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Smartgroup

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Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

94

Market 
Release
Market Release

21 February 2018

ASX Market Announcements Office 
22 February 2017
ASX Limited 
20 Bridge Street 
ASX Market Announcements Office 
Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000
ASX Limited 
20 Bridge Street 
Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd - Results for announcement to the market.

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd - Results for announcement to the market
In accordance with the Listing Rules, Smartgroup Corporation Ltd encloses for immediate release the following information:

1. Appendix 4E, and
In accordance with the Listing Rules, Smartgroup Corporation Ltd encloses for immediate release the following information:
2. Smartgroup Corporation Ltd Annual Report 2017.
1. Appendix 4E, and
2. Smartgroup Corporation Ltd Annual Report 2016.
Smartgroup Corporation Ltd will conduct a briefing on the results from 9.00am (Sydney time) on 22 February 2018.

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd will conduct a briefing on the results from 9.00am (Sydney time) on 23 February 2017.

Amanda Morgan 
General Counsel and Joint Company Secretary
Amanda Morgan 
General Counsel and Joint Company Secretary.

Appendix 4E
Preliminary Final Report

1. Company details
Name of entity: 

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

ABN: 

48 126 266 831

Reporting period:  For the year ended 31 December 2017

Previous period: 

For the year ended 31 December 2016

2. Results for announcement to the market

Revenues from ordinary activities

Profit from ordinary activities after tax attributable to the owners of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

Profit for the year attributable to the owners of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

$’000

$’000

up  57,483

38.9% to

205,443

up 

up 

 8,525

26.0% to

41,313

8,525

26.0% to

41,313

Dividends

Amount per security 
Cents

Franked  
amount per security 
Cents

Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 (paid on 31 March 2017)

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2017 (paid on 29 September 2017)

15.0

16.5

15.0

16.5

On 21 February 2018 the Directors declared a fully-franked dividend of 18.5 cents per ordinary share. The final dividend will be paid on 
30 March 2018 to shareholders registered on 15 March 2018. There is no dividend reinvestment plan.

Comments

The profit for the Group after providing for income tax amounted to $41,309,000 (31 December 2016: $32,788,000).

Refer to Chairman’s Report and CEO’s ‘Report of operations’ for detailed commentary of the results.

3. Net tangible assets

Net tangible assets per ordinary security

(103.09)

(76.90)

Reporting period 
Cents

Previous period 
Cents

4. Control gained over entities
On 2 May 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the ordinary shares of AccessPay Pty Ltd, Fleet Solutions Pty Ltd and 50% of the ordinary 
shares of AccessPay Payroll Solutions Pty Ltd (AccessPay Group). 

On 23 August 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the ordinary shares of ABM Corporation Pty Ltd (Aspire). 

On 20 October 2017, the Group acquired the assets of RACV Salary Solutions (Salary Solutions).

Refer to note 23 to the financial statements for further details of acquisitions. 

5. Details of associates and joint venture entities

Name of associate / joint venture

Reporting entity’s percentage holding

Contribution to profit

Reporting period 
%

Previous period 
%

Reporting period 
$’000

Previous period 
$’000

Health-e Workforce Solutions Pty Ltd

50%

50%

Group’s aggregate share of associates and joint 
venture entities’ profit

Profit from ordinary activities after income tax

-

-

348

348

513

513

6. Audit qualification or review
The financial statements have been audited and an unqualified opinion has been issued.

7. Attachments
Additional Appendix 4E disclosure requirements can be found in the attached Directors’ Report and the Financial Report.

Annual Report
2017

At Smartgroup, we simplify salary 
packaging, fleet management 
and a range of other employee 
management services for 
organisations across Australia.

In This Annual Report

Who We Are

2017 Company Snapshot

Chairman’s Report

2017 Financial Highlights

Managing Director and CEO 
Report of Operations

What We Do

Who We Help

Environmental, Social and Governance Report

Directors’ Report

Financial Report

Shareholder Information

Four Year Summary

Corporate Directory 

Glossary

2 

3

4

5

6

10

11 

12 

15 

37 

94

96

97

98

Who
We Are

Smartgroup is an award-winning, ASX-listed company that provides specialist employee 
management services including salary packaging, novated leasing, fleet management, payroll 
administration, employee share plan administration and workforce optimisation.

Recognised leader for customer care and innovation

Smartgroup continues to be recognised as a leader for high standards of customer care and 
innovation. The capability triangle reflects our company values and methods in pursuit of operational 
excellence and overall business success.

Customer service – providing 
and maintaining the highest levels 
of service to ensure an optimal 
experience for our customers 
is paramount.

Innovation – striving for 
continuous improvement and 
process efficiency. 

Staff engagement – ensuring 
the foundation of operational 
excellence at Smartgroup. 

Customer Service

Smartsalary 2017 National Service Champion

2016 National Service Champion

2015 Highly Commended (National)

2011–2015 Winner (NSW State)

7

2012 Winner (National)

2017 Smartsalary #47

2016 Smartgroup #11
2016 Smartfleet #31
2014 Smartsalary #44
2013 Smartsalary #31

Lean

Agile

Innovation

Staff Engagement

2

 
 
2017   
Company 
Snapshot

Our Customers

3,900+ 

employer clients

325,000+ 80,000+

salary packaging 
customers

novated and fleet 
vehicles under 
management

Our People

700+

Smartgroup employees

Specialist capabilities 
in all salary packaging 
sectors: education, health,  
not-for-profit, government 
and corporate.

National presence 
in all States and Territories 
in Australia.

Our Service

Our Community

s m a r t s a l a r y   a c h i e v e m e n t s

+44

NET  
PROMOTER
SCORE (NPS)

Placed among leading 
service providers 
globally and revealing 
strong customer 
propensity to recommend 
our service.

Achieved the highest 
ever audit score from 
the Customer Service 
Institute of Australia for 
the third consecutive year.

Recognised as one of 
the 2017 Australian 
Financial Review 
50 Most Innovative 
Companies for processes 
that improve customer 
experience.  

300,000+ trees planted. 
We were the highest 
contributor to Greenfleet 
through the Smartleasing 
customer carbon offset 
program. 

Autopia partnered 
with UN Women to 
raise awareness of 
gender equality and 
domestic violence, and 
raised $57,000 for their 
National Committee 
Australia Tax Appeal.

Local causes supported. 
We supported numerous 
staff-initiated awareness 
and fund-raising activities 
in aid of local charities. 

3

Chairman’s
Report

It gives me great pleasure to present the Annual Report for Smartgroup Corporation for 
the calendar year ending 31 December 2017.

Under the leadership of Deven Billimoria and the Smartgroup senior management team, 
our financial results for 2017 reflect another year of strong growth, achieved through the 
acquisition of new businesses, continued integration of previous acquisitions, new client 
wins and improved sales to our existing client base.

Smartgroup has delivered:

•  Revenues of $205.4 million, up 40 per cent on the prior year

•  Operating EBITDA1 of $93.6 million, up 48 per cent on the prior year
•  Operating NPATA2 of $64.1 million, up 46 per cent on the prior year

•  Statutory Net Profit After Tax of $41.3 million, up 26 per cent on the prior year.

Throughout 2017, Smartgroup marched 
forward as an industry leader in specialist 
employee management services.

The Board is pleased to declare a fully franked final dividend of 18.5 cents per share, 
taking the full-year dividends for 2017 to 35.0 cents per share. 

Throughout 2017, Smartgroup marched forward as an industry leader in specialist 
employee management services, expanding on our foundation salary packaging and 
novated leasing activities with enhanced capabilities in fleet management, payroll 
services, employee share plans and workforce optimisation solutions.

The company increased its footprint in the salary packaging and novated leasing 
markets through both marked organic growth and the acquisitions of AccessPay, 
Aspire and RACV Salary Solutions (now operating as Salary Solutions). These 
acquisitions are being successfully integrated into the Smartgroup business, with 
the achievement of forecast synergies tracking well.

In December, we expanded our fleet management offering, entering into an agreement 
to acquire Perth-based specialist provider Fleet West. This acquisition was completed 
in early January 2018, post year-end balance date. 

The ongoing improvements of operations and customer service standards across 
the group are deeply embedded in the Smartgroup culture and will continue to be a 
key focus. On behalf of the Board, I sincerely thank our customers and shareholders 
for their ongoing support, and our employees who continue to exceed the high 
standards we set.

We look forward to continuing to deliver value for our shareholders, exceptional service 
to our customers and an engaging and supportive workplace for employees.

Michael Carapiet
Chairman

4

The following highlights represent the financial performance 
of Smartgroup for the year ended 31 December 2017.

2017 
Financial 
Highlights

Revenue

EBITDA1

$205.4m
up 40%

$93.6m
up 48%

NPATA2

$64.1m
up 46%

Operating cash flow3 

Net debt4

99%
as a % of NPATA

$111.1m

Dividends declared

35.0cps
up 41%

After-tax profits (NPATA)

Dividends per share declared (fully franked)

64.1

44.0

2017

2016

35.0

24.8

26.2

2015

16.6

17.4

$m

2014

6.15

Cents per share

 The 2017 Financial Highlights are presented on an adjusted basis and have been reconciled to the statutory 2017 Financial Report.
1 EBITDA is Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation adjusted for significant non-operating items. 
2  NPATA is Net Profit After Tax, adjusted to exclude the non-cash tax effected amortisation of intangibles and significant non-operating items.
3 Operating cash flow excludes receipts and payments from customers’ salary packaging accounts and significant non-operating items.
4 Net Debt is cash and cash equivalents less borrowings, adjusted to exclude capitalised borrowing costs.
5 Represents dividend declared only for H2 2014.

5

Managing Director 
and CEO 
Report of Operations

I’m pleased to announce Smartgroup 
has enjoyed another period of 
operational and financial success, 
while continuing to provide the 
highest levels of service to our 
loyal customers. 

Overview
We have achieved a number of positive operational and growth 
outcomes in 2017 by enhancing our capabilities, growing our 
client base and completing complementary acquisitions.

Growth through acquisition
Smartgroup acquired three salary packaging businesses during 
2017, strengthening our presence and service capability across 
all sectors.

Digital innovation to improve the quality of service and customer 
experience, while reducing manual processes, has remained a 
key imperative for our flagship brand, Smartsalary. Topping off 
a great year of digital development, Smartsalary was recognised 
as being among Australia and New Zealand’s 50 Most Innovative 
Companies by the Australian Financial Review.

The high level of service at Smartsalary was again recognised 
by our customers. We finished the year with an average Net 
Promoter Score (NPS) of +44 on a scale of -100 to +100. A 
company’s NPS is a measure of how likely a customer is to 
provide a word-of-mouth referral. Once again, this places us 
among leading service providers globally. In addition, Smartsalary 
was recognised as the 2017 Service Champion by the Customer 
Service Institute of Australia (CSIA).

These achievements are a fitting acknowledgement of the 
ongoing commitment of our staff to put customers first, and are 
indicative of the standards of service and operational efficiency 
we set for all Smartgroup brands.

In May, Smartgroup acquired AccessPay, a salary packaging 
provider to the Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) sector with 
c.40,000 salary packages across c.500 employer clients.

Aspire Benefits Management, a novated leasing provider to 
the corporate sector, joined the Group in August with c.1,500 
novated leases across c.100 employer clients.

Smartgroup completed the acquisition of RACV Salary Solutions 
in October. RACV Salary Solutions (now operating as Salary 
Solutions) is a national provider of salary packaging and novated 
leasing, delivering benefits including c.38,000 salary packages 
and c.4,500 novated leases across c.700 employer clients.

In addition, in December we announced the acquisition of Fleet 
West, expanding our fleet management capabilities. Fleet West 
manages c.2,800 vehicles for c.180 employer clients in the not-
for-profit sector, and has joined Smartfleet to further extend the 
Smartgroup fleet service offering.

These four acquisitions have added to our capacity and better 
enable us to leverage best practice across all Smartgroup 
businesses, for the benefit of both our customers and shareholders.

2017 acquisitions: building the presence of Smartgroup in the salary packaging market†

PBI  Hospitals

Government

Corporate 
Large

Corporate 
SME

Rebatable

Smaller Corporate 
clients transitioned 
to Autopia

Acquisition 
completion date

PBI Charities/ 
NFPs

N/A

Smaller PBI clients 
transitioned 
to Advantage

December 2015

July 2016

August 2016

PBI clients transitioned to Advantage

May 2017

August 2017

October 2017

Larger Corporate 
clients transitioned 
to Smartsalary

Smaller Corporate 
clients transitioned 
to Autopia

†  Diagram excludes non-salary packaging and novated leasing offerings of Smartfleet, Smartequity, Smartsalary Payroll Solutions and Health-e Workforce Solutions

6

Expanding our client base

The number of Smartgroup clients has grown to c.3,900, up from c.2,400 
clients at the end of 2016.

This has allowed us to continue to diversify our client portfolio, with 54% 
of our revenue coming from a larger pool of small and medium-sized 
clients, compared to 31% in 2013.

CY13 – CY17: Revenues by client mix

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0

31%

18%

51%

54%

17%

29%

2013A

2017PF

Top 5

Top 6-20

Ex Top 20

7

Serving all sectors of the salary packaging market
We work with employers in all market segments to provide salary packaging to their employees. ‘Caring’ professions, including 
the not-for-profit, hospitals 1 and education 2 sectors, account for more than half our overall salary packaging employer client 
base, and 86% of our salary packaging customers.

Employer client segmentation

Employee customer segmentation

Education2 
7%

Corporate 
38%

Government 
7%

Hospitals1 
3%

Not-for-profit 
45%

Corporate 
4%
Government 
10%

Hospitals1 
33%

Education2 
12%

Not-for-profit 
41%

1. ‘Hospitals’ includes public and private not-for-profit hospitals.
2. ‘Education’ includes public and private not-for-profit educational institutions.

Broadening our service offering to the not-for-profit sector

Smartgroup has a large number of not-for-profit salary packaging clients, and is well positioned to build deeper relationships with this 
sector through an expanded service offering.

26 overlapping clients

c.1,700 NFP salary  
packaging clients

c.800 NFP fleet 
management clients

60 overlapping clients

5 overlapping clients

c.180 NFP fleet 
product extension  
clients

8

Customers first

Our dedication to our clients and customers has meant that we’ve retained our standing as a leading customer service provider. For the 
third consecutive year, Smartsalary achieved the highest ever audit score recorded by the Customer Service Industry Association (CSIA) 
to be recognised as the 2017 Service Champion at the CSIA Australian Service Excellence Awards.

2012 National Winner

7.88

2013 State Winner

8.04

2011 State Winner

7.38

2014 State Winner

8.24

8.44

8.52

7

8.89

Highest  
score  
achieved  
in CSIA  
history

Highest  
score  
achieved  
in CSIA  
history

Highest  
score  
achieved  
in CSIA  
history

6.83

6.17

5.45

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

2006

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

I would like to thank our entire team, from our incredibly loyal longer-term 
employees to the new people who’ve joined us, for embracing the 
customer-centric Smartgroup way. Our service-led culture, and the many 
warm client references that flow, enable the company to continue to grow 
and better serve our customers, our employees and our shareholders.

Deven Billimoria
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

9

What 
We Do

Smartgroup has a strong presence in all segments of the salary packaging and novated leasing 
market. We also deliver fleet management services to all market segments, workforce optimisation 
solutions to the health sector, share plan administration to the corporate sector, and payroll 
administration to the corporate and not-for-profit sectors.

FLEET
MANAGEMENT

NOVATED 
LEASING

SHARE PLAN 
ADMINISTRATION

SALARY
PACKAGING
ADMINISTRATION

PAYROLL 
ADMINISTRATION

WORKFORCE 
OPTIMISATION

10

Who 
We Help

Not-for-profits

This sector includes charitable organisations with public 
benevolent institution (PBI) status. We have a strong presence 
in this sector through our existing brand Advantage Salary 
Packaging, which was enhanced this year by the addition of 
AccessPay to the group. Smartgroup-owned PBI Solutions retains 
market leadership in the distribution of salary packaging cards. 
Fleet West and Smartsalary Payroll Solutions provide services 
specifically designed for not-for-profit organisations.

Hospitals 
public and private 
not-for-profit

A significant proportion of our salary packaging customers 
are nurses and medical professionals located in the private 
and public hospital sector. Health-e Workforce Solutions also 
supports our many hospital clients with the provision of workforce 
modelling and consultancy services to drive staffing efficiencies. 

Education
public and private 
not-for-profit

Smartgroup has developed specific expertise working with public, 
private and religious education institutions, and our salary 
packaging customers include teachers and other professionals 
working in primary, secondary and tertiary education. 

Government 
organisations

Smartgroup retained Government sector coverage at local, State 
and Federal level in 2017. Novated leasing continues to be a 
popular benefit in this sector. 

Private and 
corporate 

This sector includes private and public companies, from boutique 
operations to large corporations. Sector specialist Autopia delivers 
novated leasing solutions to small and medium-sized organisations, 
while Smartleasing serves the larger clients within our portfolio. 
Smartequity also provides flexible equity plan administration for 
private, public, start-up and international companies.

11

Environmental, Social  
and Governance Report

Environment
As an administrative services 
company, Smartgroup has a 
relatively low direct effect on 
the environment. Our biggest 
direct environmental impacts 
come from travel, energy and 
consumables (such as paper, 
waste consumption and waste 
management). We endeavour 
to reduce these impacts as 
explained here.

Benefits of new cars

Making cars more affordable for our 
customers means that the majority buy 
new rather than used cars. A new car 
tends to be more fuel efficient, so over 
its lifetime its fuel usage should have 
a lower impact on the environment. 
New cars have far more safety features 
than a decade ago, with technology 
improving dramatically.  Better crash-test 
ratings, more airbags, ABS, electronic 
stability control and back-up cameras all 
contribute to reducing the number and 
severity of car accidents. 

Transformation and  
efficiency projects

We are committed to improving efficiency 
in all aspects of our business, not just 
to reduce cost and streamline our 
processes, but also to minimise our 
environmental impact. Wherever possible, 
we replace print and paper-based 
processes with online systems, both for 
internal administration and finance, and 
externally (for client-facing processes).

12

Greenfleet partnership

One of our two core businesses is novated leasing – enabling our clients’ 
employees to save money on car purchases. We take our corporate 
responsibilities seriously and, as such, we have partnered with Greenfleet since 
2008 to offset carbon emissions. Greenfleet is a carbon offset provider whose 
mission is to protect the climate by restoring forests.

Smartgroup was Greenfleet’s largest contributor in 2017. Thanks to 
Smartleasing customers donating funds to offset their novated leasing 
emissions, 300,000 trees will be planted. Since 2008, Smartgroup and its 
customers have contributed to have 1.7 million trees planted, offsetting 
400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Our work with Greenfleet continues; reducing the carbon footprint of our 
customers’ vehicles and supporting great initiatives such as the Low Glow 
project – a joint initiative between Greenfleet, the Prince’s Trust Australia and 
the Walt Disney Company (Australia) to protect the local endangered sea turtle 
population in Bundaberg, Queensland.

Waste reduction

Air travel

In every office in Australia, we facilitate 
waste separation and recycling. Through 
various office initiatives, we continue to 
strive to reduce electricity, office and print 
waste across our business. 

Smartgroup has offices in most States in 
Australia, and also has a large remotely 
based sales team. As such, air travel is a 
necessary part of running our business.  
We are continuing our focus on improving 
technology and remote networking 
capabilities for our staff with the aim 
of enhancing workplace efficiencies, 
lessening our travel spend and reducing 
our travel-related carbon footprint. 

We acknowledge and proactively manage issues that affect the long-term sustainability of our 
business, the environment and the community. We know that our long-term success depends upon 
maintaining our good reputation, enhancing employee morale, finding new revenue streams to 
diversify our risks, and continuing our focus on efficiency. 

Social, staff and 
community
Smartgroup has always 
been a very people-focused 
business, both in relation to 
staff and clients.

Volunteering

Employees are entitled to one 
day of leave per year to volunteer 
for charitable work. As a partner 
of and donor to Greenfleet, 
Smartgroup’s staff are invited to 
attend tree-planting days, which 
are popular and well-attended. 

Employee engagement

Several times a year, with the assistance of an external consultant, we monitor 
employee engagement and closely analyse the results. We see this as very important, 
given the challenge of maintaining strong communication between employees 
and senior management, and particularly so in the context of numerous business 
acquisitions with offices across the country. Smartgroup has always undertaken 
regular business briefings at which staff are briefed about strategy and corporate 
developments. 

UN Women National Committee (NC) Australia partnership

Autopia continued to partner with UN Women NC Australia in 2017, helping to raise over $57,000 for the UN Women 
NC Australia Tax Appeal.

Autopia’s workplace response to domestic and family violence was published in UN Women NC Australia’s report Taking the 
first step: Workplace Responses to Domestic and Family Violence. 
The report is available here: unwomen.org.au/resource/taking-the-first-step-workplace-responses-to-domestic-and-family-violence/.

13

Environmental, Social  
and Governance Report
continued

Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) Foundation

For the fifth consecutive year, Smartsalary was proud to support the RMH Foundation, 
which delivers better health through research, innovation and education. In 2017, 
we supported key RMH Foundation events and activities, including sponsoring 
the Celebrating Excellence Awards in November, where Smartgroup CEO Deven 
Billimoria presented the Chief Executive’s Leadership Award. We also supported the 
foundation’s Prevention of Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program.  

Review of policies

Learning and development

Smartgroup continues to ensure that it, 
and all the businesses that it has acquired 
over the last three years, have high quality 
policies in place, which are designed to 
bolster employee morale, encourage 
loyalty to the business and ensure all 
employees have equal opportunities at 
work. This year Smartgroup introduced 
a Domestic Violence Policy, which was 
well received across the business. Next 
year Smartgroup will review other policies, 
including its Parental Leave Policy. 

Smartgroup knows that an employee’s 
perception of their professional 
development and career prospects is 
key to their engagement. In response 
to feedback that employees would like 
more support and information regarding 
career development, Smartgroup has 
put in place various new learning and 
development initiatives throughout 2017 
to improve engagement and capitalise on 
employees’ enthusiasm and commitment 
to their work.

Employee share plan

Diversity and gender balance

To encourage share ownership, loyalty 
and involvement in the business and 
its direction, Smartgroup continues to 
offer employees the ability to subscribe 
for shares. Employees salary sacrifice 
$500 and Smartgroup matches this with 
a further $500, issuing the subscribing 
employees with $1000 worth of 
Smartgroup shares each year. 

Smartgroup has several gender 
objectives in place, supported by a 
number of policies. We have reported 
against those objectives in our 
Corporate Governance Statement 
(found at: ir.smartgroup.com.au/
Investors/?page=Corporate-Governance).

Supporting staff 
with their causes

Throughout 2017, Smartgroup 
supported several staff-initiated 
awareness and fundraising 
activities for worthy causes, 
including Fighting Chance, 
RSPCA, Cancer Council Victoria 
and Cancer Council Tasmania.

Governance

Smartgroup believes that good corporate governance is key to maximising company performance and delivering high returns 
to shareholders. Smartgroup has always had a strong corporate governance framework in place, which is reported on in 
detail in the Corporate Governance Statement (found at: ir.smartgroup.com.au/Investors/?page=Corporate-Governance). 

14

Directors’ 
Report
2017

Remuneration Report

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

21 

34

Directors’
Report

The Directors present their report, together with the financial 
statements, on the consolidated entity (referred to hereafter 
as the ‘Group’) consisting of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd 
(referred to hereafter as the ‘Company’ or ‘parent entity’) and 
the entities it controlled at the end of, or during, the year ended 
31 December 2017.

For the year ended 31 December 2017

Directors
The following people were Directors of the Company during the whole of the financial year and up to the date of this report, unless 
otherwise stated:

Michael Carapiet

Deven Billimoria

John Prendiville

Gavin Bell

Andrew Bolam

Ian Watt

Deborah Homewood

Principal activities
During the financial year the principal activities of the Group consisted of outsourced administration, being primarily salary packaging, 
novated leasing, payroll administration, fleet management and software, distribution and group services.

Dividends
Dividends paid during the financial year were as follows:

Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 of 15.0 cents (2015: 8.7 cents) per ordinary share

       Consolidated

2017 
$’000

18,223

2016 
$’000

9,022

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2017 of 16.5 cents (2016: 9.8 cents) per ordinary share 

20,379

11,901

38,602

20,923

On 21 February 2018, the Directors declared a fully franked dividend of 18.5 cents per ordinary share. The final dividend will be paid 
on 30 March 2018 to shareholders registered on 15 March 2018, resulting in a financial distribution of $22,794,000. The financial effect 
of dividends declared after the reporting date is not reflected in the 31 December 2017 financial statements and will be recognised in 
subsequent financial reports.

Review of operations
The profit for the Group after providing for income tax amounted to $41,309,000 (31 December 2016: profit of $32,788,000).

Refer to the Chairman’s Report and the Managing Director and CEO’s Report of Operations for further commentary on the results.

Business objectives and cash use

The Company has used cash and cash equivalents to fund its day-to-day operations, pay down debt and to acquire shares and assets of 
three new businesses.

16

Significant changes in the state of affairs
The Group undertook three acquisitions of salary packaging businesses during 2017. Collectively these businesses were acquired for 
$56,668,000 and contributed approximately 79,500 salary packages and 6,600 novated leases from around 1,300 employer clients.

A further acquisition of a fleet management company was completed in January 2018.

Acquisitions

Acquisition of AccessPay Pty Ltd (AccessPay)

On 2 May 2017, the Group acquired a 100% interest in the AccessPay Group for $15,000,000. AccessPay is based in Adelaide and 
provides salary packaging services to clients in the PBI sector across Australia. It administers approximately 40,000 salary packages and 
600 novated leases for around 500 employer clients. The consideration provided was $13,700,000 in cash (from cash reserves) plus 
$1,000,000 retained in escrow until 9 November 2018 and 46,225 shares issued at a price of $6.49 each to a vendor of AccessPay.

Acquisition of ABM Corporation Pty Ltd (Aspire)

On 23 August 2017, the Group acquired a 100% interest in Aspire for $6,700,000 plus $500,000 retained in escrow. Aspire provides 
novated leasing services to the corporate sector, administering approximately 1,500 novated leases and servicing over 100 employer 
clients. The consideration was paid in cash from cash reserves. 

Acquisition of RACV Salary Solutions (Salary Solutions)

On 20 October 2017, the Group acquired the Salary Solutions business from RACV for $27,468,000 plus $7,000,000 retained in 
escrow. Salary Solutions is based in Adelaide and provides salary packaging and novated leasing services to all segments of the market. 
It administers approximately 38,000 salary packages and 4,500 novated leases for around 700 employer clients. The consideration was 
paid in cash and was funded from cash reserves and existing debt facilities.

There were no other significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group during the financial year.

Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year
On 4 January 2018, the Group completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Fleet West Pty Ltd (Fleet West) for $9,000,000. Fleet 
West is based in Perth and provides fleet management services to clients in the not-for-profit sector. It manages approximately 3,000 
vehicles for around 200 employer clients. The consideration paid was $8,000,000 in cash and 99,206 shares issued at a price of $10.08 
each to the principal vendor.

On 21 February 2018, the Directors declared a fully-franked dividend of 18.5 cents per ordinary share. The final dividend will be paid on 
30 March 2018 to shareholders registered on 15 March 2018, resulting in a financial distribution of $22,794,000.

No other matter or circumstance has arisen since 31 December 2017 that has significantly affected or may significantly affect the Group’s 
operations, the results of those operations, or the Group’s state of affairs in future financial years.

Likely developments and expected results of operations
Likely developments in the operations of the Group and the expected results of those operations are contained in the Managing Director 
and CEO’s Report of Operations.

Environmental regulation
The Group is not subject to any significant environmental regulation under Australian Commonwealth or State law.

The glossary on page 98 contains a list of defined terms.

17

Board of 
Directors

The following persons were directors of Smartgroup Corporation 
Ltd during the whole of the financial year and up to the date of 
this report, unless otherwise stated.

Michael Carapiet 
Chairman and  
Non-Executive Director

Deven Billimoria 
Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer 

Ian Watt AC 
Non-Executive Director

Qualifications:  
Deven holds a Master of Business 
Administration from Northwestern 
University’s Kellogg School of 
Management and a Bachelor 
of Science in Mechanical 
Engineering from the University of 
California, Los Angeles.

Experience and expertise:  
Deven has worked with 
Smartgroup for 18 years. He was 
appointed Managing Director and 
CEO of Smartgroup Corporation 
in 2014. Prior to that, Deven was 
Managing Director and CEO of 
Smartsalary Pty Ltd, a position 
he held from 2001. Deven began 
his career as an engineering 
consultant, before moving 
to management consulting 
with Booz Allen Hamilton.

Former publicly listed directorships 
(last 3 years): None 

Special responsibilities: None

Interests in shares: 2,518,367

Interests in options: 1,208,504   

Qualifications:  
Michael holds a Master of Business 
Administration from Macquarie 
University.

Experience and expertise:  
Michael has more than 30 years’ 
experience in the financial sector. 
Michael is the Chairman of Link 
Group (ASX:LNK), a global provider 
of share registry, corporate 
market data analytics and asset 
management services and is the 
largest provider of administration 
services to the Australian 
superannuation sector. Michael 
is Chair of Insurance and Care 
NSW (icare NSW), which includes 
the activities of the NSW Workers 
Compensation Scheme, Lifetime 
Care & Support, Dust Diseases 
and the NSW Government’s self 
insurance activities. He is also 
Chair of Adexum Capital Limited, 
a private equity fund manager 
and an Advisory Board Member 
of Pyrolyx AG, a dual listed 
company in Germany and Australia. 
Previously Michael held numerous 
senior roles at Macquarie Group, 
until his retirement in 2011.

Former publicly listed directorships 
(last 3 years): None

Special responsibilities:  
Member of HRRC and Member of ITIC

Interests in shares: 2,047,816

Interests in options: None

Qualifications:  
Ian holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) 
from the University of Melbourne, a Master 
of Economics and PhD in Economics from 
La Trobe University, and has completed 
the Advanced Management Program at 
Harvard Business School.

Experience and expertise:  
Ian has worked for nearly 20 years at 
very senior levels of the Australian public 
service. His most recent appointment was 
as Secretary of the Department of Prime 
Minister and Cabinet and head of the 
Australian Public Service, a position he held 
from 2011 to 2014. Prior to that, he was 
Secretary of the Departments of Defence, 
Finance, and Communications, Information 
Technology and the Arts between 2001 
and 2011. Before that, Ian was Deputy 
Secretary of the Department of the Prime 
Minister and Cabinet. Ian is currently 
the Chair of the International Centre for 
Democratic Partnerships, BAE Systems 
Australia Pty Ltd, the Smart Infrastructure 
Facility of the University of Wollongong and  
the Prader-Willi Research Foundation of 
Australia. Ian is on the boards of Citigroup 
Australia, the Grattan Institute (University 
of Melbourne), the Australian Governance 
Masters Index Fund and O’Connell Street 
Associates Pty Ltd. Ian is also a member of 
Male Champions of Change. 

Former publicly listed directorships 
(last 3 years): None

Special responsibilities: Chairman of ITIC and 
Member of ARC

Interests in shares: 62,142

Interests in options: None

18

 
 
Andrew Bolam 
Non-Executive Director

Deborah Homewood 
Non-Executive Director

John Prendiville 
Non-Executive Director

Gavin Bell 
Non-Executive Director

Qualifications:  
Andrew holds a Bachelor of 
Commerce from the University 
of Tasmania and is a Certified 
Practising Accountant (CPA).

Experience and expertise:  
Andrew has more than 20 years 
of experience in financial and 
general management. He is 
currently the Chief Financial 
Officer of Fetch TV Pty Ltd.  
He was previously the Chief 
Financial Officer of Usaha Tegas, 
a private investment holding 
company based in Malaysia. 
He was also Commercial Director 
of Bumi Armada Berhad, an 
associate of Usaha Tegas group. 
Andrew was the Chief Financial 
Officer of Astro All Asia Networks 
plc (the then holding company 
of MEASAT Broadcast Network 
Systems Sdn Bhd that launched 
the Astro Pay-TV services) shortly 
following its launch in late 1996. 

Former publicly listed directorships 
(last 3 years): None

Special responsibilities: Member of 
ARC and Member of ITIC

Interests in shares: 200,000

Interests in options: None

Qualifications:  
Deborah completed her 
registered nurse training at 
St Andrews Hospital (Qld), as 
well as a Masters of Management 
from Macquarie Graduate 
School of Management.

Experience and expertise:  
Deborah has many years of 
experience in management 
in various sectors, including 
retail, the medical industry 
and communications. She is 
currently Managing Director 
of MAX Solutions. Prior to 
working for MAX Solutions, 
Deborah was CEO of Pacnet, 
Australia and New Zealand, 
an Asian-headquartered 
telecommunications carrier. 
She was with Pacnet for 
10 years and held various 
senior roles including Vice 
President Sales, South Asia. 
She is a current member 
of Chief Executive Women, 
and chaired the Membership 
Committee from 2010 to 2012.

Former publicly listed directorships 
(last 3 years): None

Special responsibilities: Member of 
ITIC and Member of HRRC

Interests in shares: 4,444

Interests in options: None

Qualifications:  
John holds a Bachelor of 
Science (Hons in Astrophysics) 
from the Royal Military College, 
Duntroon, and Master of 
Business Administration from the 
University of Western Australia 
and the Institute for International 
Finance in Japan.

Experience and expertise:  
John is currently a Director 
of the University of Notre 
Dame (and Member of the 
University’s Audit and Finance 
Committee) and Chairman-elect 
of the privately-owned Global 
Advanced Metals Limited (and 
Member of the company’s 
Audit and Finance Committee). 
John is also a director of 1300 
Australia Limited and GetCapital 
Pty Limited. Previously John 
held numerous senior roles at 
Macquarie Group, where he 
worked until 2011.

Former publicly listed directorships 
(last 3 years): None

Special responsibilities: Chairman of 
ARC and Member of HRRC

Interests in shares: 852,902

Interests in options: None

Qualifications:  
Gavin holds a Bachelor of 
Laws from the University of 
Sydney and Master of Business 
Administration (Executive) from 
the Australian Graduate School 
of Management.
Experience and expertise:  
Gavin is an experienced director, 
CEO and lawyer. He is a Board 
Member of icare NSW and a 
Director of IVE Group Limited 
(ASX:IGL). Gavin was Managing 
Partner and Chief Executive 
Officer of law firm Herbert Smith 
Freehills (formerly Freehills). He 
was also a partner in the firm for 
25 years.

Former publicly listed directorships 
(last 3 years): None

Special responsibilities:  
Chairman of HRRC and Member of ARC

Interests in shares: 74,850

Interests in options: None

19

Company secretaries

General Counsel and Joint Company Secretary

Amanda Morgan was appointed General Counsel and Company Secretary in June 2014. Amanda previously worked for IRESS Limited as 
General Counsel and prior to that for King & Wood Mallesons as a Senior Associate. Prior to that, she worked at Minter Ellison. Amanda 
holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance from the 
Securities Institute of Australia, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Chief Legal Officer and Joint Company Secretary

Sophie MacIntosh was appointed Chief Legal Officer on 7 November 2016 and was appointed Joint Company Secretary on 13 December 
2016. Sophie previously worked for Ashurst as a Senior Associate. Prior to that, she worked at DLA Phillips Fox. Sophie holds a Master 
of Laws from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Law (Honours) from the University of Technology 
Sydney. She has also completed the Observership Program and the Not-for-Profit Directors course with the Australian Institute of 
Company Directors.

Meetings of Directors
The number of meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors and of each Board committee held during the year ended 31 December 
2017, and the number of meetings attended by each Director were:

Full Board

Human Resources and 
Remuneration 
Committee (HRRC)

Audit and Risk 
Committee (ARC)

IT and Innovation 
Committee (ITIC)

Attended

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Held

Michael Carapiet

Deven Billimoria

John Prendiville

Gavin Bell

Andrew Bolam

Ian Watt

Deborah Homewood

18

18

16 

15

18

17

17

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

3

-

2 

3 

-

-

3

3

-

3 

3 

-

-

3

-

-

3 

4

4

4

-

-

-

4

4

4

4

-

4

-

-

-

4

4

4

4

-

-

-

4

4

4

Held: represents the number of meetings held during the time the Director held office or was a member of the relevant committee.

20

Remuneration 
Report

The remuneration report, which has been audited, describes 
the remuneration arrangements for the Key Management 
Personnel of the Group, in accordance with the requirements 
of the Corporations Act 2001(Cth) and its regulations.

(Audited)

Introduction
The Remuneration Report is designed to provide shareholders with an understanding of Smartgroup’s remuneration policies and how 
these are linked to the Group’s remuneration philosophy and strategy. The Remuneration Report specifically focuses on the Smartgroup 
remuneration arrangements for 2017.

At the AGM held in May 2017, the remuneration framework received strong support from shareholders, with a very strong majority vote in 
favour of the resolution to adopt the 2016 Remuneration Report.

Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration

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

•  Competitiveness and reasonableness;

•  Acceptability to shareholders;

•  Performance linkage/alignment of executive compensation; and

•  Transparency.

The Company has a Human Resources and Remuneration Committee (HRRC), whose role is to assist the Board in fulfilling its corporate 
governance responsibilities and to review and make recommendations, in relation to the remuneration arrangements for its Directors and 
executives. The HRRC must have at least three members, a majority of whom must be independent non-executive Directors.

The HRRC has structured an executive remuneration framework that is competitive with the market and complementary to the reward 
strategy of the Group. In late 2017, the Board commissioned Minter Ellison to provide benchmarking advice in relation to executive 
remuneration for 2018.

The Group’s remuneration policies and practices are designed to align the interests of staff and shareholders, while attracting and retaining 
staff members who are critical to the organisation’s growth and success.

The remuneration strategy:

•  Focuses on sustained growth in EBITDA and NPATA, as well as focusing the executive on key non-financial drivers of value;

•  Is intended to attract, motivate and retain high-calibre executives;

•  Rewards team and individual performance, capability and experience;

•  Reflects competitive rewards for contribution to growth in shareholder wealth; and

•  Provides a clear structure for earning rewards.

As the Company has grown, there has been a need to review and redesign the organisational structure to support and facilitate delivery of 
the current and future strategic goals. Early 2017 saw the first phase of a group-wide reorganisation where all business support functions 
were integrated to form a single Smartgroup structure. This included the finance, IT, human resources and risk and audit functions. The 
prime goal was to ensure a common and consistent approach in functional support and service delivery, as well as driving efficiencies and 
adopting best practice standards across the group. The reorganisation was very successful and is well on its way to realising the goals of 
the structural changes.

October saw the second phase of organisational restructuring where business unit reporting lines moved from separate entities reporting 
directly into the CEO, to all salary packaging business units reporting into the Chief Executive, Salary Packaging and all novated leasing 
and fleet business units reporting into the Chief Executive, Novated Leasing and Fleet. This change is in line with the strategic goal of 
driving efficiencies through the integration of common processes and removing duplication.

In accordance with best-practice corporate governance, separate structures apply to the remuneration of non-executive Directors 
and executives.

21

A. Non-executive Directors’ remuneration
Fees and payments to non-executive Directors reflect the demands that are made on, and the responsibilities of, these Directors. The 
Board decides the total amount paid to each non-executive Director as remuneration for their services as a Director. The total amount 
of fees paid to all Directors for their services (excluding, for these purposes, the salary of any executive Director) must not exceed in 
aggregate in any financial year the amount fixed by the Company at a general meeting. The aggregate remuneration for non-executive 
Directors was set by shareholders at the AGM in May 2017 at $1,150,000. The fees paid are $210,000 per annum for the Chairman 
of the Board and $100,000 per annum for each non-executive Director. In addition to the above, the Chairmen of the ITIC and HRRC 
respectively are paid $20,000 annually for services provided to each of those committees. Each member of those two standing 
committees (other than the committee Chairman) is paid $10,000 annually for the services provided to that committee. The Chairman of 
the ARC is paid $25,000, and each other member of that committee is paid $12,500 per annum.

In addition to the fees, superannuation and GST, if applicable, are paid in each case. There are no retirement benefit schemes for non-
executive Directors, other than statutory superannuation contributions. Any change to the aggregate annual sum referred to above must 
be approved by shareholders. The aggregate sum includes any special and additional remuneration for special exertions and additional 
services performed by a Director as determined appropriate by the Board. Directors may be paid additional or substituted remuneration if 
they, at the request of the Board and for the purpose of the Company, perform any additional or special duties.

B. Executive remuneration
The Group aims to reward executives with a level and mix of remuneration based on their position and responsibility. This remuneration 
has both fixed and variable components.

The executive remuneration and reward framework consists of four components:

•  Current base pay and non-monetary benefits;

•  Short-term performance incentives;

•  Long-term performance incentives; and

•  Other statutory entitlements remuneration such as superannuation and long-service leave.

In combination, these comprise an executive’s total remuneration.

In alignment with its remuneration strategy, the Board’s policy on executive remuneration is that, broadly, it comprises a fixed component 
and an ‘at-risk’ or performance-based component (STIP and LTIP), where a significant component of the executive remuneration is at risk.

The two charts below show the relative proportion of the executives’ total remuneration package for the 2017 financial year:

CEO

TFR
42%

Other executives

STIP
24%

STIP
18%

TFR
62%

LTIP
34%

LTIP
20%

In calculating the ‘at risk’ compensation as a proportion of total remuneration for the 2017 financial year for each executive, the maximum 
entitlement that could potentially be awarded under the STIP or LTIP was taken into account.

a)  Total fixed remuneration (TFR)

Fixed remuneration, consisting of base salary, superannuation and non-monetary benefits, is reviewed annually by the HRRC, based on 
individual and business unit performance, the overall performance of the Group and comparable market remuneration.

b)  Short term incentive plan (STIP)

The Executive KMP are eligible to participate in the STIP in a manner determined by the Board. The STIP puts a proportion of the 
remuneration ‘at risk’ subject to meeting specific, pre-determined performance measures linked to the Company’s objectives, which are 
set annually. This aligns employee interests with the Group’s financial performance, as well as the Group’s organisational values. As with 
fixed remuneration, the Board and the HRRC rely on comparative data from companies of a similar size. In addition, data from competitors 
has been considered, to ensure that the STIP remains competitive and attractive, and to incentivise the executive team to stay and to 
strive for exceptional performance.

22

Participants in the STIP have a target cash payment that is set every year as a percentage of their TFR. In 2017 it was subject to a 
maximum target of 60% for the CEO and 30% for each other executive KMP.

Payments under the STIP in any given year depend on the achievement of a range of financial and non-financial key performance 
indicators and objectives (KPIs) as approved by the Board on an annual basis. These KPIs are tested annually after the end of the relevant 
year. The 2017 STIP provided for financial and non-financial KPIs, with the achievement of the financial KPI as the gateway to a STIP 
payment. The 2017 STIP provided for financial and non-financial KPIs to be weighted at 50% each. 

Year on year, the STIP and associated KPIs have been designed to compensate and reward the executive team for achieving the 
Company’s short-term business strategy. The 2017 strategic goals were primarily designed to ensure ongoing business growth as 
measured by the financial KPI. An emphasis on driving efficiencies across business units also featured strongly with other non-financial 
KPIs. These KPIs ensured a focus on delivering efficiencies in IT systems, human resources, and operational and functional processes, 
with best practice standards adopted consistently across the Group. A focus on excellence in customer service and maintaining optimal 
standards around risk and audit were also important strategic drivers.

Financial KPI:

The financial KPI is required to be met by all members of the executive KMP. In 2017, the percentage of the payment was set to 
vary depending on the Net Profit After Tax, adjusted to exclude the non-cash tax effected amortisation of intangibles and significant 
non-operating items (NPATA) achieved by the Group. Table 1 below describes the arrangement.

Table 1: Financial KPI

NPATA for 2017

1.

2.

3.

4.

$60m or more

$58.5m or more but less than $60m

$57m or more but less than $58.5m

Less than $57m

% of STIP

50%

25%

12.5%

0%

This target range represented a significant increase over 2016 NPATA which was $44m.

The financial performance of the Group in 2017 saw a growth of 46% from 2016. NPATA for the year ended 31 December 2017 was 
$64.1m compared to $44.0m in 2016. As a result, 50% of the STIP will be paid out in total to the executive KMP in relation to this KPI.

Unless NPATA was at least $57m (see number 4 in the table above), no STIP was payable for the non-financial KPIs below. As indicated 
above, this requirement was satisfied.

23

Non-financial KPIs:

The non-financial KPIs are performance objectives that apply to the executive KMP and are summarised in Table 2 below. Actual 
performance against objectives has also been provided.

The Board’s assessment of performance against KPIs in 2017 is presented in the following table.

Table 2: List of non-financial KPIs: who is subject to them, how they are measured and to what extent they were achieved

Non-financial KPI

Relevant executive How it is measured

Actual achievement

1.  New business:

a)  Win large clients

CESP, CENL

Targets set on number of new packages with stretch 
targets in place 

b)  Increase B2B cross-sell CESP

Target set for achieving cross sell opportunities

2.  Existing clients:

a)  Retain 100% of key 

CESP

Retention of identified key clients

clients

b)  Increase package and 

CEO, CESP, CENL

leasing uptake

3.  Operational excellence:

Targets set for achieving organic growth with stretch 
targets in place 

a)  Increase operational 

CHRO, CENL

HR plan delivered and approved by HRRC Chairman

efficiency

b)  Maintain IT capabilities

CIO

Specific operational efficiency projects delivered on time 
and on budget

Delivery of the group IT security plan and achievement 
of specific milestones 

4.  M&A:

a)  Acquire new businesses 
to grow and diversify

b)  Integrate and manage 
acquired businesses

5.  Risk – Manage and embed 
risk management and audit

All

Payment of STIP

CEO, CFO, CLO

As approved by Chairman

All except for CENL

Delivery of integration plan including the successful 
organisational restructure across the Group and 
delivery of the technology roadmap

Risk & Audit plan remediation plans closed in agreed 
time period

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

67%

80%

Any amount that may be paid to the participants under the STIP is subject to the absolute discretion of the Board, after taking into 
account performance against KPIs and any other matters determined by the Board to be relevant to its discretion including, without 
limitation, the participant’s conduct.

A total of $851,764 of the 2017 STIP will be paid to the CEO and other executive KMP upon finalisation of the Financial Report for the 
year ended 31 December 2017. Of this amount, $304,983 will be paid to the CEO.

The table below shows the actual STIP outcome for each executive as a percentage of their maximum STIP opportunity.

Table 3: 2017 STIP outcomes

Name of Executive

Deven Billimoria – Chief Executive Officer

Clarence Yap – Chief Information Officer

Michael Ellies – Chief Executive Salary Packaging

Dave Adler – Chief Executive Novated Leasing & Fleet

Houda Lebbos – Chief Human Resources Officer

Sophie MacIntosh – Chief Legal Officer

Timothy Looi – Chief Financial Officer

2017

94%

95%

100%

100%

95%

94%

94%

c) Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

In early 2015 the Board established an LTIP for the CEO and executive KMP, which was approved for adoption by shareholders at the 
2015 AGM. At the Company’s AGM in May 2017, the shareholders approved the issue of shares to the CEO pursuant to that plan.

24

The LTIP aligns rewards with shareholder value by tying this component of executive remuneration to the achievement of performance 
measures that underpin sustainable long-term growth. It is proposed that LTIP grants will be made once a year. Each year the CEO’s grant 
of LTIP shares will be put to a shareholder vote at the Company’s AGM. In 2018, in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules, the LTIP will be 
put to shareholders for approval again.

The LTIP is a loan-funded share plan. Shares are purchased by the participant and funded by a loan provided by the Company. The 
shares are held by the participant until they vest or are forfeited, and are eligible for dividends. All dividends paid or distributions made by 
the Company to the participant are applied to repay the loan and to meet the tax liability on those dividends or distributions.

The loan is for a period of five years from issue, is subject to limited recourse and is interest-free, as required by ASIC Class Order 
CO14/1000 and consistent with ASIC’s policy published in Regulatory Guide 49. The loan is repayable in full on the earlier of the 
termination date of the loan or the date on which the shares are sold. If the vesting/performance conditions are not met and shares do not 
vest for any other reason, the shares will be acquired by the Company for the value of the outstanding loan.

The shares are forfeited if the performance hurdles are not met or the participant ceases employment prior to vesting. It is not proposed 
that the performance hurdles be re-tested. Where there is a change of control event, the Board may at its discretion determine that some 
or all of a participant’s unvested shares may vest.

The Board may consider amending the vesting terms and the performance hurdles, from time to time, to ensure that they are aligned to 
market practices and to ensure the best outcomes for the Company. It is envisaged that each year the LTIP grant will have an EPS and 
TSR hurdle. Further, the Board has the absolute discretion to replace the LTIP in any one or more years with an equivalent STIP or any 
other program.

2017 grant under the LTIP
The number of shares granted is based on a proportion of the relevant executive’s fixed remuneration. For 2017, the LTIP grant to the 
CEO was 94% of TFR, and to the executive KMP was between 48% and 58% of TFR, as measured by the fair value of the shares on the 
grant allocation date (i.e. when the number of shares to be issued was determined).

Under the 2017 LTIP grant, the executive KMP and the CEO purchased shares at $6.39 and $6.50 respectively, being the market value 
on the date of issue. ‘Market value’ for the CEO’s shares was the 20-day VWAP of the shares, up to and including the trading day 
immediately prior to the date of the AGM. ‘Market value’ for the executive KMP (other than the CEO) shares was the 20-day VWAP of 
the shares, up to and including the trading day immediately prior to the date of issue, where in calculating the VWAP, the VWAP for the 
period prior to the declared cum dividend date was reduced by the amount of the declared dividend relating to that cum dividend date. 
Under the 2017 LTIP grant, the vesting period is three years ending on 31 December 2019. The vesting of the shares is subject to two 
performance hurdles, being an earnings growth hurdle (based on NPATA per share) and a TSR hurdle, explained below.

The two performance hurdles are described below in relation to the 2017 grant, and were explained to shareholders in the 2017 Notice of 
AGM, and subsequently approved by shareholders.

Because the shares awarded under the LTIP are economically equivalent to options, the principal value to the CEO and executive KMP 
comes through the increase in market value of the shares above market value at the time of issue. This provides further alignment with 
shareholder wealth and further links remuneration with Company performance.

Earnings per share (EPS) performance hurdle
The EPS performance hurdle applies to 75% of the total number of LTIP shares that may vest at the end of the vesting period. The 
Board’s view is that the 2017 EPS performance hurdle set out below is a challenging target. In addition, the main benefit of the LTIP 
shares arises from share price growth which, in effect, acts as a further performance requirement.

The following method was used to determine the EPS hurdle. It is based on achievement of the CAGR of EPS (measured on the 
Company’s NPATA per share) from the 2016 audited financial results, adjusted to include the 2016 full year earnings of the acquisitions of 
Autopia Group Pty Ltd and Selectus Pty Ltd (acquisitions that occurred in 2016). That is, the actual base year NPATA is increased so the 
NPATA growth that must be achieved is higher than if the actual base year NPATA were used.

Table 4: EPS Performance Hurdle

EPS Performance Hurdle 
Applies to a maximum of 75% of the total number of shares issued under the 2017 LTIP grant

Measure

Vesting period

EPS CAGR

EPS target

Loan-Funded Shares subject to vesting

EPS CAGR

The period of 3 
calendar years ending 
31 December 2019*

Below 10.0%

10.0%

$0.56

Nil

50%

Between 10.0% – 15%

Straight line between 50% and 100%

15% or greater

$0.64

100% (capped)

*Or such other date on which the Board decides whether the vesting condition has been met.

25

Total shareholder return (TSR) performance hurdle
The TSR performance hurdle applies to 25% of the total number of LTIP shares that may vest at the end of the relevant vesting period.

TSR measures the growth in the price of the shares plus cash distributions notionally reinvested in shares. Each of the companies in the 
S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index are ranked from highest to lowest based on their TSR over the performance measurement period (which 
is the same as the vesting period). For the purpose of calculating the TSR measurement, the relevant share prices are determined by 
reference to the VWAP over the 20 trading days up to and including 1 January 2017 (the performance measurement period start-date for 
the 2017 grant) and the 20 trading days up to and including the performance measurement period end-date (as specified in Table 5).

Accordingly, the TSR hurdle is based on the TSR performance (ranking) of the Company as determined over the vesting period compared 
to the TSR of companies in the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index (S&P-/-ASX 300 Index excluding S&P-/-ASX 100 Index) as explained in 
Table 5.

The Board believes it is appropriate to have a proportion of the shares awarded under the LTIP to be subject to a TSR performance hurdle 
to provide a market-based hurdle. In 2017 (as in previous years) it was restricted to 25% of the LTIP shares.

Note: The Small Ordinaries Index contains several companies outside the Company’s industry. The Board’s view was that Small Ordinaries 
Index was an appropriate comparator group for the Company in 2017. However, given the growth in the Company’s market capitalisation, 
the Board has re-assessed what is the most appropriate comparator group for the Company for the purposes of setting the TSR hurdle in 
2018. The comparator group will be the ASX 200. The Board’s view is that there are not enough usefully comparable companies to create 
a company-specific comparator group, which would require at least 10, and ideally 20, companies.

Table 5: Relative TSR Performance Hurdle

TSR Performance Hurdle 
Applies to a maximum of 25% of the total number of shares issued under the 2017 LTIP grant

Measure

Vesting period

Smartgroup TSR performance compared 
to Index

Loan-Funded Shares subject to vesting

Relative TSR 
(ranking)

The period of 3 
calendar years ending 
31 December 2019*

0 to 49th percentile

50th percentile

51st to 74th percentile

75th to 100th percentile

Nil

50%

Straight line between 50% and 100%

100%

*Or such other date on which the Board makes a determination as to whether the vesting condition has been met.

The fair value used for grant allocation purposes included an estimate of the impact of the performance hurdles. For the shares subject to 
the EPS performance hurdle, the best estimate of the vesting percentage for the shares subject to the 10% and 15% EPS CAGR hurdles 
was assumed to be 100% and 75% respectively. For the shares subject to the TSR hurdle, a discount of approximately 10% was applied.

2015 grant under the LTIP – shares vesting as at 31 December 2017
The 2015 LTIP grant was split into two tranches, the first tranche (Tranche A) having a vesting period ending on 31 December 2016, and 
the second tranche (Tranche B) having a vesting period ending on 31 December 2017. The vesting of both tranches of shares is subject 
to the achievement of an EPS hurdle and a TSR hurdle.

EPS hurdle: The EPS hurdle applies to a maximum of 75% of this tranche of shares, and is based on achievement of a CAGR of EPS 
(measured on the Company’s NPATA per share) from the 2014 audited financial results (adjusted to exclude the once-off expenses arising 
from the initial public offer of shares in the Company). As at 31 December 2017, the EPS was 52.0 cents per share and therefore, the EPS 
target of 21.1 cents per share was exceeded. Under the terms of the 2015 LTIP grant, that result entitles the relevant executives to receive 
100% of that parcel of LTIP shares.

TSR hurdle: The TSR hurdle applies to 25% of the LTIP shares in the first tranche. The Company’s TSR performance was measured to be 
in the top percentile (i.e. 100th percentile) of the index. Under the terms of the 2015 LTIP grant, that result entitles the relevant executives 
to receive 100% of that parcel of LTIP shares.

The Company engaged Minter Ellison as remuneration consultants to provide external verification of the above calculations.

Accordingly, all five executives participating in the 2015 grant had Tranche B of their 2015 LTIP shares vest in full in accordance with the 
column headed ‘Vested in Year’ in Table 13.

Remuneration outcomes in 2017 and link to 2017 financial year performance
In considering the Group’s performance, the benefit to shareholders and appropriate remuneration for the executives, the Board, through 
the HRRC, has regard to financial and non-financial indices, including the indices shown in the below table in respect of the current 
financial year and the previous two financial years.

26

Table 6 – Indices relevant to the Board’s assessment of the Group’s performance and the benefit to shareholders

Index

NPATA ($m)

EPS (cents)

Dividends declared in respect of the financial year – per share (cents)

Share price – year end ($)

3 year TSR performance compared to index (percentile) 

2015

26.2

25.3

16.6

5.11

N/A

2016

44.0

36.2

24.8

6.28

N/A

2017

64.1

52.0

35.0

10.85

100%

As shown above, the Company’s 3 year TSR to 31 December 2017 was the highest of all companies in the Small Ordinaries Index.

The graph below illustrates the relationship between the Group’s performance and STIP awards in respect of the current financial year and 
the preceding two financial years. In 2016 NPATA grew by 68% to $44.0m, and in 2017 NPATA grew by 46% to $64.1m, so in both these 
years, the executive KMP earned awards in full in respect of this measure.

Relationship between Group performance and STIP outcomes

NPATA ($’000)

STIP paid ($’000)

70,000

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0

NPATA

STIP paid

1000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2015

2016

2017

The graph below illustrates the relationship between the Group’s performance and LTIP awards in respect of the current financial year and 
the preceding two financial years. As explained in the previous sections describing the terms of the LTIP grants, the LTIP has two hurdles, 
of which the most significant is EPS. In the last two years, the EPS achieved exceeded the relevant EPS hurdle and, as a consequence, 
the LTIP fully vested for each of the relevant years.

Relationship between Group performance and LTIP outcomes

EPS (NPATA/shares)

$0.55

$0.50

$0.45

$0.40

$0.35

$0.30

$0.25

$0.20

$0.15

$0.10

$0.05 
$0.00

LTIP vested shares (000’s)

1,400

1,200

EPS

LTIP vested

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

2015

2016

2017

27

2017 remuneration structure

Use of remuneration consultants
As noted above, in late 2017 the Group engaged the remuneration consulting arm of Minter Ellison to undertake a benchmarking exercise, 
to assist in setting executive remuneration for 2018. That remuneration will be reported in the 2018 Annual Report.

That engagement was arranged and supervised directly by the Chairman of the HRRC. Advice was discussed directly with the Chairman 
and/or the Board.

Details of remuneration

Amounts of remuneration

Details of the remuneration of the KMP of the Group are set out in the following tables in accordance with the requirements of the 
Corporation Act 2001 (Cth) and the Accounting Standards.

The KMP of the Group consisted of the Directors of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd and the following persons:

•  Timothy Looi – Chief Financial Officer

•  Dave Adler – Chief Executive Novated Leasing & Fleet

•  Michael Ellies – Chief Executive Salary Packaging

•  Houda Lebbos – Chief Human Resources Officer

•  Clarence Yap – Chief Information Officer 

•  Sophie MacIntosh – Chief Legal Officer.

Table 7: 2017 Remuneration

Short-term benefits

Post-employment 
benefits

Long-term benefits

Cash salary 
and fees 
$

Bonus 
$

Superannuation 
$

Change in 
employee benefit 
provision
$

Options 
$

Total 
$

2017

Non-Executive Directors:

Michael Carapiet

John Prendiville

Gavin Bell

Ian Watt

Andrew Bolam

Deborah Homewood

Executive KMP

Deven Billimoria

Timothy Looi

Dave Adler

Michael Ellies

Houda Lebbos

Clarence Yap

Sophie MacIntosh

 230,000 

 135,000

 132,500 

 132,500 

 122,500 

 120,000

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 21,850 

 12,825 

 12,588 

 12,588

 11,638 

 11,400 

 518,837 

304,983

 22,391 

302,669

291,806

289,444

286,617

293,490

305,366

91,495

94,245

94,245

88,065

85,671

93,060

22,391

22,391

26,238

22,391

18,525

19,757

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 5,305 

(2,329) 

 438,382

146,552

 10,765 

125,279

 13,333 

125,279

(5,131) 

 20,648 

 2,398 

123,564

49,725

49,952

 251,850 

 147,825 

 145,088 

 145,088 

 134,138 

 131,400 

 1,289,898

560,778

544,486

548,539

515,506

468,059

470,533

Total

3,160,729

851,764

 236,973

 44,989

 1,058,733

 5,353,188

28

Table 8: 2016 Remuneration

2016

Non-Executive Directors:

Michael Carapiet

John Prendiville

Gavin Bell

Andrew Bolam

Ian Watt

Deborah Homewood*

Executive KMP

Deven Billimoria

Timothy Looi

Dave Adler

Michael Ellies

Houda Lebbos

Total

Short-term benefits

Post-employment 
benefits

Long-term benefits

Cash salary 
and fees  
$

Bonus  
$

Superannuation  
$

Change in 
employee benefit 
provision 
$

Options  
$

Total  
$

226,667

130,000

128,333

118,333

121,667

77,419

515,387

299,801

288,939

278,939

283,792

-

-

-

-

-

-

275,783

77,868

75,396

75,396

77,775

21,533

12,350

12,192

11,242

11,558

7,355

22,727

22,727

25,000

32,579

25,000

2,469,277

582,218

204,263

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

248,200

142,350

140,525

129,575

133,225

84,774

(13,839)

342,642

1,142,700

23,427

15,337

13,024

18,925

56,874

98,665

88,114

88,114

86,938

522,488

492,786

488,052

492,430

704,473

4,017,105

* Represents remuneration from 9 May 2016 (the date of appointment) to 31 December 2016.

The proportion of remuneration linked to performance is as follows:

Table 9: Proportion of Remuneration

Name

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

          Fixed 
          remuneration

        At risk – STIP

         At risk – LTIP

Non-Executive Directors:

Michael Carapiet

John Prendiville

Gavin Bell

Ian Watt

Andrew Bolam 

Deborah Homewood

Executive KMP:

Deven Billimoria

Timothy Looi

Dave Adler

Michael Ellies

Houda Lebbos

Clarence Yap

Sophie MacIntosh

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

42%

58%

60%

60%

59%

71%

69%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

46%

66%

67%

67%

67%

-

-

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

24%

16%

17%

17%

17%

18%

20%

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

24%

15%

15%

15%

15%

-

-

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

34%

26%

23%

23%

24%

11%

11%

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

30%

19%

18%

18%

18%

-

-

29

Service agreements

Non-executive Directors

Non-executive Directors do not have fixed-term contracts with the Company. On appointment to the Board, all non-executive Directors 
enter into a service agreement with the Company in the form of a letter of appointment. The letter summarises the Board policies and 
terms, including compensation.

Remuneration and other terms of employment for the Executive Director are formalised in service agreements. Details of these 
agreements are as follows:

Name:

Title:

Deven Billimoria

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

Agreement commenced:

1 June 2014

Term of agreement:

Open ended

Details:

Deven Billimoria is entitled to:

•  Receive fixed annual remuneration of $540,750 inclusive of superannuation contributions, and

•  Participate in the STIP with target participation under the STIP capped at a maximum of 60% of his fixed 
annual remuneration. Payments under the STIP in any given year depend on the achievement of a range 
of financial and non-financial KPIs as approved by the Board on an annual basis.

The employment contract may be terminated by either party giving 12 months’ written notice or in the case 
of the Group by payment in lieu of notice. The Group may terminate the employment contract immediately 
and without payment in lieu of notice in the event of serious misconduct or other specified circumstances. 
There is no entitlement to termination payments in the event of termination. Non-compete provisions upon 
termination of employment exist for a period of 12 months from the date of termination of employment, 
as determined by the Board (in its sole discretion), depending on the circumstances of termination. The 
enforceability of the restraint clause is subject to all usual legal requirements.

Other executive key management personnel
Other executive KMP have employment agreements setting out the terms and conditions of their employment. The agreements are not of 
a fixed duration. These agreements provide for:

•  Total compensation inclusive of a base salary and superannuation contribution;

•  Eligibility to participate in the STIP, with target participation in the STIP capped at a maximum of 30% of total fixed annual remuneration;

•  Termination by either party giving three months’ written notice, or in the case of the Group, payment in lieu of notice;

•  Immediate termination by the Group without payment in lieu of notice in the event of serious misconduct or other specific 

circumstances;

•  No entitlement to termination payments in the event of termination; and

•  Non-compete provisions upon termination of employment for a maximum of six months from the date of termination of employment, 
as determined by the Board (in its sole discretion), depending on the circumstances of termination. The enforceability of the restraint 
clause is subject to all usual legal requirements.

Share-based compensation

Bonus shares and cash offers

Details of shares issued to Directors and other KMP as part of compensation during the year ended 31 December 2017 are set out below:

Table 10: Bonus Shares and Cash Offers

2017

Nil

2016

Nil

30

LTIP or Loan Funded Share (LFS) Plan
As described above, the Board established an LTIP for the executive KMP and other senior management. The securities issued under 
the LTIP are not options. However, the terms of the LTIP are such that the benefits to participants are similar to the benefits that would 
be received had the participant been granted options – that is, the participant benefits from the increase in the market price over 
the purchase price of the share. Accordingly, the Company provides a summary below of the terms of the LTIP for the purposes of 
compliance with the Corporations Act in relation to the disclosure of details of options granted during 2017.

The terms and conditions of each LTIP grant affecting compensation in the current or a future reporting period are disclosed in Table 4 and 
Table 5.

Table 11: Terms and Conditions of the shares granted under the LTIP in 2017

Issue date 
of LFS

Vesting 
period

Exercise 
date

Expiry  
date

Number 
of shares 
granted

Price 
of shares 
granted

Value of 
option at 
grant date*

17 Mar 2017

5 May 2017

3 calendar 
years to 31 
December 
2019

3 calendar 
years to 31 
December 
2019

1 Jan 2020 16 Mar 2022

1,208,501

$6.39

$1.65

1 Jan 2020

4 May 2022

338,628

$6.50

$1.67

*  Reflects the fair value at the issue date as part of remuneration granted as valued by Minter Ellison.

% Vested at 
31 December 
2017

n/a

n/a

Performance 
achieved

To be 
determined

To be 
determined

As noted above, the LFS issued under the LTIP are not options. However, for the purposes of compliance with the Corporations Act 2001, 
the Company provides a summary below of the LFS issued under the LTIP in 2015 that have a vesting period ending on 31 December 
2017.

Table 12: LTIP shares with a vesting period ending on 31 December 2017

Exercise 
date

Expiry 
 date

Number 
of shares 
vesting (first 
tranche)

Price 
of shares 
granted

Value of 
option at 
grant date

Performance 
achieved

% Vested at 
31 December 
2017 †

1 Jan 2018 17 Mar 2020

602,262

$1.60

$0.31

yes

100%

1 Jan 2018

26 Apr 2020

516,224

$1.65

$0.40

yes

100%

Issue date 
of LFS

18 Mar 2015

27 Apr 2015

Vesting 
period (first 
tranche)

3 calendar 
years to 31 
December 
2017

3 calendar 
years to 31 
December 
2017

†  As determined by the Board on 21 February 2018.

31

Table 13: Shares granted under the LTIP in 2017 and the vesting profile of long term incentives granted as remuneration

Name and  
grant dates

Deven Billimoria

Timothy Looi

Dave Adler

Michael Ellies

Houda Lebbos

Clarence Yap 

Sophie MacIntosh 

Balance at the 
start of the year 
(unvested)

Granted as 
compensation

Vested 
in year

Forfeited 
in year

Balance at end of the year

Balance at 
the end of 
the year 
(unvested)

LTIP vested 
and not 
exercised at 
end of year

Total LTIP 
(vested and 
unvested)

869,876

283,325

257,471

257,471

253,861

-

-

338,628

124,792

105,374

105,374

103,646

105,996

106,480

(516,224)

(154,867)

(149,951)

(149,951)

(147,493)

-

-

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

692,280

253,250

212,894

212,894

210,014

105,996

106,480

516,224

154,867

149,951

149,951

147,493

-

-

1,208,504

408,117

362,845

362,845

357,507

105,996

106,480

1,793,808

1,118,486

2,912,294

Total executive KMP 

1,922,004

990,290

(1,118,486)

Senior management

-

556,839

-

(313,507)

243,332

-

243,332

Total

1,922,004

1,547,129

(1,118,486)

(313,507)

2,037,140

1,118,486

3,155,626

There were no options over ordinary shares issued to Directors and other KMP as part of compensation as at 31 December 2017.

Additional disclosures relating to Key Management Personnel
In accordance with Class Order 14/632 issued by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, relating to ‘Key management 
personnel equity instrument disclosures’, the following disclosures relate only to the equity instruments in the Company and its 
subsidiaries.

Equity instrument details relating to KMP

The number of shares in the Company held during the financial year by each Director and other KMP, including their personally related 
parties, is set out below:

Table 14: Director and executive KMP shareholding

Balance at 
start of the 
year

2,022,816

852,902

74,850

159,284

52,142

-

Ordinary shares

Michael Carapiet

John Prendiville

Gavin Bell 

Andrew Bolam 

Ian Watt

Deborah Homewood

Deven Billimoria

2,002,142

Timothy Looi

Dave Adler

Michael Ellies

Houda Lebbos

Clarence Yap 

Sophie MacIntosh 

384,306

29,998

259,895

164,361

 -   

 -   

LTIP 
exercised

Purchases / 
(disposals)

Balance at end 
of the year 

LTIP vested and 
not exercised at 
end of year

Balance at end 
of year including 
vested LTIP

-

-

-

-

-

-

516,225

154,868

149,951

149,951

147,493

 -   

 -   

25,000

2,047,816

 -   

 -   

40,716

10,000

4,444

852,902

74,850

200,000

62,142

4,444

 -   

2,518,367

(188,421)

(79,949)

(102,142)

(164,361)

 -   

 140   

350,753

100,000

307,704

147,493

 -   

 140   

-

-

-

-

-

-

516,224

154,867

149,951

149,951

147,493

 -   

 -   

2,047,816

852,902

74,850

200,000

62,142

4,444

3,034,591

505,620

249,951

457,655

294,986

 -   

 140   

Total

6,002,696

1,118,488

(454,573)

6,666,611

1,118,486

7,785,097

This excludes shares from the LTIP that are not yet vested as at 31 December 2017.

This concludes the remuneration report, which has been audited.

32

Shares under option

As at 31 December 2017, there were 2,037,140 unvested shares issues to employees under the LTIP program. The LTIP shares are 
legally held by the employees, however they cannot deal in the shares until the vesting conditions are satisfied and the loan is fully 
repaid. These have been treated as options in accordance with AASB 2 ‘Share-based Payment’ issued by Australian Accounting 
Standards Board.

Shares issued on the exercise of options
There were no ordinary shares of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd issued on the exercise of options during the year ended 31 December 
2017 and up to the date of this report.

Indemnity and insurance of officers
The Company has indemnified the Directors and executives of the Company for costs incurred, in their capacity as a Director or executive, 
for which they may be held personally liable, except where there is a lack of good faith. During the financial year, the Group paid a 
premium in respect of a contract to insure the Directors and executives of the Company against a liability to the extent permitted by the 
Corporations Act 2001. The contract of insurance prohibits disclosure of the nature of the liability and the amount of the premium.

Indemnity and insurance of auditor
The Company has not, during or since the end of the year, indemnified or agreed to indemnify the auditor of the Company or any related 
entity against a liability incurred by the auditor. During the year, the Company has not paid a premium in respect of a contract to insure the 
auditor of the Company or any related entity.

Proceedings on behalf of the Company
No person has applied to the Court under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001 for leave to bring proceedings on behalf of the 
Company, or to intervene in any proceedings to which the Company is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the 
Company for all or part of those proceedings.

Non-audit services
Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditor for non-audit services provided during the financial year by the auditor are outlined in 
note 40 to the financial statements.

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

The Directors are of the opinion that the services as disclosed in note 40 to the financial statements do not compromise the external 
auditor’s independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

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

and

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

Officers of the Company who are former partners of PricewaterhouseCoopers
There are no officers of the Company who are former partners of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Rounding of amounts
The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Legislative Instrument 2016/191, relating to the ‘rounding off’ of amounts in the Directors’ 
report. Amounts in the Directors’ Report have been rounded off in accordance with the instrument to the nearest thousand dollars, or in 
certain cases, the nearest dollar.

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

Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers continues in office in accordance with section 327 of the Corporations Act 2001. 
This report is made in accordance with a resolution of Directors, pursuant to section 298(2)(a) of the Corporations Act 2001.

On behalf of the Directors

Michael Carapiet, Chairman 
21 February 2018, Sydney

33

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

As lead auditor for the audit of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2017, I 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:  

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 
(a) 
As lead auditor for the audit of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2017, I 
relation to the audit; and 
declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:  

(b) 
(a) 

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

This declaration is in respect of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd and the entities it controlled during the 
period. 
(b) 
no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd and the entities it controlled during the 
period. 

Sam Hinchliffe 
Partner 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Sam Hinchliffe 
Partner 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Sydney 
21 February 2018 

Sydney 
21 February 2018 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 
Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 
PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 
Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 
T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

34

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

As lead auditor for the audit of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2017, I 

declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:  

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

(a) 

As lead auditor for the audit of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2017, I 

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:  

relation to the audit; and 

(b) 

(a) 

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

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

relation to the audit; and 

This declaration is in respect of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd and the entities it controlled during the 

period. 

(b) 

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

This declaration is in respect of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd and the entities it controlled during the 

period. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Sam Hinchliffe 

Partner 

Sam Hinchliffe 

Partner 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Sydney 

21 February 2018 

Sydney 

21 February 2018 

This page has intentionally been left blank

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 

One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 

T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 

T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 

T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 

T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

35

 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
Reconciliation of Statutory Results
to Adjusted Results

$ mil

Revenue

Operating EBITDA

Joint venture contribution

EBITDA

Depreciation

Amortisation

Net finance costs

PBT

Income tax expense

NPAT

Add back: 
Amortisation (tax effected)

Cash tax benefit

NPATA

Shares (#millions)

NPATA per share ($)

Statutory
Financials
CY 2017

Reclassify:
equity share 
of
investments

Add back:
Acquisition
costs

Add back:
net fair 
value
loss (1)

Add back:
GST 
adjustment

Reclass 
corporate 
interest 
revenue

Adjusted:
CY 2017

205.4

86.7

0.3

87.0

(1.6)

(17.7)

(5.6)

62.1

(20.8)

41.3

12.4

3.1

56.8

-

-

0.4

0.4

-

(0.3)

-

0.1

(0.1)

-

0.2

-

0.2

-

1.6

-

1.6

-

-

-

1.6

(0.3)

1.3

-

-

1.3

-

4.9

-

4.9

-

-

-

4.9

-

4.9

-

-

4.9

0.8

1.2

-

1.2

-

-

-

1.2

(0.3)

0.9

-

-

0.9

(0.8)

205.4

(0.8)

-

(0.8)

-

-

0.8

-

-

-

-

-

-

93.6

0.7

94.3

(1.6)

(18.0)

(4.8)

69.9

(21.5)

48.4

12.6

3.1

64.1

123.2

0.52

1 Includes $6.1m fair value loss from Selectus deferred consideration and a $1.2m fair value gain on the Smartequity deferred consideration.

36

Financial 
Report 
2017

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and 
other Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

Directors’ Declaration 

31 December 2017
ABN 48 126 266 831

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of 
Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

Shareholder Information 

Corporate Directory

38

39

40 

41 

42

85 

86

94 

97

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss 
and Other Comprehensive Income 
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Consolidated

Revenue

Share of after tax profits of joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

Expenses

Product costs

Employee benefits expense 

Administration and corporate expenses 

Occupancy expenses 

Advertising and marketing expenses 

Depreciation expense 

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

Other expenses 

Operating profit

Fair value (loss)/gain on revaluation of financial liabilities

Mergers and acquisitions transaction costs

Finance costs

Profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax expense for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 

Net change in the fair value of cash flow hedges taken to equity, net of tax 

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Profit/(loss) for the year is attributable to: 

Non-controlling interest  
Owners of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

Total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to:  
Non-controlling interest  
Owners of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share

Restated *

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

Note

7

205,443

147,960

348

513

(4,826) 

(75,024)

(24,187)

(4,107)

(3,027)

(1,589)

(3,599)

(56,323)

(17,721)

(3,152)

(2,667)

(1,412)

(17,741)

(12,512)

(1,114)

74,176

(4,906)

(1,624)

(5,571)

62,075

 (20,766)

41,309

(302)

50,785

1,569

(2,074)

(4,106)

46,174

(13,386)

32,788

(65)

(65)

264

264

41,244

33,052

(4) 
41,313

- 
32,788

41,309

32,788

(4) 
41,248

- 
33,052

41,244

33,052

34.5 
34.2

29.8 
29.4

8

8

19

8

9

16 
16

* Refer to note 6 for detailed information on Restatement of comparatives.

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

38

Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2017 

Assets

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Other current assets 

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Investments accounted for using the equity method 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred tax assets
Property and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Other non-current assets 

Total non-current assets 

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Customer salary packaging liability 
Income tax payable 
Provisions 
Deferred consideration 
Other current liabilities 

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Provisions 
Borrowings 
Contingent consideration 

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Issued capital
Reserves
Retained profits
Equity attributable to the owners of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

            Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

Note

10
39
18
20

24
21
9
35
5

36
39
9
37
19
22

9
38
11
19

12
13

30,876
67,644
21,959
4,770

79,990
39,493
15,885
7,025

125,249

142,393

6,348
226
1,879
3,155
326,736
516

338,860

464,109

30,883
67,644
6,827
8,296
-
2,758

116,408

-
1,995
140,853
-

142,848

259,256

6,751
307
-
3,150
285,523
508

296,239

438,632

26,427
39,493
8,848
5,550
9,541
1,336

91,195

175
1,636
150,118
1,244

153,173

244,368

204,853

194,264

176,883
4,570
23,370
204,823

30

170,940
2,631
20,693
194,264

-

204,853

194,264

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

39

Consolidated Statement  
of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Consolidated

Issued
capital
$’000

Reserves
$’000

Retained
profits
$’000

Non-controlling
interest 
$’000

Balance at 1 January 2016

62,013

11,664

8,828

Profit after income tax expense for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

-

-

-

-

264

264

32,788

-

32,788

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs (note 12)

108,927

(10,360)

Share-based payments (note 13)

Dividends paid (note 15)

-

-

1,063

-

(20,923)

-

-

Balance at 31 December 2016

170,940

2,631

20,693

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Consolidated

Issued 
capital
$’000

Reserves
$’000

Retained
profits
$’000

Non-controlling
interest
$’000

Balance at 1 January 2017

170,940

2,631

20,693

Profit/(loss) after income tax expense for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

-

-

-

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs (note 12)

5,943

Share-based payments (note 13)

Non-controlling interests arising on acquisition

Dividends paid (note 15) 

-

-

-

-

(65)

(65)

-

2,004

41,313

-

41,313

-

-

-

-

(34)

(38,602)

Balance at 31 December 2017

176,883

4,570

23,370

-

(4)

-

(4)

-

-

34

-

30

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

40

Total 
equity
$’000

82,505

32,788

264

33,052

98,567

1,063

(20,923)

194,264

Total  
equity
$’000

194,264

41,309

(65)

41,244

5,943

2,004

-

(38,602)

204,853

Consolidated Statement  
of Cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers

Payments to suppliers and employees

Transaction costs relating to business acquisitions

Interest received from operations

Interest paid

Income taxes paid

Net cash from operating activities excluding salary packaging receipts and payments 

Receipts in restricted cash

Payments of customer salary packaging liability

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Payment for business acquisitions (net of cash acquired)

Contingent consideration on acquisition paid

Payments for joint venture capital invested

Payments for purchase of property and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 

Interest received from investments

Dividends received from joint venture

Net cash from/(used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issuance of shares 

Share issue transaction costs 

Proceeds from long term incentive plan 

Proceeds from borrowings (net of borrowing costs)  

Repayments of borrowings

Dividends paid 

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Restricted cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

Total

                   Consolidated

Note

2017
$’000

 212,244 

 (117,811)

 (3,276)

 1,855

 (4,734)

(27,845)

60,433

1,230,627

2016
$’000

154,446

(94,208)

(2,888)

1,639

(3,251)

(13,202)

42,536

950,862

(1,222,072)

(948,644)

68,988

44,754

(35,691)

(9,541)

-

 (423)

-

909

751

(87,631)

-

(175)

(674)

11

784

-

(43,995)

(87,685)

-

-

2,646

 22,000 

 (32,000)

(38,602)

(45,956)

(20,963)

39,493

79,990

67,644

30,876

98,520

66,915

(1,088)

359

100,495

(3,500)

(20,923)

142,258

99,327

749

19,407

39,493

79,990

119,483

41

33

23

24

15

39

10

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

Notes to the Consolidated  
Financial Statements
31 December 2017

Note 1. General information

The financial statements cover Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (referred to as the ‘Company’ or ‘parent entity’) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively referred to as the ‘Group’). The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is Smartgroup Corporation Ltd’s 
functional and presentation currency. 

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd is a listed public company limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Its registered office and 
principal place of business is: 

Level 8, 133 Castlereagh Street  
Sydney, Australia, 2000 

A description of the nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities is included in the Directors’ Report, which is not part of the 
financial statements. 

The financial statements were authorised for issue, in accordance with a resolution of Directors, on 21 February 2018. The Directors have 
the power to amend and reissue the financial statements. 

Note 2. Significant accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out in note 41 and in the respective notes. 
These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. 

New or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations adopted
The Group has adopted all of the new or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting 
Standards Board (AASB) that are mandatory for the current reporting period. The adoption of these Accounting Standards and 
Interpretations did not have any significant impact on the financial performance or position of the Group. 

Except for early adoption of AASB 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’, any new or amended Accounting Standards or 
Interpretations that are not yet mandatory have not been early adopted. 

The following Accounting Standards and Interpretations are early adopted by the Group: 

AASB 15 Revenue from contracts with customers  
The AASB has issued a new standard for the recognition of revenue. AASB 15 outlines a single comprehensive model of accounting for 
revenue arising from Contracts with Customers that supersedes the revenue recognition requirements that are included in AASB 118. The 
new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognised when control of a good or service transfers to a customer. The standard 
is effective from annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 and permits either a full retrospective or a modified 
retrospective approach for the adoption. 

The Group has early adopted AASB 15 using the full retrospective approach with a date of initial application of 1 January 2016. 

Basis of preparation

These general purpose consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and 
Interpretations issued by the AASB and the Corporations Act 2001, as appropriate for for-profit oriented entities. These consolidated 
financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (IASB). 

Historical cost convention 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for, where applicable, the revaluation of financial 
assets and liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss. 

42

Note 2. Significant accounting policies (continued)

Critical accounting estimates 

The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to 
exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or 
complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 3.

Parent entity information

In accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, these financial statements present the results of the Group only. Supplementary 
information about the parent entity is disclosed in note 26.

Rounding of amounts
The Company is of a kind referred to in Corporations Instrument 2016/191, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission, relating to ‘rounding-off’. Amounts in this report have been rounded off in accordance with that Corporations Instrument to 
the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, the nearest dollar.

Note 3. Critical accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported amounts in the financial statements. Management continually evaluates its judgements and estimates in relation to assets, 
liabilities, contingent liabilities, revenue and expenses. Management bases its judgements, estimates and assumptions on historical 
experience and on other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, including expectations of future 
events. The resulting accounting judgements and estimates will seldom equal the eventual actual results. The judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next 
financial year are discussed below. 

Goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets 

Goodwill and other intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for 
impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired, in accordance with the 
accounting policy stated in note 5 and note 41. The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value-
in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of assumptions, including estimated discount rates based on the current cost of 
capital and growth rates of the estimated future cash flows. 

Operations provision 

The Group exercises judgement in measuring and recognising provisions relating to the operations, including potential customer and 
supplier disputes. Judgement is necessary in assessing the likelihood that a claim will arise, and to quantify the possible range of financial 
settlement. Because of the inherent uncertainty in this evaluation process, actual losses may be different from the originally estimated 
provision. 

Note 4. Operating segments

Identification of reportable operating segments

The Group has identified its segments based on the internal reports that are reviewed and used by the Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer (who are identified as the Chief Operating Decision Makers (CODM) in assessing 
performance and in determining the allocation of resources. There is no aggregation of operating segments. 

The CODM reviews EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation). The accounting policies adopted for internal 
reporting to the CODM are consistent with those adopted in the financial statements. 

The information reported to the CODM is on at least a monthly basis. 

Types of products and services

The principal products and services of each of these operating segments are as follows:

Outsourced administration (OA)

This part of the business provides outsourced salary packaging services, novated 
leasing, share plan administration and outsourced payroll services.

Vehicle services (VS)

This part of the business provides end-to-end fleet management services.

Software, distribution and group services (SDGS)

This part of the business provides salary packaging software solutions, the 
marketing of salary packaging debit cards, distribution of vehicle insurances and 
workforce management software to the healthcare industry.

43

Note 4. Operating segments (continued)

Intersegment transactions

Intersegment transactions were made at market rates. Intersegment transactions are eliminated on consolidation.

Intersegment receivables, payables and loans

Intersegment loans are initially recognised at the consideration received. Intersegment loans receivable and loans payable that earn or 
incur non-market interest are not adjusted to fair value based on market interest rates. Intersegment loans are eliminated on consolidation.

Operating segment information

Consolidated – 2017

Revenue

Management and administrative fees

Products, services and commissions

Trailing commissions and rebates

Other revenue

Intersegment sales

Total revenue

Segment results (EBITDA)

Depreciation

Amortisation

Finance costs

Profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax expense

Assets

Segment assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Segment liabilities

Total liabilities

OA
$’000

51,061

119,456

10,105

- 
-

180,622

67,176

VS
$’000

3,907

-

726

-

2,435

7,068

3,684

SDGS
$’000

333

17,639

1,419

-

14,357

33,748

Intersegment
eliminations/
unallocated

-

-

-

797

(16,792)

(15,995)

21,934

(5,818)

185,779

12,761

19,856

245,713

101,640

5,154

7,700

144,762

Total
$’000

55,301

137,095

12,250

797

-

205,443

86,976

(1,589)

(17,741)

(5,571)

62,075

(20,766)

41,309

464,109

464,109

259,256

259,256

44

Note 4. Operating segments (continued)

Consolidated – 2016

Revenue (Restated)

Management and administrative fees

Products, services and commissions

Trailing commissions and rebates

Other revenue

Intersegment sales

Total revenue

Segment results (EBITDA)

Depreciation

Amortisation

Finance costs

Profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax expense

Assets

Segment assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Segment liabilities

Total liabilities

OA
$’000

41,848

79,209

6,793

-

-

127,850

49,473

VS
$’000

3,773

-

545

-

2,489

6,807

3,291

Intersegment
eliminations/
unallocated 
$’000

-

-

-

897

(14,443)

(13,546)

SDGS
$’000

384

13,156

1,355

-

11,954

26,849

18,157

(6,717)

145,492

10,245

15,711

267,184

67,947

4,558

6,353

165,510

Total
$’000

46,005

92,365

8,693

897

-

147,960

64,204

(1,412)

(12,512)

(4,106)

46,174

(13,386)

32,788

438,632

438,632

244,368

244,368

Accounting policy for operating segments

Operating segments are presented using the ‘management approach’, where the information presented is on the same basis as the 
internal reports provided to the CODM. The CODM is responsible for the allocation of resources to operating segments and assessing 
their performance.

Note 5. Non-current assets – intangible assets

                            Consolidated

Goodwill – at cost

Customer contracts and relationships – at cost

Less: Accumulated amortisation

Software and website – at cost

Less: Accumulated amortisation

Brand names and logos – at cost

2017
$’000

260,646

60,829

(32,380)

28,449

73,761

(37,424)

36,337

1,304

326,736

2016
$’000

217,453

51,729

(25,045)

26,684

67,100

(27,018)

40,082

1,304

285,523

45

Note 5. Non-current assets – intangible assets (continued)

Reconciliations

Reconciliations of the written down values at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial year are set out below:

Consolidated

Balance at 1 January 2016

Goodwill
$’000

 90,867 

Additions through business combinations (note 23)

 126,586 

Amortisation expense

Balance at 31 December 2016

 -   

 217,453 

Additions through business combinations (note 23)

 43,193 

Amortisation expense

-

Customer
contracts and
relationship
$’000

Software and
website
$’000

Brand names
and logos
$’000

Total
$’000

 17,299 

 14,700 

(5,315) 

 26,684 

 9,100 

(7,335) 

 13,935 

 33,344 

(7,197)

 40,082 

 6,661 

(10,406) 

 1,300 

 123,401 

 4 

 -   

 174,634 

(12,512)

 1,304 

 285,523 

-

-

 58,954 

(17,741) 

Balance at 31 December 2017

 260,646

 28,449 

 36,337 

 1,304 

 326,736 

Impairment testing

The Group monitors its business through cash-generating units (CGU) being Outsourced administration, Vehicle services, Software 
distribution and group services (SDGS), Advantage Salary Packaging (Advantage), Autopia Group Pty Ltd (Autopia), Selectus Pty Ltd 
(Selectus), AccessPay Pty Ltd (AccessPay), ABM Corporation Pty Limited (Aspire) and Salary Solutions Australia Pty Ltd (Salary Solutions). 

Goodwill acquired through business combinations have been allocated to the following CGUs: 

                                Consolidated

Goodwill

CGU1: Outsourced administration

CGU2: Vehicle services

CGU3: SDGS

CGU4: Advantage

CGU5: Autopia

CGU6: Selectus

CGU7: AccessPay

CGU8: Aspire

CGU9: Salary Solutions

Total goodwill

2017
$’000

 42,377 

3,911

 7,650 

 38,659

 22,523 

 102,333

9,063 

 4,989

 29,141 

260,646

Brand names and logos have been allocated to the following CGUs:

                                Consolidated

Brand names and logos

CGU1: Outsourced administration

CGU2: Vehicle services

CGU6: Selectus

46

2017
$’000

1,285

15

4

1,304

2016
$’000

42,377

3,911

7,650

38,659

22,523

102,333

-

-

-

217,453

2016
$’000

1,285

15

4

1,304

Note 5. Non-current assets – intangible assets (continued) 

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

The following key assumptions were used in the discounted cash flow model for different CGUs:

Projected growth rate of 2.8% (2016: 2.8%) for all CGUs.

Discount rate:

CGU1: Outsourced administration 

CGU2: Vehicle services 

CGU3: SDGS 

CGU4: Advantage 

CGU5: Autopia 

CGU6: Selectus 

CGU7: AccessPay

CGU8: Aspire

CGU9: Salary Solutions

2017
$’000

17.9% 

19.1%

18.4%

14.4%

18.9%

17.1% 

16.7%

20.6%

17.1%

2016
$’000

14.4%

15.8%

14.9%

11.9%

12.9%

14.0%

-

-

-

In performing the value-in-use calculations for each CGU, the Group has applied post-tax discount rates to discount the estimated future 
post-tax cash flows. The equivalent pre-tax discount rates are disclosed above. The recoverable amount of net assets of each CGU is 
greater than the carrying value of the assets and, therefore, the intangible assets are not considered to be impaired.

Sensitivity analysis

For CGU’s 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9: any reasonable possible change in the key assumptions on which the recoverable amount is based 
would not cause the CGU’s carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount. This assessment is on the assumption that there will be no 
significant changes to legislation for the salary packaging concession. Should the relevant legislation change, depending on the impact of 
the changes, there may be a different impairment testing conclusion.

For CGU2: Any reasonable possible change in the key assumptions on which the recoverable amount is based would not cause the 
CGU’s carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount.

Accounting policy for intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination, other than goodwill, are initially measured at their fair value at the date of 
the acquisition. Intangible assets acquired separately are initially recognised at cost. Indefinite life intangible assets are not amortised and 
are subsequently measured at cost less any impairment. Finite life intangible assets are subsequently measured at cost less amortisation 
and any impairment. The gains or losses recognised in profit or loss arising from the derecognition of intangible assets are measured as 
the difference between net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the intangible asset. The method and useful lives of finite life 
intangible assets are reviewed annually. Changes in the expected pattern of consumption or useful life are accounted for prospectively 
by changing the amortisation method or period. Internally generated intangible assets, excluding capitalised development costs, are 
not capitalised and expenditure is recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in the year in which the 
expenditure is incurred.

Goodwill

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is not amortised. Instead, goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment 
losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are taken to profit or loss and are not subsequently reversed.

Customer contracts and relationships

Customer contracts and relationships acquired in a business combination are amortised on a straight-line basis over the period of their 
expected benefit, being their finite life of 5 to 6 years.

Software and website

Research costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Development costs are capitalised when it is probable that 
the project will be a success considering its commercial and technical feasibility; the Group is able to use or sell the asset; and when 
the Group has sufficient resources and intent to complete the internal development and their costs can be measured reliably. The 
software costs are amortised on a straight-line basis over the period of their expected benefit, being their finite useful lives of between 
2 and 5 years.

47

Note 5. Non-current assets – intangible assets (continued) 

Brand names and logos

Brand names and logos acquired in a business combination are recognised separately to goodwill and included in other intangible assets. 
They have been assessed as having an indefinite useful life on the basis that the asset is allocated to businesses that are expected to 
continue into perpetuity.

Note 6. Restatement of comparatives

Change in basis of revenue recognition

The Group has changed its interpretation of the current accounting policy for certain salary packaging products to recognise revenue on 
a gross rather than net basis. In respect of these products, the Group acts in the capacity of a principal rather than agent and the Group 
is considered to have primary responsibility for contract fulfilment, which amongst others, are indicators that the Group meets the control 
criteria under AASB 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’.

In accordance with AASB 108 ‘Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates, and Errors’, the change in interpretation of 
accounting policy has been applied retrospectively and the quantitative impact for each financial statement line item is detailed below. The 
change in the basis of revenue recognition has no impact on the consolidated statement of financial position.

The adjustment to periods before those presented below would be similarly to recognise revenue and expenses on a gross basis.

Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

             Consolidated

2016
$’000

$’000

2016
$’000

Reported

Adjustment

Restated

144,361

3,599

147,960

-

(3,599)

46,174

(13,386)

32,788

264

33,052

-

-

-

-

-

(3,599)

46,174

(13,386)

32,788

264

33,052

Cents

Cents

Cents

Reported

Adjustment

Restated

29.8

29.4

-

-

29.8

29.4

Extract

Revenue

Expenses 
Product costs

Profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax expense for the year 

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

48

Note 7. Revenue

Sales revenue

Management and administrative fees

Products, services and commissions

Trailing commissions and rebates

Other revenue

Other income

Revenue

                         Consolidated

2017
$’000

55,301

137,095

12,250

204,646

797

205,443

Restated
2016
$’000

46,005

92,365

8,693

147,063

897

147,960

Impact of change in accounting policy

As a result of the change in interpretation of the current accounting policy referred to in note 6, the revenue for the year ended 31 
December 2017 increased by $4,826,000 (2016: $3,599,000) with a corresponding increase in product cost disclosed in the consolidated 
statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

Accounting policy for revenue recognition

The Group recognises revenue when it transfers control over a product or a service to a customer. Revenue is measured based on the 
consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Amounts disclosed as 
revenue are net of returns, trade allowances, rebates and amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

Nature of goods and services

The following is a description of the principal activities, separated by reportable segments, from which the Group generates its revenue. 
For more detailed information about reportable segments, see note 4.

Management and administration fees

The Group generates revenue from arranging and administering outsourced salary packaging and fleet management services on behalf of 
employers. Administration fees for salary packaging are paid by the employers through amounts deducted from their employees’ pre-tax 
salary. Revenue is recognised over the period of administration and includes interest earned from cash held on behalf of customers.

Fleet management fees are paid by employers in respect of fleet management services and revenue is recognised over the period of 
administration.

Share plan administration revenue is recognised over the period of administration. Revenue on customer contributions is recognised when 
contributions occur.

Revenue from the license of in-house salary packaging software is recognised monthly based on a monthly fee per user.

Products, services and commissions

The Group earns upfront commissions and rebates from suppliers relating to financing and sourcing of vehicles, sale of certain insurance 
products and fees for the sale of certain auxiliary products. Revenue is recognised upon delivery of the service and product to the 
customer.

Trailing commissions and rebates

The Group generates revenue from arranging and providing salary packaging products and services. The Group earns ongoing trailing 
commissions and rebates from various suppliers relating to maintenance of a vehicle finance book, the arrangement of certain insurance 
products, and fees for the arrangement or provision of ancillary vehicle consumables. The Group also acts as a distributor of salary 
packaging debit cards for a major financial institution. Revenue is recognised in the period the services are rendered.

Other income

Interest income on corporate accounts is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method. This is a method of 
calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant period using the effective interest 
rate, which is the rate that discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying 
amount of the financial asset. 

49

Note 7. Revenue (continued)

Contract balances

Contract assets primarily relate to the Group’s rights to consideration for products and services provided and not billed at the 
reporting date.

Contract liabilities primarily relate to consideration received in advance from customer contracts for which revenue is recognised on 
satisfaction of outstanding performance obligations.

Receivable and contract asset balances at the reporting date are disclosed in note 18 as trade receivables and accrued revenue, 
respectively, and contract liability balances are disclosed in note 22 as income received in advance.

Significant changes in contract assets and liabilities during the period resulted from satisfaction of performance obligations. All opening 
contract liability balance pertaining to income received in advance was recognised as revenue during the period.

Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations

The Group applies the practical expedients available in AASB 15 and does not disclose information about its remaining performance 
obligations, amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations and an explanation of when the Group 
expects to recognise that amount as revenue for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Note 8. Expenses

                                Consolidated

2017
$’000

740

141

490

211

7

1,589

7,335

10,406

17,741

19,330

5,571

3,783

5,611

1,173

2016
$’000

789

176

304

135

8

1,412

5,315

7,197

12,512

13,924

4,106

2,908

4,151

704

Profit before income tax includes the following specific expenses:

Depreciation

Leasehold improvements

Furniture, fixtures and fittings

Computer equipment

Office equipment

Other assets

Total depreciation

Amortisation

Customer contracts and relationships

Software and website

Total amortisation

Total depreciation and amortisation

Finance costs

Interest and finance charges paid/payable

Rental expense relating to operating leases

Minimum lease payments

Superannuation expense

Defined contribution superannuation expense

Share-based payments expense

Share-based payments expense

50

Note 9. Income tax

Income tax expense

Current tax

Deferred tax – origination and reversal of temporary differences

Aggregate income tax expense

Deferred tax included in income tax expense comprises:

Increase in deferred tax assets

Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense and tax at the statutory rate

Profit before income tax expense

Tax at the statutory tax rate of 30%

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

Share-based payments

Share of profits – joint venture

Non-deductible expenses

Fair value loss/(gain) on revaluation of financial liability

Sundry items

Prior year temporary differences not recognised now recognised

Prior year tax claims not recognised now recouped

                         Consolidated

2017
$’000

  24,939

  (4,173) 

  20,766 

2016
$’000

  15,777 

(2,391)

  13,386 

 4,173

2,391

  62,075 

  18,623

  352 

(104)

  422 

  1,472 

 (65)   

  20,700

 240

  (174) 

  46,174 

  13,852 

  211 

(154)

  550 

(471)

  23 

  14,011 

(244)

(381)

Income tax expense

  20,766

  13,386 

Amounts charged/(credited) directly to equity

Deferred tax assets

                         Consolidated

2017
$’000

(54)

2016
$’000

175

51

Note 9. Income tax (continued)

Deferred tax asset/(liability)

Deferred tax asset comprises temporary differences attributable to:

Amounts recognised in profit or loss:

Impairment of receivables

Property and equipment

Employee benefits

Accruals and other provisions

Revenue received in advance

Acquisition and transaction costs

Intangible assets

Prepayments

Accrued revenue

Derivative financial instruments

Sundry items

Total temporary differences

Amounts recognised in equity:

Share issue transaction costs

Derivative financial instruments

Total recognised in equity

Deferred tax asset/(liability)

Movements:

Opening balance

Credited to profit or loss

Credited/(charged) to equity

Additions through business combinations (note 23)

Closing balance

                         Consolidated

2017
$’000

2016
$’000

107

87

2,135

4,329

828

2,062

(7,392)

(10)

(151)

68

(130)

1,933

-

  (54)

(54)

 1,879

(175)

4,173

54

(2,173)

1,879

                         Consolidated

2017
$’000

82

71

1,645

2,911

391

2,472

(7,460)

(14)

(160)

(205)

(83)

(350)

62

113

175

  (175) 

1,135

2,391

(175)

(3,526)

  (175) 

2016
$’000

Income tax payable

Income tax payable

Accounting policy for income tax

  6,827

 8,848   

The income tax expense for the year is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable income based on the applicable income tax rate for 
each jurisdiction adjusted for changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities to temporary differences, unused tax losses and the adjustment 
recognised for prior periods, when applicable. Current tax liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to 
taxation authorities at the tax rates and tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

52

 
Note 9. Income tax (continued)

Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised for temporary differences at the tax rates expected to apply when the assets are 
recovered or liabilities are settled, based on those tax rates that are enacted or substantively enacted, except for:

•  when the deferred income tax asset or liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction that is 

not a business combination and that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting nor taxable profits; or

•  when the taxable temporary difference is associated with interests in subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, and the timing of the 

reversal can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

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

The carrying amount of recognised and unrecognised deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date. Deferred tax assets 
recognised are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that future taxable profits will be available for the carrying amount to be 
recovered. Previously unrecognised deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that there are future taxable profits 
available to recover the asset.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only where there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities and deferred tax assets against deferred tax liabilities; and they relate to the same taxable authority on either the same taxable 
entity or different taxable entities which intend to settle simultaneously.

Current and deferred tax for the year

Current and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive 
income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

Tax consolidation group

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (the ‘head entity’) and its wholly owned Australian subsidiaries have formed an income tax consolidated 
group under the tax consolidation regime, from 6 June 2012. The head entity and each subsidiary in the tax consolidated group continue 
to account for their own current and deferred tax amounts. The tax consolidated group has applied the ‘separate taxpayer within group’ 
approach in determining the appropriate amount of taxes to allocate to members of the tax consolidated group.

In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts, the head entity also recognises the current tax liabilities (or assets) and the 
deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and unused tax credits assumed from each subsidiary in the tax consolidated group.

Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements with the tax consolidated entities are recognised as amounts receivable from 
or payable to other entities in the tax consolidated group. The tax funding arrangement ensures that the intercompany charge equals 
the current tax liability or benefit of each tax consolidated group member, resulting in neither a contribution by the head entity to the 
subsidiaries nor a distribution by the subsidiaries to the head entity.

Note 10. Current assets – cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank

Term deposits

                         Consolidated

2017
$’000

30,283

593

30,876

2016
$’000

22,528

57,462

79,990

Accounting policy for cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, term 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.

53

Note 11. Non-current liabilities – borrowings

Bank loan

Borrowing costs prepaid

Refer to note 17 for further information on financial instruments.

Total secured liabilities

The total secured liabilities (current and non-current) are as follows:

Bank loan

The following bank facilities are available to the Group:

•  A three year facility of $142,000,000;

•  A three year working capital facility of $3,000,000;

•  A three year letter of credit facility of $3,000,000; and

•  Ancillary facilities: credit card and electronic pay away facility of $12,500,000.

                         Consolidated

2017
$’000

142,000

(1,147)

140,853

2016
$’000

152,000

(1,882)

150,118

                         Consolidated

2017
$’000

2016
$’000

142,000

152,000

The banking facilities are guaranteed and secured by the Company and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. The facilities are subject to a 
variable interest rate, which is based on the BBSY plus a margin. The banking facilities mature on 29 July 2019.

The Group is subject to certain financing covenants and meeting these is given priority in all capital risk management decisions. These 
covenants include leverage and interest cover ratios with reference to recurring earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, 
and with distribution restrictions on dividends. There have been no events of default on the financing arrangement during the year.

Financing arrangements

Unrestricted access was available at the reporting date to the following lines of credit:

                         Consolidated

Total facilities

Bank loan

Letter of credit facility

Used at the reporting date

Bank loan

Letter of credit facility

Unused at the reporting date

Bank loan

Letter of credit facility

54

2017
$’000

 145,000 

 3,000 

 148,000 

 142,000 

 2,741

 144,741 

 3,000 

 259

 3,259

2016
$’000

 155,000 

 3,000 

 158,000 

 152,000 

 1,901 

 153,901 

 3,000 

 1,099 

 4,099 

Note 11. Non-current liabilities – borrowings (continued)

Accounting policy for borrowings

Loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received, net of transaction costs. They are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are 
recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, 
the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be 
drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a prepayment for liquidity services and amortised over the years of the facility to which it relates.

Accounting for finance costs

Finance costs attributable to qualifying assets are capitalised as part of the asset. All other finance costs are expensed in the period in 
which they are incurred, including interest on short-term and long-term borrowings.

Note 12. Equity – issued capital

Ordinary shares – fully paid

123,213,010

121,487,051

Less: Shares associated with the loan funded share plan (LFSP)

(3,155,626)

(3,040,492)

2017
Shares

2016
Shares

2017
$’000

189,224

(12,341)

2016
$’000

178,242

(7,302)

                 Consolidated

120,057,384

118,446,559

176,883

170,940

Movements in ordinary share capital

Details

Balance

Issuance of shares – LFSP

Issuance of shares

Share issue transaction costs, net of tax

Date

1 January 2016

18 March 2016

9 May 2016

18 March 2016

29 July 2016

2 August 2016

8 September 2016

19 September 2016

Shares

103,698,124

449,866

353,652

2,808,989

7,650,000

4,573,169

1,909,236

44,015

-

$’000

65,644

1,988

1,683

10,360

53,550

32,424

13,365

250

(1,022)

Balance

31 December 2016

121,487,051

178,242

Issuance of shares – LFSP

17 March 2017

5 May 2017

Buyback of shares – LFSP

6 December 2017

Issuance of shares

2 May 2017

23 August 2017

1,208,501

338,628

(313,507)

46,225

446,112

7,722

2,201

(3,069)

300

3,828

Balance

31 December 2017

123,213,010

189,224

55

Note 12. Equity – issued capital (continued)

Movements in loan funded share plan

Details

Balance

Shares issued for LFSP

Balance

Exercising of LFSP

Shares issued for LFSP

Shares of LFSP

Buyback of shares - LFSP

Balance

Ordinary shares

Date

1 January 2016

18 March 2016

9 May 2016

31 December 2016

15 February 2017

17 March 2017

5 May 2017

6 December 2017

31 December 2017

Shares

(2,236,974)

(449,866)

(353,652)

(3,040,492)

1,118,488

(1,208,501)

(338,628)

313,507

(3,155,626)

$’000

(3,631)

(1,988)

(1,683)

(7,302)

1,815

(7,722)

(2,201)

3,069

(12,341)

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on the winding up of the Company in proportion to the 
number of and amounts paid on the shares held. The fully paid ordinary shares have no par value and the Company does not have a 
limited amount of authorised capital.

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

Loan funded share plan (LFSP)

Shares are granted to the management team under the LFSP at the market price. The shares purchased as part of a LSFP are eligible for 
dividends and are held by the participant until they vest or are forfeited. Should the Company pay dividends or make capital distributions 
in the future, any dividends paid or distributions made to the participant will be applied to repay the loan and to meet the tax liability on 
those dividends or distributions.

The vesting of the shares is subject to two performance hurdles, being an earnings growth hurdle based on NPATA (Net Profit After 
Tax, adjusted to exclude the non-cash tax effect amortisation of intangibles and significant non-operating items) per share and a total 
shareholder return hurdle.

The shares issued under the LFSP have been treated as contingently issuable as they have not been exercised at balance date. As 
such, the shares issued under the LFSP are excluded from basic earnings per share and included in the calculation of diluted earnings 
per share.

LFSP shares forfeited

For the year ended 31 December 2017, the Group paid $3,069,000 to buy back shares issued under the LFSP, because the vesting 
conditions on those shares had not been met and the shares were forfeited. 313,507 shares were bought back and cancelled, resulting in 
a reduction of ordinary shares on issue.

Share buy-back

There is no current on-market share buy-back of the Company’s shares.

Capital risk management

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can provide returns for 
shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimum capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. The Group’s 
debt and capital includes ordinary share capital and financial liabilities, supported by financial assets.

Capital is regarded as total equity, as recognised in the statement of financial position, plus net debt. Net debt is calculated as total 
borrowings excluding borrowing costs prepaid less cash and cash equivalents, and excludes restricted cash and cash equivalents.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to 
shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. The Group would look to raise capital when an opportunity to invest in a 
business or company was seen as value adding relative to the current Company’s share price at the time of the investment.

The capital risk management policy remains unchanged from the 31 December 2016 Annual Report.

Accounting policy for issued capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from 
the proceeds.

56

Note 13. Equity – reserves

Hedging reserve – cash flow hedges

Share-based payments reserve

                         Consolidated

2017
$’000

199

4,371

4,570

2016
$’000

264

2,367

2,631

Hedging reserve – cash flow hedges

The reserve is used to recognise the effective portion of the gain or loss of cash flow hedge instruments that is determined to be an 
effective hedge.

Share-based payments reserve

The reserve is used to recognise the value of equity benefits provided to executive KMP and other senior management as part of their 
remuneration.

Deferred share capital reserve

The reserve is used to recognise equity benefits provided to the vendors on acquisition of a business. This includes the fair value of shares 
which are expected to be issued in the future.

Movements in reserves

Movements in each class of reserve during the current and previous financial year are set out below:

Consolidated

Balance at 1 January 2016

Movement in hedges

Deferred tax

Share-based payments

Shares issued to vendors

Balance at 31 December 2016

Movement in hedges

Deferred tax

Share-based payments

LFSP exercised

LFSP forfeited

Balance at 31 December 2017

Cash flow
hedge
$’000

Share-based
payments
$’000

Deferred
share capital
$’000

-

397

(133)

-

-

264

(93)

28

-

-

-

199

1,304

10,360

-

-

1,063

-

2,367

-

-

3,904

(1,815)

(85)

4,371

-

-

-

(10,360)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total
$’000

11,664

397

(133)

1,063

(10,360)

2,631

(93)

28

3,904

(1,815)

(85)

4,570

57

Note 14. Share-based payments

Loan Funded Share Plan (LFSP)

The LFSP is a long term incentive plan for the senior management team. Refer to note 12 for terms of LFSP. The LFSP shares are legally 
held by the employees, however they cannot trade in the shares until the vesting conditions are satisfied and the loan is fully repaid. These 
have been treated as options in accordance with AASB 2 ‘Share-based Payment’.

Set out below are summaries of loan funded shares granted under the Company’s LFSP:

2017

Grant date

Vesting date

25 Feb 2015 

31 Dec 2016

25 Feb 2015 

31 Dec 2017

27 Apr 2015 

31 Dec 2016

27 Apr 2015 

31 Dec 2017

18 Mar 2016 

31 Dec 2018

09 May 2016 

31 Dec 2018

17 Mar 2017 

31 Dec 2019

05 May 2017 

31 Dec 2019

Exercise
price

Balance  
at the start  
of the year

Granted

Exercised

Expired/
forfeited/
other

Balance  
at the end  
of the year

$1.60

$1.60

$1.65

$1.65

$4.42

$4.76

$6.39

$6.50

602,263

602,262

516,225

516,224

449,866

353,652

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,208,501

338,628

(602,263)

-

(516,225)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(313,507)

-

-

602,262

-

516,224

449,866

353,652

894,994

338,628

3,040,492

1,547,129

(1,118,488)

(313,507)

3,155,626

Weighted average exercise price

$2.40

$6.41

$1.62

$6.39

$4.25

2016

Grant date

Vesting date

25 Feb 2015 

31 Dec 2016

25 Feb 2015 

31 Dec 2017

27 Apr 2015 

31 Dec 2016

27 Apr 2015 

31 Dec 2017

18 Mar 2016 

31 Dec 2018

09 May 2016

31 Dec 2018

Exercise
price

Balance  
at the start  
of the year

$1.60

$1.60

$1.65

$1.65

$4.42

$4.76

602,263

602,262

516,225

516,224

-

-

2,236,974

Granted

Exercised

Expired/
forfeited/
other

Balance  
at the end  
of the year

-

-

-

-

449,866

353,652

803,518

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

602,263

602,262

516,225

516,224

449,866

353,652

3,040,492

Weighted average exercise price

$1.62

$4.56

$0.00

$0.00

$2.40

The weighted average share price during the financial year was $7.87 (2016: $5.66).

The loan funded shares have an expiry date of 5 years from the date of issue and their weighted average remaining contractual life 
outstanding at the end of the financial year was 3.3 years (2016: 3.5 years).

For the loan funded shares granted during the current financial year, the valuation model inputs used to determine the fair value at the 
grant date, are as follows:

Grant date

Vesting date

Share price
at grant date

Exercise
price

Expected
volatility

Dividend
yield

Risk-free
interest rate

Fair value
at grant date

17 Mar 2017

31 Dec 2019

5 May 2017

31 Dec 2019

$6.62

$6.69

$6.39

$6.50

36.83%

37.09%

3.79%

3.67%

2.33%

2.18%

$1.65

$1.67

58

Note 15. Equity – dividends

Dividends

Dividends paid during the financial year were as follows:

Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 of 15.0 cents (2016: 8.7 cents) 
per ordinary share

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2017 of 16.5 cents (2016: 9.8 cents) 
per ordinary share

                        Consolidated

2017
$’000

18,223

20,379

38,602

2016
$’000

9,022

11,901

20,923

On 21 February 2018, the Directors declared a fully franked dividend of 18.5 cents per ordinary share. The final dividend will be paid on 
30 March 2018 to shareholders registered on 15 March 2018 with an expected total distribution of $22,794,000. The financial effect 
of dividends declared after the reporting date is not reflected in the 31 December 2017 financial statements and will be recognised in 
subsequent financial reports.

Franking credits

Franking credits available at the reporting date based on a tax rate of 30%

Franking credits that will arise from the payment of the amount of the provision for 
income tax at the reporting date based on a tax rate of 30%

Franking credits available for subsequent financial years based on a tax rate of 30%

                        Consolidated

2017
$’000

 41,920

6,827 

 48,747

2016
$’000

 31,311 

 8,848 

 40,159 

Of the existing franking account balance $24,130,000 (2016: $24,130,000) is an exempt credit account and is not available to frank 
dividends to new Australian shareholders.

Accounting policy for dividends

Dividends are recognised when declared during the financial year and no longer at the discretion of the Company.

59

Note 16. Earnings per share

Profit after income tax

Non-controlling interest

Profit after income tax attributable to the owners of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

                        Consolidated

2017
$’000

41,309

4

41,313

2016
$’000

32,788

-

32,788

Number

Number

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic earnings per share

119,613,751

110,026,709

Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share:

Options over ordinary shares

1,194,317

1,604,137

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share

120,808,068

111,630,846

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Accounting policy for earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Cents

34.5

34.2

Cents

29.8

29.4

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to the owners of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd, excluding any costs 
of servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, excluding shares issued 
under the LFSP, during the financial year.

Diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account the after income 
tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of 
shares, including shares issued under the LFSP, assumed to have been issued for no consideration in relation to dilutive potential ordinary 
shares.

Note 17. Financial instruments

Financial risk management objectives
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign currency risk, price risk and interest rate risk), 
credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks 
to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group. The Group may use derivative financial instruments such 
as interest rate swap contracts to hedge certain risk exposures. Derivatives are exclusively used for risk management purposes, i.e. not as 
trading or other speculative instruments. The Group uses different methods to measure different types of risk to which it is exposed. These 
methods include sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate, foreign exchange and other price risks, ageing analysis for credit risk and 
rolling cash flow forecasts for analysis of liquidity risk.

Risk management is carried out centrally by the management team under oversight from the Board. These policies include identification 
and analysis of the risk exposure of the Group and appropriate procedures, controls and risk limits. The management team identifies, 
evaluates and may hedge financial risks within the Group’s operating units.

Market risk

Foreign currency risk

The Group is not exposed to any significant foreign currency risk.

Price risk

The Group is not exposed to any significant price risk.

60

Note 17. Financial instruments (continued)

Interest rate risk

The Group’s main interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings, cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash 
equivalents, which are subject to variable interest rates. The exposure to interest rate risk on long-term borrowings is managed through 
the use of interest rate swaps.

As at the reporting date, the Group had the following variable rate borrowings, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash 
equivalents and interest rate swap contracts outstanding:

                   2017

                   2016

Weighted average 
interest rate
%

3.31%

1.54%

1.65%

1.84%

Weighted average 
interest rate
%

3.84%

2.19%

2.05%

2.12%

Balance
$’000

142,000

(30,876)

(67,644)

(66,750)

(23,270)

Balance
$’000

152,000

(79,990)

(39,493)

(77,750)

(45,233)

Consolidated

Bank loans

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Interest rate swaps (notional principal amount)

Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk

Sensitivity

An increase/decrease in interest rates of 100 (2016: 100) basis points would have a favourable/adverse effect on profit before tax and 
equity of $233,000 (2016: $452,000) per annum. The percentage change is based on the expected volatility of interest rates using market 
data and analysts’ forecasts.

Derivatives interest rate swap

The Group has entered into interest rate swap contracts with notional/principal value as at 31 December 2017 of $66,750,000 (2016: 
$77,750,000). The interest rate contracts hedge the Group’s risk against an increase in variable interest rate. Weighted average fixed rate 
is 1.84% (2016: 2.12%).

Sensitivity – derivative valuation

An increase/decrease in interest rates of 100 (2016:100) basis points would have a favourable/adverse effect on derivative financial 
instruments value and total equity by $1,005,000 (2016: $1,739,000).

Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group 
has procedures in place to monitor credit risk, which include obtaining references and setting appropriate credit limits. The Group obtains 
guarantees where appropriate to mitigate credit risk. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date to recognised financial 
assets is the carrying amount, net of any provisions for impairment of those assets, as disclosed in the statement of financial position and 
notes to the financial statements. The Group does not hold any collateral.

At 31 December 2017, the Group had 5 customers (2016: 6 customers) with trade receivables balances greater than $300,000 each and 
accounted for approximately 43% (2016: 44%) of total trade receivables. This balance was within its terms of trade and no impairment 
was made as at 31 December 2017. There are no guarantees against these receivables but management closely monitors the receivables 
balance on a monthly basis and is in regular contact with these customers to mitigate risk.

Liquidity risk
Prudent liquidity risk management requires the Group to maintain sufficient liquid assets (mainly cash and cash equivalents) and available 
borrowing facilities to be able to pay debts as and when they become due and payable.

The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate cash reserves and available borrowing facilities by continuously monitoring 
actual and forecast cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities.

61

Note 17. Financial instruments (continued)

Financing arrangements

Unused borrowing facilities at the reporting date:

Bank loan

Letter of credit facility

                          Consolidated

2017
$’000

3,000

259

3,259

2016
$’000

3,000

1,099

4,099

Remaining contractual maturities

The following tables detail the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial instrument liabilities. The tables have been drawn up 
based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the financial liabilities are required to be 
paid. The tables include both interest and principal cash flows disclosed as remaining contractual maturities and therefore these totals 
may differ from their carrying amount in the statement of financial position.

Consolidated – 2017

Non-derivatives

Non-interest bearing

Trade payables

Customer salary packaging liability

Interest-bearing – variable

Bank loans

Total non-derivatives

Consolidated – 2016

Non-derivatives

Non-interest bearing

Trade payables

Customer salary packaging liability

Deferred consideration 

Contingent consideration on business combinations

Interest-bearing – variable

Bank loans

Total non-derivatives

1 year or less
$’000

>1 to 2 years
$’000

>2 to 5 years
$’000

5,617

67,644

-

-

14,700

87,961

133,996

133,996

-

-

-

-

1 year or less
$’000

>1 to 2 years
$’000

>2 to 5 years
$’000

Over 
5 years
$’000

Remaining 
contractual 
maturities
$’000

-

-

-

-

Over  
5 years
$’000

5,617

67,644

148,696

221,957

Remaining 
contractual 
maturities
$’000

4,711

39,493

9,541

-

10,835

64,580

-

-

-

1,244

5,646

6,890

-

-

-

-

149,478

149,478

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,711

39,493

9,541

1,244

165,959

220,948

The cash flows in the maturity analysis above are not expected to occur significantly earlier than contractually disclosed above.

62

Note 18. Current assets – trade and other receivables

                            Consolidated

Trade receivables

Less: Provision for impairment of receivables

Accrued revenue

Other receivables 

Impairment of receivables

The ageing of the impaired receivables provided for above are as follows:

0 to 3 months overdue

Between 3 and 6 months overdue

Over 6 months overdue

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables are as follows:

Opening balance

Additional provisions recognised

Additions through business combinations

Unused amounts reversed

Closing balance

Past due but not impaired

2017
$’000

10,845

(358)

10,487

7,353

4,119

21,959

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

 200 

 45

 113 

 358 

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

 272

 341 

 8

 (263)

 358

2016
$’000

6,533

(272)

6,261

7,023

2,601

15,885

2016
$’000

197

45

30

272

2016
$’000

63

458

2

(251)

272

Customers with balances past due but without provision for impairment of receivables amount to $2,110,000 as at 31 December 2017 
($1,595,000 as at 31 December 2016).

The Group did not consider a credit risk on the aggregate balances after reviewing the credit terms of customers based on recent 
collection practices.

The ageing of the past due but not impaired receivables are as follows:

0 to 3 months overdue

Between 3 and 6 months overdue

Over 6 months overdue

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

 2,061 

 49 

 -   

2,110

2016
$’000

1,169

423

3

1,595

63

Note 18. Current assets – trade and other receivables (continued)

Accounting policy for trade and other receivables

Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, 
less any provision for impairment. Trade receivables are generally due for settlement within 14 days.

Collectability of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectable are written off by reducing 
the carrying amount directly. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is raised when there is objective evidence that the Group 
will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, 
probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation and default or delinquency in payments (more than 60 days 
overdue) are considered indicators that the trade receivable may be impaired. The amount of the impairment allowance is the difference 
between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of management’s estimate of 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.

Other receivables are recognised at amortised cost, less any provision for impairment.

Note 19. Fair value measurement

Fair value hierarchy

The following tables detail the Group’s assets and liabilities, measured or disclosed at fair value, using a three level hierarchy, based on the 
lowest level of input that is significant to the entire fair value measurement, being:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date

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

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Consolidated – 2017

Assets

Interest rate swap contracts – cash flow hedges

Total assets

Consolidated – 2016

Assets

Interest rate swap contracts – cash flow hedges

Total assets

Liabilities

Deferred consideration

Contingent consideration

Total liabilities

Level 1
$’000

-

-

Level 1
$’000

-

-

-

-

-

Level 2
$’000

226

226

Level 2
$’000

307

307

-

-

-

Level 3
$’000

-

-

Level 3
$’000

-

-

9,541

1,244

10,785

Total
$’000

226

226

Total
$’000

307

307

9,541

1,244

10,785

There were no transfers between levels during the financial year.

The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables and trade and other payables approximate their fair values due to their short-term 
nature. The fair value of financial liabilities is estimated by discounting the remaining contractual maturities at the current market interest 
rate that is available for similar financial liabilities.

Valuation techniques for fair value measurements categorised within level 2 and level 3

Derivatives – interest rate swap contracts 
Derivative financial instruments have been valued using quoted market rates. This valuation technique maximises the use of observable 
market data where it is available and relies as little as possible on entity specific estimates.

Fair value (loss)/gain on revaluation of financial liabilities 

For the year ended 31 December 2017, a net fair value loss of $4,906,000 is recognised in the profit and loss which is attributable to the 
following:

(a) Deferred consideration – Selectus

For the 12 month period to 30 June 2017, Selectus achieved an Adjusted EBITDA of $14,737,000 and satisfied other operational 
performance metrics which, together with the increase in the Company share price from $6.28 at 31 December 2016 to $8.58 at 
settlement on 23 August 2017, increased the final consideration payable to $15,691,000. As a result, a fair value loss of $6,150,000 is 
recognised in the profit and loss for the year ended 31 December 2017.

64

Note 19. Fair value measurement (continued) 

The total deferred share entitlement of the Selectus vendors is 2,131,442 shares. On 23 August 2017, 79.07% of the total share 
entitlement (1,685,331 shares) was settled in cash at $6.56 ($11,100,000) and the remaining 20.93% (446,111) was settled via the 
issuance of Company shares at $8.58 per share ($3,800,000). In addition, cash in lieu of dividends foregone of $800,000 was paid to the 
vendors of Selectus.

(b) Contingent consideration – Smartequity

In the event profit before tax (PBT) for Smartequity exceeds $864,000 for the year ended 31 December 2018, additional consideration 
may be payable. The fair value of contingent consideration of $1,244,000 at the acquisition date was determined by calculating 
a probability adjusted PBT for 31 December 2018 of between $1,100,000 and $1,300,000 and discounted to present value at 
acquisition date.

Based on actual performance to date and forecast for the year ending 31 December 2018, Smartequity is not expected to exceed PBT of 
$864,000 and on that basis the fair value of the liability is nil at 31 December 2017. As a result, fair value gain of $1,244,000 is recognised 
in the profit and loss for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Level 3 assets and liabilities

Movements in level 3 assets and liabilities during the previous financial year are set out below:

Consolidated

Balance at 1 January 2016

Contingent consideration recognised on business combinations

Fair value loss on revaluation of financial liabilities

Balance at 31 December 2016

Fair value loss on revaluation of financial liabilities

Fair value loss on revaluation of financial liabilities – Smartequity contingent consideration

Deferred consideration settled – Selectus

Balance at 31 December 2017

Accounting policy for fair value measurement

Contingent 
consideration 
$’000

-

(12,354)

1,569

(10,785)

(6,150)

1,244

15,691

-

When an asset or liability, financial or non-financial, is measured at fair value for recognition or disclosure purposes, the fair value is based 
on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants 
at the measurement date and assumes that the transaction will take place either in the principal market or, in the absence of a principal 
market, in the most advantageous market.

Fair value is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset, or liability, assuming they act in 
their economic best interests. Valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances, and for which sufficient data is available to 
measure fair value, are used maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified into three levels, using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the 
inputs used in making the measurements. Classifications are reviewed at each reporting date and transfers between levels are determined 
based on a reassessment of the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

For recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements, external valuers may be used either when internal expertise is not available or 
when the valuation is deemed to be significant. External valuers are selected based on market knowledge and reputation. Where there is a 
significant change in fair value of an asset or liability from one period to another, an analysis is undertaken, which includes a verification of 
the major inputs applied in the latest valuation and a comparison, where applicable, with external sources of data.

65

Note 20. Current assets – other current assets

Prepayments

Other current assets

Note 21. Derivative financial instruments

Non-current assets

Interest rate swap contracts – cash flow hedges

Refer to note 19 for further information on fair value measurement.

Accounting policy for derivative financial instruments

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

3,553

1,217

4,770

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

226

2016
$’000

5,672

1,353

7,025

2016
$’000

307

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to 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.

Cash flow hedges

Cash flow hedges are used to cover the Group’s exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to particular risks associated 
with a recognised asset or liability or a firm commitment which could affect profit or loss. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the 
hedging instrument is recognised in other comprehensive income through the cash flow hedges reserve in equity, whilst the ineffective 
portion is recognised in profit or loss. Amounts taken to equity are transferred out of equity and included in the measurement of the 
hedged transaction when the forecast transaction occurs.

Cash flow hedges are tested for effectiveness on a regular basis both retrospectively and prospectively to ensure that each hedge is highly 
effective and continues to be designated as a cash flow hedge. If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the amounts 
recognised in equity are transferred to profit or loss.

If the hedging instrument is sold, terminated, expires, is exercised without replacement or rollover, or if the hedge becomes ineffective and 
is no longer a designated hedge, the amounts previously recognised in equity remain in equity until the forecast transaction occurs.

Note 22. Current liabilities – other current liabilities

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

2,758

2016
$’000

1,336

Income received in advance

Note 23. Business combinations

Current period acquisition

AccessPay Group (AccessPay)

On 2 May 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the ordinary shares of AccessPay Pty Ltd, Fleet Solutions Pty Ltd and 50% of the ordinary 
shares of AccessPay Payroll Solutions Pty Ltd for the total consideration of $15,000,000. AccessPay, based in Adelaide, provides salary 
packaging services principally to public benevolent institutions across Australia. The goodwill of $9,063,000 represents the synergies 
expected to be obtained by the Group from this acquisition. The acquired business contributed revenues of $7,242,000 and profit after 
tax of $1,527,000 to the Group for the period from 2 May 2017 to 31 December 2017. If the acquisition occurred on 1 January 2017, the 
full year contributions would have been revenues of $9,993,000 and profit after tax of $1,951,000, subject to adjustments arising as a 
result of purchase price allocation.

66

Note 23. Business combinations (continued) 

ABM Corporation Pty Limited (Aspire)

On 23 August 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the ordinary shares of ABM Corporation Pty Limited for the total consideration of 
$7,200,000. Aspire, based in Sydney, provides specialist novated leasing services. The goodwill of $4,989,000 represents the synergies 
expected to be obtained by the Group from this acquisition. The acquired business contributed revenues of $923,000 and profit after tax 
of $55,000 to the Group for the period from 23 August 2017 to 31 December 2017. If the acquisition occurred on 1 January 2017, the full 
year contributions would have been revenues of $2,888,000 and profit after tax of $533,000, subject to adjustments arising as a result of 
purchase price allocation.

RACV Salary Solutions (Salary Solutions)

On 20 October 2017, the Group acquired certain assets of RACV Salary Solutions for the total consideration of $34,468,000. Salary 
Solutions, based in Adelaide, is a national provider of salary packaging and novated leasing services. The goodwill of $29,141,000 
represents the synergies expected to be obtained by the Group from this acquisition. The acquired business contributed revenues of 
$2,872,000 and profit after tax of $557,000 to the Group for the period from 20 October 2017 to 31 December 2017. If the acquisition 
occurred on 1 January 2017, the full year contributions would have been revenues of $16,100,000 and profit after tax of $1,611,000 
subject to adjustments arising as a result of purchase price allocation.

The values identified for the above acquisitions are provisional as at 31 December 2017.

Details of the acquisition are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Trade receivables

Other current assets

Plant and equipment

Other intangible assets

Deferred tax liability

Trade and other payables

Customer salary packaging liability

Provision for income tax

Employee benefits

Other provisions

Net assets acquired

Goodwill

AccessPay

Fair value
$’000

12

-

121

156

757

7,261

(757)

(694)

-

(221)

(639)

(59)

5,937

9,063

Acquisition-date fair value of the total consideration transferred

15,000

Representing:

Cash paid or payable to vendor

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd shares issued to vendor

Acquisition costs expensed to profit or loss

Cash used to acquire business, net of cash acquired:

Cash paid to vendor

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Less: restricted cash and cash equivalents

14,700

300

15,000

172

14,700

(12)

-

Aspire

Fair value
$’000

1,069

-

30

44

13

1,500

(150)

(67)

-

(35)

(154)

(39)

2,211

4,989

7,200

7,200

-

7,200

304

7,200

(1,069)

Salary
Solutions

Fair value
$’000

Total

Fair value
$’000

-

19,596

-

867

407

7,000

(1,266)

(900)

1,081

19,596

151

1,067

1,177

15,761

(2,173)

(1,661)

(19,596)

(19,596)

-

(758)

(23)

5,327

29,141

34,468

34,468

-

34,468

798

34,468

-

(256)

(1,551)

(121)

13,475

43,193

56,668

56,368

300

56,668

1,274

56,368

(1,081)

(19,596)

Net cash used

14,688

6,131

14,872

35,691

67

-

(19,596)

Note 23. Business combinations (continued) 

Comparative year acquisition

In the previous year, the Group acquired 100% interest in Autopia Group Pty Ltd (Autopia), Selectus Pty Ltd (Selectus) and selected assets  
of Trinity Management Group (TMG) for the total consideration of $176,182,000.

The comparative year business combinations were finalised in the current financial year. Finalisation of provisional accounting did not 
impact the comparative year statement of financial position, statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income or opening 
retained profits.

Details of the comparative year acquisitions are as follows:

Autopia

Fair value
$’000

Selectus

Fair value
$’000

TMG

Fair value
$’000

Total

Fair value
$’000

-

-

270

-

-

1,500

-

-

-

(523)

(25)

-

1,222

1,730

2,952

1,708

-

1,244

2,952

31

1,708

-

-

6,997

36,526

3,637

1,757

584

48,048

(4,428)

(36,526)

(1,414)

(3,526)

(843)

(1,216)

49,596

126,586

176,182

131,154

32,674

12,354

176,182

2,896

131,154

(6,997)

(36,526)

89,266

(74)

(28,605)

60,587

1,708

87,631

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Trade receivables

Other current assets

Plant and equipment

Other intangible assets

Trade and other payables

Customer salary packaging liability

Provision for income tax

Deferred tax liability

Employee benefits

Other provisions

Net assets acquired

Goodwill

6,923

7,921

668

-

139

13,897

(1,124)

(7,921)

(875)

(903)

(818)

-

17,907

22,523

74

28,605

2,699

1,757

445

32,651

(3,304)

(28,605)

(539)

(2,100)

-

(1,216)

30,467

102,333

Acquisition-date fair value of the total consideration transferred

40,430

132,800

Representing:

Cash paid or payable to vendor

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd shares issued to vendor

Contingent consideration

40,180

250

-

89,266

32,424

11,110

40,430

132,800

Acquisition costs expensed to profit or loss

572

2,293

Cash used to acquire business, net of cash acquired:

Cash paid to vendor

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Less: restricted cash and cash equivalents

Net cash used

40,180

(6,923)

(7,921)

25,336

68

Note 24. Non-current assets – investments accounted for using the equity method

Investment in joint venture – Health-e Workforce Solutions Pty Ltd

                               Consolidated

2017
$’000

6,348

2016
$’000

6,751

Interests in joint ventures
Interests in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Information relating to joint ventures that are material 
to the Group are set out below:

Name

Principal place of business/
Country of incorporation

Health-e Workforce Solutions Pty Ltd

Australia

                             Ownership interest

2017
%

50%

2016
%

50%

Summarised financial information

Summarised statement of financial position

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Summarised statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

Revenue

Amortisation expense

Other expenses

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Reconciliation of the Group’s carrying amount

Opening carrying amount

Share of dividends paid

Investments during the year

Share of profit after income tax

Closing carrying amount

2017
$’000

2,031

1,783

3,814

423

423

3,391

3,626

(572)

(2,059)

995

(299)

696

-

696

6,751

(751)

-

348

6,348

Health-e Workforce  
Solutions Pty Ltd

2016
$’000

2,438

2,363

4,801

548

548

4,253

3,756

(557)

(1,732)

1,467

(440)

1,027

-

1,027

6,029

-

209

513

6,751

69

Note 24. Non-current assets – investments accounted for using the equity method (continued)

Contingent liabilities

Share of contingent liabilities relating to joint venture as at 31 December 2017: $nil (2016: $nil).

Commitments

Share of commitments relating to joint venture as at 31 December 2017: $nil (2016: $nil).

Accounting policy for joint venture

A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the 
arrangement. Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, the share of the after tax 
profits or losses of the joint venture is recognised in the statement of profit or loss and the share of the movements in equity is recognised 
in other comprehensive income. Investments in joint ventures are carried in the statement of financial position at cost plus post-acquisition 
changes in the Group’s share of net assets of the joint venture. Goodwill relating to the joint venture is included in the carrying amount 
of the investment and is neither amortised nor individually tested for impairment. Income earned from joint venture entities increase the 
carrying amount of the investment.

Note 25. Related party transactions

Parent entity

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd is the parent entity.

Subsidiaries

Interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 27.

Joint ventures

Interests in joint ventures are set out in note 24.

Key management personnel

Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in note 28 and the Remuneration Report included in the Directors’ Report.

Transactions with related parties

There were no transactions with related parties during the current and previous financial year.

Receivable from and payable to related parties

There were no trade receivables from or trade payables to related parties at the current and previous reporting date.

Loans to/from related parties

There were no loans to or from related parties at the current and previous reporting date.

Note 26. Parent entity information

Set out below is the supplementary information about the parent entity.

Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

                              Parent

2017
$’000

35,763

35,763

2016
$’000

18,713

18,713

Profit after income tax

Total comprehensive income

70

Note 26. Parent entity information (continued)

Statement of financial position

Total current assets

Total assets

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Issued capital

Hedging reserve – cash flow hedges

Share-based payments reserve

Retained profits

Total equity

                              Parent

2017
$’000

335,947

426,483

85,911

226,771

176,883

199

4,243

18,390

199,715

2016
$’000

363,273

452,462

107,849

257,662

170,940

264

2,367

21,229

194,800

Guarantees entered into by the parent entity in relation to the debts of its subsidiaries

The parent entity and certain of its subsidiaries are party to a deed of cross guarantee under which each company guarantees the debts 
of the others. No deficiencies of assets exist in any of these subsidiaries. Refer to note 32 for further details.

The parent entity has also provided guarantees in respect of banking facilities provided to the Group.

Contingent liabilities

The parent entity has given bank guarantees as at 31 December 2017 of $1,255,000 (2016: $316,000).

Capital commitments – Property and equipment

The parent entity had no capital commitments for property and equipment as at 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016.

Significant accounting policies

The accounting policies of the parent entity are consistent with those of the Group, as disclosed in note 2 and note 41, except for the 
following:

•  Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost, less any impairment, in the parent entity.

•  Dividends received from subsidiaries are recognised as other income by the parent entity.

71

Note 27. Interests in subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following subsidiaries in accordance with the 
accounting policy described throughout the financial statements:

                         Ownership interest

Name

Advantage Leasing Holdings Pty Ltd*

Australian Vehicle Consultants Pty Ltd

Autopia Group Pty Limited

Autopia Management Pty Limited

National Tax Manager Pty Ltd*

PBI Benefit Solutions Pty Limited

Salary Packaging Solutions Pty Ltd

Selectus Employee Benefits Pty Ltd

Selectus Financial Services Pty Ltd

Selectus Pty Ltd

Smartsalary Software Solutions Pty Ltd

Smartequity EIS Pty Ltd

Smartequity Pty Ltd

Smartfleet Management Pty Ltd

Smartgroup Benefits Pty Ltd

Smartsalary Pty Limited

Radiant Capital Pty Ltd

ABM Corporation Pty Limited

AccessPay Pty Ltd

Fleet Solutions Pty Ltd**

Salary Solutions Australia Pty Ltd

Smartsalary Payroll Solutions Pty Ltd***

* Denotes entity deregistered during the year.

** Denotes entity acquired and deregistered during the year.

Principal place of business/
Country of incorporation

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

2017
%

-

100%

100%

100%

-

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

-

100%

50%

2016
%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

-

-

-

-

-

*** The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of Smartsalary Payroll Solutions Pty Ltd. SmartSalary Payroll Solutions Pty Ltd 
is considered  to be a subsidiary as the Group has control over the entity and therefore, the results of this entity are included in the consolidated results of the Group. 
Summarised financial information of the subsidiary with non-controlling interests are not provided as they are not material to the Group. 

Note 28. Key management personnel disclosures

Compensation

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

                                Consolidated

2017
$

4,012,493

236,973

44,989

1,058,733

5,353,188

2016
$

3,051,495

204,263

56,874

704,473

4,017,105

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Long-term benefits

Share-based payments

72

Note 29. Contingent liabilities

The Group has given bank guarantees as at 31 December 2017 of $3,633,000 (2016: $2,595,000). The Group has given guarantees for 
performance of contracts to its customers as at 31 December 2017 of $500,000 (2016: $500,000).

Note 30. Commitments

Lease commitments – operating

Committed at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable:

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

Over 5 years

                                Consolidated

2017
$’000

 5,098 

 8,668 

 119 

 13,885 

2016
$’000

3,288

6,616

428

10,332

Operating lease commitments includes contracted amounts for various offices under non-cancellable operating leases expiring within 
1 to 6 years with, in some cases, options to extend. The leases have various escalation clauses. On renewal, the terms of the leases are 
renegotiated.

Note 31. Events after the reporting period

On 4 January 2018, the Group completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Fleet West Pty Ltd (Fleet West) for $9,000,000. 
Fleet West is based in Perth and provides fleet management services to clients in the not-for-profit sector. The consideration paid was 
$8,000,000 in cash and 99,206 shares issued at a price of $10.08 each to the principal vendor.

Apart from the dividend declared as disclosed in note 15, no other matter or circumstance has arisen since 31 December 2017 that has 
significantly affected, or may significantly affect the Group’s operations, the results of those operations, or the Group’s state of affairs in 
future financial years.

Note 32. Deed of cross guarantee

The following entities are party to a deed of cross guarantee under which each company guarantees the debts of the others:

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd
AccessPay Pty Ltd
Autopia Group Pty Limited
Autopia Management Pty Limited
Salary Packaging Solutions Pty Ltd

Salary Solutions Australia Pty Ltd
Selectus Pty Ltd
Smartfleet Management Pty Ltd
Smartgroup Benefits Pty Ltd
Smartsalary Pty Limited

By entering into the deed, the wholly-owned entities have been relieved from the requirement to prepare financial statements and 
Directors’ report under Corporations Instrument 2016/785 issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

The above companies represent a ‘Closed Group’ for the purposes of the Corporations Instrument, and as there are no other parties to 
the deed of cross guarantee that are controlled by Smartgroup Corporation Ltd, they also represent the ‘Extended Closed Group’.

Set out below is a consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income and statement of financial position of the 
‘Closed Group’.

73

Note 32. Deed of cross guarantee (continued)

Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

Revenue

Product costs

Employee benefits expense

Administration and corporate expenses

Depreciation expense

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

Advertising and marketing expenses

Occupancy expenses

Other expenses

Operating profit

Finance costs

Profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax expense

Other comprehensive income

Net change in the fair value of cash flow hedges taken to equity, net of tax

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

2017
$’000

198,337

(4,819)

(73,591)

(23,631)

(1,588)

(17,560)

(3,016)

(4,015)

(6,535)

63,582

(5,571)

58,011

(19,887)

38,124

(65)

(65)

2016
$’000

142,719

(3,599)

(55,576)

(17,251)

(1,412)

(11,748)

(2,649)

(3,142)

(2,320)

45,022

(4,105)

40,917

(12,146)

28,771

264

264

Total comprehensive income for the year

38,059

29,035

Equity – retained profits

Retained profits at the beginning of the financial year

Profit after income tax expense

Dividends paid

Retained profits at the end of the financial year

2017
$’000

11,696

38,124

(38,602)

11,218

2016
$’000

3,848

28,771

(20,923)

11,696

74

Note 32. Deed of cross guarantee (continued)

Statement of financial position

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Other current assets

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Investments

Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax assets

Property and equipment

Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Customer salary packaging liability

Income tax payable

Provisions

Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Provisions

Borrowings

Contingent consideration

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Issued capital

Reserves

Retained profits

Total equity

2017
$’000

29,537

67,644

31,710

4,723

133,614

27,746

226

2,116

3,143

302,136

335,367

468,981

48,407

67,644

7,199

8,181

2,750

134,181

1,947

140,853

-

142,800

276,981

192,000

176,212

4,570

11,218

192,000

2016
$’000

78,767

39,493

16,425

7,024

141,709

45,361

307

69

3,151

240,871

289,759

431,468

30,176

39,493

8,848

5,518

9,631

93,666

1,623

150,118

1,244

152,985

246,651

184,817

170,490

2,631

11,696

184,817

75

Note 33. Reconciliation of profit after income tax to net cash from operating activities

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

41,309

(348)

1,173

(61)

(909)

735

-

1,589

17,741

4,906

(5,782)

(4,227)

2,455

3,595

(2,277)

534

60,433

8,555

68,988

2016
$’000

32,788

(513)

704

(70)

(897)

368

28

1,412

12,512

(1,569)

(569)

(2,187)

(3,460)

323

2,371

1,295

42,536

2,218

44,754

Borrowings
$’000

52,756

100,495

(3,500)

367

150,118

22,000

(32,000)

735

140,853

Profit after income tax expense for the year

Adjustments for:

Share of profit – joint ventures

Share-based payments

Fair value change to derivative financial instruments

Finance revenue – disclosed under investing activities

Amortisation of borrowing costs

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

Depreciation

Amortisation

Fair value change to contingent consideration

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

(Increase) in trade and other receivables

(Increase) in net deferred tax assets

Decrease/(increase) in other current assets

Increase in trade and other payables

Increase/(decrease) in provision for income tax

Increase in provisions and other liabilities

Increase/(decrease) in customer salary packaging liability

Net cash from operating activities

Note 34. Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities

Consolidated

Balance at 1 January 2016

Proceeds from borrowings (net of transaction costs)

Repayments of borrowings

Amortisation of borrowing costs (non-cash)

Balance at 31 December 2016

Proceeds from borrowings (net of transaction costs)

Repayments of borrowings

Amortisation of borrowing costs (non-cash)

Balance at 31 December 2017

76

Note 35. Non-current assets – property and equipment

Leasehold improvements – at cost

Less: Accumulated depreciation

Furniture, fixtures and fittings – at cost

Less: Accumulated depreciation

Computer equipment – at cost

Less: Accumulated depreciation

Office equipment – at cost

Less: Accumulated depreciation

Other assets – at cost

Less: Accumulated depreciation

2017
$’000

4,966

(3,399)

1,567

1,095

(735)

360

6,061

(5,271)

790

1,378

(971)

407

46

(15)

31

3,155

Reconciliations

Reconciliations of the written down values at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial year are set out below:

Consolidated

Balance at 1 January 2016

Additions

Additions through business combinations (note 23)

Disposals

Write off of assets

Depreciation expense

Balance at 31 December 2016

Additions

Additions through business combinations (note 23)

Write off of assets

Depreciation expense

Balance at 31 December 2017

Leasehold
improvements
$’000

Furniture,
fixtures and
fittings
$’000

Computer
equipment
$’000

Office
equipment
$’000

Other
assets
$’000

2,092

493

28

-

(7)

(789)

1,817

65

425

-

(740)

1,567

564

26

11

(5)

(23)

(176)

397

101

3

-

(141)

360

262

269

379

-

-

244

29

166

(2)

(2)

(304)

(135)

606

197

480

(3)

(490)

790

300

52

269

(3)

(211)

407

21

22

-

-

(5)

(8)

30

8

-

-

(7)

31

2016
$’000

4,476

(2,659)

1,817

991

(594)

397

5,427

(4,821)

606

1,057

(757)

300

38

(8)

30

3,150

Total
$’000

3,183

839

584

(7)

(37)

(1,412)

3,150

423

1,177

(6)

(1,589)

3,155

77

Note 35. Non-current assets – property and equipment (continued)

Accounting policy for property and equipment

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

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the net cost of each item of property and equipment over their expected 
useful lives as follows:

Leasehold improvements
Furniture, fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Office equipment
Other assets

Over unexpired period of lease
5–10 years
2–3 years
3–6 years
4–8 years

The residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate.

Property and equipment under lease are depreciated over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful life of the assets, 
whichever is shorter.

An item of property and equipment is de-recognised upon disposal or when there is no future economic benefit to the Group. Gains and 
losses between the carrying amount and the disposal proceeds are taken to profit or loss.

Note 36. Current liabilities – trade and other payables

Trade payables

Accrued expenses

Other payables

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

5,617

17,906

7,360

30,883

2016
$’000

4,711

14,994

6,722

26,427

Refer to note 17 for further information on financial instruments.

Accounting policy for trade and other payables

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of the financial year and which are 
unpaid. Due to their short-term nature they are measured at amortised cost and are not discounted. The amounts are unsecured and are 
usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Note 37. Current liabilities – provisions

Employee benefits

Operations provision

Employee benefits

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

6,000

2,296

8,296

2016
$’000

3,982

1,568

5,550

The provision for employee benefits relates to the Group’s liability for annual leave and long service leave.

Operations provision

The provision relates to negative employee salary packaging account balances which may be uncollectable, and customer and supplier 
disputes.

78

Note 37. Current liabilities – provisions (continued) 

Amounts not expected to be settled within the next 12 months

The current provision for employee benefits includes all unconditional entitlements where employees have completed the required period 
of service and also those where employees are entitled to pro-rata payments in certain circumstances. The entire 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 leave or require payment within the next 12 months.

The following amounts reflect leave that is not expected to be taken within the next 12 months:

Employee benefits obligation expected to be settled after 12 months

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

727

2016
$’000

339

Accounting policy for provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present (legal or constructive) obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable 
the Group will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The amount 
recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting date, taking 
into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. If the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted 
using a current pre-tax rate specific to the liability. The increase in the provision resulting from the passage of time is recognised as a 
finance cost.

Note 38. Non-current liabilities – provisions

Employee benefits

Make good provision

Make good provision

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

1,298

697

1,995

2016
$’000

939

697

1,636

The provision represents the present value of the estimated costs to make good the premises leased by the Group at the end of the 
respective lease terms.

Movements in provisions

Movements in each class of provision (current and non-current) during the current financial year, other than employee benefits, are set out 
below:

Consolidated – 2017

Carrying amount at the start of the year

Additional provisions recognised

Additions through business combinations (note 23)

Carrying amount at the end of the year

Make good provision
$’000

Operations provision
$’000

697

-

-

697

1,568

607

121

2,296

79

Note 39. Cash held on behalf of customers and associated liabilities

Cash held on behalf of customers recognised in the statement of financial position:

Current assets – Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities – Customer salary packaging liability

Customer salary packaging liability

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

2016
$’000

67,644

39,493

                            Consolidated

2017
$’000

2016
$’000

(67,644)

(39,493)

The restricted cash accounts are held with Australia’s major financial institutions. Depending on commercial arrangements, the Group may 
earn interest income from these accounts. The Group has recognised finance revenue of $593,000 (2016: $355,000) from restricted cash.

Refer to note 17 for interest rate sensitivity analysis on restricted cash balances.

Cash held on behalf of customers not recognised in the statement of financial position:

Accounts established by the Group as for cash held on behalf of 
customers

Weighted 
average 
interest rate

1.70%

Consolidated

2017
$’000

87,207

Weighted 
average 
interest rate

1.66%

2016
$’000

84,678

Accounts established by customers directly

0.03%

74,794

0.03%

71,368

Total

162,001

156,046

Cash held on behalf of salary packaging and share plan administration customers is deposited by customers into segregated bank 
accounts to be used only to settle their employees’ salary packaging obligations to suppliers or for contributions into share plans. The 
Group cannot use these funds for any other purpose than as directed by its customers. Customers are liable to ensure adequate funds 
are kept in the segregated bank accounts for salary packaging and share plan payments. The Group has assessed that these assets are 
held in a fiduciary capacity rather than being assets of the Group and, as such, have excluded it from the statement of financial position.

The segregated bank accounts used for cash held on behalf of customers are with Australia’s major financial institutions. Depending 
on commercial arrangements, the Group may earn interest income from these accounts. The Group recognised interest revenue of 
$1,831,300 (2016: $1,280,000) from those accounts established by the Group as cash held on behalf of customers, and $25,000 
(2016: $21,000) from those accounts established by customers directly. These amounts are recognised within management and 
administration revenue.

Accounting policy for restricted cash and cash equivalents

The restricted cash and cash equivalents disclosed above and in the statement of cash flows represents funds held by the Group 
on behalf of certain customers. The use of these funds is restricted to the making of salary packaging payments on behalf of those 
customers only and therefore not available for general use. The Group recognises a liability for all restricted cash balances to reflect the 
amounts owing to its customers.

80

Note 40. Remuneration of auditors

During the financial year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the auditor of the 
Company, and unrelated firms:

Audit services – PricewaterhouseCoopers

Audit or review of the financial statements

Other services – PricewaterhouseCoopers

Taxation services

Risk and governance

Audit services – unrelated firms

Audit or review of the financial statements

Other services – unrelated firms

Tax compliance services

                            Consolidated

2017
$

2016
$

 457,500 

381,000

 26,000 

 142,000 

168,000

625,500

-

 - 

- 

37,000

121,000

158,000

539,000

55,000

12,500

67,500

Note 41. Other accounting policies

Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd as at 
31 December 2017 and the results of all subsidiaries for the year then ended.

Subsidiaries are all those entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group 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. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are 
de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

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

The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. A change in ownership interest, without the 
loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction, where the difference between the consideration transferred and the book value 
of the share of the non-controlling interest acquired is recognised directly in equity attributable to the parent.

Non-controlling interest in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the statement of profit or loss and other 
comprehensive income, statement of financial position and statement of changes in equity of the Group. Losses incurred by the Group are 
attributed to the non-controlling interest in full, even if that results in a deficit balance.

Where the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the assets including goodwill, liabilities and noncontrolling interest 
in the subsidiary together with any cumulative translation differences recognised in equity. The Group recognises the fair value of the 
consideration received and the fair value of any investment retained, together with any gain or loss in profit or loss.

Current and non-current classification
Assets and liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position based on current and non-current classification.

An asset is current when: it is expected to be realised or intended to be sold or consumed in the entity’s normal operating cycle; it is held 
primarily for the purpose of trading; it is expected to be realised within 12 months after the reporting period; or the asset is cash or cash 
equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other 
assets are classified as non-current.

A liability is current when: it is expected to be settled in the entity’s normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it 
is due to be settled within 12 months after the reporting period; or there is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for 
at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other liabilities are classified as noncurrent.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are always classified as non-current.

81

Note 41. Other accounting policies (continued) 

Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires an 
assessment of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement 
conveys a right to use the asset.

A distinction is made between finance leases, which effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all the risks and benefits 
incidental to ownership of leased assets, and operating leases, under which the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks and 
benefits.

The Group does not have any finance leases. Operating lease payments, net of any incentives received from the lessor, are charged to 
profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Impairment of non-financial assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for 
impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other 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.

Recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use. The value-in-use is the present value of 
the estimated future cash flows relating to the asset using a pre-tax discount rate specific to the asset or cash-generating unit to which 
the asset belongs. Assets that do not have independent cash flows are grouped together to form a cash-generating unit.

Employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and long service leave expected to be settled within 
12 months of the reporting date are recognised in current liabilities 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.

Other long-term employee benefits

The liability for long term employee benefits is measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of 
services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method. 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 corporate bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, 
the estimated future cash outflows.

Defined contribution superannuation expense

Contributions to defined contribution superannuation plans are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Share-based payments

Equity-settled share-based compensation benefits are provided to employees.

Equity-settled transactions are awards of shares, or options over shares, that are provided to employees in exchange for the rendering of 
services.

The cost of equity-settled transactions is measured at fair value on grant date. Fair value is independently determined using the Black-
Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at 
grant date, expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the 
option, together with non-vesting conditions that do not determine whether the Group receives the services that entitle the employees to 
receive payment. No account is taken of any other vesting conditions.

The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity over the vesting period. The 
cumulative charge to profit or loss is calculated based on the grant date fair value of the award, the best estimate of the number of awards 
that are likely to vest and the expired portion of the vesting period. The amount recognised in profit or loss for the period is the cumulative 
amount calculated at each reporting date, less amounts already recognised in previous periods.

Market conditions are taken into consideration in determining fair value. Therefore, any awards subject to market conditions are 
considered to vest irrespective of whether that market condition has been met, provided all other conditions are satisfied.

If equity-settled awards are modified, as a minimum an expense is recognised as if the modification has not been made. An additional 
expense is recognised, over the remaining vesting period, for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share-based 
compensation benefit as at the date of modification.

If the non-vesting condition is within the control of the Group or employee, the failure to satisfy the condition is treated as a cancellation. If 
the condition is not within the control of the Group or employee and is not satisfied during the vesting period, any remaining expense for 
the award is recognised over the remaining vesting period, unless the award is forfeited.

82

Note 41. Other accounting policies (continued) 

If equity-settled awards are cancelled they are treated as if they have vested on the date of cancellation, and any remaining expense is 
recognised immediately. If new replacement awards are substituted for the cancelled awards, the cancelled and new awards are treated 
as if they were a modification.

Business combinations
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business combinations regardless of whether equity instruments or other 
assets are acquired.

The consideration transferred is the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred, equity instruments issued or liabilities 
incurred by the acquirer to former owners of the acquiree and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. For each 
business combination, the non-controlling interest in the acquiree is measured at either fair value or at the proportionate share of the 
acquiree’s identifiable net assets. All acquisition costs are expensed as incurred to profit or loss.

On the acquisition of a business, the Group assesses the financial assets acquired and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification 
and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic conditions, the Group’s operating or accounting policies and other 
pertinent conditions in existence at the acquisition-date.

Where the business combination is achieved in stages, the Group remeasures its previously held equity interest in the acquiree at the 
acquisition-date fair value and the difference between the fair value and the previous carrying amount is recognised in profit or loss.

Contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer is recognised at the acquisition-date fair value. Subsequent changes in the fair 
value of contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability is recognised in profit or loss. Contingent consideration classified as 
equity is not remeasured and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

The difference between the acquisition-date fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the 
acquiree and the fair value of the consideration transferred and the fair value of any pre-existing investment in the acquiree is recognised 
as goodwill. If the consideration transferred and the pre-existing fair value is less than the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired, 
being a bargain purchase to the acquirer, the difference is recognised as a gain directly in profit or loss by the acquirer on the acquisition-
date, but only after a reassessment of the identification and measurement of the net assets acquired, the non-controlling interest in the 
acquiree, if any, the consideration transferred and the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquirer.

Business combinations are initially accounted for on a provisional basis. The acquirer retrospectively adjusts the provisional amounts 
recognised and also recognises additional assets or liabilities during the measurement period, based on new information obtained about 
the facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition-date. The measurement period ends on either the earlier of (i) 12 months from 
the date of the acquisition or (ii) when the acquirer receives all the information possible to determine fair value.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other similar taxes
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the 
tax authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of the 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 tax authority is included in other receivables or other payables in the 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 tax authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations not yet mandatory or early adopted
Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations that have recently been issued or amended but are not yet mandatory, have not been 
early adopted by the Group, with the exception of AASB 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’, for the annual reporting period 
ended 31 December 2017. The Group’s assessment of the impact of these new or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations, 
most relevant to the Group, are set out below.

AASB 9 Financial Instruments

AASB 9 addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities, introduces new rules 
for hedge accounting and a new impairment model for financial assets. The Group has decided not to adopt AASB 9 until it becomes 
mandatory on 1 January 2018. The Group does not expect the new accounting standard to have a significant impact on the classification 
and measurement of its financial assets and financial liabilities. The derecognition rules have been transferred from AASB 139 ‘Financial 
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ and have not been changed. The new hedge accounting rules will align the accounting for 
hedging instruments more closely with the Group’s risk management practices. The Group is currently assessing the potential impact of 
the new impairment model.

83

Note 41. Other accounting policies (continued) 

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations not yet mandatory or early adopted (continued)

AASB 16 Leases

This standard is applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. For lessee accounting, the standard 
eliminates the ‘operating lease’ and ‘finance lease’ classification required by AASB 117 ‘Leases’. Subject to exceptions, a ‘right-of-use’ 
asset will be capitalised in the statement of financial position, measured as the present value of the unavoidable future lease payments 
to be made over the lease term. The exceptions relate to short-term leases of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets (such 
as personal computers and office furniture) where an accounting policy choice exists whereby either a ‘right-of-use’ asset is recognised 
or lease payments are expensed to profit or loss as incurred. A liability corresponding to the capitalised lease will also be recognised, 
adjusted for lease prepayments, lease incentives received, initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of any future restoration, removal 
or dismantling costs. Straight-line operating lease expense recognition will be replaced with a depreciation charge for the leased asset 
(included in operating costs) and an interest expense on the recognised lease liability (included in finance costs). For classification within 
the statement of cash flows, the lease payments will be separated into both a principal (financing activities) and interest (either operating 
or financing activities) components. For lessor accounting, the standard does not substantially change how a lessor accounts for leases. 
The Group expects to adopt this standard from 1 January 2019 and the impact of its adoption will be that operating leases, such as those 
detailed in note 30, will be brought onto the statement of financial position with a corresponding liability.

84

Directors’ 
Declaration

In the Directors’ opinion:

•  the attached financial statements and notes comply with the Corporations Act 2001, the Accounting Standards, the Corporations 

Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting requirements;

•  the attached financial statements and notes comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International 

Accounting Standards Board as described in note 2 to the financial statements;

•  the attached financial statements and notes give a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of 

its performance for the financial year ended on that date;

•  there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable; 

and

•  at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the extended closed group will be able to 

meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are, or may become, subject by virtue of the deed of cross guarantee described in note 
32 to the financial statements.

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

Signed in accordance with a resolution of Directors made pursuant to section 295(5)(a) of the Corporations Act 2001.

On behalf of the Directors

Michael Carapiet 
Chairman 
21 February 2018 
Sydney

85

Independent Auditor’s Report

Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd 
Independent auditor’s report 
Report on the audit of the financial report 
To the members of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd 

Report on the audit of the financial report 
Our opinion 

In our opinion: 
Our opinion 
The accompanying financial report of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (the Company) and its controlled 
In our opinion: 
entities (together the Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

The accompanying financial report of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (the Company) and its controlled 
(a)  giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of its 
entities (together the Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

financial performance for the year then ended  

(a)  giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of its 
(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

financial performance for the year then ended  

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

What we have audited 
The Group financial report comprises: 
What we have audited 
 
The Group financial report comprises: 
 
 
 
 
 
 

the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2017 

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended 
the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2017 
the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended 
the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended 
the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year then 
the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended 
ended 

 
 

 
 

the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year then 
the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant 
ended 
accounting policies 

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant 
the directors’ declaration. 
accounting policies 

the directors’ declaration. 

Basis for opinion 
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
Basis for opinion 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
report section of our report. 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
report section of our report. 
our opinion. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
Independence 
our opinion. 
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical 
Independence 
Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant 
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the 
to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical 
in accordance with the Code. 
Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant 
to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with the Code. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 
PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 
T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 
Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 
T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

86

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
Our audit approach 

An audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from 
material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an 
opinion on the financial report as a whole, taking into account the geographic and management 
structure of the Group, its accounting processes and controls and the industry in which it operates. 

Smartgroup’s financial report consolidates the businesses of Smartsalary, Smartfleet, Advantage 
Salary Packaging (Advantage), Autopia, Selectus, AccessPay, Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Salary 
Solutions (RACVSS), Aspire and other smaller Smartgroup businesses located in Sydney, Adelaide 
and Melbourne. The Group provides outsourced administration (primarily salary packaging 
administration and novated leasing), vehicle services (fleet management) and software, distribution 
and services to a wide range of government, health and corporate customers across Australia. The 
group has a substantially centralised finance function with recent acquisitions still being integrated. 

Materiality 

  For the purpose of our audit we used overall Group materiality of $3.1 million, which represents 

approximately 5% of the Group’s profit before tax. 

  We applied this threshold, together with qualitative considerations, to determine the scope of 

our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of 
misstatements on the financial report as a whole. 

  We chose Group profit before tax as the benchmark because, in our view, profit before tax 

(which is a generally accepted benchmark for profit oriented entities) is a key metric against 
which the performance of the Group is measured. We adjusted profit before tax for business 
combination related costs as these were infrequently occurring items impacting the profit 
before tax.  

 

 We selected 5% based on our professional judgement, noting that it is within the range of 
commonly acceptable profit related materiality thresholds. 

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit Scope 

  Our audit focused on where the Group made subjective judgements; for example, significant 

accounting estimates involving assumptions and inherently uncertain future events. 

  We ensured that the audit team possessed the appropriate skills and competencies which are 
needed for the audit of the Group. This included adequate industry expertise, as well as the 
involvement of valuation and taxation specialists. 

  Due to their financial significance, we performed an audit of the financial information of the 
main operating entities of the following businesses: Smartsalary, Smartfleet and Selectus. 

  Due to their smaller size and contribution to the Group's results, we performed selected audit 

procedures and analytical procedures over certain balances of non-trading holding entities and 
remaining trading entities of the Group (Advantage, Autopia, AccessPay, RACVSS, Aspire and 
Smartgroup Corporation).  

  At the Group level, we performed further audit procedures over the consolidation process and 

the preparation of the financial report.  

  The combination of all these procedures provided us with sufficient and appropriate audit 

evidence to express an opinion on the Group’s financial report as a whole. 

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report for the current period. The key audit matters were addressed in the 
context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters. Further, any commentary on the outcomes of a 
particular audit procedure is made in that context. We communicated the key audit matters to the 
Audit and Risk Committee. 

Key audit matter 

Business combinations 
(Refer to note 23)  

How our audit addressed the key audit 
matter 

During the year, the Group acquired three new 
businesses: Royal Automobile Club of Victoria 
Limited Salary Solutions (RACVSS), AccessPay 
and Aspire Benefits Management. The Group 
also finalised the accounting for the acquisition 
of Selectus Limited, which was acquired in 2016. 
The acquisition of a business is complex and the 
accounting standards require the Group to 
identify all assets and liabilities of the newly 
acquired businesses and estimate the fair value 
of each item.  

We read the relevant sale and purchase 
agreements and due diligence reports in relation 
to the acquisitions. The accounting for the 
acquisitions was consistent with the sale and 
purchase agreements. For the provisional initial 
accounting, we reviewed the take on balances 
and confirmed these against the completion 
statements and due diligence reports and 
reviewed the financial statements for the 
appropriate disclosures. We also assessed the 
competency and objectivity of the external 
valuers. 

We focused on the accounting for these 
acquisitions due to: 

In relation to our assessment of the Group’s 
accounting treatment for funds held on behalf of 
customers, our procedures included: 

88

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key audit matter 

the judgement required to value the software 
and customer contract assets acquired of 
RACVSS, AccessPay and Aspire benefits 
management. The Group accounted for the 
acquisitions provisionally as the measurement 
for intangible assets was still in progress.  
  the judgement required to determine 

whether funds held on behalf of certain 
customers represent an asset of the business 
and thus should be recognised in the 
statement of financial position. Accounting 
appropriately for funds held on behalf of 
customers is complex because it requires 
detailed consideration of the substance and 
legal form of relevant factors relating to 
control and economic benefits of the asset.    

  the judgement required to estimate the fair 
value of the contingent consideration for 
Smartequity and the settlement for Selectus. 
Key judgements included forecasts of 
Smartequity’s Net Profit Before Tax and 
assessment of Selectus final settlement based 
on 2016 results.    

How our audit addressed the key audit 
matter 

 

inspecting a sample of customer contracts 
and assessing the key characteristics of 
these contracts in relation to the 
classification of the funds as either 
restricted cash or cash held on behalf of 
customers  

  developing an understanding of the relevant 

 

transaction process flows and the key 
differences between restricted cash and cash 
held on behalf of customers 
assessing the qualitative and quantitative 
disclosures made in the financial report in 
relation to each of the different types of 
funds held on behalf of customers. 

 

In relation to the valuation/settlement of the 
contingent consideration in respect of the 
Smartequity and Selectus businesses, and in 
order to assess whether the conditions required 
for the contingent consideration to be paid or 
settlement paid were likely to be met in the 
future, our procedures included: 
 

assessing if the calculation of the contingent 
consideration/settlement was in accordance 
with the contractual arrangements and the 
requirements of accounting standards 
assessing the governance supporting the 
Group’s forecasting process 
assessing the Group’s forecasting accuracy 
by comparing past forecasts with actual 
performance and developing an 
understanding of the causes of differences 
  developing an understanding of the Group’s 
perspective on the future growth of the 
Smartequity business.  
considering the sensitivity of the deferred 
consideration liability to reasonably possible 
changes in key profit assumptions

 

 

Group’s goodwill and other indefinite 
life intangible asset impairment 
assessment  
(Refer to note 5)  

The Group’s goodwill and other indefinite life 
intangible assets are required by Australian 
Accounting Standards to be tested at year end 

We considered the adequacy of the business 
combination disclosures in light of the reporting 
requirements. 

.

Our audit procedures included: 
 

assessing whether the Group’s identification 
of CGUs was consistent with our knowledge 
of the operations, internal reporting lines 

89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit 
matter 

for impairment at the cash generating unit 
(CGU) level.  

We focused on the impairment assessment due 
to the size of the goodwill and other indefinite 
life intangible assets balances and the 
judgement involved in assessing whether an 
impairment was required. The Group performed 
an impairment assessment over goodwill and 
other indefinite life intangible assets by 
calculating the value in use for each CGU, using 
discounted cash flow models (the models).    

Key judgements in the models included discount 
rates, annual revenue and terminal growth rates 
and the assumption that there will be no 
significant changes to the legislation governing 
the provision of products and services within the 
salary packaging administration and novated 
leasing industries in the forecast periods

.

Restricted cash  and cash equivalents 
held on behalf of customers 
(Refer to note 39)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

and the level of integration of the newly 
acquired businesses 
evaluating the process by which the cash 
flow forecasts were developed 
comparing the cash flow forecasts to Board 
approved budgets and confirming that key 
assumptions in the forecasts were subject to 
oversight from the directors 
assessing the accuracy of the forecasts by 
comparing previous forecasts with actual 
business results 
comparing these forecasts with forecasts 
used in the contingent consideration 
calculations for consistency 
considering the sensitivity of the key 
assumptions in the models by analysing the 
impact on the recoverable amount from 
changes in key assumptions. These 
recalculations did not suggest an 
impairment was required for the tested 
CGUs 
considering whether there had been any 
published plans from mainstream 
Australian political parties relating to any 
potential changes to legislation governing 
the provision of products and services 
within the salary packaging administration 
and novated leasing industries. We did not 
identify plans for significant changes in this 
area. 

We also compared the Group’s net assets of 
$204.9 million as at 31 December 2017 to its 
market capitalisation of $1.2 billion on the same 
date.  

We also considered the adequacy of the Group’s 
disclosures on goodwill and other infinite life 
intangible assets impairment in light of the 
requirements of Australian Accounting 
Standards

. 

As described in note 39, the provision of salary 
packaging services involves the Group holding 
funds on behalf of certain customers, either as 
restricted cash or cash equivalents held on 
behalf of customers. Considered to be a Key 
Audit Matter as the Group may be responsible 

Our audit procedures included: 
  performing tests over a sample of key 
controls in the EUM cash transaction 
process and assessing whether these 
controls had been designed appropriately 
and operated effectively during the year. We 

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Key audit matter 

for any shortfall in these accounts, significant 
volume of transactions impacting restricted cash 
and cash held on behalf of customers’ accounts 
throughout the year and due to the large volume 
of accounts and employees under management 
(EUM).   

How our audit addressed the key audit 
matter 

 

 

determined that we could place reliance on 
the tested controls for the purposes of our 
audit 
testing a sample of restricted cash and cash 
held on behalf of customers bank account 
reconciliations and obtaining confirmations 
directly from banks of the outstanding 
balances at year end 
reading board minutes, enquiring with 
management and obtaining a written 
description from the Group’s lawyers of 
current legal matters to understand whether 
there were any material claims from EUMs 
or employers. 

We further considered the adequacy and 
accuracy of the Group’s disclosures in relation to 
restricted cash and cash held on behalf of 
customer’s balances in the light of the 
requirements of Australian Accounting 
Standards.  

Other information 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises: Who we 
are, 2017 Company Snapshot, Chairman’s Report, 2017 Financial Highlights, Managing Director and 
CEO Report of Operations, What We Do, Who We Help, Environmental, Social and Governance 
Report, Directors’ Report, Shareholder Information, Four Year Summary, Corporate Directory and 
Glossary included in the Group’s annual report for the year ended 31 December 2017 but does not 
include the Financial Report and our auditor’s report thereon. 

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

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent 
with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated. 

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this 
other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report 

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

91

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

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 

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

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the 
Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: 
http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar2.pdf. This description forms part of our 
auditor's report. 

Report on the remuneration report 

Our opinion on the remuneration report 

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 21 to 33 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 31 December 2017. 

In our opinion, the remuneration report of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd for the year ended 31 
December 2017 complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

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

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Sam Hinchliffe 
Partner 

Sydney 
21 February 2018 

92

 
 
 
 
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93

Shareholder 
Information

This section contains additional information required by the ASX Listing Rules not disclosed anywhere else in this report, as at 24 
January 2018.

Shareholdings
Substantial Shareholders

The following information is extracted from the Company’s Register of Substantial Shareholders.

Name

SMART PACKAGES PTE LTD 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED 

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 

BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 

Number of ordinary 
shares

Percentage of total 
shares issued

32,608,245

19,951,889

12,568,928

8,532,962

7,742,107

7,282,013

26.44

16.18

10.19

6.92

6.28

5.91

Class of shares and voting rights

At 24 January 2018 there were 2,169 holders of ordinary shares in the Company.  

The voting rights attached to the ordinary shares set out in the Company’s Constitution are that on a show of hands, every member 
present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall have one vote. 

Distribution of shareholders of shares as at 24 January 2018

Ordinary shareholders

849

796

230

239

55

2,169

125

Size of holding 

1–1,000

1,001–5,000

5,001–10,000

10,001–100,000

100,001 and over

Total shareholders

Holding less than a marketable parcel  

94

Twenty largest shareholders of ordinary shares as at 24 January 2018

                             Ordinary shares

SMART PACKAGES PTE LTD 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED 

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 

BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 

HEATHERWOOD COURT PTY LTD

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

APINTO PTY LTD 

DEVENDRA BILLIMORIA 

JENNY ELIZABETH GAUDRY 

GENTILLY HOLDINGS 2 PTY LIMITED 

ANTON JEROME GAUDRY 

KPB ENTERPRISES PTY LTD 

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

UBS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

POINT CAPITAL PTY LTD 

AOTEAROA INVESTMENT COMPANY PTY LIMITED 

TIMOTHY LOOI

AMP LIFE LIMITED

Total

Restricted securities or securities subject to voluntary escrow

The following are all fully paid ordinary shares.

Escrow release date

Date after the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended 2017 are released

Date after the audited financial statements of the Company for the first half of 2018 are released 

1 January 2019

Date after the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended 2018 are released

Date after the audited financial statements of the Company for the first half of 2019 are released

1 January 2020

Date after the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended 2019 are released

Total

Number 

32,608,245

19,951,889

12,568,928

8,532,962

7,742,107

7,282,013

2,492,003

2,011,990

2,002,142

1,724,729

1,687,535

1,610,401

1,125,738

1,017,711

912,180

844,939

689,469

678,715

625,117

398,918

%

26.44

16.18

10.19

6.92

6.28

5.91

2.02

1.63

1.62

1.40

1.37

1.31

0.91

0.83

0.74

0.69

0.56

0.55

0.51

0.32

106,507,731

86.38

Number of shares

1,449,614

2,532,748

697,150

49,618

223,055

1,129,976

49,618

6,131,779

95

Four Year Summary

2017

2016

2015

2014

 205.4 

 93.6 

 41.3 

 64.1 

 464.1

 259.2 

 204.9 

 (111.1)

 147.1 

 63.3 

 32.8 

 44.0 

 438.6 

 244.3 

 194.3 

 (72.0)

 94.5 

 37.4 

 20.2 

 26.2 

 167.4 

 84.9 

 82.5 

 (33.5)

 75.4 

 24.1 

 (1.0)

 17.4 

 110.5 

 44.6 

 65.9 

 5.8 

 123.2 

 121.5 

 103.7 

 101.5 

 16.5 

 18.5 

 35.0

 10.85 

52.0

67%

99%

1.2

 9.8 

 15.0 

 24.8

 6.28 

36.2

68%

103%

1.1

 7.9 

 8.7 

 16.6

 5.11 

25.3

66%

106%

0.9

 -   

 6.1 

 6.1

 1.47 

17.1

35%

138%

(0.2)

 706 

 325,000 

 62,500 

 544 

 221,000 

 53,000 

 398 

 182,500 

 34,000 

 343 

 118,700 

 30,900 

Income statement ($m) 

Revenue

EBITDA

NPAT (statutory)

NPATA

Statement of financial position ($m)

Assets

Liabilities

Net assets

Net (debt)/cash

Share information

Ordinary shares (million shares)

Dividends per share (cents per share)

Interim

Final

Total dividends

Share price at 31 December ($)

NPATA/ordinary shares (cents per share)

Ratios

Dividend payout ratio

Operating cashflow/NPATA

Net debt/EBITDA

Operational metrics

FTEs 

Packages

Novated leases under management

96

Corporate 
Directory

Directors

Michael Carapiet
Deven Billimoria
Gavin Bell
Andrew Bolam
Deborah Homewood
John Prendiville
Ian Watt

Company 
secretaries

Amanda Morgan 
Sophie MacIntosh

Registered office

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd
Level 8, 133 Castlereagh Street
Sydney, Australia, 2000
Tel: 1300 665 855

Principal place 
of business

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd
Level 8, 133 Castlereagh Street
Sydney, Australia, 2000
Tel: 1300 665 855

Share register

Link Market Services Limited
Level 12, 680 George Street,
Sydney, Australia, 2000
Tel: 1300 368 664

Annual general 
meeting

2 May 2018 at 11am. 
Please refer to the website 
for further details.

Auditor

Solicitors

Bankers

PricewaterhouseCoopers
One International Towers
Watermans Quay, Barangaroo
Sydney, Australia, 2000

Minter Ellison Lawyers
Level 23, 525 Collins Street
Melbourne, Australia, 3000
Tel: +61 3 8608 2000

Australia and New Zealand Banking 
Group Limited
242 Pitt Street
Sydney, NSW, 2000

Stock exchange 
listing

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd shares are 
listed on the Australian Securities Exchange 
(ASX code: SIQ)

Website

smartgroup.com.au

Corporate 
Governance 
Statement

The Corporate Governance Statement, 
which was approved at the same time 
as the Annual Report, can be found at 
http://ir.smartgroup.com.au/
Investors/?page=Corporate-Governance

97

Glossary 
of Terms

AGM

ARC

Board

Annual General Meeting of the Company

Audit and Risk Committee

Board of Directors

Company

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd ABN 48 126 266 831

CAGR

CENL

CEO

CESP

CFO

CHRO

CIO

CGU

CLO

Director

EBITDA

EPS

ESG

Group

GST

HRRC

ITIC
KMP

KPI

LFS

LTIP

Compound Annual Growth Rate

Chief Executive, Novated Leasing and Fleet

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive, Salary Packaging

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Human Resources Officer

Chief Information Officer

Cash Generating Unit

Chief Legal Officer

Director means a director of the Company

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation adjusted for significant non-operating items.

Earnings Per Share

Environmental, Social and Governance

The consolidated Smartgroup Corporation entity consisting of the Company and the entities it controlled at the 
end of or during the year ended 31 December 2017

Goods and Services Tax

Human Resources and Remuneration Committee

IT and Innovation Committee
Key Management Personnel, being those employees who had authority and responsibility for planning, directing 
and controlling the activities of the Group during the 2017 financial year, and includes the Directors. 

Key Performance Indicator

Loan Funded Shares

Long Term Incentive Plan

Net debt

Cash and cash equivalents less borrowings, adjusted to exclude capitalised borrowing costs

NFP

NPAT

NPATA

NPS

Operating activities

Not-for-profit organisation

Net Profit After Tax

Net Profit After Tax, adjusted to exclude the non-cash tax effected Amortisation of intangibles and significant 
non-operating items
Net Promoter Score, which is a measure of how likely a customer is to provide a word of mouth referral, mea-
sured on a scale of -100 to +100.
Cash flow excluding receipts and payments from customers’ salary packaging accounts and significant  
non-operating items.

PBI

PBT

Public Benevolent Institution

Profit Before Tax

Smartgroup

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd ABN 48 126 266 831

STIP

TSR

VWAP

98

Short Term Incentive Plan

Total Shareholder Return

Volume-Weighted Average Price

Initial establishment 
of Smartsalary.com

1999

2001

Investment by Macquarie Bank 
and other investors; 
Smartsalary Pty Ltd established

Launched vehicle lease 
broking business

2004

2006

Acquired by Paxys 
Australia Pty Ltd

Acquired Melbourne Systems 
Group assets and Seqoya

2009

2010

Acquired Webfleet

Acquired Australian Vehicle 
Consultants and creation of Smartfleet

2011

Acquired  PBI Solutions

2012

2013

2014

2015

Paxys Australia sold to Smartgroup 
Investments (currently known as 
Smartgroup Corporation)

Smartgroup Corporation 
lists on the ASX

Acquired Advantage 
Salary Packaging

Acquired TAINS business 
(Insurance products distribution)

Acquired 50% of 
Health-e Workforce Solutions

Acquired Selectus

2016

Acquired Trinity Management Group 
assets. Trading as Smartequity

Acquired Autopia

Acquired AccessPay

2017

Acquired RACV Salary Solutions 
and renamed to Salary Solutions

Acquired Aspire
Benefits Management

Acquired Fleet West Fleet & 
Finance Solutions

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd
National Head Office
Level 8, 133 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000

smartgroup.com.au

Annual Report

2017