Walker is remuneration in lieu of notice that was payable by the Company to Mr Walker following the early termination of an agreement between the  
Company and Mr Walker to secure Mr Walker’s services throughout the recruitment and transition period in replacing Mr Walker’s position, following his decision to retire from the Company.

  Mr Walker’s ‘Options and rights over equity instruments granted as compensation in prior years’ amount relates to amortisation for the FY14 year and is inclusive of amortisation for 

Mr Walker’s shares that remain on foot subject to their original vesting schedules following the termination of his employment on 31 January 2014. Further information about these share 
based payments is in section 8 of the Remuneration Report.

38

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Short-term benefits

Post- employment 

benefits

Other long-term 
benefits

Termination 
benefits

Share-based payments

Long service 
leave and 
annual leave
$

Termination
 benefits
$

–

–

6,154

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(7,094)

457,506

22,444

106,517

22,444

–

457,506

937,212

Options and 
rights over 
equity 
instruments
 granted as
 compensation (b)

$

–

–

30,702

–

47,972

–

–

–

86,563

–

Cash 
settled 
share 
appreciation 
rights
$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

565,903

–

Deferred 
shares
$

–

–

–

–

15,625

36,458

42,638

99,488

333,113

456,779

Total
$

525,000

525,000

915,680

–

1,142,943

876,458

1,270,664

1,541,315

13,351,878

10,285,947

KMP(a)

BI McWilliam (f) 

(Commercial Director)

RJ Richards 

(Group Chief Financial Officer)  

(appointed 1 October 2013) 

RK Stokes  

(Group Chief Operating Officer) 

JA Walker (g) 

(Chief Executive Officer, WesTrac Group)  

(retired 31 January 2014)

Total KMP

Salary & fees

STI cash bonus

Non-monetary

Superannuation

benefits

benefits

276,000

2,824

13,331

Year

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

525,000

525,000

586,669

$

–

732,225

733,530

752,614

1,389,400

9,169,005

8,632,305

$

–

–

–

–

–

322,500

90,000

2,206,000

90,000

$

–

–

–

–

–

6,846

4,983

180,004

13,716

$

–

–

–

17,775

16,470

25,000

25,000

247,267

133,491

(a)  In addition to KMP listed above, Mr Cooper was retained by the Company as Interim Group Chief Financial Officer through a company to company agreement with Deloitte prior to the 

appointment of Mr Richards as Group Chief Financial Officer. Fees paid to Deloitte in respect of Mr Cooper’s services as Interim Group Chief Financial Officer in FY14 were $166,315 and in 

FY13 were $144,702. 

(b)  Expense relates to notional amounts included for the FY14 LTI award of performance rights which will be granted in FY15 in respect of FY14 performance.

(c)  Termination benefit for Mr Gammell includes his statutory entitlement to accrued but untaken annual leave ($176,398) and three months’ fixed remuneration in lieu of notice ($750,000).

  Mr Gammell’s ‘Options and rights over equity instruments granted as compensation in prior years’ amount includes $224,583 relating to amortisation relating to the FY13 year and 

$96,250 relating to amortisation that would have occurred in future years on shares that were determined by the Board to remain on foot subject to their original vesting schedules following 

the termination of his employment on 28 June 2013. 

(d)  Remuneration for Ms Allibon relates to amounts recharged by Seven West Media Limited to Seven Group Holdings Limited.

(e)  The remuneration for Mr Harrison is for the period from 1 July 2012 until 1 March 2013. Termination benefit for Mr Harrison is his statutory entitlement to accrued, but untaken annual leave.

(f)  Remuneration for Mr McWilliam includes $275,000 recharged by Seven West Media Limited to Seven Group Holdings Limited and payments to a company associated with Mr McWilliam 

that was party to a consulting agreement with the Group of $250,000.

(g)  The remuneration for Mr Walker is for the period from 1 July 2013 until his retirement on 31 January 2014.

The termination benefit for Mr Walker is remuneration in lieu of notice that was payable by the Company to Mr Walker following the early termination of an agreement between the  

Company and Mr Walker to secure Mr Walker’s services throughout the recruitment and transition period in replacing Mr Walker’s position, following his decision to retire from the Company.

  Mr Walker’s ‘Options and rights over equity instruments granted as compensation in prior years’ amount relates to amortisation for the FY14 year and is inclusive of amortisation for 

Mr Walker’s shares that remain on foot subject to their original vesting schedules following the termination of his employment on 31 January 2014. Further information about these share 

based payments is in section 8 of the Remuneration Report.

Remuneration
performance 
related
%

Value of 
share-based
payments 
as % of 
remuneration
%

–

–

33

–

34

14

3

6

–

–

3

–

6

4

3

6

39

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
Remuneration Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

11. Link between remuneration and Group performance
The remuneration framework of the Group is varied and is designed to offer appropriate rewards for those giving superior 
performance. It is designed to closely align their interests to those of shareholders and other stakeholders. 

The remuneration structure is focused on achievement of the Group’s financial and operating objectives. The incentive to achieve 
these objectives is an important contributing factor in the Group’s financial performance and, ultimately, the value of the Company’s 
shares and distributions to shareholders.

Detail below shows the Group performance in key areas for the last five financial years.

Statutory NPAT ($000)

NPAT (excluding significant items) ($000) (a) 

Significant items ($000) 

Dividends per ordinary share 

Share price at financial year / period end

Statutory basic EPS

Underlying EPS

Total Shareholder Return (per year)

2014

$262,540

$253,197

2013

$488,605

$398,853

($9,343)

($89,752)

2012

$176,748

$343,229

$166,481

2011

$79,913

$248,278

$168,365

40.0 cents

40.0 cents

38.0 cents

36.0 cents

 $7.41(c)

$0.77

$0.74

12.9%

$6.90

$1.49

$1.20

(6.5%)

$7.74

$0.43

$0.98

(16.5%)

$9.63

$0.12

$0.67

75.3%

2010 (b)

$718,742

$28,144

$690,598

18.0 cents

$5.74

$5.87

$0.09

(17.9)%

(a)  NPAT (excluding significant items) is a non-IFRS measure. This measure is used internally by management to assess the performance of the business and hence is provided to enable an 

assessment of remuneration compared to Group performance. Refer to the Operating and Financial Review for reconciliation to statutory net profit after tax.

(b)  The 2010 result incorporates only two months trade, subsequent to the merger of WesTrac Holdings Pty Ltd and Seven Network Limited; as such it is not comparable to the results 

of other years.

(c)  On 11 December 2013, the Group announced it would undertake an on-market buy-back of up to 11.9 million of the Company’s shares, representing approximately 3.86 per cent of the 

Company’s ordinary shares. During the year ended 30 June 2014, 5,468,395 shares have been acquired on market at a total cost of $44,134,000 and subsequently cancelled.

Group performance is linked to the STI Plan through NPAT and EBIT targets. Group performance is linked to the LTI plan through the 
NPAT hurdle and the EPS and TSR targets.

End of audited Remuneration Report.

40

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Directors’ Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Indemnity
The Constitution of the Company provides an indemnity to any current and former Director and secretary of the Company against 
any liabilities incurred by that person, or arising out of, the discharge of duties as an officer of the Company or the conduct of the 
business of the Company, including associated legal costs defending any proceedings relating to that person’s position with the 
Company in specified circumstances.

As permitted by the Constitution of the Company, the Company has entered into deeds of access, insurance and indemnity with 
each Director as at the end of the financial year.

No amounts were paid and no actions taken pursuant to these indemnities during the year.

Insurance Premiums
The Company has paid insurance premiums in respect of a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance contract insuring against certain 
liabilities (subject to exclusions) of all current and former officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, including all Directors named 
in this report, the Company Secretary and all persons concerned in, or taking part in the management of, the Company and its 
controlled entities, and former Directors and officers who have retired or relinquished their positions.

The insurance policies prohibit disclosure of the premiums paid in respect of those policies and the nature of the liabilities insured 
by the policies.

Non-Audit Services
During the year KPMG, the Company’s auditor, has performed certain other services in addition to their statutory duties.

The Board has considered the non-audit services provided during the year by the auditor and is satisfied that the provision of 
those non-audit services during the year by the auditor is compatible with, and did not compromise, the auditor independence 
requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:
•	 all non-audit services were subject to the corporate governance procedures adopted by the Company and have been reviewed 
by the Board in terms of the Company’s formal Auditor Independence Policy to ensure that they do not impact the integrity and 
objectivity of the auditor; and
the non-audit services provided do not undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 
110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, as they did not involve reviewing or auditing the auditor’s own work, acting 
in a management or decision making capacity for the Company, acting as an advocate for the Company or jointly sharing risks 
and rewards.

•	

Details of the amounts paid to the auditor of the Group, KPMG, and its related practices for audit and non-audit services provided 
during the year are set out below. No amounts have been paid to other auditors.

41

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Directors’ Report

Year ended 30 June 2014

Amounts received or due and receivable by auditors of the Company for:

Audit Services
Auditors of the Company
KPMG Australia
  – Audit and review of financial reports
  – Other assurance services
Overseas KPMG firms
  – Audit and review of financial report
Total

Other Services
Auditors of the Company
KPMG Australia
  – Other advisory services
Overseas KPMG firms
  – Other tax and advisory services

Total

2014 
$

2013 
$

670,400
15,000

184,000
869,400

665,000
23,500

157,000
 845,500

12,000

42,560

54,560

–

63,300

63,300

The lead auditor’s independence declaration is set out on page 43 and forms part of the Directors’ Report for the year ended 
30 June 2014.

Rounding Off
The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Class Order 98/100 dated 10 July 1998 and in accordance with that Class Order, 
amounts in this report and the accompanying financial report have been rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars unless 
otherwise stated.

Signed for and on behalf of the Board of Directors and in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

MC Wells 
Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee

KM Stokes AC 
Executive Chairman 

Sydney
27 August 2014

42

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABCD

ABCD

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

To: the directors of Seven Group Holdings Limited

Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001   

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in relation to the audit for the financial 
year ended 30 June 2014 there have been:

(i)

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the 
Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001   
Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and
no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the 
To: the directors of Seven Group Holdings Limited
audit.

(ii)

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in relation to the audit for the financial 
year ended 30 June 2014 there have been:

(i)

(ii)

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the 
Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and
no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the 
audit.
KPMG

KPMG

Kevin Leighton
Partner

Sydney

27 August 2014

Kevin Leighton
Partner

Sydney

27 August 2014

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm 
of the KPMG network of independent member firms 
affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative 
(“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. 

Liability limited by a scheme 
approved under Professional 
Standards Legislation. 

43

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm 

of the KPMG network of independent member firms 

affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative 

(“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. 

Liability limited by a scheme 

approved under Professional 

Standards Legislation. 

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
 
 
 
Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 30 June 2014

Revenue
Revenue from product sales
Revenue from product support
Revenue from telephony
Other

Total revenue

Other income
Dividend income
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Net gain on sale of investments and equity accounted investees
Net gain on sale of subsidiary
Other investment income
Other

Total other income
Share of results from equity accounted investees
(Impairment)/impairment reversal of equity accounted investees

Expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation
Materials cost of inventory sold and used in product sales and product support
Raw materials and consumables purchased
Employee benefits expense
Operating lease rental expense
Impairment of non-current assets
Fair value movement of derivatives
Other expenses

Total expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and amortisation

Profit before net finance costs and tax
Finance income
Finance costs
Net finance costs

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Profit for the year attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Profit for the year

Statutory earnings per share (EPS)
Ordinary shares
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Note

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 1,583,532 
 1,476,947 
 – 
 27,720 

 3,207,274 
 1,517,299 
 5,761 
 21,296 

 3,088,199 

 4,751,630 

 40,961 
 – 
 41,237 
 – 
 25,736 
 40,434 

 148,368 
 103,565 
 (42,175)

 41,335 
 29,430 
 65,924 
 8,364 
 23,545 
 13,939 

 182,537 
 115,505 
 77,851 

 (2,091,918)
 (84,717)
 (433,626)
 (70,703)
 – 
 (1,757)
 (204,035)

 (3,198,475)
 (135,114)
 (677,046)
 (74,755)
 (9,464)
 (10,440)
 (238,770)

 (2,886,756)
 (48,070)

 (4,344,064)
 (63,186)

 363,131 
 46,715 
 (99,127)
 (52,412)

 310,719 

 (48,179)

 262,540 

 261,145 
 1,395 
 262,540 

2014 
$

 0.77 
 0.77 

 720,273 
 24,006 
 (121,347)
 (97,341)

 622,932 

 (134,327)

 488,605 

 486,417 
 2,188 
 488,605 

2013 
$

 1.49 
 1.49 

 27 

 11 
 11 

 15 

 5 
 5 

 6 

 8 
 8 

The consolidated income statement is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

44

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 30 June 2014

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets
Cash flow hedges: effective portion of changes in fair value
Foreign currency differences for foreign operations
Income tax on items of other comprehensive income

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Total comprehensive income for the year

Note

 21 
 21 
 21 
 21 

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 262,540 

 488,605 

 55,219 
 19,700 
 (7,481)
 (24,054)

 43,384 

 111,220 
 (49,761)
 76,549 
 (26,150)

 111,858 

 305,924 

 600,463 

 304,546 
 1,378 
 305,924 

 598,023 
 2,440 
 600,463 

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

45

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 30 June 2014

CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Other financial assets
Current tax assets
Other current assets
Derivative financial instruments

Total current assets

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial instruments
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Deferred income
Current tax liabilities
Provisions

Total current liabilities

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Other payables
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Deferred income
Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Total equity

Note

 32a 
 9 
 10 
 13 

 12 

 11 
 9 
 12 
 13 
 14 
 15 
 6 

 16 
 12 
 17 
 19 

 18 

 16 
 17 
 12 
 6 
 18 
 19 

 20 
 21 
 22 

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 128,326 
 598,952 
 856,587 
 129,185 
 12,418 
 40,411 
 671 

 542,108 
 719,809 
 1,050,490 
 – 
 – 
 16,736 
 4,286 

 1,766,550 

 2,333,429 

 1,171,883 
 – 
 61,106 
 1,232,495 
 282,431 
 874,816 
 10,123 

 1,173,872 
 1,770 
 67,575 
 1,035,275 
 267,034 
 765,205 
 10,176 

 3,632,854 

 3,320,907 

 5,399,404 

 5,654,336 

 398,992 
 8,028 
 36,078 
 82,651 
 – 
 105,347 

 631,096 

 623 
 1,161,587 
 83,420 
 359,077 
 5,899 
 14,952 
 1,625,558 

 516,775 
 51,313 
 180,750 
 128,700 
 129,883 
 138,306 

 1,145,727 

 – 
 1,074,720 
 72,324 
 307,988 
 1,446 
 16,797 
 1,473,275 

 2,256,654 

 2,619,002 

 3,142,750 

 3,035,334 

 2,586,218 
 (557,663)
 1,102,267 
 3,130,822 
 11,928 
 3,142,750 

 2,630,352 
 (597,434)
 990,053 
 3,022,971 
 12,363 
 3,035,334 

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

46

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 30 June 2014

Contributed
 equity
$’000

Note

Reserves
$’000

Retained
 earnings
$’000

Non-
controlling
 interest
$’000

Total 
$’000

Total 
equity
$’000

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
Balance as at 1 July 2013
Profit for the year
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale 
financial assets
Cash flow hedges: effective portion 
of changes in fair value
Foreign currency differences for 
foreign operations
Income tax on items of other 
comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners 
recognised directly in equity
Ordinary dividends paid
TELYS4 dividends paid
Shares bought back on-market
Share based payments
Share based payment options settled

Total contributions by and 
distributions to owners

Total movement in equity for the year

 2,630,352 
 – 

 (597,434)
 – 

 990,053 
 261,145 

 3,022,971 
 261,145 

 12,363 
 1,395 

 3,035,334 
 262,540 

21

21

21

21

7
7
20

21

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 (44,134)
 – 
 – 

 55,219 

 19,700 

 (7,464)

 (24,054)

 43,401 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 (803)
 (2,827)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 261,145 

 (123,103)
 (25,828)
 – 
 – 
 – 

 55,219 

 19,700 

 – 

 – 

 55,219 

 19,700 

 (7,464)

 (17)

 (7,481)

 (24,054)

 304,546 

 – 

 1,378 

 (24,054)

 305,924 

 (123,103)
 (25,828)
 (44,134)
 (803)
 (2,827)

 (1,813)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 (124,916)
 (25,828)
 (44,134)
 (803)
 (2,827)

 (44,134)

 (44,134)

 (3,630)

 39,771 

 (148,931)

 (196,695)

 (1,813)

 (198,508)

 112,214 

 107,851 

 (435)

 107,416 

Balance as at 30 June 2014

 2,586,218 

 (557,663)

 1,102,267 

 3,130,822 

 11,928 

 3,142,750 

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013
Balance as at 1 July 2012
Profit for the year
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale 
financial assets
Cash flow hedges: effective portion 
of changes in fair value
Foreign currency differences for 
foreign operations
Income tax on items of other comprehensive 
income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners 
recognised directly in equity
Ordinary dividends paid
TELYS4 dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares related 
to exercise of options
Share based payments

Total contributions by and 
distributions to owners

Total movement in equity for the year

21

21

21

21

7
7

20
21

 2,624,102 
 – 

 (710,120)
 – 

 654,523 
 486,417 

 2,568,505 
 486,417 

 11,318 
 2,188 

 2,579,823 
 488,605 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 6,250 
 – 

 6,250 

 6,250 

 111,220 

 (49,761)

 76,297 

 (26,150)

 111,606 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 486,417 

 111,220 

 (49,761)

 – 

 – 

 111,220 

 (49,761)

 76,297 

 252 

 76,549 

 (26,150)

 598,023 

 – 

 (26,150)

 2,440 

 600,463 

 – 
 – 

 (123,114)
 (27,773)

 (123,114)
 (27,773)

 (1,395)
 – 

 (124,509)
 (27,773)

 – 
 1,080 

 – 
 – 

 6,250 
 1,080 

 – 
 – 

 6,250 
 1,080 

 1,080 

 (150,887)

 (143,557)

 (1,395)

 (144,952)

 112,686 

 335,530 

 454,466 

 1,045 

 455,511 

Balance as at 30 June 2013

 2,630,352 

 (597,434)

 990,053 

 3,022,971 

 12,363 

 3,035,334 

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

47

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 30 June 2014

CASH FLOWS RELATED TO OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Receipts from customers
Payments to suppliers and employees
Dividends received from equity accounted investees
Other dividends received
Interest and other items of a similar nature received
Interest and other costs of finance paid
Income taxes paid
Income tax funding received from associate

Net operating cash flows

CASH FLOWS RELATED TO INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Payments for purchase of intangible assets
Consideration for business combinations, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash disposed
Acquisition of equity accounted investees
Return of capital from investment in equity accounted investee
Proceeds from sale of shares in equity accounted investees
Deferred consideration from sale of subsidiary
Payments for other investments
Proceeds from sale of other financial assets
Loans and deposits received

Net investing cash flows

CASH FLOWS RELATED TO FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issue of shares
Payments under share buy-back
Ordinary dividends paid
TELYS4 dividends paid
Dividend paid to non-controlling interest
Proceeds from borrowings 
Repayment of borrowings

Net financing cash flows
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

Note

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 3,570,311 
 (3,209,927)
 42,620 
 43,631 
 22,254 
 (88,851)
 (156,507)
 21,368 

 5,368,589 
 (4,433,393)
 49,616 
 41,335 
 13,136 
 (115,049)
 (102,334)
 18,554 

32b

 244,899 

 840,454 

 (63,658)
 7,119 
 (27,776)
 (103,146)
–
 – 
 21,050 
 1,755 
60,000
 (519,703)
 232,578 
 4,038 

 (387,743)

 – 
 (44,134)
 (123,103)
 (25,828)
 (1,813)
451,743
 (527,048)

 (270,183)
 (413,027)
 542,108 
 (755)

 128,326 

 (50,680)
 41,192 
 (4,474)
 26,412 
 9,100 
 (182,353)
 – 
 491,270 
–
 (80,607)
 111,102 
 119 

 361,081 

 6,250 
 – 
 (123,114)
 (27,773)
 (1,395)
 842,478 
 (1,486,630)

 (790,184)
 411,351 
 127,749 
 3,008 

 542,108 

26
27

20
20
7
7

32a

32a

The consolidated cash flow statement is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

48

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 1. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Seven Group Holdings Limited (the Company) is a for profit 
company limited by shares and the shares are publicly traded 
on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). The Company 
is domiciled in Australia and was incorporated on 12 February 
2010. These consolidated financial statements cover the year 
ended 30 June 2014 and comprise the Company and its 
subsidiaries (together referred to as the Group), and the Group’s 
interest in equity accounted investees.

The financial report was authorised for issue in accordance with 
a resolution of the Directors on 27 August 2014.

(A) BASIS OF PREPARATION
The financial report is a general purpose financial report which 
has been prepared in accordance with the Australian Accounting 
Standards (AASBs) adopted by the Australian Accounting 
Standards Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001. 
The consolidated financial report of the Group complies with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) adopted by 
the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

The financial report is prepared on the historical cost basis 
except for the following items which are measured at their 
fair value:
•	 derivative financial instruments at fair value through profit 

or loss; and
investments in available-for-sale financial assets.

•	

The accounting policies set out below have been consistently 
applied by group entities and equity accounted investees.

Certain comparative amounts in this financial report have been 
reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

(B) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
(i) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group 
controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to 
affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of 
the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included 
in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which 
control commences until the date on which control ceases.

Where there is loss of control of a subsidiary, the Group 
derecognises the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary and any 
related non-controlling interest and other components of equity. 
Any resulting gain or loss is recognised in the profit or loss. Any 
interest retained in the former subsidiary is measured at fair 
value when control is lost.

All inter-company balances and transactions, including 
unrealised gains arising from intra-group transactions, 
are eliminated in full.

Unrealised losses are eliminated unless costs can not be 
recovered.

The accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed 
when necessary to align them with the policies adopted by 
the Group.

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

Business combinations are accounted for in accordance 
with Note 1(C).

(ii) Associates
Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant 
influence, but not control or joint control, over the financial and 
operating policies. Significant influence generally exists when 
the Group holds between 20 and 50 per cent of the voting rights 
of another entity, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this 
is not the case.

Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity 
method after initially being recognised at cost.

(iii) Joint arrangements
Joint arrangements are classified as either joint ventures or joint 
operations. The classification depends on the contractual rights 
and obligations of each investor, rather than the legal structure 
of the joint arrangement.

Joint ventures are those entities over whose activities the Group 
has joint control and rights to the net assets of the arrangement, 
rather than rights to the assets and obligations for its liabilities. 
Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the 
equity method after initially being recognised at cost in the 
consolidated statement of financial position.

(iv) Investments accounted for using the equity method
The Group’s investment includes goodwill identified on 
acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment losses. The 
consolidated financial statements include the Group’s share of 
post acquisition income and expenses and equity movements 
of equity accounted investees, after adjustments to align 
the accounting policies with those of the Group. When the 
Group’s share of losses equals or exceeds its interest in an 
equity accounted investee, the carrying amount of that interest, 
including any long-term investments, is reduced to nil, and the 
recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent 
that the Group has an obligation or has made payments on 
behalf of the investee.

49

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 1.  STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

(CONTINUED)

(B) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION (CONTINUED)
(iv) Investments accounted for using the equity method (continued)
Dividends received or receivable from associates and joint 
ventures are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount 
of the investment.

Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity 
accounted investees are eliminated against the investment to 
the extent of the Group’s interest in that investee. Unrealised 
losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but 
only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

(C) BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
For every business combination, the Group identifies the 
acquirer, which is the combining entity that obtains control 
(refer Note 1(B)(i)) of the other combining entities or businesses. 
The Group accounts for business combinations using the 
acquisition method when control is transferred to the Group. 
The acquisition date is the date on which control is transferred 
to the acquirer. Judgement is applied in determining the 
acquisition date and determining whether control is transferred 
from one party to another.

Consideration transferred includes the fair values of the assets 
transferred, liabilities incurred by the Group to the previous 
owners of the acquiree, and equity interests issued by the 
Group. Consideration transferred also includes the fair value 
of any contingent consideration and share-based payment 
awards of the acquiree that are replaced mandatorily in the 
business combination. If a business combination results in the 
termination of pre-existing relationships between the Group 
and the acquiree, then the lower of the termination amount, 
as contained in the agreement, and the value of the off-market 
element is deducted from the consideration transferred and 
recognised in other expenses.

The fair value of the identifiable assets is based on valuations 
performed by independent experts.

(i) Measuring goodwill
The Group measures goodwill as the fair value of the 
consideration transferred including the recognised amount of 
any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, less the fair value 
of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all 
measured as of the acquisition date. If the cost of the acquisition 
is less than the Group’s share of the fair value of the identifiable 
net assets of the acquiree, the difference is recognised 
directly in profit or loss, but only after a reassessment of the 
identification and measurement of the net assets acquired. 
Any goodwill that arises is tested annually for impairment.

50

(ii) Contingent liabilities
A contingent liability of the acquiree is recognised in a business 
combination only if such a liability represents a present 
obligation and arises from a past event, and its fair value 
can be measured reliably.

(iii) Non-controlling interest
The Group measures any non-controlling interest at its 
proportionate interest in the identifiable net assets of the acquiree.

(iv) Transaction costs
Transaction costs that the Group incurs in connection with 
a business combination, such as finder’s fees, legal fees, 
due diligence fees, stamp duties and other professional and 
consulting fees are expensed as incurred.

(D) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
(i) Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s 
entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). 
The financial report is presented in Australian Dollars, which is the 
Company’s functional and presentation currency.

(ii) Transactions
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the respective 
functional currencies of Group entities using the exchange 
rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign 
exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such 
transactions and from the translation at reporting date exchange 
rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies are recognised in the income statement, except 
when they are deferred in equity such as for qualifying cash flow 
hedges and qualifying net investment hedges.

Translation differences on financial assets and liabilities carried 
at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. 
Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets such 
as equities classified as available-for-sale financial assets are 
included in the fair value reserve in equity.

(iii) Foreign Group entities
The results and financial position of all the Group entities (none 
of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that 
have a functional currency different from Australian Dollars are 
translated into Australian Dollars as follows:
•	 assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented 
are translated at the closing rate at the date of that 
balance sheet;
income and expenses of foreign operations are translated 
at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable 
approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing 
on the transaction dates, in which case income and 
expenses are translated at the date of the transactions); and

•	

•	 all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other 

comprehensive income and presented in the foreign currency 
translation reserve.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the 
translation of any net investment in foreign entities, and 
of borrowings and other financial instruments designated 
as hedges of such investments, are recognised in other 
comprehensive income and presented in the foreign currency 
translation reserve. When a foreign operation is sold or any 
borrowings forming part of the net investment are repaid, 
a proportionate share of such exchange differences are 
transferred to profit or loss, as part of the gain or loss on sale 
where applicable.

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

(E) REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenues are recognised at the fair value of the consideration 
received or receivable, net of goods and services tax (GST). 
Amounts disclosed as revenue are net of returns, trade 
allowances and amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

Sales revenue comprises revenue earned from the provision of 
goods and services to entities outside of the Group.

The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue 
can be reliably measured, it is probable that the future economic 
benefits will flow to the entity and specific criteria have been 
met for each of the Group’s activities as described below. The 
amount of revenue is not considered to be reliably measurable 
until all contingencies relating to the sale have been resolved. 
The Group bases its estimates on historical results, taking into 
consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and 
the specifics of each arrangement.

Revenue is recognised for major business activities as follows:

(i) Revenue from product sales
Revenue from product sales is recognised upon the delivery 
of goods to customers:
•	 when risks and rewards have been transferred which 
is considered to occur upon the delivery of goods to 
customers; and
there is no significant unfulfilled obligation that could affect 
the customer’s acceptance of the products.

•	

(ii) Revenue from product support
Revenue from product support is recognised in the accounting 
period in which the services are rendered. For fixed price 
contracts, revenue is recognised under the percentage of 
completion method, based on the actual services provided as 
a proportion of the total services to be provided.

(iii) Maintenance and repair contracts (MARC)
Contract revenues and expenses are recognised in accordance 
with the percentage of completion method unless the outcome 
of the contract cannot be reliably estimated. Where it is 
probable that a loss will arise from a MARC, the excess of total 
expected contract costs over total expected contract revenue is 
recognised as an expense immediately.

Where the outcome of a contract cannot be reliably estimated, 
contract costs are recognised as an expense as incurred, and 
where it is probable that the costs will be recovered, revenue is 
recognised to the extent of the costs incurred.

(iv) Revenue from telephony
Revenue from telephony relates to the provision of 
telecommunication services and is recognised net of returns, 
trade allowances and duties and taxes paid. Fees for monthly 
access plans which are charged monthly in advance are 
allocated to the appropriate calendar month. Any income in 
advance at the end of an accounting period is not recognised 
as revenue in the consolidated income statement, and is held as 
deferred income in the statement of financial position.

(v) Other revenue
Other revenue comprises sundry income and is earned when 
goods and services are rendered.

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. Government grants are recognised in profit or loss 
on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Group 
recognises as expenses the related costs for which the grants 
are intended to compensate. Specifically, government grants 
whose primary condition is that the Group should purchase, 
construct or otherwise acquire non-current assets are 
recognised as deferred income in the statement of financial 
position and transferred to profit or loss on a systematic and 
rational basis over the useful lives of the related assets.

(vi) Dividend income
Dividend income is recognised net of any franking credits. 
Dividend income is recognised when the Group’s right to 
receive payment is established, which in the case of quoted 
securities is the ex-dividend date.

(F) TAXATION
Income tax expense is comprised of current and deferred tax 
expense. Income tax expense is recognised in profit or loss 
except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, 
or items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive 
income. Current tax expense for the period is the expected 
tax payable on the current period’s taxable income based on 
the enacted or substantively enacted income tax rate for each 
jurisdiction adjusted by changes to tax payable in respect of 
previous years.

51

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 1.  STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

(CONTINUED)

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

Deferred tax assets have been recognised for deductible 
temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is 
probable that future taxable amounts will be available to 
utilise those temporary differences and losses. Deferred tax 
assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced 
to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax 
benefit will be realised.

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

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

Tax exposures
In determining the amount of current and deferred tax the 
Group takes into account the impact of uncertain tax positions 
and whether additional taxes and interest may be due. This 
assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may 
involve a series of judgements about future events. New 
information may become available that causes the Group to 
change its judgement regarding the adequacy of existing tax 
liabilities; such changes to tax liabilities will impact tax expense 
in the period that such a determination is made.

The Company and its wholly-owned Australian resident entities 
are part of a tax-consolidated group. As a consequence, all 
members of the tax-consolidated group are taxed as a single 
entity. The head entity within the tax-consolidated group is 
Seven Group Holdings Limited.

52

(G) IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite life are not 
subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment or 
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
they might be impaired. Other non-financial assets are reviewed for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment 
loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying 
amount exceeds its recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit 
(CGU) is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less 
costs of disposal. In assessing value in use, the estimated 
future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a 
pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments 
of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. 
For impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the 
smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from 
continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows 
of other assets or CGUs. Subject to an operating segment 
ceiling test, CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are 
aggregated so that the level at which impairment is tested 
reflects the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for 
internal reporting purposes. Goodwill acquired in a business 
combination is allocated to groups of CGUs that are expected to 
benefit from the synergies of the combination.

Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an 
impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment 
at each reporting date. Impairment losses are recognised in 
profit or loss unless the asset has previously been revalued, in 
which case the impairment is recognised as a reversal to the 
extent of that previous revaluation with any excess recognised 
in the profit or loss.

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

(I) TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost, less provision for 
impairment. Trade receivables are generally due for settlement 
no more than 30 days from the date of recognition.

Collectability of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing 
basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written 
off. An impairment provision for receivables is established 
when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be 
able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms 
of receivables. The amount of the provision is the difference 
between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective 
interest rate. Cash flows relating to short term receivables are 
not discounted if the effect of discounting is immaterial. The 
amount of the provision is recognised in the income statement.

collectively assessed for any impairment that has been incurred 
but not yet identified. Assets that are not individually significant 
are collectively assessed for impairment by grouping together 
assets with similar risk characteristics.

Other receivables are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are 
written down to their recoverable amount when this amount is in 
excess of their carrying value.

(J) INVENTORIES
Raw materials and stores, work in progress and finished goods 
are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost 
is based on the actual costs, with the exception of exchange 
component inventory and parts inventory for which cost is 
based on weighted average cost, and includes expenditure 
incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their 
existing condition and location. In the prior period, cost of work 
in progress included an appropriate share of both variable and 
fixed costs, with fixed costs allocated on the basis of normal 
operating capacity.

Net realisable value is determined on the basis of the Group’s 
normal selling pattern. Expenses for marketing, selling and 
distribution to customers are estimated and are deducted to 
establish net realisable value.

(K) INVESTMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS
The Group classifies its investments in the following categories: 
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans  
receivable, held to maturity investments, and available-for-sale 
financial assets. The classification depends on the purpose for 
which the investments were acquired. Management determines 
the classification of its investments at initial recognition and, in 
the case of assets classified as held to maturity, re-evaluates 
this designation at each reporting date.

(i) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are either 
financial assets held for trading which are acquired principally 
for the purpose of selling with the intention of making a profit or 
financial assets that are managed and have their performance 
regularly evaluated by management and the directors on a fair 
value basis. Derivatives are also categorised as held for trading 
unless they are designated as hedges.

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

The Group considers evidence of impairment for financial 
assets measured at amortised cost (loans receivable and held 
to maturity investments) at both a specific asset and collective 
level. All individually significant assets are assessed for specific 
impairment. Those found not to be specifically impaired are then 

In assessing collective impairment, the Group uses historical 
trends of the probability of default, timing of recoveries and the 
amount of loss incurred, adjusted for management’s judgement 
as to whether current economic and credit conditions are such 
that the actual losses are likely to be greater or lesser than 
suggested by historical trends.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at 
amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying 
amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows 
discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate.

Losses are recognised in profit or loss and reflected in an 
allowance account against receivables. Interest on the 
impaired asset continues to be recognised through the unwinding 
of the discount. When an event occurring after the impairment was 
recognised causes the amount of impairment loss to decrease, 
the decrease in impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss.

Loans receivable are carried at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method.

(iii) Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets, principally comprising 
marketable equity securities, are non-derivatives that are either 
designated in this category or not classified in any of the other 
categories. They are included in non-current assets unless 
management intends to dispose of the investment.

Recognition and de-recognition
Regular purchases and sales of investments are recognised on 
trade date – the date on which the Group commits to purchase 
or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognised at fair value 
plus transaction costs for all financial assets not carried at 
fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets carried at fair 
value through profit or loss are initially recognised at fair value 
and transaction costs are expensed in profit or loss. Financial 
assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows 
from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred 
and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership.

When securities classified as available-for-sale are sold or 
impaired, the accumulated fair value adjustments recognised 
in other comprehensive income and presented in the fair value 
reserve are recycled to profit or loss as gains and losses from 
investment securities.

53

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 1.  STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

(CONTINUED)

(K) INVESTMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS (CONTINUED)
(iii) Available-for-sale financial assets(continued)

Subsequent measurement
Available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets 
at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently carried 
at fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair 
value of the financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
category, are presented in the profit or loss within other income 
or other expenses in the period in which they arise. Dividend 
income from financial assets is recognised in the profit or loss as 
other income.

Gains or losses arising from changes in the value of 
available-for-sale financial assets category are taken to the fair 
value reserve. Amounts are recognised in profit or loss when 
the associated assets are sold or impaired.

Impairment
The Group assesses at each balance date whether there is 
objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial 
assets is impaired. In the case of equity securities classified 
as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the 
fair value of a security below its cost is considered objective 
evidence of impairment. The Group considers a decline of 
30 per cent to be significant and a period of 12 months to be 
prolonged. If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale 
financial assets, the cumulative loss measured as the difference 
between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any 
impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognised in 
profit or loss is removed from the fair value reserve in equity and 
recognised in the profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised 
in the profit or loss on equity instruments classified as 
available-for-sale are not reversed through the profit or loss but 
are recognised in other comprehensive income and presented 
in the fair value reserve.

(L) DERIVATIVES
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date 
a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
remeasured at their fair value at each reporting date. The 
accounting for subsequent changes in fair value depends on 
whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, 
and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group 
designates certain derivatives as either:
•	 hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities 

or a firm commitment (fair value hedges); or

•	 hedges of the cash flows of recognised assets and liabilities 

and highly probable forecast transactions (cash flow 
hedges).

The Group documents at the inception of the hedging 
transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and 
hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and 
strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Group 

54

also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and 
on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in 
hedging transactions have been and will continue to be highly 
effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of 
hedged items.

The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a 
non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the 
hedged item is more than 12 months; it is classified as a current 
asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item 
is less than 12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as a 
current asset or liability.

(i) Fair value hedges
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and 
qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the profit or loss, 
together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset 
or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. The gain 
or loss relating to the effective portion of interest rate swaps 
hedging fixed rate borrowings is recognised in the profit or loss 
within finance costs, together with changes in the fair value of 
the hedged fixed rate borrowings attributable to interest rate 
risk. The gain or loss relating to the relating to the ineffective 
portion is recognised in the profit or loss within other income or 
other expenses.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for 
which the effective interest method is used is amortised to profit 
or loss over the period to maturity using a recalculated effective 
interest rate.

(ii) Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives 
that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is 
recognised in other comprehensive income in the cash flow 
hedge reserve. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion 
is recognised immediately in the profit or loss within other 
income or other expenses.

Amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income are 
recycled in the profit or loss in the periods when the hedged 
item affects profit or loss (for instance when the forecast sale 
that is hedged takes place). The gain or loss relating to the 
effective portion of interest rate swaps hedging variable rate 
borrowings is recognised in the profit or loss within finance 
costs. The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of 
forward foreign exchange contracts hedging export sales is 
recognised in profit or loss within sales. However, when the 
forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of 
a non-financial asset (for example, inventory or fixed assets), the 
gains and losses previously deferred in other comprehensive 
income are transferred from other comprehensive income and 
included in the initial measurement of the cost of the asset. The 
deferred amounts are ultimately recognised in profit or loss as a 
cost of goods sold in the case of inventory, or as depreciation in 
the case of fixed assets.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 When a hedging instrument expires or is sold or terminated, or 
when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
any cumulative gain or loss existing in other comprehensive 
income at that time remains in other comprehensive income 
and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately 
recognised in profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is 
no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that 
was reported in other comprehensive income is immediately 
transferred to the profit or loss.

(N)  OIL AND NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION, EVALUATION AND 

DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE

Oil and natural gas exploration, evaluation and development 
expenditure is accounted for using the successful efforts 
method of accounting.

(i) Pre-licence costs
Pre-licence costs are expensed in the period in which they 
are incurred.

(iii) Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting
Certain derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge 
accounting. Changes in the fair value of any derivative 
instrument that does not qualify for hedge accounting are 
recognised immediately in profit or loss.

(M) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
All property, plant and equipment is measured at historical 
cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated 
impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is 
directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

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

Freehold land is not depreciated. Depreciation on the following 
assets is calculated using the straight line method to allocate 
their cost or revalued amounts, net of their residual values, over 
their estimated useful lives, as follows:

Buildings 
Plant and equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Leased plant and equipment 

40 years
2 – 12 years
1 – 25 years
2 – 12 years

Rental fleet assets are depreciated on a reducing balance 
method at a rate of 30%.

Depreciation on production assets is calculated using the unit 
of production basis.

The cost of improvements to or on leasehold properties 
is amortised over the unexpired period of the lease or the 
estimated useful life of the improvement to the consolidated 
entity, whichever is the shorter.

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and 
adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date. An asset’s carrying 
amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount 
if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated 
recoverable amount.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing 
proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in profit 
or loss.

(ii) Licence and property acquisition costs
Exploration licence and leasehold property acquisition costs 
are capitalised in intangible assets. Licence costs paid in 
connection with a right to explore in an existing exploration 
area are capitalised and amortised over the term of the permit. 
Licence and property acquisition costs are reviewed at each 
reporting date to confirm that there is no indication that the 
carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. This review 
includes confirming that exploration drilling is still under way or 
firmly planned, or that it has been determined, or work is under 
way to determine that the discovery is economically viable 
based on a range of technical and commercial considerations 
and sufficient progress is being made on establishing 
development plans and timing. If no future activity is planned or 
the licence has been relinquished or has expired, the carrying 
value of the licence and property acquisition costs is written off 
through profit or loss. Upon recognition of proved reserves and 
internal approval for development, the relevant expenditure is 
transferred to producing and development assets.

(iii) Exploration and evaluation costs
Exploration and evaluation activity involves the search for 
hydrocarbon resources, the determination of technical 
feasibility and the assessment of commercial viability of an 
identified resource. Once the legal right to explore has been 
acquired, costs directly associated with an exploration well are 
capitalised as exploration and evaluation intangible assets until 
the drilling of the well is complete and the results have been 
evaluated. These costs include directly attributable employee 
remuneration, materials and fuel used, rig costs and payments 
made to contractors.

Geological and geophysical costs are recognised in profit 
or loss as incurred.

If no potentially commercial hydrocarbons are discovered, the 
exploration asset is written off through profit or loss as a dry 
hole. If extractable hydrocarbons are found and, subject to 
further appraisal activity (e.g., the drilling of additional wells), are 
likely to be capable of being commercially developed, the costs 
continue to be carried as an intangible asset while sufficient/
continued progress is made in assessing the commerciality 
of the hydrocarbons. Costs directly associated with appraisal 
activity undertaken to determine the size, characteristics and 
commercial potential of a reservoir following the initial discovery 
of hydrocarbons, including the costs of appraisal wells where 
hydrocarbons were not found, are initially capitalised as an 
intangible asset.

55

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 1.  STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

(CONTINUED)

(N)  OIL AND NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION, EVALUATION AND 

DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE (CONTINUED)

(iii) Exploration and evaluation costs (continued)
All such capitalised costs are subject to technical, commercial 
and management review, as well as review for indicators 
of impairment at least once a year. This is to confirm the 
continued intent to develop or otherwise extract value from 
the discovery. When this is no longer the case, the costs are 
written off through profit or loss. When proved reserves of oil 
and natural gas are identified and development is sanctioned 
by management, the relevant capitalised expenditure is first 
assessed for impairment and (if required) any impairment loss 
is recognised, then the remaining balance is transferred to oil 
and gas properties. Other than licence costs, no amortisation is 
charged during the exploration and evaluation phase.

The ultimate recoupment of the carrying value of the 
Group’s exploration and evaluation assets is dependent 
on successful commercial exploitation, or the sale of the 
respective area of interest.

(iv) Development costs
Expenditure on the construction, installation or completion 
of infrastructure facilities such as platforms, pipelines and 
the drilling of development wells, including unsuccessful 
development or delineation wells, is capitalised within 
development assets.

(v) Depreciation/amortisation
Oil and gas properties are depreciated/amortised on a unit 
of production basis over the total proved developed and 
undeveloped reserves of the field concerned, except in the case 
of assets whose useful life is shorter than the lifetime of the field, 
in which case, the straight-line method is applied.

(vi) Provision for restoration
A provision for restoration is recognised when there is a 
legal or constructive obligation to do so. A corresponding 
restoration asset amount is created equivalent to the amount 
of the provision. The amount recognised is the estimated 
cost of restoration, discounted to its net present value and is 
reassessed each year in accordance with local conditions and 
requirements. This therefore requires management to make 
judgements regarding removal method, future legislation, 
reclamation activities required, engineering methodology for 
estimating costs, future removal technologies and discount 
rates to determine the present value of the cash flows. Changes 
in the estimates of restoration cost estimate are dealt with 
prospectively by recording an adjustment to the provision and a 
corresponding adjustment to the restoration asset.

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

Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units for the purpose 
of impairment testing. Each of those cash generating units 
represents the Group’s investment in each country of operation 
by each primary reporting segment.

(ii) Distribution networks
The distribution networks of the Group are considered by the 
Directors to be identifiable intangible assets.

The Directors are of the opinion that the distribution networks 
have an indefinite useful life, and as such the distribution 
networks are not subject to amortisation but rather are tested 
annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes 
in circumstances indicate impairment. The basis for the 
classification of indefinite life is that the dealership agreements 
do not require specific renewal over set intervals thus the 
distribution rights continue uninterrupted unless a cause to 
terminate is triggered.

(P) TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
These amounts are carried at amortised cost and represent 
liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to 
the end of the financial year and which are unpaid. The amounts 
are unsecured and are usually paid within normal trading terms.

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

56

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Borrowings are derecognised from the statement of financial 
position when the obligation specified in the contract is 
discharged, cancelled or expired. The difference between the 
carrying amount of a financial liability that has been extinguished 
or transferred to another party and the consideration paid, 
including any non-cash assets transferred or any liabilities 
assumed, is recognised in other income or expenses.

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

(R) PROVISIONS
Provisions for restructuring costs, legal claims, service 
warranties and make good obligations are recognised when the 
Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result 
of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources 
will be required to settle the obligation and the amount has 
been reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognised for future 
operating losses.

A service warranties provision is made for the estimated liability 
on products under warranty at balance date. This provision is 
estimated having regard to service warranty experience. Other 
warranty costs are accrued as and when the liability arises.

An onerous contract is a contract in which the unavoidable 
cost of meeting the obligations under the contract exceeds the 
economic benefit expected to be received. A provision is raised 
in respect of operating leases or other onerous contracts.

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood 
that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by 
considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision 
is recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect 
to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be 
small.

Provisions are determined by discounting the expected 
future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to 
the liability.

(S) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
(i) Wages, salaries and annual leave
Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary 
benefits and annual leave due to be settled within 12 months 
of the reporting date are recognised in provisions in respect 
of employees services up to the reporting date and are 
measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the 
liabilities are settled.

(ii) Long service leave
The liability for long service leave is recognised in the provision 
for employee benefits and measured as the present value of 
expected future payments to be made in respect of services 
provided by employees up to the reporting date. Consideration 
is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience 
of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future 
payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting 
date on national government bonds with terms of maturity and 
currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future 
cash outflows.

(iii) Superannuation
The Group contributes to a superannuation fund which provides 
accumulated contribution plans. Contributions are charged 
against the profit or loss in the period to which they relate.

(iv) Share based payments
The fair value of options granted under the Company’s 
cash-settled option plan is recognised as an employee 
benefit expense with a corresponding increase in liability. 
The expense and the liability incurred are measured at the 
fair value of the liability.

The fair value at grant date is independently determined using 
Black-Scholes and Binomial option pricing models that take 
into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the 
vesting and performance criteria, the impact of dilution, the 
non-tradeable nature of the option, the share price at grant 
date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the 
expected dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate for the 
term of the option.

The fair value of the options granted excludes the impact of any 
non-market vesting conditions. Non-market vesting conditions 
are included in assumptions about the number of options that 
are expected to become exercisable. At each reporting date, the 
entity remeasures the fair value of the options, with any changes 
in value recognised in the profit or loss as a finance cost.

The fair value of equity-based entitlements settled in equity 
instruments is recognised as an employee benefit expense 
with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is 
estimated at grant date and recognised over the period during 
which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the 
equity instrument.

The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect 
the actual number of entitlements that vest, except where 
forfeiture is only due to share prices not achieving the 
threshold for vesting.

57

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Segment results that are reported to the executive management 
team and Board include items directly attributable to a segment 
as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. 
Unallocated items comprise mainly corporate assets, head 
office expenses and income tax assets and liabilities.

Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the 
period to acquire property, plant and equipment and intangible 
assets other than goodwill.

(X) EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
The Group presents basic and diluted EPS data for its ordinary 
shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss 
attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during 
the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit 
or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of 
all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders is stated 
after allocation of the portion of profit or loss attributable 
to holders of TELYS4.

(Y) FINANCE INCOME AND COSTS
Net finance expense comprises interest payable on borrowings 
calculated using the effective interest method and interest 
receivable on funds invested. Finance income includes the 
unwind of discount in relation to deferred consideration.

Interest income and interest expense also include components 
of finance lease payments and is recognised in the income 
statement as it accrues, using the effective interest method.

(Z) CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Group has adopted the following new standards and 
amendments to standards, including any consequential 
amendments to other standards, with a date of initial application 
of 1 July 2013.

•	 AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (2011) (refer (i))
•	 AASB 11 Joint Arrangements (refer (ii))
•	 AASB 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (refer (iii))
•	 AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement (refer (iv))
•	 AASB 2013-3 Amendments to AASB 136 – Recoverable 
Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets (refer (v))
•	 AASB 119 Employee Benefits (2011) and AASB 2011-10 
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising 
from AASB 119 (2011) (refer (vi))

1.  STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

(CONTINUED)

(T) GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the 
amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not 
recoverable from the taxation authority. In this case it is 
recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as 
part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of 
GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable 
from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included with 
other receivables or payables in the consolidated statement of 
financial position.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST 
components of cash flows arising from investing or financing 
activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the taxation 
authority, are presented as operating cash flow.

(U) CONTRIBUTED EQUITY
Ordinary shares, redeemable preference shares, non-share 
equity and other equity securities are classified as equity.

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

When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the 
amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable 
costs is recognised as a deduction from equity.

(V)  TRANSFERABLE EXTENDABLE LISTED YIELD SHARES 

(TELYS4)

TELYS4 have been classified as equity and the dividend 
payable on the TELYS4 is treated as a distribution of 
shareholders equity. The consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income does not include the dividends 
on TELYS4.

(W) OPERATING SEGMENTS
The Group has determined and presented operating 
segments based on the information that internally is provided 
to executive management (the chief operating decision maker) 
and the Board.

An operating segment is a component of the Group that 
engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues 
and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that 
relate to transactions with any of the Group’s other components. 
All operating segments’ operating results are regularly reviewed 
by the Group’s executive management team and Board to 
make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment 
and to assess its performance for which discrete financial 
information is available.

58

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 In accordance with the transitional provisions of AASB 13, the 
Group has applied the new fair value measurement guidance 
prospectively. Notwithstanding the above, the change had no 
significant impact on the measurements of the Group’s assets 
and liabilities.

(v)  AASB 2013-3 Amendments to AASB 136 – Recoverable Amount 

Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets

The Group has early adopted AASB 2013-3. As a result, the 
Group is only required to disclose the recoverable amount of 
impaired assets, rather than the recoverable amount for each 
cash generating unit (CGU) which held significant goodwill or 
intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.

(vi) Employee benefits
The introduction of AASB 119 (2011) changes the definition 
of short-term and long-term employee benefits. There was 
no material impact on the Group’s financial statements from 
adopting this standard.

(AA) NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and 
interpretations are effective for future reporting periods.

These have not been applied in preparing these consolidated 
financial statements. Those which may be relevant to the Group 
are set out below. The Group does not plan to adopt this 
standard early and is yet to determine the effect of the standard 
on the Group.

AASB 9 Financial Instruments (2010), IFRS 9 Financial 
Instruments (2009)
AASB 9 addresses the classification, measurement and 
derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities and also 
sets out new rules for hedge accounting. It is mandatory for the 
Group’s 30 June 2016 financial statements.

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

(i) Subsidiaries
AASB 10 (2011) introduces a new control model that is 
applicable to all investees, by focusing on whether the Group 
has power over an investee, exposure or rights to variable 
returns from its involvement with the investee and ability to use 
its power to affect those returns. In particular, AASB 10 requires 
the Group to consolidate investees that it controls on the basis 
of de facto circumstances. As a result of AASB 10 (2011), 
the Group has changed its accounting policy for determining 
whether it has control over and consequently whether it 
consolidates its investees. The Group reassessed its control 
conclusions for its investees as at 1 July 2013. There has been 
no change in the Group’s accounting treatment from adopting 
this standard.

(ii) Joint arrangements
Under AASB 11, the Group classifies its interests in joint 
arrangements as either joint operations or joint ventures 
depending on the Group’s rights to the assets and obligations 
for the liabilities of the arrangements. When making this 
assessment, the Group considers the structure of the 
arrangements, the legal form of any separate vehicles, the 
contractual terms of the arrangements and other facts and 
circumstances. Previously, the structure of the arrangement 
was the sole focus of classification. The Group reassessed 
its involvement in its joint arrangements and accordingly 
reclassified the investments from jointly controlled entities to 
joint ventures. The Group continues to apply the equity method 
of accounting. There has been no change in the Group’s 
accounting treatment from adopting this standard.

(iii) Disclosure of interests in other entities
The Group has expanded its disclosure about equity 
accounted investees (refer Note 11) and interests in subsidiaries 
(refer Note 25) from the introduction of AASB 12. There has 
been no change in the Group’s accounting treatment from 
adopting this standard.

(iv) Fair value measurement
AASB 13 establishes a single framework for measuring fair value 
and making disclosures about fair value measurements, when 
such measurements are required or permitted by other AASBs. 
In particular, it unifies the definition of fair value as the price at 
which an orderly transaction to sell an asset or to transfer a 
liability would take place between market participants at the 
measurement date. It also replaces and expands the disclosure 
requirements about fair value measurements in other AASBs, 
including AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

59

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Note 15 for further information on intangible assets and Note 
11 for further information on investments accounted for using 
the equity method.

(iv)  Impairment of available-for-sale financial assets and listed equity 

accounted investees

In determining the amount of impairment for available-for-sale 
financial assets and equity accounted investees that are listed, 
management has made judgements in identifying financial 
assets that are impaired due to industry factors or whose 
decline in fair value below original cost is considered significant 
or prolonged. A significant decline is assessed based on the 
percentage decline from acquisition cost of the share, while a 
prolonged decline is based on the length of the time over which 
the share price has been depressed below cost. The Group 
considers a decline of 30 per cent to be significant and a period 
of 12 months to be prolonged.

(v) Interests in other entities
Significant judgement and assumptions are made in determining 
whether an entity has control, joint control or significant influence 
over another entity and the type of the joint arrangement. In 
considering the classification, management considers whether 
control exists, the nature and structure of the relationship and 
other facts and circumstances.

(vi) Dependency on key suppliers
The Group is dependent on Caterpillar to maintain its 
authorisation as an authorised dealer of Caterpillar equipment 
and parts in its Western Australia, New South Wales/ACT and 
North Eastern China Service Territories. WesTrac Group has 
maintained a strong relationship with Caterpillar and although 
WesTrac Group expects this relationship to continue, as is 
customary in dealer agreements with Caterpillar, the dealer 
agreement can be terminated by either party upon 90 days 
notice at any time.

The Group is also dependent on Caterpillar for timely supply of 
equipment and parts from their global manufacturing factories 
and distribution warehouses. During periods of intense demand 
or in the event of disruption to Caterpillar’s business there may 
be delays in the supply of equipment and parts to WesTrac 
Group. This has not in the past proven to be an impediment to 
the WesTrac Group.

Management judgement is therefore required to estimate the 
impact of the loss of key suppliers on future earnings, supporting 
existing goodwill and intangible assets.

2. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
The preparation of the financial statements requires that 
management make estimates, judgements and assumptions 
that affect the application of accounting policies and the 
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. 
Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and 
underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. They 
are based on historical experience and other factors, including 
expectations of future events that may have a financial impact 
on the Group and that are believed to be reasonable under 
the circumstances. Revisions to accounting estimates are 
recognised in the period in which the estimates are incorporated 
and in any future periods affected.

Significant areas of estimation, uncertainty and critical 
judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most 
significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial 
statements are outlined below. These areas involve a higher 
degree of judgement and/or complexity.

(i) Revenue recognition – MARC
Contract revenues and expenses are recognised by reference 
to the percentage of completion method for each identifiable 
component. In determining revenue and expense for MARC, 
management makes assumptions and estimates regarding 
the work performed to date as percentage of the total work to 
be performed and estimated revenues and expenses over the 
life of the contract. Where contract variations are recognised 
in revenue, assumptions are made regarding the probability 
that customers will approve those contract variations and the 
amount of revenue arising from contract variations.

(ii) Income tax
The Group is subject to income taxes in Australia and 
jurisdictions where it has foreign operations. Judgement is 
required in determining the provision for income taxes. There 
are many transactions and calculations undertaken for which 
the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Assumptions are 
made about the application of income tax legislation. These 
assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty and there is a 
possibility that changes in circumstances will alter expectations 
which may impact the amount of deferred tax assets recorded 
in the statement of financial position. In these circumstances the 
carrying amount of deferred tax assets may change impacting 
the profit or loss of the Group.

(iii)  Impairment of non-current assets (including investments 

accounted for using the equity method and intangible assets)
In accordance with AASB 136 Impairment of Assets, the 
recoverable amount of assets is the greater of its value in 
use and its fair value less cost of disposal. In the absence 
of quoted market prices (refer Note 2 (iv)), an asset’s value 
in use is calculated by estimating the present value of future 
cash flows using an asset specific discount rate. These 
calculations also require the use of assumptions regarding 
profit margins, growth rates and discount rates. Refer to 

60

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 (vii) Nexus Energy Limited (Nexus) transaction 
On 6 August 2014, the administrators of Nexus announced 
that only one offer was generated through the company’s sale 
process. The sole offer was a proposed Deed of Company 
Arrangement (DOCA) from a wholly-owned Group subsidiary, 
SGH Energy (No 2) Pty Ltd. The key terms of the DOCA 
included the repayment of the Nexus senior debt in full, trade 
creditors and employee priority claims paid in full, subordinated 
note holders to receive 74.5 cents in the dollar for principal and 
accrued interest and settlement of Sedco Forex International 
Inc’s (Sedco) claims against Nexus for $30,000,000.

Nexus creditors subsequently resolved to execute the DOCA 
at the second meeting of Nexus creditors on 11 August 2014. 
Completion of the DOCA by Nexus is required to occur 
within 15 business days of the second creditors meeting 
(i.e. by 1 September 2014) and is also subject to several 
conditions precedent, specifically, a Court order under section 
444GA of the Corporations Act, Australian Securities and 
Investments Commission (ASIC) approval and execution of 
a settlement deed by Sedco. Should the DOCA fail to be 
executed, there is potentially a risk that the carrying value of the 
Group’s loans receivable from Nexus are not fully recovered on 
a liquidation basis.

(viii) Environmental risk and regulation
The Group and the industries in which it operates are subject to 
a broad range of environmental laws, regulations and standards 
(including certain licensing requirements). This could expose the 
Group to legal liabilities or place limitations on the development 
of its operations. 

In addition there is a risk that property utilised by the Group 
from time to time may be contaminated by materials harmful 
to human health (such as hazardous chemicals). In these 
situations the Group may be required to undertake remedial 
works on contaminated sites and may be exposed to third 
party compensation claims and other environmental liabilities. 
Management judgement is therefore required to estimate the 
impact of such factors on future earnings supporting existing 
goodwill and intangible assets.

(ix) Estimates on reserve quantities
The estimated quantities of proven plus probable reserves 
are integral to the calculation of amortisation expense and the 
assessment of possible impairment of assets. Estimated reserve 
quantities are based upon interpretations of geological and 
geophysical models and assessments of technical feasibility 
and commercial viability of producing the reserves. These 
estimates require assumptions to be made regarding future 
development and production costs, commodity prices and 
exchange rates. The estimates of reserves may change from 
period to period, and as additional geological data is generated 
during the course of the operations. Reserve estimates are 
prepared in accordance with guidelines prepared by the Society 
of Petroleum Engineers.

3. OPERATING SEGMENTS
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
Identification of reportable segments
The Group has identified its operating segments based on the 
internal reports that are reviewed and used by the executive 
management (the chief operating decision maker) in assessing 
performance and in determining the allocation of resources.

The operating segments are identified by management based 
on the manner in which products are sold, the nature of services 
provided and country of origin. 

•	 WesTrac Australia – WesTrac Australia is the authorised 

Caterpillar dealer in Western Australia, New South Wales and 
the Australian Capital Territory, providing heavy equipment 
sales and support to customers.
 WesTrac China – WesTrac China is the authorised Caterpillar 
dealer in the North Eastern China provinces of Hebei, 
Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia and 
the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin, providing heavy 
equipment sales and support to customers.
 AllightSykes – represents the Group’s operations in the 
manufacture, assembly, sales and support of lighting, power 
generation and dewatering equipment as well as distribution 
of Perkins engines, via National Hire’s investment in Allight 
Holdings Pty Ltd and The Sykes Group.
 Coates Hire – represents the Group’s equity accounted 
investment in Coates Group Holdings Pty Limited. Coates 
Hire is Australia’s largest equipment hire company and 
provides a full range of general and specialist equipment 
to a wide variety of markets including engineering, building 
construction and maintenance, mining and resources, 
manufacturing, government and events.
 Media investments – relates to investments in listed and 
unlisted media organisations, including but not limited to, 
Seven West Media Limited and Consolidated Media Holdings 
Limited (up to disposal on 21 November 2012).
 Other investments – incorporates listed investments, property 
and operations in telephony (up until the sale of Engin in 
September 2012).

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

The Group is domiciled in Australia and operates predominantly 
in two countries, Australia and China. Segment revenues 
are allocated based on the country in which the customer is 
located. The WesTrac China segment represents all revenue 
derived from China.

Accounting policies
The accounting policies used by the Group in reporting 
segments internally are the same as those described in Note 1.

61

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 3. OPERATING SEGMENTS (CONTINUED)

WesTrac (d)
Australia
$’000

WesTrac
China
$’000

Allight (d)
Sykes
$’000

Coates
Hire
$’000

Media (e) 

investments
$’000

Other
investments
$’000

 Total 
$’000

 2,377,353 

 616,379 

 94,467 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 3,088,199 

 238,834 
 (36,012)

 27,684 
 (6,906)

 1,805 
 (4,619)

 26,295 
 – 

 103,128 
 – 

 43,452 
 (533)

 441,198 
 (48,070)

 202,822 

 20,778 

 (2,814)

 26,295 

 103,128 

 42,919 

 393,128 

 (10,598)

 (4,567)

 (1,527)

 – 

 – 

 (3,967)

 (20,659)

 2,849 

 (635)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 27,078 
 1,641,090 

 1,668,168 

 – 
 676,613 

 676,613 

 (367,098)

 (149,105)

 – 
 130,267 

 130,267 

 (15,234)

 4,105,593 

 484,454 

 155,822 

 23,795 

 74,347 

 4,074 

 104,430 

 – 

 (42,175)

 – 

 (42,175)

 452,270 
 – 

 661,804 
 357,009 

 30,731 
 948,974 

 1,171,883 
 3,753,953 

 452,270 

 1,018,813 

 979,705 

 4,925,836 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (17,274)

 (548,711)

 – 

 5,761 

 4,751,630 

 497,273 
 (50,596)

 5,642 
 (8,095)

 3,456 
 (4,025)

 47,778 
 – 

 105,835 
 – 

 37,761 
 (470)

 697,745 
 (63,186)

 446,677 

 (2,453)

 (569)

 47,778 

 105,835 

 37,291 

 634,559 

 (43,627)

 (1,745)

 (6,132)

 – 

 – 

 (3,650)

 (55,154)

 2,948 

 (203)

 (9,464)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 43,128 

 79,245 

 – 

 77,851 

 – 

 – 

 125,118 

 68,387 

 24,229 
 1,870,729 

 1,894,958 

 3,969 
 702,078 

 706,047 

 (581,480)

 (140,104)

 – 
 151,233 

 151,233 

 (23,669)

 430,221 
 – 

 430,221 

 – 

 670,628 
 318,607 

 989,235 

 44,825 
 807,145 

 1,173,872 
 3,849,792 

 851,970 

 5,023,664 

 – 

 (20,358)

 (765,611)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
Sales to external customers
Segment result
Segment earnings before 
interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation (EBITDA) (a)(c)
Depreciation and amortisation 

Segment earnings before 
interest and tax (EBIT) (b)(c)
Other segment information
Capital expenditure
Share of results of equity 
accounted investees included 
in segment EBIT (excluding 
significant items) (c)
Impairment of assets recognised 
in profit or loss
Investments accounted for using 
the equity method
Other segment assets

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013
Sales to external customers
Segment result
Segment earnings before 
interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation (EBITDA) (a)(c)
Depreciation and amortisation 
Segment earnings before 
interest and tax (EBIT) (b)(c)
Other segment information
Capital expenditure
Share of results of equity 
accounted investees included 
in segment EBIT (excluding 
significant items) (c)
Impairment of assets recognised 
in profit or loss

Investments accounted for using 
the equity method
Other segment assets

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

62

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Reconciliation of segment EBIT to net profit before tax per consolidated income statement
Segment net operating profit before net finance costs and tax (EBIT)
Corporate operating costs and transaction related costs
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Net gain on sale of investments and equity accounted investees
Net gain on sale of subsidiary
Share of significant items relating to results from equity accounted investees
Fair value movement of derivatives
(Impairment)/impairment reversal of equity accounted investees
Impairment of non-current assets
Restructuring and redundancy costs
Other significant items
Net finance costs

Profit before tax per consolidated income statement

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 393,128 
 (18,733)
 – 
 41,237 
 – 
 (865)
 (1,757)
 (42,175)
 – 
 (15,804)
 8,100 
 (52,412)

 310,719 

 634,559 
 (11,725)
 29,430 
 65,924 
 8,364 
 (9,613)
 (10,440)
 77,851 
 (9,464)
 (54,613)
 – 
 (97,341)

 622,932 

Reconciliation of segment operating assets to total assets per consolidated statement of financial position
Segment operating assets
Corporate cash holdings
Current tax assets
Deferred tax assets
Derivative financial instruments
Assets held at corporate level

Total assets per consolidated statement of financial position

 4,925,836 
 128,326 
 12,418 
 10,123 
 61,777 
 260,924 

 5,023,664 
 542,108 
 – 
 10,176 
 71,861 
 6,527 

 5,399,404 

 5,654,336 

The total of non-current assets other than financial instruments and deferred tax assets (there are no employment benefit assets and 
rights arising under insurance contracts) located in Australia is $604,824,000 (2013: $640,611,000). The total of non-current assets 
located in China is $481,648,000 (2013: $403,299,000) and the United States of America is $70,775,000 (2013: nil). Segment assets 
are allocated to countries based on where the assets are located.

Reconciliation of segment operating liabilities to total liabilities per consolidated statement of financial position
Segment operating liabilities
Liabilities held at corporate level
Derivative financial instruments
Current interest bearing loans and borrowings
Non-current interest bearing loans and borrowings
Current tax liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities per consolidated statement of financial position

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 (548,711)
 (59,753)
 (91,448)
 (36,078)
 (1,161,587)
– 
 (359,077)

 (765,611)
 (36,413)
 (123,637)
 (180,750)
 (1,074,720)
 (129,883)
 (307,988)

 (2,256,654)

 (2,619,002)

(a)  Segment EBITDA comprises profit before depreciation and amortisation, net finance costs, tax and significant items. Significant items are disclosed in Note 4.
(b)  Segment EBIT comprises profit before net finance costs, tax and significant items. Significant items are disclosed in Note 4.
(c)  Coates Hire segment EBITDA, EBIT and share of results of equity accounted investees excludes share of results from equity accounted investees attributable to significant items.
(d)  WesTrac Australia and AllightSykes results above have been reduced in relation to the elimination of sales to Coates Hire, due to the Group’s 45% interest in Coates Hire.
(e)  Media investments comprise investments accounted for using the equity method and available-for-sale financial assets.

63

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 4. SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
Profit before tax includes the following income and expenses for which disclosure is relevant in explaining the underlying financial 
performance of the Group.

SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
Net gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Net gain on sale of investments and equity accounted investees
Net gain on sale of subsidiary
(Impairment)/impairment reversal of equity accounted investees
Share of results from equity accounted investees attributable to significant items
Impairment of non-current assets
Fair value movement of derivatives
Restructuring and redundancy costs
Significant items in finance income
Other
Income tax benefit/(expense) on significant items

Total significant items

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 – 
 41,237 
 – 
 (42,175)
 (865)
 – 
 (1,757)
 (15,804)
 19,763 
 8,100 
 844 

 9,343 

 29,430 
 65,924 
 8,364 
 77,851 
 (9,613)
 (9,464)
 (10,440)
 (54,270)
 11,500 
 (343)
 (19,187)

 89,752 

Net gain on sale of property, plant and equipment relates to the realised profit on the sale of the first three sites of the Kings Square 
property development in Perth, Western Australia in the prior year.

Net gain on sale of investments and equity accounted investees relates to the net realised profit on sale of available-for-sale financial 
assets and equity accounted investees.

Net gain on sale of subsidiary relates to the net profit realised on sale of Engin in the prior year.

(Impairment)/impairment reversal of equity accounted investees relates to the impairment charge/(reversal) of the Group’s investment 
in Seven West Media Limited.

Share of results from equity accounted investees attributable to significant items relates to the Group’s share of significant items 
included in the results of equity accounted investees.

Impairment of non-current assets relates to the impairment of a Group subsidiary whose operations ceased in the prior year.

Fair value movement of derivatives relates to the Group’s derivatives not used as part of a designated hedge.

Restructuring and redundancy costs relate to the restructuring programs undertaken by WesTrac Australia, WesTrac China 
and AllightSykes.

Significant items in finance income comprises the unwind of discount to reflect the cash received during the year from deferred 
proceeds on sale of vividwireless, finance fee income relating to the loans receivable from Nexus and financial guarantee fee income 
received from equity accounted investees.

Other relates to one-off transactions including legal settlements received and acquisition costs refunded or incurred.

64

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 5. NET FINANCE EXPENSE

FINANCE INCOME
Interest income on bank deposits
Interest income on loans receivable
Fair value unwind of deferred consideration
Financial guarantee fee income from equity accounted investee
Finance fee income – Nexus
Other

Total finance income

FINANCE COSTS
Interest expense
Borrowing costs

Total finance costs

Net finance expense

6. INCOME TAX

INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Current tax expense
Deferred tax expense
Adjustment for prior years – non-temporary differences 

Total income tax expense in consolidated income statement

RECONCILIATION BETWEEN TAX EXPENSE AND PRE-TAX STATUTORY PROFIT:
Income tax using the domestic corporation tax rate 30%
  Recognition of deferred tax asset on capital and revenue losses, not previously recognised (a)
  Remeasurement of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities
  Franked dividends
  Share of equity accounted investee’s net profit
  Non-taxable capital gain
  Non-assessable income
  Non-deductible expenses
  Other assessable income
  Under provided in prior years
  Difference in overseas tax rates

Income tax expense

DEFERRED INCOME TAX RECOGNISED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY
Relating to available-for-sale financial assets
Relating to cash flow hedge reserve
Relating to foreign currency translation reserve

Total deferred income tax recognised directly in equity

(a)  prior year capital and revenue losses where a deferred tax asset was not previously recognised was utilised in the current year.

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 23,017 
 3,846 
 8,600 
 4,000 
 7,163 
 89 

 46,715 

 (90,527)
 (8,600)

 (99,127)

 (52,412)

 11,218 
 – 
 11,500 
 – 
 – 
 1,288 

 24,006 

 (109,565)
 (11,782)

 (121,347)

 (97,341)

Note

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 (30,253)
 (27,725)
 9,799 

 (48,179)

 (93,216)
 20 
 – 
 22,847 
 6,610 
 4,522 
 4,231 
 (4,663)
 (180)
 9,799 
 1,851 

 (153,675)
 (4,735)
 24,083 

 (134,327)

 (186,879)
 739 
 11,161 
 21,270 
 884 
 – 
 – 
 (3,286)
 (2,246)
 24,083 
 (53)

 (48,179)

 (134,327)

 21 
 21 

 (18,916)
 (5,138)
 637 

 (23,417)

 (43,127)
 16,977 
 950 

 (25,200)

65

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
6. INCOME TAX (CONTINUED)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Investments
Derivative financial instruments
Inventories and receivables
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Trade and other payables
Prepayments
Provisions
Transaction costs deducted over five years
Other

Net tax liability
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax liability

Net deferred tax liability

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Investments
Derivative financial instruments
Inventories and receivables
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Trade and other payables
Prepayments
Provisions
Transaction costs deducted over five years
Other

Net tax liability
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax liability

Net deferred tax liability

Opening
balance
$’000

Recognised
in profit
$’000

Recognised
in equity
$’000

Other (a)
$’000

Closing
balance
$’000

 (368,963)
 (1,787)
 32,150 
 (19,496)
 (3,005)
 31,639 
 432 
 19,838 
 4,376 
 7,004 

 (297,812)

 (298,017)
 (11,955)
 7,292 
 (17,983)
 (6,446)
 30,317 
 (153)
 19,978 
 6,544 
 3,037 

 (1,858)
 2,103 
 (24,466)
 778 
 1,283 
 4,014 
 (438)
 (959)
 (2,825)
 (5,357)

 (27,725)

 (27,819)
 (6,809)
 24,858 
 (1,513)
 3,441 
 1,568 
 585 
 105 
 (2,168)
 3,017 

 (18,916)
 (5,138)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 637 

 (23,417)

 (43,127)
 16,977 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 950 

 (267,386)

 (4,735)

 (25,200)

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (246)
 – 
 (245)
 – 
 – 

 (491)

 (389,737)
 (4,822)
 7,684 
 (18,718)
 (1,722)
 35,653 
 (6)
 18,879 
 1,551 
 2,284 

 (348,954)
 10,123 
 (359,077)

 (348,954)

 (368,963)
 (1,787)
 32,150 
 (19,496)
 (3,005)
 31,639 
 432 
 19,838 
 4,376 
 7,004 

 (297,812)
 10,176 
 (307,988)

 (297,812)

(a)  prior year amounts relate to deferred tax balances previously recognised by a Group subsidiary sold during the year.

As at 30 June 2014, the Group had not recognised:
•	 deferred tax assets of $122,354,000 (2013: $120,899,000) for deductible temporary differences relating to unrealised capital 

losses as it was not probable that future capital gains will be realised against which it could utilise the benefits; and

•	 deferred tax liabilities of $1,525,000 (2013: $1,525,000) in respect of assessable temporary differences in relation to investments 
where management controls the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and the temporary difference is not expected 
to reverse in the foreseeable future.

The Company has a number of outstanding tax positions that are currently under review and objection with the relevant taxation 
authorities. Successful resolution of these matters could potentially result in the realisation of significant tax benefits for the Group. 
These outstanding tax positions are yet to meet the recognition requirements of actual or contingent assets.

The Company and a number of its wholly owned subsidiaries are the subject of risk reviews by Australian and overseas taxation 
authorities. These reviews are in the ordinary course of business.

66

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 7. DIVIDENDS

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
DIVIDENDS PAID 
Ordinary shares
Final dividend in respect of 2013 year 
Interim dividend 

Transferable Extendable Listed Yield Shares (TELYS4)
Dividend 
Dividend 

Subsequent event
Current period final dividend on ordinary shares proposed 
but not provided for
Ordinary shares
Final dividend in respect of 2014 year

Balance of franking account at 30% 

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013
DIVIDENDS PAID 
Ordinary shares
Final dividend in respect of 2012 year 
Interim dividend 

Transferable Extendable Listed Yield Shares (TELYS4)
Dividend 
Dividend 

Ordinary shares
Final dividend in respect of 2013 year

Balance of franking account at 30% 

Date of
payment

Franked /
unfranked

Amount
per share

Total
$’000

11 Oct 13
11 Apr 14

 Franked 
 Franked 

 $0.20 
 $0.20 

2 Dec 13
2 Jun 14

 Franked 
 Franked 

 $2.64 
 $2.56 

 61,632 
 61,471 

 123,103 

 13,117 
 12,711 

 25,828 

 Franked 

 $0.20 

 60,538 

 225,870 

12 Oct 12
12 Apr 13

 Franked 
 Franked 

 $0.20 
 $0.20 

30 Nov 12
31 May 13

 Franked 
 Franked 

 $2.81 
 $2.79 

11 Oct 13

 Franked 

 $0.20 

 61,482 
 61,632 

123,114

 13,948 
 13,825 

 27,773 

 61,632 

 111,587 

The above amount represents the balance of the dividend franking account as at the reporting date, adjusted for:
(a) franking credits/debits that will arise from the payment/refund of current tax liabilities;
(b) franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date;
(c)  franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables by the tax consolidated group at the 

reporting date; and

(d) franking credits that the entity may be prevented from distributing in subsequent years.

The ability to utilise the franking credits is dependent upon there being sufficient available profits to declare dividends. The impact on 
the dividend franking account of dividends proposed after the balance sheet date but not recognised as a liability is to reduce it by 
$25,945,000 (2013: $26,414,000).

As previously stated in Note 6, the Company has a number of outstanding tax positions that are currently under review and objection 
with the relevant taxation authorities. Successful resolution of these matters could potentially result in the realisation of significant tax 
benefits for the Group and significantly reduce the balance of the dividend franking account.

67

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 8. EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS RECONCILIATION
Net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company
Allocated earnings to category of share:
– Ordinary shares
– TELYS4

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
Ordinary shares for basic earnings per share:
Issued shares as at 1 July
– Shares bought back and cancelled – 13 January 2014 to 30 June 2014

– Shares issued on exercise of options – 15 March 2013
Issued shares as at 30 June
Weighted average number of shares (basic and diluted) at 30 June
TELYS4
Issued shares at as 1 July
Issued shares as at 30 June
Weighted average number of shares (basic and diluted) at 30 June

STATUTORY EARNINGS PER SHARE
Ordinary shares – total earnings per share from continuing operations:
– Basic
– Diluted
TELYS4 – total earnings per TELYS4:
– Basic
– Diluted

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 261,145 

 486,417 

 235,338 
 25,807 

 261,145 

 458,784 
 27,633 

 486,417 

2014
Number

2013
Number

 308,160,281 
 (5,468,395)
 – 
 302,691,886 
 307,293,471 

 307,410,281 
 – 
 750,000 
 308,160,281 
 307,630,144 

 4,963,640 
 4,963,640 
 4,963,640 

 4,963,640 
 4,963,640 
 4,963,640 

2014
$

 0.77 
 0.77 

 5.20 
 5.20 

2013
$

 1.49 
 1.49 

 5.57 
 5.57 

There were no options that were exercisable, dilutive or anti-dilutive at 30 June 2014 (2013: 3,500,000 exercisable, nil dilutive and 
3,500,000 anti-dilutive). These options have not been included in the above earnings per share calculation.

68

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 UNDERLYING EARNINGS PER SHARE
Ordinary shares – total underlying earnings per share from continuing operations:
– Basic
– Diluted

2014
$

 0.74 
 0.74 

2013
$

 1.20 
 1.20 

Underlying earnings per share from continuing operations is statutory earnings per share less significant items. Significant items are 
disclosed in Note 4. The weighted average number of shares used to calculate underlying earnings per share is the same as the 
weighted average number of shares used to calculate statutory earnings per share.

Underlying earnings from continuing operations is a non-IFRS measure and is reconciled to statutory profit as follows:

Net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company
Less: significant items (refer Note 4)
Underlying net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company

Allocated underlying earnings to category of share:
– Ordinary shares
– TELYS4

9. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

CURRENT
Trade receivables
Provision for impairment losses
Receivables due from equity accounted investees
Collateral provided
Other receivables

NON-CURRENT
Receivables due from equity accounted investees

2014
$’000

 261,145 
 (9,343) 
 251,802 

 225,995 
 25,807 

 251,802 

2013
$’000

 486,417 
 (89,752) 
 396,665 

 369,032 
 27,633 

 396,665 

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

429,591
 (10,155)
4,348
 96,606 
78,562

598,952

616,078
 (10,076)
13,408
 – 
 100,399 

 719,809 

 – 

 – 

 1,770 

 1,770 

The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risk and impairment losses related to trade and other receivables is disclosed in Note 35.

Collateral provided relates to $60,000,000 cash on deposit in favour of Santos Offshore Pty Ltd (Santos) as security for the supply of 
raw gas by Nexus Energy Limited (Nexus). Refer to Note 23 for further information. The remaining balance relates to cash collateral 
provided in respect of equity derivative positions.

69

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 10. INVENTORIES

CURRENT
Raw materials – at cost
Work-in-progress – at cost
Finished goods
– at cost
– at net realisable value

Total finished goods

Total inventories

11. INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD

Investments in associates:
  Seven West Media Limited

Individually immaterial associates

Investments in joint ventures:
  Coates Group Holdings Pty Limited
Individually immaterial joint ventures

Total investments accounted for using the equity method

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 25,137 
 34,238 

 713,716 
 83,496 

 797,212 

 37,013 
 42,261 

 914,710 
 56,506 

 971,216 

 856,587 

 1,050,490 

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 661,804 
 31,421 

 670,628 
 32,556 

 452,270 
 26,388 

 430,221 
 40,467 

 1,171,883 

 1,173,872 

Seven West Media Limited
Seven West Media Limited (Seven West Media) is the leading listed national multi-platform media business based in Australia. 
The Group has classified its investment in Seven West Media as an associate as the Group, through its 35.3% ownership interest 
and equivalent voting rights has the ability to significantly influence, but not control or jointly control the financial and operating policy 
decisions of Seven West Media.

In addition to its 35.3% ownership interest, the Group holds 2,500 convertible preference shares in Seven West Media with a 
carrying value of $302,226,000 (2013: $276,489,000) included in other financial assets (refer Note 13).

Coates Group Holdings Pty Limited
Coates Group Holdings Pty Limited (Coates Hire) is Australia’s largest and leading rental company. The investment deed entered 
into by a wholly-owned Group subsidiary, National Hire Group Limited (National Hire) and The Carlyle Group (Carlyle) confers equal 
control rights of Coates Hire to each of National Hire and Carlyle. As the Group has joint control and Coates Hire is a separate entity 
in which the Group has an interest in the residual net assets, the Group’s investment in Coates Hire is classified as a joint venture.

Although the Group’s voting rights in Coates Hire is 50%, the Group has determined its economic interest to be 45% after 
considering vesting conditions for options issued under Coates Group’s Management Equity Plan.

70

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
 
Detailed in the table below are the Group’s associates and joint ventures as at 30 June 2014. The country of incorporation is also 
their principal place of business.

Investee

Principal activities

Country of
incorporation

Balance
date

ASSOCIATES
Apac Energy Rental Pte Limited (a)
Energy Power Systems Australia Pty Ltd

Lot 102 Developments Pty Ltd (b)
Lot 102 Development Unit Trust (b)
Mo’s Mobiles Pty Limited
Premier Capital Developments Pty Limited
Revy Investments Pty Limited
Revy Investments Trust
Seven West Media Limited

JOINT VENTURES
Coates Group Holdings Pty Limited
Flagship Property Holdings Pty Limited
Kings Square Pty Ltd (c)
Kings Square No. 4 Unit Trust (c)

Rental services
Distribution and rental of CAT 
engine products
Property ownership
Property ownership
Mobile phone retailer
Property management
Property management
Property management
Media

Rental services
Property management
Property development
Property development

Singapore
Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

31 Dec
30 Jun

30 Jun
30 Jun
30 Jun
30 Jun
30 Jun
30 Jun
28 Jun

30 Jun
31 Dec
30 Jun
30 Jun

OWNERSHIP INTEREST

2014
%

–
40.0%

–
–
25.0%
25.0%
25.0%
25.0%
35.3%

45.0%
46.8%
50.0%
50.0%

2013
%

20.0%
40.0%

40.0%
40.0%
25.0%
25.0%
25.0%
25.0%
35.3%

45.0%
46.8%
–
–

(a)  interest sold during the year, realising a net loss of $103,000.
(b)  interest sold during the year, realising a net gain of $1,329,000.
(c)  relates to the joint venture entered into during the year with Leighton Properties to develop and construct the Kings Square property development in Perth, Western Australia.

71

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 11. INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD (CONTINUED)
The summarised financial information for the Group’s material associate and material joint venture is detailed below. The information 
disclosed reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of the relevant associate and joint venture and not the Group’s 
share of those amounts. 

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF INVESTEES (100%)
Summarised Statement of Financial Position
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Other current assets
Total current assets
Non-current assets
  Goodwill

Intangible assets

  Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets
Current liabilities
  Financial liabilities (excluding trade and other payables and provisions)
  Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
  Financial liabilities (excluding trade and other payables and provisions)
  Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities

Net assets
Group’s share (%)
Group’s share of net assets
Share of goodwill impairment not recognised as previously impaired
Adjustment to align accounting policies
Fair value adjustment on acquisition
Elimination of unrealised profits to associate
Impairment

ASSOCIATE
SEVEN WEST MEDIA

JOINT VENTURE
COATES HIRE

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 68,833 
 464,909 
 533,742 

 257,316 
 400,718 
 658,034 

 49,563 
 241,964 
 291,527 

 98,010 
 235,564 
 333,574 

 1,057,403 
 2,487,818 
 530,876 
 4,076,097 

 – 
 400,382 
 400,382 

 1,227,361 
 84,900 
 1,312,261 

 2,897,196 
35.3%
 1,022,710
124,750
 (9,092)
 – 
 – 
 (476,564)

 1,117,852 
 2,514,163 
 575,989 
 4,208,004 

 1,258,164 
 120,488 
 1,001,442 
 2,380,094 

 1,284,660 
 118,269 
 1,254,332 
 2,657,261 

 – 
 444,065 
 444,065 

 133,272 
 146,161 
 279,433 

 295,684 
 162,231 
 457,915 

 1,498,106 
 59,989 
 1,558,095 

 2,863,878 
35.3%
 1,010,949 
 94,002 
 65
 – 
 – 
 (434,389)

 1,243,985 
 47,498 
 1,291,483 

 1,100,705 
45.0%
 495,318 
 – 
 – 
 (35,639)
 (7,409)
 – 

 1,434,584 
 45,780 
 1,480,364 

 1,052,556 
45.0%
 473,650 
 – 
 – 
 (35,639)
 (7,790)
 – 

Carrying amount

 661,804 

 670,627 

 452,270 

 430,221 

Summarised Statement of Comprehensive Income
Revenue
Depreciation and amortisation
Net interest expense
Income tax expense

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income for the year

Dividends received by the Group

72

 1,861,784 
 (49,957)
 (77,788)
 (94,161)

 149,188 
 2,925 

 152,113 

 42,355 

 1,881,969 
 (57,986)
 (102,452)
 (80,942)

 (69,750)
 (1,288)

 (71,038)

 41,057 

 1,094,963 
 (243,212)
 (111,228)
 (6,355)

 39,735 
 11,068 

 50,803 

 – 

 1,240,992 
 (254,406)
 (152,879)
 (34,851)

 81,542 
 18,537 

 100,079 

 – 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
SHARE OF INVESTEES’ NET PROFIT
Investments in associates:
  Seven West Media Limited

Individually immaterial associates (a)

Investments in joint ventures:
  Coates Group Holdings Pty Limited
Individually immaterial joint ventures

Share of net profit of equity accounted investees

(a)  prior year includes share of net profit from Consolidated Media Holdings Limited of $6,601,000 for the period 1 July to 21 November 2012.

MARKET VALUES OF LISTED INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD
Seven West Media Limited
 – Book value
 – Market value

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 74,346 
 2,214 

 20,034 
 6,971 

 67,799 
 9,344 

 38,362 
 – 

 103,565 

 115,505 

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 661,804 
 661,804 

 670,628 
 670,628 

An impairment charge of $42,175,000 relating to the Group’s investment in Seven West Media was recognised in the profit or loss 
during the year (2013: $77,851,000 impairment reversal).

Impairment testing of investment in Coates Hire
The recoverable amount of the Group’s investment in Coates Hire is determined using value in use calculations. These calculations 
use discounted cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by the board covering a five year period. Cash flows 
beyond the five year period are extrapolated using the estimated growth rates stated below. The growth rate does not exceed the 
long-term average growth rate for the business in which Coates Hire operates.

Key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations
The table below shows both the key assumptions for the value-in-use calculations, and the assumptions that are individually 
necessary to incur an impairment charge (assuming all other assumptions remain constant):

Key assumptions for value-in-use model
Assumptions that would be required to trigger an impairment charge

(a)  growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond forecast period.

2014
Growth 
rate (a)
%

2014
Discount rate
(pre-tax)
%

2.50
1.85

11.60
12.11

2013
Growth 
rate (a)
%

2013
Discount rate
(pre-tax)
%

3.00
1.24

13.40
14.54

73

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
 
12. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

CURRENT ASSETS
Forward foreign exchange contracts – cash flow hedges

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Cross currency swaps – cash flow hedges

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Forward foreign exchange contracts and cross currency swaps – cash flow hedges
Other derivatives

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Forward foreign exchange contracts and cross currency swaps – cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges

Net derivative financial instruments

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 671 

 4,286 

 61,106 

 67,575 

 (4,993)
 (3,035)

 (8,028)

 (74,632)
 (8,788)

 (83,420)

 (29,671)

 (49,614)
 (1,699)

 (51,313)

 (62,063)
 (10,261)

 (72,324)

 (51,776)

The Group is a party to derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business in order to hedge exposure to fluctuations 
in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices in accordance with the Group’s financial risk management policies 
(refer to Note 35).

(i) Interest rate swaps
The Group’s policy is to hedge a portion of its interest bearing liabilities from exposure to changes in interest rates.

The gain or loss from remeasuring the hedging instruments to fair value is deferred in equity in the hedge reserve and reclassified 
into profit and loss when the hedged interest expense is recognised. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective or undesignated, 
the fair value movement is recognised in the consolidated income statement.

(ii) Foreign exchange contracts
The Group enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge a portion of the USD denominated debt in conjunction 
with cross currency swaps. The Group has obligations to repay the principal amount of USD denominated debt and interest thereon. 
100% of USD denominated debt and coupon obligations are hedged with foreign exchange derivatives.

The Group from time to time also enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain known trading commitments 
denominated in US Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling and Japanese Yen. The terms of these commitments are generally shorter than 
one year.

(iii) Cross currency swaps
The Group has obligations to repay the principal and interest relating to USD denominated debt. The Group enters into cross 
currency swap contracts to hedge a portion of these obligations.

(iv) Other derivatives
Other derivatives comprise equity derivatives. The Group enters into equity derivatives from time to time to hedge the value of listed 
investments or to gain exposure to certain market sectors.

74

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 13. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS

CURRENT
Loans receivable

NON-CURRENT
Listed equity securities (available-for-sale)
Convertible preference shares – Seven West Media Limited
Unlisted equity securities

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

129,185

129,185

 – 

 – 

 915,615 
 302,226 
 14,654 

 758,786 
 276,489 
 – 

 1,232,495 

 1,035,275 

Loans receivable relate to the senior debt and subordinated notes of Nexus Energy Limited (Nexus) acquired by the Group during 
the year. Further information regarding the senior debt and subordinated notes is contained in the Nexus Scheme Booklet released 
on the ASX on 7 May 2014.

Listed equity securities are designated as available-for-sale financial assets in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies. 
The carrying amounts are determined based on their market price at 30 June 2014. Any impairment amounts are disclosed 
separately unless they are not materially significant.

Convertible preference shares in Seven West Media Limited (Seven West Media) have no set conversion term but are subject to 
conversion rights by either the Company or Seven West Media. In addition, Seven West Media has the right to redeem the shares 
for cash. In the ordinary course of events, the Company can currently exercise its conversion rights at a fixed conversion price (FCP) 
of $5.59. At 30 June 2014 the Company has not elected to exercise its conversion rights given the FCP exceeds the current market 
price of Seven West Media shares. Seven West Media cannot initiate a conversion or redemption before 21 April 2016. The shares 
rank ahead of Seven West Media ordinary shares on liquidation and have no dividend rights. The price at which the shares convert 
into Seven West Media ordinary shares or are redeemed for cash is dependent on the party exercising its rights. The conversion 
value of the convertible preference shares is adjusted by 7.143% per annum (compounded on a semi-annual basis) for the first five 
years and thereafter by 9.143% per annum until the shares are either converted or redeemed.

Unlisted equity securities comprise of the Group’s investments in unlisted investment funds.

The Group’s exposure to credit, currency, interest rate risk and equity price risk related to other financial assets is disclosed 
in Note 35.

75

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 14. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Freehold land and buildings – at cost
Accumulated depreciation

Carrying amount

Leasehold improvements – at cost
Accumulated amortisation

Carrying amount

Plant and equipment – at cost
Accumulated depreciation

Carrying amount

Producing and development assets – at cost
Carrying amount

Total property, plant and equipment – at cost
Accumulated depreciation and amortisation

Carrying amount at end of the year

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
MOVEMENT IN PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Carrying amount at beginning of the year
Additions
Acquisition from business combination
Disposals
Depreciation
Exchange differences
Other (a)

Carrying amount at end of the year

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013
MOVEMENT IN PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Carrying amount at beginning of the year
Additions
Disposals
Disposal of business
Depreciation
Exchange differences
Other (a)

Carrying amount at end of the year

2014
$’000

 54,554 
 (10,703)

 43,851 

 68,117 
 (18,671)

 49,446 

 334,229 
 (190,221)

 144,008 

 45,126 
 45,126 

 502,026 
 (219,595)

 282,431 

Freehold land
and buildings
$’000

Leasehold
improvements
$’000

Plant and
equipment
$’000

Producing and
development
 assets
$’000

 46,142 
 – 
 – 
 (705)
 (1,097)
 (130)
 (359)

 43,851 

 53,892 
 4,594 
 (12,366)
 – 
 (979)
 1,001 
 – 

 46,142 

 44,278 
 8,206 
 – 
 (122)
 (3,064)
 43 
 105 

 49,446 

 47,175 
 1,793 
 (346)
 – 
 (4,594)
 250 
 – 

 44,278 

 176,614 
 11,009 
 325 
 (1,696)
 (40,632)
 316 
 (1,928)

 144,008 

 192,191 
 44,293 
 (2,275)
 (956)
 (45,003)
 860 
 (12,496)

 176,614 

 – 
 45,126 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 45,126 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

2013
$’000

 55,389 
 (9,247)

 46,142 

 59,990 
 (15,712)

 44,278 

 325,072 
 (148,458)

 176,614 

 – 
 – 

 440,451 
 (173,417)

 267,034 

Total
$’000

 267,034 
 64,341 
 325 
 (2,523)
 (44,793)
 229 
 (2,182)

 282,431 

 293,258 
 50,680 
 (14,987)
 (956)
 (50,576)
 2,111 
 (12,496)

 267,034 

(a) other includes net transfer from inventory, impairments and reclassifications.

Producing and development assets comprise of the Group’s non-operating interests in oil and gas assets located in the United 
States of America acquired on 27 June 2014.

76

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Distribution network – at cost
Carrying amount
Goodwill – at cost
Accumulated impairment

Carrying amount
Exploration and evaluation assets – at cost

Carrying amount
Intellectual property – at cost
Accumulated amortisation

Carrying amount
Customer contracts – at cost
Accumulated amortisation

Carrying amount
Other intangible assets – at cost
Accumulated amortisation

Carrying amount

Total intangible assets – at cost

Accumulated amortisation

Total intangible assets

2014
$’000

 783,630 
 783,630 
 62,473 
 (9,354)

 53,119 
 25,649 

 25,649 
 10,108 
 (6,824)

 3,284 
 20,939 
 (18,091)

 2,848 
 14,308 
 (8,022)

 6,286 

 917,107 

 (42,291)

 874,816 

2013
$’000

 699,434 
 699,434 
 62,473 
 (9,354)

 53,119 
 – 
 – 
 9,703 
 (5,930)

 3,773 
 20,951 
 (17,116)

 3,835 
 11,658 
 (6,614)

 5,044 

 804,219 

 (39,014)

 765,205 

Distribution
network
$’000

Goodwill
$’000

Exploration 
and
evaluation

assets (a)
$’000

Intellectual
property
$’000

Customer
contracts
$’000

Other (b)
$’000

Total
$’000

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
MOVEMENT IN INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Carrying amount at beginning of the year
Additions
Acquisition from business combination (c)
Amortisation
Exchange differences

Carrying amount at end of the year

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013
MOVEMENT IN INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Carrying amount at beginning of the year
Acquisition from business combination
Additions
Amortisation
Impairment
Exchange differences
Carrying amount at end of the year

 699,434 
 – 
 92,887 
 – 
 (8,691)

 783,630 

 674,754 
 (8,792)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 33,472 
 699,434 

 53,119 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 53,119 

 62,473 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (9,354)
 – 
 53,119 

 – 
 25,649 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 25,649 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 3,773 
 405 
 – 
 (894)
 – 

 3,284 

 3,097 
 – 
 1,386 
 (710)
 – 
 – 
 3,773 

 3,835 
 – 
 – 
 (975)
 (12)

 2,848 

 4,933 
 9,900 
 – 
 (11,064)
 (110)
 176 
 3,835 

 5,044 
 1,990 
 – 
 (1,408)
 660 

 6,286 

 3,868 
 – 
 1,980 
 (836)
 – 
 32 
 5,044 

(a)  relate to the Group’s acquisition of a non-operating interest in undeveloped oil and gas assets located in the United States of America on 27 June 2014.
(b)  other includes software and brand names.
(c)  relate to the acquisition of Bucyrus China during the year.

 765,205 
 28,044 
 92,887 
 (3,277)
 (8,043)

 874,816 

 749,125 
 1,108 
 3,366 
 (12,610)
 (9,464)
 33,680 
 765,205 

77

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS (CONTINUED)
(a) Impairment tests for goodwill and distribution network
Goodwill and distribution network costs are allocated to the Group’s cash generating units (CGUs) identified according to the 
appropriate operating segment. Allocation is made within the individual operating subsidiaries of the Group.

A segment level summary of the goodwill and distribution network allocation is presented below.

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
Goodwill
Distribution network

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013
Goodwill
Distribution network

WesTrac
Australia
$’000

 7,324 
 319,053 

 326,377 

WesTrac
China
$’000

 – 
 456,592 

 456,592 

Allight
Sykes
$’000

 45,795 
 7,985 

 53,780 

Total
$’000

 53,119 
 783,630 

 836,749 

 7,324 
 319,053 

 326,377 

 – 
 372,396 

 372,396 

 45,795 
 7,985 

 53,780 

 53,119 
 699,434 

 752,553 

Goodwill and WesTrac Australia distribution network
The recoverable amount of goodwill and the WesTrac Australia distribution network is determined based on the higher of 
“value-in-use” or “fair value less cost of disposal” calculations. These recoverable amount calculations use discounted cash flow 
projections based on financial budgets and forecasts approved by management. Cash flow projections utilised for value in use 
calculations are based on financial budgets and cover a five year period. 

Based on sensitivity analysis performed no reasonable change in these assumptions would give rise to an impairment.

WesTrac China distribution network
The recoverable amount of the WesTrac China distribution network was assessed on a fair value less cost of disposal basis, 
estimated using discounted cash flow projections. Fifteen years of cash flows were included in the discounted cash flow model 
which is consistent with recent independent valuation methodologies. The recoverable amount calculations use discounted cash 
flow projections based on financial budgets and forecasts approved by management for the first three years, then budgeted/
forecasted growth rates until the terminal year which is extrapolated at a terminal growth rate of 4%. In determining the appropriate 
cash flows, assumptions were made regarding discount rate, terminal value growth rates, sales growth (including market share and 
heavy equipment market growth) and gross margins. 

The value assigned to the key assumptions represent management’s assessment of assumptions that a market participant would 
make, including future trends in the heavy equipment market in Northern China, and were assessed by an independent valuation 
expert against external market data. Gross margin and sales growth assumptions vary over the 15 year cash flow period based 
on management forecasts and external market data forecasts.

A range of valuation outcomes were determined based on these key assumptions which supported the carrying value of the 
WesTrac China distribution network. The recoverable amount, based on a range of assumptions which took account of the 
risk of achieving management’s internal budgets and forecasts, exceeded the carrying amount of the CGU by approximately 
USD $35,200,000. In the current year, management has identified that, based on this model, any reasonably possible negative 
change in certain assumptions, which include discount rates, terminal growth rates, forecast sales growth rates, forecast margins 
and assumed market share would individually cause the carrying amount to exceed the recoverable amount.

78

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 (b) Key assumptions used for “value-in-use” and “fair value less cost of disposal” calculations

Value-in-use
  Caterpillar distribution network – Australia
  AllightSykes
Fair value less cost of disposal
  Caterpillar distribution network – China (c)

2014
Growth

2014
Discount rate

rate (a)
%

(pre-tax) (b)

%

2013
Growth

2013
Discount rate

rate (a)
%

(pre-tax) (b)

%

 3.00 
 2.75 

 13.32 
 12.93 

 4.00 

 11.89 

 3.00 
 2.50 

 4.00 

 13.10
12.34 

11.10

(a)  the weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the budget or forecast period.
(b)  the discount rates used reflect specific risks relating to the relevant segments and the countries in which they operate.
(c)  key drivers of the forecast include general growth in China’s mining industry, heavy machinery volume growth, increased market share and operating margins. The growth rate of 4% 

represents the terminal growth rate after 15 years. The growth rate assumed for the period prior to 15 years is based on budgets and forecasts up to 2017 and then extrapolated based 
on forecast growth consistent with growth forecasts for the region. These percentage growth forecasts are based on the latest economic forecasts for China and do not exceed the growth 
forecasts for the region.

16. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

CURRENT
Trade payables
Other payables
Accruals
Payable to equity accounted investee

NON-CURRENT
Other payables

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 269,755 
 67,636 
 43,518 
 18,083 

 398,992 

 623 

 623 

 384,328 
 92,137 
 40,310 
 – 

 516,775 

 – 

 – 

The Company has entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee with certain subsidiaries as described in Note 25. Under the terms of the 
Deed, the Company has guaranteed the repayment of all current and future creditors in the event that any of the entities party to the 
Deed are wound up. Details of the consolidated financial position of the Company and parties to the Deed are set out in Note 25.

The Group’s exposure to currency and liquidity risk related to trade and other payables is disclosed in Note 35.

79

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 17. INTEREST BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS

CURRENT
Interest bearing liabilities
Fixed term US dollar notes
Finance lease liabilities (refer Note 24)

NON-CURRENT
Interest bearing liabilities
Finance lease liabilities (refer Note 24)
Fixed term US dollar notes
Less: capitalised borrowing costs net of accumulated amortisation

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 33,780 
 – 
 2,298 

 36,078 

 565,732 
 64 
 600,845 
 (5,054)

 101,305 
 75,472 
 3,973 

 180,750 

 469,297 
 2,807 
 609,475 
 (6,859)

 1,161,587 

 1,074,720 

The current interest bearing liabilities of $33,780,000 (2013: $101,305,000) relate to the Group’s working capital facilities. These liabilities 
are drawn from rolling short dated facilities within Australia $5,709,000 (2013: $11,034,000) and China $28,071,000 (2013: $90,271,000) 
and are generally reviewed annually. Of the amount drawn within Australia, $5,118,000 (2013: $10,766,000) is secured against inventory 
and receivables with the remaining balance being unsecured. The balance drawn from facilities located in China is unsecured.

At 30 June 2014, the Group had available undrawn borrowing facilities of $1,075,423,000 (2013: $1,247,719,000) and also had 
access to unutilised short dated lines of credit totalling $187,827,000 (2013: $535,868,000).

The Group’s interest bearing liabilities had a weighted average interest rate of 7.92% (2013: 7.78%) for the year ended 30 June 2014 
including margins and unused line fees.

Lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights to the assets revert to the financier in the event of default.

Details of the fair values of each of the borrowings as well as the Group’s exposure to interest rate, foreign currency and liquidity risk 
related to interest bearing loans and borrowings is disclosed in Note 35.

Unsecured fixed term US Private Placement Notes
The Group has issued notes denominated in US currency of USD $520,000,000 (2013: USD $590,000,000). These borrowings are 
hedged by a combination of forward foreign exchange and cross currency swaps. Series E (2011) USD $50,000,000 was issued 
and are repayable in AUD. Interest is payable half yearly in arrears and the amount and maturity of the notes, including the effective 
hedge position, are summarised as follows:

Agreement

1999
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011

2014
Amount
USD
$’000

 – 
 – 
 75,000 
 55,000 
 30,000 
 85,000 
 45,000 
 55,000 
 75,000 
 100,000 
 50,000 

2014
Spot amount
AUD
$’000

 – 
 – 
 79,618 
 58,386 
 31,847 
 90,234 
 47,771 
 58,386 
 79,618 
 106,157 
 48,828 

2013
Amount
USD
$’000

 15,000 
 55,000 
 75,000 
 55,000 
 30,000 
 85,000 
 45,000 
 55,000 
 75,000 
 100,000 
 50,000 

2013
Spot amount
AUD
$’000

 16,173 
 59,299 
 80,863 
 59,299 
 32,345 
 91,644 
 48,518 
 59,299 
 80,863 
 107,816 
 48,828 

Hedged 
amount
AUD
$’000
 – 
 – 
 99,088 
 72,598 
 39,282 
 112,241 
 43,838 
 53,580 
 73,064 
 97,418 
 48,828 

Interest rate
(incl. margin)
%
 – 
 – 
7.48%
7.50%
7.53%
7.56%
5.59%
5.51%
5.42%
5.44%
7.96%

Maturity
date
18 Jun 14
23 Aug 13
23 Aug 16
23 Aug 18
23 Aug 20
23 Aug 21
7 Jun 23
7 Jul 23
7 Jun 26
7 Jul 26
7 Jul 41

 570,000 

 600,845 

 640,000 

 684,947 

 639,937 

Notes

Series D
Series A
Series B
Series C
Series D
Series E
Series A
Series B
Series C
Series D
Series E

80

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 18. PROVISIONS

CURRENT
Employee benefits (refer Note 28)
Service warranties
Restructuring costs
Onerous contracts
Other

NON-CURRENT
Employee benefits (refer Note 28)
Onerous contracts

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 43,968 
 49,086 
 87 
 4,090 
 8,116 

 51,731 
 68,297 
 10,742 
 4,598 
 2,938 

 105,347 

 138,306 

 1,401 
 4,498 

 5,899 

 1,446 
 – 

 1,446 

A reconciliation of the movement in provisions, except for employee benefits, is set out below.

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
MOVEMENT IN PROVISIONS
Balance at beginning of the year
Amounts provided for
Amounts used
Exchange differences

Balance at end of the year

Service
warranties
$’000

Restructuring
costs
$’000

Onerous
contracts
$’000

Other
$’000

Total
$’000

 68,297 
 19,274 
 (38,298)
 (187)

 49,086 

 10,742 
 7,310 
 (17,965)
 – 

 87 

 4,598 
 6,754 
 (2,764)
 – 

 8,588 

 2,938 
 7,089 
 (1,911)
 – 

 8,116 

 86,575 
 40,427 
 (60,938)
 (187)

 65,877 

Employee benefits
Employee benefits include provisions for annual leave, long service leave and amounts provided for Director retirement benefits. The 
current provision for long service leave includes all unconditional entitlements where employees have completed the required service 
period and those where employees are entitled to pro-rata payments in certain circumstances. The majority of the amount is presented 
as current, since the Group does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement. However, based on past experience, the Group 
does not expect all employees to take the full amount of accrued long service leave or require payment within the next twelve months.

Service warranties
Service warranties provision relate to the estimated warranty claims in respect of products sold which are still under warranty at 
balance date. The provision is based on estimates made from historical warranty data. These claims are expected to be settled in 
the next financial year but this may be extended into the following year if claims are made late in the warranty period and are subject 
to confirmation by suppliers that component parts are defective. 

Restructuring costs
Restructuring costs provision relates to WesTrac Australia redundancy costs recognised in employee benefits expense.

Onerous contracts
A contract is onerous when the unavoidable cost of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits 
expected to be received. The Group has raised this provision in respect of operating leases and other onerous contracts.

Other
Other provisions include amounts that have been provided for in relation to workers’ compensation claims, maintenance and repair 
contracts, legal claims and make good obligations.

81

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 19. DEFERRED INCOME

CURRENT
Maintenance and repair contracts
Customer deposits
Other deferred income

NON-CURRENT
Deferred government grant
Other deferred income

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 20,888 
 57,930 
 3,833 

 82,651 

 7,631 
 7,321 

 14,952 

 32,256 
 93,930 
 2,514 

 128,700 

 9,476 
 7,321 

 16,797 

The deferred government grant balance includes the original grant to build training centres in NSW and WA and accumulated 
interest as per the terms and conditions of the funding agreement. The terms and conditions of the funding agreement impose an 
obligation for the training centres in NSW and WA to be used for their intended purpose until 1 January 2023.

20. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY

SHARE CAPITAL
302,691,886 ordinary shares, fully paid (2013: 308,160,281)
4,963,640 TELYS4 preference shares, fully paid (2013: 4,963,640)

Balance at end of the year 

MOVEMENTS IN ORDINARY SHARES
Balance at beginning of year
Shares issued on exercise of options – 15 March 2013 (750,000 shares)
On-market share buy-back and cancelation of shares – 13 January 2014 to 30 June 2014 (5,468,395 shares)

Balance at end of the year

MOVEMENTS IN PREFERENCE SHARES – TELYS4
Balance at beginning of year

Balance at end of the year

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 2,159,053 
 427,165 

 2,203,187 
 427,165 

 2,586,218 

 2,630,352 

 2,203,187 
 – 
 (44,134)

 2,196,937 
 6,250 
 – 

 2,159,053 

 2,203,187 

 427,165 

 427,165 

 427,165 

 427,165 

The Company does not have authorised share capital or par value in respect of its issued shares. All issued shares are fully paid.

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share 
at shareholders’ meetings. In the event of winding up of the Company, ordinary shareholders rank after creditors and preference 
shareholders and are fully entitled to any proceeds on liquidation.

On 11 December 2013, the Company announced it would undertake an on-market buy-back of up to 11.9 million of the Company’s 
shares, representing approximately 3.86 per cent of the Company’s ordinary shares. In the period 13 January 2014 to 30 June 2014, 
5,468,395 shares were acquired on-market at a total cost of $44,134,000 and subsequently cancelled.

TELYS4 were issued on 13 May 2010 under the TELYS4 Offer Prospectus on a one for one exchange for all TELYS3 previously issued 
by Seven Network Limited. Holders are entitled to a preferential non-cumulative floating rate dividend, which is based on Bank Bill 
Swap Rate for 180 days plus Margin. The Margin is set at 4.75% subject to the Company’s right of Conversion and Exchange. There 
are no voting rights attached except in limited circumstances, in which case holders will have one vote per TELYS4 held.

82

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 OPTIONS ON ORDINARY SHARES
As at reporting date the number of options exercisable into ordinary shares was as follows:
Options to Directors

2014
Number

2013
Number

–

–

 3,500,000 

 3,500,000 

During the year ended 30 June 2014, 500,000 options were exercised, 2,000,000 options were cancelled and the remaining 
1,000,000 options were forfeited (2013: 500,000 options exercised, nil cancelled and nil forfeited).

Acquisitions
reserve
$’000

Employee
equity
benefits
reserve
$’000

Common
control
reserve
$’000

Cash flow
hedge
reserve
$’000

Fair
value
reserve
$’000

Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
$’000

Total
$’000

 (63,455)

 11,224 

 (642,586)

 (16,548)

 122,556 

 (8,625)

 (597,434)

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 (1,092)
 – 
 289 

 (2,827)

 7,594 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 55,219 

 – 
 17,330 

 (5,138)

 2,370 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 (18,916)
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 3,968 
 (11,432)
 – 

 55,219 

 (18,916)
 17,330 

 (5,138)

 5,246 
 (11,432)
 289 

 – 

 (2,827)

 (642,586)

 (1,986)

 158,859 

 (16,089)

 (557,663)

 (63,455)

 10,144 

 (642,586)

 16,236 

 54,463 

 (84,922)

 (710,120)

21. RESERVES

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
As at 1 July 2013
Fair value movement 
on available-for-sale 
financial assets
Tax effect of net gain 
on available-for-sale 
financial assets
Net gain on cash flow hedges
Tax effect of net gain on 
cash flow hedges
Movement in reserves of equity 
accounted investees
Currency translation differences
Share based payments
Share based payment 
options settled

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013
As at 1 July 2012
Fair value movement 
on available-for-sale 
financial assets
Tax effect of net gain 
on available-for-sale 
financial assets
Net gain on cash flow hedges
Tax effect of net gain on 
cash flow hedges
Movement in reserves of equity 
accounted investees
Currency translation differences

As at 30 June 2014

 (63,455)

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 1,080 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 111,220 

 – 
 (56,588)

 16,977 

 6,827 
 – 

 (43,127)
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

As at 30 June 2013

 (63,455)

 11,224 

 (642,586)

 (16,548)

 122,556 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 111,220 

 (43,127)
 (56,588)

 16,977 

 2,722 
 73,575 

 (8,625)

 10,629 
 73,575 

 (597,434)

83

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 21. RESERVES (CONTINUED)
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF RESERVES
Acquisitions reserve
The acquisitions reserve is used to record the difference between the fair value of consideration paid for the non-controlling interest 
of subsidiaries, and the book value of those subsidiaries’ share of net assets at date of acquisition.

Employee equity benefits reserve
The employee equity benefits reserve is used to record the value of equity benefits provided to employees and Directors as part of 
their remuneration.

Common control reserve
The acquisition of WesTrac Group by the Company during the period ended 30 June 2010 was accounted for as a common control 
transaction. As a consequence, the difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the existing book values of assets 
and liabilities of the WesTrac Group was debited to a common control reserve. Upon disposal of all interests in WesTrac Group by the 
Group this reserve would be transferred to retained earnings.

Cash flow hedge reserve
The cash flow hedge reserve records the effective portion of the cumulative net change in fair value of hedging instruments related 
to cash flow hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

Fair value reserve
The fair value reserve comprises the cumulative net change in the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets until the assets are 
derecognised or impaired.

Foreign currency translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve records the foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial 
statements of foreign operations.

22. RETAINED EARNINGS

Retained earnings at beginning of the year
Net profit attributable to members of the Company
Dividends paid

Retained earnings at end of the year

23. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Performance guarantees
Financial guarantees

Note

7

2014
$’000

 990,053 
 261,145 
 (148,931)

 1,102,267 

2013
$’000

 654,523 
 486,417 
 (150,887)

 990,053 

2014
$’000

 35,458 
 196,415 

 231,873 

2013
$’000

 28,097 
 90,815 

 118,912 

On 27 June 2014, a wholly-owned Group subsidiary Seven Network (United States) Inc. (SNUS), acquired a non-operating interest 
in producing, development and undeveloped oil and gas assets located in the United States of America. Subsequent to 30 June 
2014, Apache Corporation, the operator of the oil and gas assets initiated legal action against the vendor and SNUS for alleged 
breaches of contract (by the vendor) and tortious interference (by SNUS). The Group believes the action to be without merit and is 
defending its position.

Performance guarantees
Performance guarantees relate to guarantees provided to customers in support of equipment performance.

84

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Financial guarantees
The Group has issued a number of financial guarantees to third parties for various operational and financing purposes. To the 
extent that the Directors expect these third party guarantees to be called upon, a provision has been recorded in the consolidated 
statement of financial position as at 30 June 2014.

The Group has entered into a number of financial guarantees in relation to subsidiary debt facilities and other financing 
arrangements. The drawn amount of these facilities are recorded as interest bearing liabilities in the consolidated statement of 
financial position and disclosed in Note 17.

The nature of the Group’s and equity accounted investees’ activities are such that, from time to time, claims are received or made by 
the Group. The Directors are of the opinion that no claims are expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial statements 
of the Group and as such do not require disclosure as a contingent liability.

The subsidiaries of Nexus Energy Limited, namely Nexus Energy Aust. NL and Nexus Energy VICP54 Pty Ltd have entered into an 
agreement to supply raw gas to Santos Offshore Pty Ltd (Santos). As security for the supply of raw gas, Santos has access to a letter 
of credit provided by BOS International (Australia) Limited,  capped at $60,000,000. Should the Nexus subsidiaries not meet their 
obligations under the agreement to supply raw gas, Santos may at this time have access to draw on the letter of credit. The Group 
has granted a security interest over its rights under, and interest in, a $60,000,000 term deposit as security for the letter of credit. This 
amount is included in the financial guarantees disclosure and as collateral receivable in Note 9.

24. COMMITMENTS

Capital expenditure commitments
Payable:
Not later than one year

Finance lease commitments
Payable:
Not later than one year
Later than one year but not later than five years
Minimum lease payments (a)
Less future finance charges

Operating lease commitments (b)
Payable:
Not later than one year
Later than one year but not later than five years
Later than five years

Other commitments (c)
Payable:
Not later than one year

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 1,372 

 9,874 

 2,358 
 79 
 2,437 
 (75)

 2,362 

 4,231 
 2,901 
 7,132 
 (352)

 6,780 

 64,044 
 191,228 
 112,170 

 367,442 

 64,904 
 210,709 
 156,295 

 431,908 

 40,087 

 53,908 

(a)  minimum future lease payments include the aggregate of all lease payments and any guaranteed residual value.
(b)  the Group leases various offices and sites under non-cancellable operating leases. The leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. On renewal, the terms of the 

leases are renegotiated.

(c)  other commitments relates to the Group’s commitment to invest in an unlisted investment fund.

85

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 25. CONTROLLED ENTITIES

PARENT ENTITY
Seven Group Holdings Limited

SUBSIDIARIES
Allight Holdings Pty Limited
AllightPrimax FZCO
AllightSykes Pty Limited
AllightSykes SA (Proprietary) Limited
ATPH Pty Limited
ATP1 Pty Limited
ATP2 Pty Limited
ATP3 Pty Limited
C7 Pty Limited
Direct Target Access Pty Limited
EMT Group Pty Limited
FGW Pacific Pty Limited
Industrial Investment Holdings Pty Limited
Kimlin Holdings Pty Limited
Liaoning WesTrac Machinery Equipment Limited
Manooka Holdings Pty Limited
Miltonstar Pty Limited
Mining Equipment Spares Pty Limited
National Hire Facilitation Pty Limited
National Hire Group Limited
Network Investment Holdings Pty Limited 
Point Pty Limited
Primax USA Inc
Priority People Solutions Pty Ltd
PT AllightSykes
Pump Rentals Pty Limited
Realtime Reporters Pty Limited
Seven Broadcast Properties Trust
Seven Custodians Pty Limited
Seven Entertainment Pty Limited 
Seven Finance Pty Limited
Seven Media Group Pty Limited
Seven (National) Pty Limited
Seven Network International Limited
Seven Network Investments Pty Limited
Seven Network Limited
Seven Network Nominees Pty Limited
Seven Network (United States) Inc
Seven Productions Pty Limited
Seven Resources Pty Limited
Seven (WAN) Pty Limited

86

OWNERSHIP INTEREST

Notes

Country of
incorporation

2014
%

2013
%

(a)

Australia

(a)(b)

(a)(b)

(a)
(a)

(c)

(a)
(a)

(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)

(a)(b)

(a)

(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)

(a)
(a)

Australia
UAE
Australia
South Africa
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
China
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
USA
Australia
Indonesia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
USA
Australia
Australia
Australia

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
–
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
SGH Communications Pty Limited
SGH Energy (No 1) Pty Limited
SGH Energy (No 2) Pty Limited
Sitech (Beijing) Engineering Technology Development Company Limited
Sitech Solutions Pty Limited
Sitech (WA) Pty Limited
SMG Executives Pty Limited
SMG FINCO Pty Limited
SNZ Pty Limited
Specialised Investments Pty Limited
Sykes Fleet Services Pty Limited
Sykes Group Pty Limited
Sykes New Zealand Limited
Tallglen Pty Limited
Tianjin WesTrac Machinery Equipment Limited
Weishan (Beijing) Machinery Equipment Limited
WesTrac (Beijing) Machinery Equipment Limited
WesTrac China Limited
WesTrac (China) Machinery Equipment Limited
WesTrac Fleet Pty Limited
WesTrac Holdings Pty Limited
WesTrac Hong Kong Limited
WesTrac Inventory Pty Limited
WesTrac Machinery Distribution Pty Limited
WesTrac Pty Limited

OWNERSHIP INTEREST

Notes

Country of
incorporation

2014
%

2013
%

(d)
(d)

(a)
(a)

(a)(b)

(a)

(a)

Australia
Australia
Australia
China
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
New Zealand
Australia
China
China
China
Hong Kong
China
Australia
Australia
Hong Kong
Australia
Australia
Australia

100
100
100
51
51
51
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
–
–
51
51
51
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

(a)  pursuant to ASIC Class Order 98/1418 (as amended) (dated 13 August 1998) these controlled entities are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for the preparation, audit 

and lodgement of financial reports.

(b)  these controlled entities entered into the Deed of Cross Guarantee with the Company via Assumption Deed on 3 June 2014.
(c)  this company was incorporated on 4 November 2013.
(d)  these companies were incorporated on 4 April 2014.

DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE
Pursuant to ASIC Class Order 98/1418 (as amended) (“Class Order”) the wholly-owned controlled entities listed above (marked 
(a)) are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of financial reports and 
Directors’ reports.

It is a condition of the Class Order that the Company and each of the wholly owned controlled entities (marked (a)) enter into a Deed 
of Cross Guarantee. The effect of the Deed is that the Company guarantees to each creditor payment in full of any debt in the event 
of winding up of any of the parties to the Deed under certain provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. If a winding up occurs under 
other provisions of the Corporations Act 2001, the Company will only be liable in the event that after six months any creditor has not 
been paid in full. The subsidiaries have also given similar guarantees in the event that the Company is wound up.

87

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 25. CONTROLLED ENTITIES (CONTINUED)
DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE (CONTINUED)
A combined statement of comprehensive income and combined statement of financial position, comprising the Company and 
controlled entities which are a party to the Deed, after eliminating all transactions between parties to the Deed of Cross Guarantee, 
for the years ended 30 June 2014 and 30 June 2013 are set out below.

COMBINED

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 6,860 
 143,711 

 150,571 
 101,352 
 33,992 
 (42,175)
 172 

 (23,866)

 (23,866)
 (312)

 219,734 
 2,639 

 222,373 
 13,238 

 235,611 

 4,901 
 242,835 

 247,736 
 107,995 
 65,923 
 77,851 
 25,131 

 (16,532)

 (16,532)
 (173)

 507,931 
 (33,173)

 474,758 
 (19,359)

 455,399 

 52,288 
 (15,686)

 36,602 

 104,183 
 (31,255)

 72,928 

 272,213 

 528,327 

 637,783 
 235,611 
 (148,931)

 724,463 

 333,271 
 455,399 
 (150,887)

 637,783 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Other income
Other income
Dividend income

Total other income
Share of results from equity accounted investees
Net gain on sale of investments and equity accounted investees
Impairment of equity accounted investees
Fair value movement of derivatives and other financial assets

Expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation
Other expenses

Total expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and amortisation

Profit before net finance costs and tax
Net finance income/(costs)

Profit before tax
Income tax benefit/(expense)

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets
Income tax on items of other comprehensive income

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Total comprehensive income for the year

MOVEMENT IN RETAINED EARNINGS
Retained profits at beginning of the year
Profit for the year
Dividends paid during the year

Retained profits at end of the year

88

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Current tax assets
Loans to related parties

Total current assets

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Investments in controlled entities
Trade and other receivables
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables 
Loans from related parties
Current tax liabilities
Deferred income
Provisions
Derivative financial instruments

Total current liabilities

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Interest bearing loans and liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Provisions
Deferred income
Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY
Issued capital
Reserves
Retained earnings

Total equity

COMBINED

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 12,032 
 81,154 
 29,979 
 12,537 
 126,738 

 193,847 
 51,421 
 – 
 – 
 3,000 

 262,440 

 248,268 

 853,755 
 – 
 1,144,805 
 873,704 
 17,222 
 63,488 

 981,912 
 1,712 
 1,145,674 
 742,014 
 14,084 
 – 

 2,952,974 

 2,885,396 

 3,215,414 

 3,133,664 

 48,982 
 194,820 
 – 
 – 
 4,519 
 50 

 248,371 

 530,814 
 296,872 
 623 
 5,844 
 7,321 
 841,474 

 1,089,845 

 41,854 
 86,891 
 127,360 
 315 
 5,538 
 192 

 262,150 

 423,263 
 271,079 
 – 
 1,224 
 7,321 
 702,887 

 965,037 

 2,125,569 

 2,168,627 

 2,586,218 
 (1,185,112)
 724,463 

 2,630,352 
 (1,099,508)
 637,783 

 2,125,569 

 2,168,627 

89

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 26. ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS COMBINATION
Acquisition of Bucyrus China
On 5 May 2014, a wholly owned Group subsidiary acquired the core business operations and assets in six provinces (including 
the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin) in north eastern China from a group of entities owned by Caterpillar Global Mining LLC and 
Caterpillar (Langfang) Mining Equipment Co Ltd. No legal entity or share capital was acquired. The acquisition has increased the 
Group’s market share in the industry and complements the Group’s existing mining and equipment and product support range. 

The acquired business contributed trading revenues of $100,000 and a trading loss of $220,000 to the Group for the period. Due 
to the nature of the acquisition, management have not been, and will not be able to, accurately determine what the Bucyrus China 
business would have contributed to revenue and profit for the full year. Given the timing of the acquisition, the details of the purchase 
consideration, the net assets and the allocation of identifiable intangibles have not been finalised and are provisional as follows:

Consideration
Cash paid

Total consideration

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Inventories
Distribution network
Property, plant and equipment

Provisional fair value of net identifiable assets

Goodwill on acquisition
Total consideration transferred for accounting purposes at fair value
Provisional fair value of identifiable net assets

Goodwill on acquisition

2014
$’000

 103,146 

 103,146 

 9,934 
 92,887 
 325 

 103,146 

 103,146 
 (103,146)

– 

Acquisition related costs of $1,593,000 were incurred during the year and relate primarily to stamp duty.

Prior year acquisition
Acquisition of Bucyrus Australia
The acquisition accounting for the acquisition of Bucyrus Australia was completed during the year ended 30 June 2013, resulting in a 
working capital adjustment of $26,412,000 received in cash by the Group.

90

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 27. DISPOSAL OF BUSINESSES
There were no disposals of businesses during the year ended 30 June 2014.

Prior year disposal
Sale of the Engin voice over internet protocol (VoIP) business 
On 24 September 2012, the Group sold its interest in the Engin VoIP business to Eftel Limited (Eftel) for $9,100,000. The Group 
recognised a net gain on disposal of $8,364,000 in respect of the transaction. Further information regarding the sale of Engin is 
available in the Company’s ASX release dated 24 September 2012.

Effect of disposal on the financial position of the Group
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Trade and other payables
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Provisions

Net assets disposed

Net gain on sale of subsidiary
Total consideration received for accounting purposes at fair value
Net assets disposed

Net gain on sale of subsidiary

28. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Provisions – current (refer Note 18)
Provisions – non-current (refer Note 18)

2013
$’000

 (968)
 (1,613)
 (192)
 (956)
 (491)
 2,512 
 356 
 616 

 (736)

2013
$’000

 9,100 
 (736)

 8,364 

2013
$’000

 51,731 
 1,446 

 53,177 

2014
$’000

 43,968 
 1,401 

 45,369 

Superannuation contributions
The Group makes contributions on behalf of employees to a defined contribution superannuation fund. The amount recognised as 
an expense was $36,355,000 for the year ended 30 June 2014 (2013: $42,255,000).

91

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 29. AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

Amounts received or due and receivable by auditors of the Company for:

Audit services
Auditors of the Company
KPMG Australia
  – Audit and review of financial reports
  – Other assurance services 
Overseas KPMG firms
  – Audit and review of financial report

Other services
Auditors of the Company
KPMG Australia
  – Other advisory services
Overseas KPMG firms
  – Other tax and advisory services

2014
$

2013
$

 670,400 
 15,000 

 665,000 
 23,500 

 184,000 
 869,400 

 157,000 
 845,500 

 12,000 

 – 

42,560

54,560

 63,300 

 63,300 

All amounts payable to the auditors of the Company were paid by Group subsidiaries. 

KPMG are only appointed to assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where they are able to maintain their audit 
independence.

30. DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE DISCLOSURES
Key Management Personnel compensation
Detailed remuneration disclosures, including movements in equity holdings for KMP, are provided in the Remuneration Report 
section of the Directors’ Report.

The aggregate compensation made to the Key Management Personnel of the Group is set out below:

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Termination benefits
Other long-term employee benefits
Share-based payments

2014
$

11,555,009
247,267
457,506
106,517
985,579

2013
$

 8,736,021 
 133,491 
 937,212 
 22,444 
 456,779 

13,351,878 

 10,285,947 

An amount of $166,315 (2013: $144,702) was paid to Deloitte in relation to services provided by Mr Cooper as Interim Chief Financial 
Officer through a company to company agreement with Deloitte. This amount is in addition to the amounts shown above.

No Director has entered into a material contract with the Group in the current or prior year other than those disclosed in this Note.

92

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Key Management Personnel related party transactions
A number of Directors and KMP, or their personally-related entities, hold positions in other entities that can result in them having 
control or significant influence over those entities. A number of these entities transacted with the Company or its subsidiaries during 
the year. 

During the years ended 30 June 2014 and 30 June 2013, the Group transacted with entities of which certain Directors of the 
Company are, or were, Directors or Officers (excluding equity accounted investees, which are disclosed in Note 31) or otherwise 
had an interest.

The aggregate value of the related party transactions with Directors and director related entities was as follows:

Revenues and expenses
Revenues
Expenses

Assets and liabilities
Trade and other receivables – current
Trade and other payables – current

2014
$

2013
$

–
45,571,852

 1,131,462 
 45,394,529 

14,756
(502,200)

 280,400 
– 

These transactions included nil revenue (2013: $1,131,462) charged to the related party invoiced at standard WesTrac rates, the 
lease of premises and related outgoings amounting to $39,063,064 (2013: $37,165,486); travel expense amounting to $3,307,071 
(2013: $2,245,954); electricity under supply agreement of $2,647,217 (2013: $2,810,880) and other net expense reimbursements of 
$304,500 (2013: $2,922,209).

The lease of premises cost relates to triple net leases that the WesTrac Group entered into, the material terms of which were set 
out in page 406 of Part B of the merger scheme documentation and include annual rent increases of the greater of 3% and CPI, 
responsibility for most costs of maintaining the properties (including capital/structural repairs), and extensive insurance obligations. 
The rent expense for the use of these properties is disclosed in the table within expenses.

During the year a wholly-owned Group subsidiary entered into a two year electricity supply contract valued at $1,908,142 with an 
entity which the Directors of the Company, KM Stokes AC and RK Stokes are Directors or Officers. The contract was awarded after 
a market tender process using an independent tendering contractor.

Loans and other transactions with Key Management Personnel
During the year a company associated with Director, Mr B McWilliam was party to a consulting agreement with the Group. Total 
fees paid during the year in relation to this consulting agreement totalled $250,000 (2013: $250,000). This amount is included in the 
remuneration disclosures.

Subsequent to 30 June 2014, a wholly-owned Group subsidiary reached an in-principle agreement with a director related entity 
to early terminate a take or pay contractual agreement for the use of an aircraft. The key terms of the agreement (which was due 
to expire on 30 June 2018) were disclosed in Part B of the merger scheme documentation. The Independent & Related Party 
Committee approved the early termination and payment of $3,047,000 was made on 13 August 2014 as final settlement of the 
agreement. The total value which would have been payable under the agreement was $11,481,888.

93

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 31. OTHER RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES 

Subsidiaries
Interests in subsidiaries are set out in Note 25.

Key Management Personnel
Disclosures relating to Key Management Personnel are set out in Note 30.

Equity accounted investees
The aggregate value of transactions between the Group and its equity accounted investees was as follows:
  Sales revenue
Associates
Joint ventures

  Other income

Joint ventures

  Finance income

Joint ventures

  Rental expense

Joint ventures

  Other expenses
Associates
Joint ventures
  Expense reimbursement
Associates

Outstanding balances arising from transactions with equity accounted investees:
  Trade and other receivables

Associates
Joint ventures
  Trade and other payables

Associates
Joint ventures

  Tax (payable to)/receivable from equity accounted investee who is a member of the tax consolidated group

Associates

  Contingent liabilities at year end, arising from transactions with equity accounted investees:

Financial guarantees (refer to Note 23)

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

2,768
19,158

2,883
50,066

4,104

 6,068 

4,000

–

 (3,487)

 (6,635)

 (4,051)
 (111)

 (2,242)
–

 (579)

 (894)

1,885
 2,463 

 (277)
 (20)

8,147
5,261

 – 
 (4)

 (17,786)

 6,493 

 – 

 12,110 

The Group’s property at Tuart Hill (Dianella), Western Australia is leased to a subsidiary of Seven West Media Limited under a 
peppercorn rental agreement as set out in clause 4.10 of the Share Sale Agreement between the Company and West Australian 
Newspapers Holdings Limited (dated 10 April 2011). 

94

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32a. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Bank balances
Call deposits

Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement

32b. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Reconciliation of profit for the year to net cash flows related to operating activities:
Profit after tax
Depreciation and amortisation:
  Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets
Share option expense
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Net gain on sale of investments and equity accounted investees
Net gain on sale of subsidiary
Impairment/(impairment reversal) of equity accounted investees
Impairment of non-current assets
Fair value movement of derivatives
Share of results from equity accounted investees
Dividends received from associates
Other investment income
Movement in:
  Trade and other receivables

Inventories
  Other assets
  Trade and other payables/deferred income
  Provisions
  Tax balances

Net operating cash flows

2014
$’000

 101,003 
 27,323 

 128,326 

2013
$’000

 218,938 
 323,170 

 542,108 

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 262,540 

 488,605 

 44,793 
 3,277 
 289 
 – 
 (41,237)
 – 
 42,175 
 – 
 1,757 
 (103,565)
 42,370 
 (25,736)

 152,648 
 192,405 
 (23,675)
 (163,558)
 (28,506)
 (111,078)

 244,899 

 50,576 
 12,610 
 – 
 (29,430)
 (65,924)
 (8,364)
 (77,851)
 9,464 
 10,440 
 (115,505)
 49,616 
 (23,545)

 176,368 
 345,352 
 17,804 
 (79,651)
 32,234 
 47,655 

 840,454 

95

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
 
33. EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO BALANCE DATE
Nexus transaction 
On 6 August 2014, the administrators of Nexus announced that only one offer was generated through the company’s sale process. 
The sole offer was a proposed Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) from a wholly-owned Group subsidiary, SGH Energy (No 2) 
Pty Ltd. The key terms of the DOCA included the repayment of the Nexus senior debt in full, trade creditors and employee priority 
claims paid in full, subordinated note holders to receive 74.5 cents in the dollar for principal and accrued interest and settlement of 
Sedco’s claims against Nexus for $30,000,000.

Nexus creditors subsequently resolved to execute the DOCA at the second meeting of Nexus creditors on 11 August 2014. 
Completion of the DOCA by Nexus is subject to several conditions precedent and is required to occur within 15 business days 
of the second creditors meeting (i.e. by 1 September 2014). Further information regarding the DOCA is available in Nexus’ ASX 
announcement dated 6 August 2014. 

Acquisition of a non-operating interest in oil and gas assets 
On 27 June 2014, a wholly-owned Group subsidiary Seven Network (United States) Inc. (SNUS), acquired a non-operating interest 
in producing, development and undeveloped oil and gas assets located in the United States of America. Subsequent to 30 June 
2014, Apache Corporation, the operator of the oil and gas assets initiated legal action against the vendor and SNUS for alleged 
breaches of contract (by the vendor) and tortious interference (by SNUS). The Group believes the action to be without merit and is 
defending its position.

34. PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES
As at and throughout the year ended 30 June 2014 the parent company of the Group was Seven Group Holdings Limited.

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

Total equity of the parent entity comprising of:
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained earnings
Total shareholders equity

Result of the parent entity
Profit for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year

Other information
Contingent liabilities of the parent entity (a)

COMPANY

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 8,150 
 3,097,886 
 20 
 430,382 

 354,429 
 3,443,992 
 128,397 
 557,708 

 2,586,218 
 3,901 
 77,385 
 2,667,504 

 2,630,352 
 6,440 
 249,492 
 2,886,284 

 (23,175)
 (23,175)

 129,184 
 129,184 

 96,021 

 75,364 

(a)  relates to financial guarantees provided to third parties by the parent entity for subsidiary debt facilities and other financing arrangements. These facilities are held by entities that are 

outside of the Deed of Cross Guarantee disclosed in Note 25.

Parent entity guarantees in respect of debts of its subsidiaries
The parent entity has entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee with the effect that the Company guarantees debts in respect of 
certain of its subsidiaries. Further details of the Deed of Cross Guarantee and the subsidiaries subject to the deed are disclosed 
in Note 25.

96

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 35. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Overview
The Group has exposure to the following risks through the normal course of its operations and from its use of financial instruments: 
(a) Market risk
(b) Liquidity risk
(c) Credit risk

The following presents information, both qualitative and quantitative, about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks, its 
objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk, and the management of capital. 

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the risk management framework.

The Board has established a sound system of risk oversight and management and internal control which includes the establishment 
of the Audit & Risk Committee. The Committee has been constituted with the function of assisting the Board to ensure that its 
corporate governance and oversight responsibilities are fulfilled in relation to risk management and compliance with applicable laws 
and regulations.

Risk management policies are established to identify and demonstrate that the Group understands and manages risk and seeks to 
ensure that there is consistency to the methods used in assessing, monitoring and communicating risks and that risk management 
efforts are aligned with the Group’s strategic and business objectives.

The Audit & Risk Committee is responsible for reviewing, evaluating and making recommendations to the Board in relation to:
•	 assessing the risk management, compliance and control environment as it relates to the external and internal audit plans;
•	 overseeing financial reporting; and 
•	 evaluating internal and external audit.

At the reporting date the Group held the following financial instruments:

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Listed equity securities (available-for-sale)
Convertible preference shares – Seven West Media Limited
Unlisted equity securities
Loans receivable
Derivative financial instruments

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables (excluding accruals)
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Derivative financial instruments

Total financial liabilities

Note

 32a 
 9 
 13 
 13 
 13 
 13 
 12 

 16 
 17 
 12 

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 128,326 
 598,952 
 915,615 
 302,226 
 14,654 
 129,185 
 61,777 

 542,108 
 721,579 
 758,786 
 276,489 
 – 
 – 
 71,861 

 2,150,735 

 2,370,823 

356,097
 1,197,665 
 91,448 

 476,465 
 1,255,470 
 123,637 

 1,645,210

 1,855,572 

97

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 35. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
(a) Market risk
(i) Foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities are denominated in a 
currency that is not the entity’s functional currency. The Group’s foreign exchange risk arises primarily from:
•	

the Group’s investment in available-for-sale financial assets which includes an investment in Agricultural Bank of China 
denominated in Hong Kong Dollars;

•	 borrowings denominated in a foreign currency; and
•	 firm commitments of highly probable forecast transactions for receipts and payments settled in foreign currency.

The Group is exposed to fluctuations in United States Dollars (USD), Great British Pounds (GBP), Euros (EUR), Indian Rupee (IDR), 
United Arab Emirates Dirhams (AED) and New Zealand Dollars (NZD). 

The Group will seek to minimise exposure to foreign exchange risk by initially seeking contracts effectively denominated in AUD 
where possible. Where this is not possible the Group will manage foreign exchange risk as follows:
•	

in certain circumstances the Group invoices customers in USD. Where the Group invoices in USD it may seek to match the USD 
receipt with USD denominated vendor payments. As a result an economic hedge is created by minimising exposure to changes 
in the AUD/USD exchange rate. Payments and receipts are made from and to the Group’s USD denominated bank account.
•	 external forward contracts and options are used to manage foreign exchange risk. Contracts are entered into on a transaction 

by transaction basis to hedge specific purchases, sales and borrowings.

The Group’s foreign exchange risk from recognised assets and liabilities arises primarily from WesTrac’s long term USD denominated 
borrowings (refer to Note 17). The Group effectively hedges its long term foreign denominated borrowings using a combination of 
designated forward exchange contracts and cross currency swaps.

Excluding assets and liabilities for foreign Group entities translated in accordance with Note 1(D)(iii), the Group’s exposure to foreign 
currency risk was as follows, based on notional amounts:

AS AT 30 JUNE 2014
Cash at bank
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Closing exchange rates (a)

AS AT 30 JUNE 2013
Cash at bank
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Closing exchange rates (a)

USD
‘000

GBP
‘000

EUR
‘000

IDR
‘000

AED
‘000

NZD
‘000

 14,795 
 32,309 
 (43,152)
 (520,000)
 (19,584)
 0.9420 

 7,475 
 112,339 
 (144,543)
 (590,000)
 (36,958)
 0.9275 

 5 
 – 
 (831)
 – 
 – 
 0.5531 

 25 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 0.6072 

 15 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 0.6906 

 5,259 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 0.7095 

 70,546 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 11,177 

 155,970 
 167,524 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 9,208 

 1,201 
 1,026 
 (1,519)
 – 
 – 
 3.4595 

 1,288 
 8,397 
 (1,474)
 – 
 – 
 3.4062 

 507 
 1,072 
 (150)
 – 
 – 
 1.0761

 276 
 1,509 
 (20)
 – 
 – 
 1.1871

(a) closing exchange rates at 30 June as reported by the Reserve Bank of Australia at 4pm (AEST).

The financial statements for foreign Group companies that have a functional currency different from Australian Dollars are translated 
into Australian Dollars on consolidation in accordance with Note 1(D)(iii). Exchange differences arising from the translation are taken 
to reserves and as such the individual account balances of these Group companies are excluded from the above table.

98

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
USD sensitivity analysis
As at 30 June 2014 the closing AUD/USD exchange rate, as reported by the Reserve Bank of Australia at 4pm (AEST) was 0.9420 
(2013: 0.9275). A foreign currency sensitivity of +/- 10% has been selected and is considered reasonable given the historical 
AUD/USD exchange rates prevailing in the year ended 30 June 2014. During this period the average AUD/USD exchange rate was 
0.9188 (2013: 1.0271) and traded within a range of 0.8716 and 0.9672 (2013: 0.9202 and 1.0593).

At 30 June 2014, had the AUD/USD exchange rate moved by 10%, with all other variables held constant, post tax profit/(loss) and 
equity would have been affected as illustrated in the table below:

Judgements of reasonably possible movements:
AUD to USD +10% 
AUD to USD -10% 

2014
Profit/(loss)
$’000

2014
Equity
$’000

2013
Profit/(loss)
$’000

2013
Equity
$’000

 24 
 (29)

 (906)
 1,868 

 (491)
 600 

 (1,388)
 2,527 

Adverse versus favourable movements are determined relative to the net underlying exposure. An adverse movement in exchange 
rates implies an increase in the Group’s foreign currency exposure leading to deterioration in the Group’s financial position. 
A favourable movement in exchange rates implies a decrease in the Group’s foreign currency exposure and an improvement 
in the Group’s financial position.

The Group’s exposure to other foreign exchange movements is not material.

(ii) Interest rate risk
The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk arises from AUD cash deposits and short to medium term borrowings which are at 
variable interest rates in AUD, USD, HKD and RMB. Generally, long term fixed rate borrowings are obtained in the US and Australia, 
while shorter term variable borrowings are denominated in local Australian and Chinese currencies and expose the Group to interest 
rate risk. The Group manages this risk by using derivative financial instruments including interest rate swaps and interest rate caps 
to fix interest rate exposure.

As at 30 June 2014, 79% (2013: 81%) of the Group’s total borrowings were subject to fixed interest rates or were effectively hedged 
with derivative financial instruments. The Group had interest rate caps with a notional value of $75,000,000 at 7% which expired 
during the year.

At balance date, the Group had the following mix of financial assets and liabilities exposed to Australian, United States, Hong Kong, 
Chinese and New Zealand variable interest rate risk:

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities
Interest bearing liabilities

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

103,426

103,426

 257,208 

 257,208 

 (225,421)

 (229,333)

 (225,421)

 (229,333)

99

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 35. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
(a) Market risk (continued)
(ii) Interest rate risk (continued)
The following table shows the annualised impact on profit or loss and equity of interest bearing assets and liabilities if floating interest 
rates at balance date had been 1% (100 basis points) higher or lower for the year, with all other variables held constant.

If interest rates were 1% (100 basis points) higher with
all other variables held constant – increase/(decrease)
If interest rates were 1% (100 basis points) lower with
all other variables held constant – increase/(decrease)

2014
Profit/(loss)
$’000

2014
Equity
$’000

2013
Profit/(loss)
$’000

 (854)

 (854)

 854 

 854 

 195 

 (195)

2013
Equity
$’000

 195 

 (195)

(iii) Equity price risk
Equity price risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or its associated cash flows will fluctuate due to changes in 
the underlying share prices. 

The Group has exposure to equity price risk arising from its portfolio of listed equity securities and derivatives.

The Group may also be exposed to equity price risk through its holdings of listed investments accounted for using the equity method 
and as part of the Group’s impairment assessment process.

The following table shows the impact on the profit or loss and equity of the Group if equity prices at balance date had been 15% 
higher or lower, with all other variables held constant. A sensitivity of 15% is considered reasonable given the current level of prices 
and the volatility observed both on a historical basis and market expectations for future movement.

If share prices were 15% higher with all other variables constant 
 – increase/(decrease)
If share prices were 15% lower with all other variables constant 
 – increase/(decrease)

2014
Profit/(loss)
$’000

2014
Equity
$’000

2013
Profit/(loss)
$’000

2013
Equity
$’000

 5,341 

 96,140 

 3,612 

 79,673 

 (5,341)

 (96,140)

 (3,612)

 (79,673)

The allocation between profit or loss and equity is subject to impairment testing. The above sensitivity analysis assumes the 
investments are not impaired.

The fair values of available-for-sale financial assets are determined by reference to their quoted market prices at balance date. Gains 
or losses arising from changes in the value of available-for-sale financial assets category are taken to the fair value reserve. Amounts 
are recognised in profit or loss when the associated assets are sold or impaired.

(iv) Commodity price risk
The Group acquired a non-operating interest in oil and gas assets located in the United States of America on 27 June 2014. This 
investment exposes the Group to commodity price risk from fluctuations in the prices of oil, natural gas and other condensates and 
natural gas liquids (NGLs). The Group does not currently hedge its exposure to commodity price risk.

100

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 (b) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk refers to the risk that the Group is unable to meet its financial commitments as and when they fall due.

The Group employs a prudent liquidity risk management approach. This involves maintaining a large amount of liquid reserves 
(cash deposits, listed shares and available credit lines) that can be drawn or sold at short notice to meet the Group’s financial 
commitments. Management monitors the Group’s on going cash flow requirements on a daily basis. Due to the dynamic nature of 
the underlying businesses, the Group aims to maintain flexibility in funding by keeping credit lines available.

Financing arrangements
The Group had access to the following undrawn borrowing facilities at the reporting date:

Floating rate
Expiring within one year
Expiring beyond one year

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 404,711 
 670,712 

 436,332 
 811,387 

 1,075,423 

 1,247,719 

At 30 June 2014, the Group also has additional liquidity available in the form of cash of $128,326,000 (2013: $542,108,000), 
available-for-sale listed shares of $915,615,000 (2013: $758,786,000) and access to unutilised, short dated lines of other credit 
totalling $187,827,000 (2013: $535,868,000).

Subject to continued compliance with facility terms, the facilities may be drawn at any time. The average maturity for drawn facilities 
is 6.1 years (2013: 6.5 years) and 1.2 years (2013: 1.8 years) for undrawn facilities.

Maturities of financial liabilities
The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities (including derivative financial instruments) into relevant maturity groupings based 
on the remaining period at the reporting date to the contractual maturity date. Gross cash flows include principal, coupon and premium 
(on put options) payments at contracted rates. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contracted undiscounted cash flows.

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
Trade and other payables (excluding accruals)
Borrowings – variable rate
  – principal (including derivative)
  – coupon interest
Borrowings – fixed rate
  – principal (including derivative)
  – coupon interest and derivative

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013
Trade and other payables (excluding accruals)
Borrowings – variable rate
  – principal (including derivative)
  – coupon interest and derivative
Borrowings – fixed rate
  – principal (including derivative)
  – coupon interest and derivative

Within
1 year
$’000

Between 
1 & 2 years
$’000

Between 
2 & 5 years
$’000

Over 
5 years
$’000

Total
contractual
cash flows
$’000

Carrying
amount
$’000

356,097

 – 

 – 

 – 

356,097

356,097

 33,094 
 3,100 

 2,298 
 39,108 

 103,003 
 3,100 

 64 
 39,095 

433,697

 145,262 

 – 
 9,299 

 67,901 
 21,698 

 203,998 
 37,197

 225,421 
 – 

 650,109 
 87,304 

 746,712 

 417,862 
 165,779 

 1,070,333 
 331,286 

 972,275 
 88,383 

 673,240 

 1,998,911

 1,642,206

 476,465 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 476,465 

 476,465 

 101,152 
 3,185 

 104,660 
 43,483 

 728,945 

 36,115 
 3,185 

 2,457 
 39,233 

 80,990 

 – 
 3,185 

 67,901 
 25,476 

 205,168 
 35,031 

 229,333 
 – 

 620,459 
 108,051 

 731,695 

 497,191 
 196,634 

 1,224,767 
 387,401 

 1,026,137 
 121,937 

 787,202 

 2,328,832 

 1,853,872 

101

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 35. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
(c) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations, and arises principally from the Group’s receivables, cash and cash equivalents and investment securities.

Listed equity securities
Convertible preference shares – Seven West Media Limited
Unlisted equity securities
Loans receivable
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial instruments

Note

13
13
13
13
9
32a
12

2014
$’000

 915,615 
 302,226 
 14,654 
129,185
598,952
 128,326 
 61,777 

2013
$’000

 758,786 
 276,489 
 – 
 – 
 721,579 
 542,108 
 71,861 

 2,150,735 

 2,370,823 

Trade and other receivables
The Group has an established credit policy under which new customers are analysed individually for creditworthiness before 
the Group’s standard payment, delivery terms and conditions are offered. The Group’s review includes external ratings, when 
available, such as Veda Advantage. Purchase limits are established for each customer and these limits are reviewed annually or 
upon request. Customers that fail to meet the Group’s benchmark creditworthiness may transact with the Group upon lodging of a 
Bank Guarantee as a security document or on a strictly pre-paid (cleared funds) only basis.

The Group is not aware of any material credit concerns with respect to the portfolio of investments.

The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:

Past due but not impaired
As at 30 June 2014, trade receivables of $74,714,000 (2013: $79,241,000) were past due but not impaired. These relate to a number 
of independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default. The ageing analysis of these trade receivables is as follows:

Past due 1 – 30 days
Past due 31 – 60 days
Past due 60 – 90 days
> 91 days

Balance at end of the year

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year 
was as follows:

Balance at beginning of the year
Impairment loss recognised in profit and loss
Impairment loss reversed in profit and loss
Receivables expensed as uncollectable during the year
Exchange differences

Balance at end of the year

2014
$’000

 9,263 
 18,155 
 8,778 
 38,518 

 74,714 

 10,076 
 351 
 (2)
 (222)
 (48)

 10,155 

2013
$’000

 9,323 
 28,367 
 7,170 
 34,381 

 79,241 

 8,718 
 2,503 
 – 
 (897)
 (248)

 10,076 

102

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 30 June 2014

The Group’s and the Company’s exposure to credit risk is predominately in Australia and China.

The creation and release of the provision for impaired receivables has been included in “other expenses” in the consolidated income 
statement. Due to the short term nature of these receivables their carrying value is assumed to approximate their fair value.

In certain circumstances the Group enters into guarantees as part of ordinary trading operations. These guarantees are included 
within financial guarantees in Note 23.

Loans receivable 
The Group is exposed to credit risk through its investment in the debt securities of Nexus, totalling $129,185,000. The loans 
receivable comprise of principal and capitalised interest of $48,131,000 in relation to a senior debt facility, $74,859,000 in relation to 
subordinated notes, $2,730,000 in relation to a working capital bridge facility and letter of credit fees and $3,465,000 in relation to a 
Nexus administration facility. 

Both the senior debt facility and the working capital bridge facility are secured against the assets of Nexus. The subordinated notes 
are unsecured receivables which are subordinate to the senior debt facility and the working capital bridge facility. 

On 12 June 2014 Nexus entered into voluntary administration. As a result, at 30 June 2014 the senior debt facility, subordinated 
notes, working capital bridge facility and letter of credit fees totalling $125,720,000 are past due. No impairment has been recorded 
in respect of the loans and receivables as the Group consider that the fair value of Nexus’ assets exceeds the carrying value of the 
loans receivable. 

Other financial assets 
With respect to credit risk arising from the other financial assets of the Group, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, 
convertible preference shares, unlisted equity securities and derivative financial instruments and available-for-sale investments, the 
Group’s exposure to credit risk arises from default of the counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying value of 
these instruments. The Group mitigates this risk by only dealing with counterparties that meet a defined credit criteria and also by 
managing specific credit limits on all counterparties. 

103

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 35. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
(d) Fair value measurements 
The Group uses various methods in estimating the fair value of a financial instrument. The methods comprise:
Level 1 – fair value is estimated using quoted prices in active markets.
Level 2 –  fair value is estimated using inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability 

either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices).

Level 3 – fair value is estimated using inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

The following table shows the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities, including their level in the fair value 
hierarchy (except for financial instruments whose carrying value is a reasonable approximation of fair value).

Financial assets measured at fair value
Available-for-sale financial assets
Forward foreign exchange contracts –  
used for hedging
Cross currency swaps – used for hedging

Financial assets not measured at fair value
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Convertible preference shares –  
Seven West Media Limited
Unlisted equity securities
Loans receivable

Financial liabilities measured at fair value
Forward foreign exchange contracts –  
used for hedging
Interest rate swaps – used for hedging
Equity derivatives

Financial liabilities not measured 
at fair value
Trade and other payables (excluding accruals)
Fixed term US dollar notes
Other borrowings

Level in
fair value
hierarchy

2014
Carrying
amount
$'000

2014
Fair
value
$'000

2013
Carrying
amount
$'000

2013
Fair 
value
$'000

1

2
2

–
–

2
3
2

2
2
2

–
2
2

 915,615 

 915,615 

 758,786 

 758,786 

 671 
 61,106 

 671 
 61,106 

 4,286 
 67,575 

 4,286 
 67,575 

 977,392 

 977,392 

 830,647 

 830,647 

 128,326 
 598,952 

 302,226 
 14,654 
 129,185 

 128,326 
 598,952 

 302,226 
 14,654 
 135,603 

 542,108 
 721,579 

 276,489 
 – 
 – 

 542,108 
 721,579 

 276,489 
 – 
 – 

 1,173,343 

 1,179,761 

 1,540,176 

 1,540,176 

 79,625 
 8,788 
 3,035 

 91,448 

 79,625 
 8,788 
 3,035 

 91,448 

 111,677 
 10,261 
 1,699 

 123,637 

 111,677 
 10,261 
 1,699 

 123,637 

 356,097 
 600,845 
 596,820 

 356,097 
 654,151 
 603,358 

 476,465 
 684,947 
 570,523 

 476,465 
 739,390 
 567,395 

 1,553,762 

 1,613,606 

 1,731,935 

 1,783,250 

Note

13

12
12

32a
9

13
13
13

12
12
12

16
17
17

There were no transfers between the fair value hierarchy levels during the year ended 30 June 2014.

104

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Financial instruments measured at fair value
The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as available-for-sale securities) are based on quoted market 
prices at the reporting date. The quoted market prices used for financial assets held by the Group are the closing bid prices for 
the assets.

The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts are determined using quoted forward exchange rates at the reporting date.

The fair value of interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps are calculated using the present value of the estimated 
future cash flows of these instruments.

The fair value of equity derivatives are calculated based on the closing bid price of the underlying equities.

Financial instruments not measured at fair value
The interest rates used to discount estimated cash flows relating to the fixed term US dollar notes were 1.9% to 6.8% (2013: 2.2% 
to 5.5%) and are based on the government yield curve at the reporting date plus an adequate credit spread.

The interest rate used to discount estimated cash flows relating to other borrowings was 7.2% (2013: 7.7%).

The fair value of convertible preference shares held in Seven West Media Limited was determined using standard bond 
pricing calculations taking into account the 7.143% accretion in redemption value over five years and 9% market yield for 
comparable instruments.

The fair value of the loans receivable was determined by adjusting for the face value of the Nexus subordinated notes.

(e) Master Netting or Similar Arrangements
The Group enters into derivative transactions under International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master netting 
agreements. In general, under such agreements the amounts owed by each counterparty on a single day in respect of all 
transactions outstanding in the same currency are aggregated into a single net amount that is payable by one party to the other. 
In certain circumstances, e.g. when a credit event such as a default occurs, all outstanding transactions under the agreement are 
terminated, the termination value is assessed and only a single net amount is payable in settlement of all transactions.

The ISDA agreements do not meet the criteria for offsetting in the statement of financial position. This is because the Group does 
not have any currently legally enforceable right to offset recognised amounts, because the right to offset is enforceable only on the 
occurrence of future events such as a default on the bank loans or other credit events.

105

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 35. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
(e) Master Netting or Similar Arrangements (continued)
The following table sets out the carrying amounts of recognised financial instruments that are subject to the above agreements.

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
Financial assets
Forward foreign exchange contracts – used for hedging
Cross currency swaps – used for hedging

Financial liabilities
Forward foreign exchange contracts – used for hedging
Interest rate swaps – used for hedging
Equity derivatives

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013
Financial assets
Forward foreign exchange contracts – used for hedging
Cross currency swaps – used for hedging

Financial liabilities
Forward foreign exchange contracts – used for hedging
Interest rate swaps – used for hedging
Equity derivatives

Financial
instruments in
the statement
of financial
position
$'000

Related
financial
instruments
that are
not offset
$'000

Net amount
$'000

 671 
 61,106 

 61,777 

79,625 
 8,788 
 3,035 

 91,448 

4,286 
 67,575 

 71,861 

111,677 
 10,261 
 1,699 

 123,637 

 553 
 22,226 

 22,779 

 13,991 
 8,788 
 – 

 22,779

 4,286 
 42,623 

 46,909 

 36,648 
 10,261 
 – 

 46,909 

 118 
38,880

 38,998 

 65,634 
 – 
 3,035 

 68,669 

 – 
 24,952 

 24,952 

 75,029 
 – 
 1,699 

 76,728 

(f) Capital management
The Group manages its capital to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and to maintain an optimal capital 
structure while maximising shareholder value. As such, the Board regularly reviews the Group’s capital structure in order to take 
advantage of favourable costs of capital and returns on assets.

The Company maintains a diversified capital base with a mixture of equity and debt funding. Equity funding comprises both ordinary 
shares and preference shares (TELYS4).

The Group’s dividend policy is to distribute cash from operating activities after financing costs, subject to the retention of adequate 
cash reserves to capitalise on investment opportunities. Dividends are franked to the greatest extent possible.

Refer to Note 7 for details of dividends paid and proposed but not provided for during the current year.

106

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2014Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Directors’ Declaration 

Year ended 30 June 2014

1.  In the opinion of the Directors of Seven Group Holdings Limited (the Company):

(a)  the consolidated financial statements and notes that are set out on pages 44 to 106 and the Remuneration Report, set out on 

pages 17 to 40 in the Directors’ Report, are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i)   giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 2014 and of its performance for the financial year 

ended on that date; and

(ii)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and 

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

and payable. 

2.   There are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company and the group entities identified in Note 25 will be able to meet 

any obligations or liabilities to which they are or may become subject to by virtue of the Deed of Cross Guarantee between the 
Company and those group entities pursuant to ASIC Class Order 98/1418.

3.   The Directors have been given the declarations required by Section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 from the Chief Executive 

Officer and the Chief Financial Officer for the financial year ended 30 June 2014.

4.   The Directors draw attention to Note 1(A) to the consolidated financial statements, which includes a statement of compliance with 

International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors:

KM Stokes AC 
Executive Chairman 

Sydney
27 August 2014

MC Wells 
Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee

107

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABCD

ABCD

Independent Auditor’s Report

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Seven Group Holdings Limited

to the members of Seven Group Holdings Limited

Report on the financial report

We have audited the accompanying financial report of Seven Group Holdings Limited (the 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Seven Group Holdings Limited
Company), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2014, 
Report on the financial report
and consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 
consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated cash flow statement for the year 
We have audited the accompanying financial report of Seven Group Holdings Limited (the 
ended on that date, Notes 1 to 35 comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and 
Company), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2014, 
other explanatory information and the directors’ declaration of the Group comprising the 
and consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 
Company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or from time to time during the financial 
consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated cash flow statement for the year 
year.
ended on that date, Notes 1 to 35 comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and 
Directors’ responsibility for the financial report 
other explanatory information and the directors’ declaration of the Group comprising the 
Company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or from time to time during the financial 
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that 
year.
gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the 
Directors’ responsibility for the financial report 
Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement whether 
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that 
due to fraud or error. In Note 1(A), the directors also state, in accordance with Australian 
gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the 
Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial 
Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to 
statements of the Group comply with International Financial Reporting Standards.
enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement whether 
due to fraud or error. In Note 1(A), the directors also state, in accordance with Australian 
Auditor’s responsibility
Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We 
statements of the Group comply with International Financial Reporting Standards.
conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing 
Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit 
Auditor’s responsibility
engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We 
financial report is free from material misstatement. 
conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing 
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and 
Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit 
disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, 
engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the 
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether 
financial report is free from material misstatement. 
due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control 
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and 
relevant to the entity’s preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in order 
disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, 
to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of 
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether 
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes 
due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control 
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 
relevant to the entity’s preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in order 
estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial 
to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of 
report. 
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes 
We performed the procedures to assess whether in all material respects the financial report 
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 
presents fairly, in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and Australian Accounting 
estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial 
Standards, a true and fair view which is consistent with our understanding of the Group’s 
report. 
financial position and of its performance. 
We performed the procedures to assess whether in all material respects the financial report 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a 
presents fairly, in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and Australian Accounting 
basis for our audit opinion.
Standards, a true and fair view which is consistent with our understanding of the Group’s 
financial position and of its performance. 

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

108

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm 
of the KPMG network of independent member firms 
affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative 
(“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. 

Liability limited by a scheme 
approved under Professional 
Standards Legislation. 

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm 
of the KPMG network of independent member firms 
affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative 
(“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. 

Liability limited by a scheme 
approved under Professional 
Standards Legislation. 

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABCD

Independent Auditor’s Report

to the members of Seven Group Holdings Limited

Independence

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

Auditor’s opinion

In our opinion:

(a) the financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:  

(i)

(ii)

giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as 
at 30 June 2014 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards  and the Corporations 
Regulations  2001.

(b) the financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
disclosed in Note 1(A).

Report on the remuneration report

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 19 to 40 of the directors’ report for 
the year ended 30 June 2014. The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation 
and presentation of the remuneration report in accordance with Section 300A of the 
Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, 
based on our audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards.

Auditor’s opinion

In our opinion, the remuneration report of Seven Group Holdings Limited for the year ended 30 
June 2014, complies with Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

KPMG

Kevin Leighton
Partner

Sydney

27 August 2014

109

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Investor Information

SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
Investors seeking information regarding their shareholding or dividends or wishing to advise of a change of address should contact 
the Share Registry at:

Boardroom Pty Limited 
Level 7, 207 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Telephone: (02) 9290 9600
Facsimile: (02) 9279 0664 or

Visit the online service at boardroomlimited.com.au

Boardroom Pty Limited has an online service for investors called InvestorServe. This enables investors to make online changes, 
view balances and transaction history, as well as obtain information about recent dividend payments and download various forms 
to assist in the management of their holding. To use this service visit the Boardroom Pty Limited website.

Other general inquiries may be directed to Mr W. Coatsworth, Company Secretary on (02) 8777 7777 or visit the website at 
www.sevengroup.com.au.

TAX FILE NUMBER INFORMATION
The company is obliged to record Tax File Numbers or exemption details provided by shareholders. While it is not compulsory 
for shareholders to provide a Tax File Number or exemption details, Seven Group Holdings Limited is obliged to deduct tax from 
unfranked dividends paid to investors resident in Australia who have not supplied such information. Forms are available upon request 
from the Share Registry or shareholders can submit their Tax File Number via the Boardroom website.

THE CHESS SYSTEM
Seven Group Holdings Limited operates under CHESS – Clearing House Electronic Subregister System – an Australian Securities 
Exchange system which permits the electronic transfer and registration of shares. Under CHESS, the company issues a Statement 
of Holdings to investors, instead of share certificates, and the statement will quote the Holder Identification Number (HIN). The HIN 
number should be quoted on any correspondence investors have with the Share Registry.

The company will maintain investors’ holdings in an Issuer Sponsored facility, which enables investors to maintain their holding 
without the need to be tied to any particular stockbroker.

110

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Shareholder Information

Substantial Shareholders – Ordinary Shares
The number of ordinary shares held by the Substantial Shareholders based on the most recent notifications contained in the 
Company’s Register of Substantial Shareholders as at 20 August 2014 are as follows:

Shareholder

KM Stokes; North Aston Pty Limited, Wroxby Pty Limited and Ashblue Holdings Pty Limited; Tiberius Pty Limited, 
Redlake Pty Limited and Tiberius group entities; Australian Capital Equity Pty Limited, Clabon Pty Limited and 
Australian Capital Equity Pty Limited group entities.

*   Based on issued capital at date of notification

No. of Shares

% Held *

207,304,349

67.87

Distribution of Ordinary Shareholders and TELYS4 Shareholders

Category (No.s)

1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 – and over
Total No. of Holders

No. of Holdings less than a Marketable Parcel

Twenty Largest Ordinary Shareholders 
Name of Shareholder

North Aston Pty Limited
North Aston Pty Limited
North Aston Pty Limited
Wroxby Pty Limited
Ashblue Holdings Pty Limited
North Aston Pty Limited
Ashblue Holdings Pty Limited
Ashblue Holdings Pty Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
National Nominees Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
Wroxby Pty Limited
UBS Nominees Pty Limited
BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Limited
National Nominees Limited
RBC Investor Services Australia Pty Limited
QIC Limited
National Nominees Limited
Yalgardup Corporation Pty Limited
Total Twenty Largest Ordinary Shareholders

Ordinary
Shareholders

5,220
4,033
556
273
44
10,126

484

No. of Shares

38,500,000
26,874,092
26,276,333
25,000,000
23,000,000
22,459,575
20,000,000
19,082,442
18,957,660
17,347,372
12,772,654
  7,522,376
  5,731,907
  3,166,776
  2,268,250
  1,670,558
  1,079,265
 1,012,261
652,000
494,345
  273,867,866

TELYS4

9,347
624
33
18
3
10,025

9

% Held

12.71
  8.87
  8.68
  8.25
  7.59
  7.42
  6.60
  6.30
  6.27
  5.74
  4.23
  2.49
  1.89
  1.05
  0.75
  0.56
  0.36 
  0.33
0.22  
0.16 
90.47

111

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Shareholder Information

Twenty Largest TELYS4 Shareholders 

Name of Shareholder

Navigator Australia Limited
National Nominees Limited
UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Limited
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited
Sandhurst Trustees Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
Australian Executor Trustees Limited
UCA Cash Management Fund Limited 
Netwealth Investments Limited 
SR Consolidated Pty Limited
BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Limited
Sandhurst Trustees Limited
Jilliby Pty Limited
RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited
Netwealth Investments Limited
ZW2 Pty Limited
Lenhut Pty Limited
Mr Edward and Mrs Deborah Griffin
JGW Investments Pty Limited
Total Twenty Largest TELYS4 Shareholders

No. of Shares

% Held

159,101
154,080
102,184
  86,657
  83,557
  78,348
  64,524
  45,259
  42,016
  28,382
  21,435
  19,551
  19,489
  18,500
  18,087 
  17,753
  17,000
  15,619
  12,000
  10,954
1,014,496

3.20  
3.11
2.06
1.74
1.68 
1.58
1.31
0.92
0.84
0.58
0.43
0.39
0.39
0.38
0.36
0.35
0.34
0.31
0.24
0.22
20.43

Voting Rights
Ordinary Shares
On a show of hands, every member present in person or by proxy or attorney, or being a corporation, present by its representative, 
shall have one vote. On a poll, every member present in person or by proxy or attorney, or being a corporation, present by its 
representative, shall have one vote for every share held.

TELYS4
There are limited voting rights attached to TELYS4 as detailed in their terms of issue. In broad terms, a holder has the right to vote if 
a dividend is in arrears, on a proposal to reduce share capital, affecting rights on the TELYS4, on a winding up of the company, on a 
disposal of the whole undertaking of the company, on a resolution to approve a buy-back agreement and during the winding up of 
the company. Upon conversion of the TELYS4, the resulting issued shares will confer full voting rights.

Stock Exchange Listing 
The Company is listed with the Australian Securities Exchange Limited and the home exchange is Sydney.

On-Market Buy-Back
There is a current on-market buy-back.

112

Seven Group Holdings  Annual Report 2014 Seven Group Holdings  
Annual Report 2014 

Corporate Directory

SEVEN GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
Level 2, 38-42 Pirrama Road
Pyrmont NSW 2009
Ph: (02) 8777 7777
Fax: (02) 8777 7778

WESTRAC WA
128-136 Great Eastern Highway
South Guildford WA 6055
Ph: (08) 9377 9444
Fax: (08) 9377 1791

WESTRAC NSW
1 WesTrac Drive
Tomago NSW 2322
Ph: (02) 4964 5000
Fax: (02) 4964 8524

WESTRAC ACT
78 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
Ph: (02) 6290 4500
Fax: (02) 6260 2814

WESTRAC CHINA
Sky Centre Tower A
No 22 Wanyuan Street
Beijing China 100176
Ph: (86) (10) 5902 1666

ALLIGHTSYKES WA
12 Hoskins Road
Landsdale WA 6065
Ph: (08) 9302 7000
Fax: (08) 9302 2122

Company Information

LIST OF DIRECTORS
Kerry Stokes AC (Executive Chairman)
Peter Ritchie AO (Deputy Chairman)
Don Voelte AO (Managing Director & 
Chief Executive Officer)
Dulcie Boling
Terry Davis
Christopher Mackay
Bruce McWilliam (Commercial Director)
Ryan Stokes (Chief Operating Officer) 
Richard Uechtritz
Prof. Murray Wells

COMPANY SECRETARY
Warren Coatsworth

REGISTERED OFFICE
Company Secretariat
Level 2
38-42 Pirrama Road
Pyrmont NSW 2009

SHARE REGISTRY
Boardroom Pty Limited 
Level 7, 207 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000

AUDITOR
KPMG
10 Shelley Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

ALLIGHTSYKES NSW
42 Munibung Road
Cardiff NSW 2285
Ph: (02) 4954 3333
Fax: (02) 4954 3303

LEGAL ADVISORS
Herbert Smith Freehills
ANZ Tower
161 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Clayton Utz
Level 15
1 Bligh Street
Sydney NSW 2000