- AHG Limited
Transcription
- AHG Limited
Annual Report 2007 Contents 1 Who is AHG and What Do We Do? 2 Corporate Financial Highlights 6 Financial Highlights 8 Chairman’s Message 10 Managing Director’s Review 12 Finance Director’s Review 14 AHG Growth Initiatives 18 Safety, Health and Environment 22 AHG Community Involvement 24 AHG’s Industry Excellence 26 AHG Employees 30 Statement of Corporate Governance Practices 32 Annual Financial Report - 39 Directors’ Report 41 Auditor’s Independence Declaration 59 Income Statements 60 Balance Sheets 61 Statements of Changes in Equity 62 Cash Flow Statements 63 Notes to the Financial Statements 64 Directors’ Declaration 118 CEO/CFO Declaration 119 Independent Audit Report 120 Shareholder and Optionholder Information 122 Operations Contacts 124 Corporate Directory 125 2 Who is AHG and What Do We Do? ... 3 Automotive Holdings Group Limited (AHG or Group) is a leading automotive retailing and logistics group. The Group was founded in 1952 and is now Australia’s largest automotive retailer with a growing presence in New Zealand. AHG has built its logistics division over 30 years and now has operations in every mainland state of Australia. Automotive Retailing AHG has 100 high profile passenger and commercial dealership franchise sites in Australia and New Zealand and represents the following manufacturers: Passenger Bentley, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Holden, HSV, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lotus, Mazda*, Mitsubishi*, Nissan*, Peugeot, Porsche, Saab, Subaru*, Suzuki, Toyota*, Volkswagen*. * AHG represents 9 of the top 10 selling manufacturers in Australia. The top 10 sells 85% of all new vehicles. Source: VFACTS ACT Report August 2007 Trucks and Commercial Vehicles Fuso, Hino, Iveco, International, Volkswagen Commercial, UD Nissan. The AHG automotive retailing business model comprises the development of multiple income streams at each dealership which includes the sales of new and used vehicles, and related finance, insurance, service and parts. The integrated nature of the revenue streams, the spread of major brands and the geographical reach of its dealerships provides AHG with a level of protection against fluctuations in consumer preference, sentiment and economic forces. AHG continues to assess opportunities for beach head businesses in all major states of Australia, identify bolt on acquisitions and establish greenfield sites. It also assists AHG to capitalise on the integrated model whereby, over time, dealerships can generate revenue from customers in these five product and service areas. Typically, customer margins should improve with time as customers seek out products and services beyond the vehicle purchase. AHG operates five businesses in warehousing, transport and distribution: AHG’s portfolio of brands and vehicle types also provides the Group with an inherent hedge against fluctuations in any single market segment or location, and shifts in consumer sentiment that can quickly emerge in automotive retailing. AHG’s automotive retail operation has experienced significant growth over the last 12 months, with beach head businesses acquired in New South Wales and Queensland. Logistics AMCAP - warehousing and distribution business dealing in automotive parts and associated products, principally in Western Australia; RAND TRANSPORT - national refrigerated transport, cold storage and distribution services provider; KTM SPORTMOTORCYCLES - exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor of the prestigious Austrian off-road and on-road motorcycle; VMOTO SCOOTERS - exclusive Australian distribution of Vmoto branded scooters and related merchandise; and VSE - provider of vehicle storage and engineering services based in Victoria. AUTOMOTIVE RAND AMCAP VSE KTM 4 Logistics AMCAP AMCAP has been a distributor of automotive and truck parts in Western Australia for over 30 years. It is one of the state’s leading warehousing and distribution businesses and operates from a modern purpose-built facility in Welshpool, Western Australia. AMCAP is equipped with state-of-the-art, radio frequency picking equipment, computerised materials handling, storage and retrieval systems. AMCAP provides third and fourth party logistics services for manufacturers. Third Party Logistics Services AMCAP provides supply chain services for goods owned by third parties. It holds contracts in Western Australia for Subaru and Hyundai. Fourth Party Logistics Services Under fourth party logistics, AMCAP and Group companies owns the stock and provides marketing services in addition to warehousing, IT and logistics services. Manufacturers’ products handled include Holden, Mitsubishi, Iveco, Fuso, Navistar (ITEC), PPG, HSV, ACDelco, 3M and Bridgestone. AMCAP’s warehouse is being expanded by 3,800m2 to cater for an increased demand in its range of products and to offer existing and new clients purpose-built facilities, including sales and administration support for supplier representation, large item and dangerous goods storage and a comprehensive freight network. On completion of the expansion, AMCAP’s warehouse will cover an area of more than 16,400m2 on a site spanning 43,000m2. AMCAP VSE AHG has recently established a new business in vehicle storage and engineering in Dandenong, Victoria. VSE provides truck storage and distribution logistics as well as an engineering division providing modification services such as chassis modification, lazy axle, turntable and accessory fitment. Although a new business, its growth has already lead to a requirement for it to lease an additional 30,000m2 at the Dandenong Industrial Estate providing storage for up to 400 trucks. VSE Vmoto Scooters A recent addition to the Group’s logistics division, AHG now distributes Vmoto scooters and all terrain vehicles through the existing Vmoto retail network around Australia. AHG has established a dedicated operation within its logistics division to manage the new distribution business and this division should be a sound contributor to the logistics divisions’ earnings in the years ahead. AHG will apply its logistics systems, experience in distribution and draw on its established motorcycle dealer network to build the Vmoto brand in Australia. ... KTM KTM Sportmotorcycles KTM is a prestigious Austrian off-road and on-road motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1934 that has enjoyed considerable success in motor sport. The bikes have a distinctive branding strategy that resonates well in the Australian and New Zealand markets. Based in Welshpool, Western Australia and now Auckland, New Zealand*, AHG’s KTM distribution centres service 80 dealers in both countries. Since its appointment as exclusive importer and distributor in Australia 13 years ago, AHG has driven significant sales growth. Strong growth is now anticipated in the New Zealand market. *74% owned by AHG, 26% owned by KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG Rand Transport Rand Transport provides refrigerated transport, cold storage and distribution services across all mainland state capitals. In March 2007 AHG took possession of the 24,000 pallet cold storage facility at Homebush, New South Wales. With a strong demand for cold storage and refrigerated transport services nationally, this cold storage facility provides a major growth opportunity for the Group on the eastern seaboard. RAND Rand Transport has a long term and stable customer base which includes a number of major Australian fast moving consumer goods manufacturers. VMOTO It is a significant provider of refrigerated freight services on both the east/west and north/south freight corridors. Its GPS and satellite-controlled thermal tracking system ensures that cold chain integrity is constantly monitored irrespective of where Rand Transport’s equipment is located nationally in the pickup, transportation and delivery process. Rand Transport operates three main services, Rand National Transport, Rand Cold Storage and Rand Refrigerated Distribution. Rand National Transport Rand National Transport operates a fleet of purpose-built temperature controlled refrigerated rail containers and road pans that provide line haul clients with the crucial cold chain integrity required to transport perishable products effectively to its customers at constant temperatures. Rand Cold Storage Rand Cold Storage provides short and long term chiller and frozen storage at all of its facilities across Australia in addition to cross-dock operations servicing the requirements of the line haul transport operations. Rand Refrigerated Distribution Rand Refrigerated Distribution provides local refrigerated distribution from Rand cold stores to customers. It has the capacity to deliver all types of refrigerated products as well as dry goods from storage to major cold stores and supermarket chains in major metropolitan areas in Australia. 5 Corporate Financial Highlights 6 NEW ZEALAND’S JOHN ANDREW – PROPOSED NEW FACILITIES KTM ZUPPS HOLDEN MCGRATH MAZDA PRESTIGE HINO ... First move into New Zealand Rand Transport Cold Storage KTM New Zealand The September 2006 acquisition of Ford and Mazda dealerships in Auckland marked AHG’s first move into automotive retailing in New Zealand. A major redevelopment/ refurbishment of the sites is underway. Rand Transport opened its new 24,000 pallet cold storage facility at Homebush in Sydney in March 2007, taking the business to a new level in the cold storage and distribution market on the eastern seaboard. See artists impression on page 6. Prestige Hino FY2007 saw AHG commence distribution of KTM Sportmotorcycles in New Zealand, building on the success of the Australian KTM distribution business and the relationship with the Austrian prestige motorcycle manufacturer. McGrath Motor Group breakthrough acquisition The purpose built Hino truck dealership facility at Dandenong, Victoria was opened in February 2007. The facility provides AHG with a springboard into one of the largest truck markets in Australia with opportunities for solid growth in truck sales, servicing and related activities. AHG made its first major acquisition since listing on ASX with the December 2006 purchase of the New South Wales-based McGrath Motor Group. The acquisition costing $70.3 million, added 15 motor vehicle dealerships including, by volume, 7 of the top 10 motor vehicle manufacturers, to the AHG network and consolidated the Group as Australia’s largest automotive retailer. Lansvale Holden, the first New South Wales bolt-on acquisition, was purchased in March 2007 adding to the McGrath Motor Group operation. Zupps Queensland In May 2007 AHG made its single largest growth move to date with the $123.6 million acquisition in May 2007 of the Queensland based Zupps Motor Group. The acquisition further consolidated AHG’s position as Australia’s largest automotive retailer and provided the Group with a second eastern seaboard beach head from which to build further growth. At the time of the acquisition the Zupps Motor Group represented 11 manufacturers including 4 of the top 10 brands. Since the acquisition the Hyundai and Skoda brands have been added to the list of manufacturers represented. Growth in greenfields Rockingham Mitsubishi, located in Perth’s burgeoning southern corridor, is a new greenfield site developed by AHG through FY2007. AHG continues to build critical mass with the recent announcement of the development of four new automotive retailing dealerships in Western Australia and Queensland. The new dealerships, Volkswagen and Kia in Western Australia and Subaru and Hyundai in Queensland, are part of AHG’s ongoing growth strategy of building additional retailing capacity around its core operations. RAND TRANSPORT ROCKINGHAM MITSUBISHI 7 8 Financial Highlights ... Strong performances from Group operations, favourable trading conditions and the impact of major acquisitions combined to deliver another year of strong revenue and earnings growth for AHG. 30 June 2007 30 June 2006 Increase $ million $ million % Revenue 2,312.4 1,616.4 43.0 75.9 53.6 41.6 3.3 3.3 - EBIT 67.3 47.2 42.6 NPBT 48.3 33.5 44.2 NPAT – attributable to shareholders 30.2 20.2 49.5 Basic EPS (cents per share) 20.0 16.6 20.5 Dividend per share (cents per share) 12.5 10.0 25.0 Total Assets 947.4 495.5 91.0 Shareholders’ Equity 292.5 137.7 112.0 EBITDA EBITDA Margin (%) 9 10 Chairman’s Message ... To our Shareholders, On behalf of the Board it is my pleasure to present the AHG 2007 annual report. FY2007 was another very strong year of growth for AHG with very positive contributions from existing business units, market conditions remaining buoyant, new acquisitions boosting results and the Group beginning to benefit from the efficiencies flowing from the greater scale of the overall business. Group net profit after tax rose by 49.3% to $30.2 million, Group revenue rose 43% to $2.31 billion and earnings per share increased by 20.5% to 20 cents. The profit result was particularly pleasing given the high level of corporate activity during the year, including two major acquisitions in New South Wales with McGrath Motor Group and Queensland with Zupps Motor Group. Dividend and Shareholder Return The Directors have declared a fully franked 7.5 cents final dividend, lifting the full year fully franked distribution to 12.5 cents from 10 cents last year. The total dividends for the year represents 70% of net profit after tax. Combined with an increase in market capitalisation of approximately 311% to $832 million at 30 June 2007, the total shareholder return for FY2007 was 147%.* Operational Highlights Automotive retailing continued to be the engine room of the Group, contributing $2.06 billion in revenue and a pre-tax profit of $37.2 million. Through a period of strong growth, including the integration of two major acquisitions, the automotive retailing division’s EBITDA margin was 3.1%. AHG believes there are growth opportunities in automotive retailing, both through organic growth in the existing expanded network and through new acquisitions that will complement our operations in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. The logistics division also performed well in FY2007, contributing revenue of $247.9 million (up 22.7%) and a pre-tax profit of $7.2 million. FY2007 was a year of major investment in logistics infrastructure, with the completion of Rand Transport’s new 24,000 pallet cold storage facility at Homebush in Sydney together with the commitment to a major expansion of the AMCAP warehouse facility in WA to cater for growing demand for parts and associated products distribution. We are confident that in 2008 these initiatives will generate solid growth for the logistics division. Strategic Highlights AHG’s greatest achievement in FY2007 has been the generation of growth in our traditional businesses whilst successfully integrating new acquisitions. The Group has a proven model for growth initiatives of acquiring businesses that are complementary to AHG’s existing operations, are earnings accretive and will create long term value for shareholders. Increased size has started to deliver scale and efficiency benefits which position AHG well for strong earnings growth in 2008 and beyond. Directors and Corporate Governance I express my thanks and pay tribute to the contribution of my fellow Board members to what was a very busy year, with frequent calls on their expertise and wisdom through the many transactions and growth initiatives. AHG subscribes to best practice in corporate governance principles with the main objective being a functional board that brings corporate insight and commercial common sense to its deliberations. The Board continues to enhance its corporate governance policies and procedures to ensure it maintains high standards. In this regard, AHG is very well served by its board members. During the earlier part of the year Vern Wheatley advised the Board of his intention not to stand for re-election at the November 2006 annual general meeting. Vern has made an immense contribution to the Board with his skills and in depth knowledge of AHG’s operations and his service has been greatly appreciated. I welcome David Griffiths to the Board. David brings to AHG more than 15 years experience in equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and the corporate advisory sector. He makes a great addition to our team and we are delighted to have a person of his calibre on board. Employees The ongoing success of AHG is based on shareholder focus, financial disciplines and a good reputation, all of which are reliant on the efforts and dedication of employees. The Board is appreciative of the exceptional contribution of management and staff in achieving this year’s result and in creating a platform for continued growth in to the future. Looking forward to 2008 and beyond, AHG will continue to implement its growth plans in particular building its existing businesses and making acquisitions where they make sense. Our New South Wales operations provide an opportunity for AHG to grow from a small base in the largest new vehicle market in Australia. Further, we will seek to leverage our strong operations in Australia’s powerhouse economies of Western Australia and Queensland and pursue opportunities in line with our growth initiatives. We thank you our shareholders, for your support and we look forward to delivering further value in the time ahead. Robert Branchi, Chairman *Source: Link Market Services 11 12 Managing Director’s Review ... A backdrop to the year that was The growth strategy put in place by AHG at the time of listing on ASX paid off in FY2007, allowing the Group to complete two major acquisitions further consolidating the Group’s position as Australia’s largest automotive retailer. This strategy is built around the key goals of achieving profitable growth and leveraging critical mass in business operations to capture scale and efficiency benefits. AHG has now gained profile and scale that positions the Group for a potential extended period of growth in the years ahead. Part of AHG’s growth strategy is focussed on finding new businesses that can benefit from the AHG business model, are synergistic with existing Group operations, and which are earnings accretive. Critical to the success of the growth strategy to date has been the ability of AHG to quickly and successfully integrate the new businesses and with the acquisitions of McGrath Motor Group in New South Wales and Zupps Motor Group in Queensland during FY2007, I am pleased to report that integration is proceeding as planned for both acquisitions and our focus will be on ensuring we maximise the synergy and scale benefits that have already started to flow strongly. The year that was A 49.5% increase in net profit is testament to the strength of the growth strategy and supports our belief in the opportunities that lie ahead. Through the acquisitions of McGrath Motor Group and Zupps Motor Group, AHG has acquired two talented and experienced management groups that now make groupwide contributions and add to the depth and breadth of our management team. The year also saw the opening of the Prestige Hino truck dealership facility at Dandenong, providing AHG with an opportunity for further growth in the Victorian market. 2007 saw an exciting development for AHG’s motorcycle distribution business with our appointment of the exclusive distribution for the prestige KTM Sportmotorcycles in New Zealand1. AHG enjoys a strong relationship with the Austrian manufacturer and is looking for a repeat of the success of the Australian KTM Sportmotorcycles distribution business which has been owned and managed by AHG since 1994. KTM New Zealand is an example of the product and geographic diversity that sits behind AHG’s operations. AHG expanded its presence in New Zealand with the acquisition of two Ford and two Mazda dealerships in central and northern Auckland. These facilities service two of the three prime market areas in Auckland and cover approximately 70% of the Auckland metropolitan market. The Group also established a greenfield operation in Rockingham and announced a number of proposed greenfield operations that will form part of the Group’s expanded network. The acquisitions and greenfield developments consolidate AHG’s position at the head of the Australian market with annual revenues in excess of $2.3 billion. The Year Ahead With Australian new vehicle sales tipped to exceed 1 million units2 for the second consecutive year and strong growth continuing in new vehicle sales in our key markets of Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales, we believe there is potential for further significant growth for the Group. FY2008 will also see AHG capture scale and efficiency benefits from its expanded business network. McGrath Motor Group and Zupps Motor Group are very good businesses with scale and size in their own right and it gives AHG the opportunity to acquire smaller bolt on businesses as has already been achieved with Lansvale Holden being added to the McGrath Motor Group in FY2007. Future greenfield dealerships sites and bolt on acquisitions will add a further layer of growth and we expect a number of such developments this year. The Group remains a natural aggregator in the automotive retailing sector and we continue to assess a range of acquisition opportunities placed before us. AHG is also planning for strong growth in logistics, including an increase in the Rand Transport business on the back of the new 24,000 pallet cold storage facility at Homebush in Sydney. For some years, Rand has been the dominant supplier of refrigerated transport services on the east-west corridor between WA and the eastern seaboard. Rand is expected to emerge as a substantial operator in the north-south corridor between Brisbane-SydneyMelbourne and the new Homebush facility provides infrastructure that allows Rand to make a major leap in scale and tap into the growing demand for cold storage and refrigerated transport nationally. Crucially, AHG will continue to place major importance on the successful integration of new businesses. Our acquisition and integration performance has been well received by the investment market and we remain committed to pursuing only growth opportunities that are value accretive for shareholders. AHG has been fortunate in recent times to have exposure to booming economies such as Western Australia and Queensland. We also anticipate continued favourable economic conditions in all of our major markets and have invested heavily in the businesses and structures that should support revenue and earnings growth in the years ahead. The AHG model has been constructed for long term sustainable growth. Over 2008 and beyond we will work hard to deliver that for our shareholders. Bronte Howson, Managing Director 174% owned by AHG, 26% owned by KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG 2Source – VFACTS 13 14 Finance Director’s Review ... AHG reported record growth across its operations in 2007, with improvements in most key performance indicators and a further strong performance anticipated for 2008. $ million Revenue 2500 35 30 2000 25 1500 20 1000 15 10 500 5 0 NPAT - Attributable to Shareholders $ million 0 2006 2007 Full Year 30 June 2006 2007 Full Year 30 June Revenue Net Profit After Tax The Group revenue increase from the previous financial year of 43% to $2.3 billion was driven substantially by new acquisitions but existing operations also achieved healthy increases in activity, in both automotive retailing and logistics. The 49.3% increase in net profit from the previous financial year to $30.2 million was also driven by strong trading conditions in the markets AHG operates in, and contributions from the Group’s growth initiatives. $ million EBITDA 80 Basic EPS 25 20 60 15 40 10 20 5 0 0 Cents/ Share 2006 2007 Full Year 30 June 2006 2007 Full Year 30 June EBITDA Earnings Per Share EBITDA was 41.6% higher than for the previous financial year at $75.9 million and EBIT rose 42.6% to $67.3 million. The EBITDA margin in automotive retailing improved slightly from 3.05% to 3.10%. Overall EBITDA margin was steady at 3.28%, with a slight fall in EBITDA margin in logistics (4.79% v. 5.14%) being affected by start up costs associated with the investment in Rand Transport’s new cold storage facility at Homebush. Earnings per share grew 20.5% from the previous financial year to 20 cents despite a substantial increase in the issued capital towards the end of the financial year as a result of the issue of AHG shares as part consideration for the new acquisitions. 15 16 ... $ million Automotive Retailing Result 40 30 20 10 0 2006 2007 Full Year 30 June Automotive In divisional terms, automotive retailing delivered a pre-tax result of $37.2 million (up 36.8% from the previous financial year) on revenue of $2.06 billion (up 46%). Both McGrath Motor Group and Zupps Motor Group made contributions to the Group during FY2007 slightly ahead of expectations. Dividend Cents 14 The restructure also included the planned divestment of three Ford dealerships owned by PAA. 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 McGrath Motor Group, which was acquired on 1 December 2006, contributed revenue of $361.1 million and pre-tax profit of $7.2 million. Zupps Motor Group was acquired on 2 May 2007 and contributed $125.1 million in revenue and pre-tax profit of $3.3 million. During the year, AHG completed the planned restructure of the businesses within the Perth Auto Alliance (‘PAA’) with the Group acquiring 100% ownership through purchasing the remaining 39.7% of the company from Ford International Capital Corporation. 2006 2007 Full Year 30 June Dividend Growth Shareholders were rewarded with a 25% increase in dividend to 12.5 cents fully franked. AHG also received its first contribution from Auckland Auto Collection Limited, owner of Ford and Mazda dealerships in Auckland, which the Company acquired on 1 October 2006. Auckland Auto Collection contributed $125 million in revenue and a pre-tax profit of $111,000 during the eight months under AHG ownership. At acquisition, substantial profit was not expected from these dealerships and this was reflected in the purchase price. This New Zealand business was acquired on the basis of future opportunity through redevelopment of the dealership sites and re-engineering of their business operations through implementation of AHG’s automotive retailing model. ... Logistics Disciplined Capital Management Pre Tax Result During the year and in light of the acquisition strategy, the Board reviewed the capital structure of AHG, ensuring the maintenance of a strong balance sheet and an appropriate balance between debt to equity. As a minimum, the Board looks to three times interest cover when assessing acquisitions and the Group’s capital structure and the issuing of additional shares during the year was undertaken with this in mind. $ million Logistics Results 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 2006 2007 Full Year 30 June Logistics contributed a pre-tax profit of $7.2 million (up 14.3% on the previous financial year) on revenue of $247.9 million (up 22.7%). $ million Logistics Total Revenue 800 600 300 250 400 200 200 150 0 100 50 0 Market Capitalisation 1000 Revenue $ million This strategy resulted in an increase in issued capital from 140 million shares to 191.2 million shares, representing a 36.6% increase, in support of the acquisitions of the McGrath and Zupps Motor Groups. This approach complemented the desire of the vendors the to participate in AHG’s growth strategy and allowed AHG to maintain an appropriate mix of debt and equity. The placement of shares to institutional investors in support of the Zupps Motor Group acquisition was well received by the market and is reflective of the increase in market capitalisation from $267 million to $832 million over the 12 month period to 30 June 2007. 2006 2007 Full Year 30 June While the segment contribution of $7.2 million represented a 14.3% increase on the previous financial year, earnings growth was restrained by the investment in new infrastructure for Rand Transport. The Homebush facility is anticipated to drive an increase in earnings contribution during 2008. The AMCAP warehouse and distribution business in WA is also undergoing a major expansion in capacity to meet growing demand, the benefits of which should also flow through to the 2008 results. 2006 2007 Full Year 30 June Coupled with the higher full year dividend of 12.5 cents, this delivered Total Shareholder Return over the course of FY2007 of 147%.* Information Systems In reflection of its strong business growth, AHG has commenced implementation of a nationally-focussed strategic plan for information systems and technology. Based on a strong existing core IT infrastructure in WA, this plan will see acquired businesses aligning on common platforms and standards that leverage existing investment and intellectual capital whilst facilitating centralised control. An emphasis will be maintained on robust systems that support the business reliably and economically, with management operating under appropriate good governance principles. Hamish Williams, Finance Director *Source: Link Market Services 17 18 AHG Growth Initiatives PRESTIGE HINO RAND TRANSPORT ZUPPS MITSUBISHI MCGRATH SUBARU JOHN ANDREW MAZDA AMCAP ... New Zealand McGrath Motor Group Rand Transport AHG’s foray into New Zealand began in August 2006 when it was awarded exclusive importation and distribution rights for KTM Sportmotorcycles. In December 2006 AHG purchased the McGrath Motor Group, one of the largest automotive retailers in New South Wales. In March 2007, Rand Transport completed the purpose built 24,000 pallet cold store at Homebush, New South Wales with the facility generating interest from existing and new customers. This new facility is expected to provide an outstanding platform for growth on the eastern seaboard. AHG increased its presence in September 2006 when it acquired two Ford and two Mazda motor vehicle dealerships plus four satellite service centres in central and northern Auckland. These facilities service two of the three prime market areas in Auckland and cover approximately 70% of the Auckland metropolitan population. AHG has embarked on an expansion and redevelopment program in and around New Zealand’s largest city. It is anticipated that in early 2008 John Andrew, New Zealand’s largest single Ford and Mazda dealership, will be substantially demolished and rebuilt over 18 months. To support the business whilst this is undertaken, adjoining sites have been leased. Plans are being finalised for the refurbishment of North Harbour Ford and Mazda in North Auckland. North Harbour Mazda has also expanded into the emerging Albany area with the opening of a showroom and workshop facility in August 2007. Opportunities are being assessed in West Auckland to expand the current satellite service centre into a retail point for both the Ford and Mazda brands. Founded in 1938 by Bert McGrath, McGrath Motor Group is a market leader in the population centres of Liverpool, Blacktown and Sutherland. At the time of purchase, McGrath Motor Group operated 15 motor vehicle dealerships, encompassing seven of the top 10 selling brands in Australia. The acquisition was consistent with AHG’s stated growth strategy of acquiring businesses that are complementary to AHG’s existing operations, are earnings accretive and will create long term value for shareholders. The acquisition and integration of the McGrath Motor Group has provided AHG with the critical mass to support acquisitions of single dealerships that fit the AHG model along the eastern seaboard. In March 2007, AHG purchased Lansvale Holden, a stand alone dealership situated on Hume Highway, near McGrath’s existing operations in nearby Liverpool. Zupps Motor Group In May 2007, AHG purchased the Zupps Motor Group, Queensland’s largest privately owned automotive retailing group. Founded in 1948 by Percy Zupp, Zupps has 32 franchises operating from 18 locations and representing 13 automotive brands. Its operations include mega-sites at Aspley, Mount Gravatt and Southport with the majority of the other sites multi-branded. It operates three truck locations and two parts distribution outlets at Coopers Plains and Townsville. The Zupps Motor Group secures AHG’s Queensland beach head allowing it to pursue additional incremental growth opportunities. AMCAP AMCAP’s warehouse will be expanded by 3,800m2 to cater for an increased demand in its range of products and to offer existing clients additional purpose-built facilities, including sales and administration support for supplier representation, large item and dangerous goods storage and a comprehensive freight network. On completion, which is expected to be December 2007, AMCAP’s warehouse will cover an area of more than 16,400m2 on a site spanning 43,000m2. Prestige Hino In November 2005 AHG announced an outstanding opportunity for the Group to build its automotive retailing presence in Victoria. AHG was selected by Hino Australia as the preferred operator for the Hino dealership in Dandenong and with the new purpose built facility completed in February 2007, AHG now controls and services Hino’s largest market area in Victoria in a thriving industrial region. 19 20 ... Total Nissan Redevelopment Chris Marwick & Garry Wright Brisbane Sydney Perth Melbourne ZUPPS SUBARU VSE Auckland ... VSE Existing Dealership Developments Most recently AHG has established this operation to provide truck storage and engineering services for third parties. AHG continues to enhance its existing dealerships with redevelopments planned, or nearing completion for dealerships in Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and New Zealand and expansion of the Group’s Dandenong facility in Victoria. The growth of the VSE business has lead to the leasing of an additional 30,000m2 of land for storage of up to 400 trucks and a workshop/body shop for engineering. Greenfield Initiatives AHG continues to build critical mass with the development of greenfield sites in Western Australia and Queensland which reinforces AHG’s ongoing growth strategy of building additional retailing capacity around its core operations. In Western Australia, AHG’s latest greenfield sites are Mitsubishi and Kia dealerships which are strategically located in the fast growing suburb of Rockingham, on the southern fringe of the Perth metropolitan area. These new sites extend AHG’s footprint in Rockingham from its well-established Ford dealership. To the north of the Perth metropolitan area, AHG continues to expand its ‘auto mart’ development in Wangara with the addition of a new Volkswagen dealership due to open in 2008. This dealership builds on the success of AHG’s Osborne Park Volkswagen facility and is the first in Australia to be built to the new Volkswagen corporate identity. A new Subaru dealership at Capalaba south of Brisbane opened in September 2007 and represents an important new growth initiative for the Queensland operation. Further, a new Hyundai dealership at Browns Plains in Brisbane’s southern suburbs started trading in July 2007. In Western Australia, Total Nissan in Cannington has been rebuilt and is due for completion in October 2007, a new Skoda facility is being developed in Osborne Park in existing showrooms and in Wangara, Subaru Wangara is building a new facility on the Wangara auto mart. In New South Wales planning approvals are underway to rebuild Lander Nissan and Kia in Blacktown. This will assist the McGrath Motor Group in maintaining the current position as the number one volume Nissan dealership in NSW. Planning has also commenced on the redevelopment of McGrath Sutherland’s super site which includes rebuilding of the Nissan and Volkswagen showrooms plus substantial improvements to the existing service facilities. Planning has also commenced on developing a new Mazda facility for McGrath Liverpool. In New Zealand, AHG is in the final stages of planning for substantial redevelopment of the iconic John Andrew Ford and Mazda site. Designed over two levels, this stateof-the-art design will set new standards for Ford, Mazda and AHG in the strong Auckland market. Work is estimated to commence in early 2008. Plans are also afoot to refurbish and expand the North Harbour Ford and Mazda dealerships. 21 22 Safety, Health and Environment ... AHG is committed to achieving a high standard of safety, health and environment and prides itself in being an industry standard setter. Its current initiatives include obtaining service department green stamp accreditation and installing water reclaiming systems at new dealerships with a view to installation at all sites in the future. AHG is also implementing an updated Occupational Health and Safety System to accommodate its recent expansion, commissioning a national audit of the Group’s OHS&E management systems and a solid reporting framework for each of its operations Other achievements include: • continued reductions in workers’ compensation claims in its WA businesses; • enhancement of safety induction training for all new employees; • updating its employee handbook, one third of which is dedicated to safety, health and the environment; • centralised reporting of safety statistics; • centralised supply of AHG safety equipment via AMCAP; • upgrading its Human Resources Information Services which will enhance safety health and environment administration; and • appointment of a full time National Safety Manager and implementation of a National Safety Management System at Rand Transport. Green Stamp Accreditation The Green Stamp Accreditation is an acknowledgment of an individual dealership’s commitment to minimising the environmental impacts associated with repairing or servicing their customers’ vehicles. Eight Western Australian AHG dealerships are Green Stamp Accredited employing best environmental practices in regard to cleaner production and reducing pollution or waste in the environment. Green Stamp Accredited businesses, as a minimum, satisfy legislative requirements and are audited by the MTA-WA on a yearly basis to ensure compliance. The Green Stamp logo is a symbol of excellent environmental practice and dealerships that are accredited are recognised as industry leaders in environmental management. The Green Stamp is focusing on several areas to reduce the industry’s environmental impact: • improved storage practices associated with chemicals and other hazardous substances • pre-treatment of wastewater from the workshop prior to approved disposal • emergency spill management to prevent pollution of ground and stormwater • correct disposal of waste products, preferably to recycling or reuse • air quality management • energy and resource conservation • the development of environmental management systems Water Reclaiming and Recycling Systems Water restrictions are becoming part of our daily lives and AHG is committed to looking after the environment in which it operates. AHG has committed to future sites having a water reclaiming and recycle system installed in the dealership workshop fit outs. The process involves having a detailed filtering system which separates all oil from the water and filters the water ready for re-use in wash bays. 23 24 AHG Community Involvement AHG has long been committed to the community which supports its business and this culture continues through its recent acquisitions. AHG’s philosophy is to provide sponsorship and financial assistance to organisations that represent broad cross sections of the community in which AHG operates. The Group especially seeks to provide assistance to organisations where AHG’s business activities can lend them direct support. AHG sponsors over 150 community and charity groups Australia wide. Examples of AHG’s local community initiatives include: Western Australia Rocky Bay Rocky Bay, a centre of excellence for people with neuromuscular and neurological conditions. AHG directly subsidises the centre’s motor vehicle fleet and separately helps to raise direct funding through vehicle raffles, and organising and sponsoring an annual corporate golf day. The 2007 AHG & Rocky Bay Corporate Golf Day was held at Joondalup Golf Course on 2 March 2007 raising $146,000, $30,000 more than the figure raised at the same event last year and setting what is believed to be a new record for a fundraising golf day, for a single charitable organisation in Western Australia. Senses Foundation for the Deaf and Deafblind AHG is the major sponsor of the annual golf day. The 13th Annual Senses Foundation Golf Day, with major sponsor AHG, saw 140 members of Perth’s business community take to the greens at Royal Perth Golf Club on Friday April 27, 2007 for a day of sporting fun, networking and a worthy cause. The money raised from the event and gala dinner auction is used within the Foundation’s Specialist Communication Program, a service highly valued by clients and their families. This year the event raised approximately $135,000. Activ Foundation Perth City to Surf annual sponsorship. AHG donate a vehicle to entice entrants to the Activ Foundation’s Perth City to Surf. The 2007 event was held on 26 August to record crowds. The wet and windy weather did not deter entrants in the 4km, 12km or 21km races. Starlight Foundation In February 2007, AHG donated $25,000 to the Starlight Foundation to purchase two state-of-the-art Starlight Fun Centres for the Joondalup Health Campus. The Fun Centres will entertain children in the paediatric ward that are too ill to leave their beds. Each purpose built, mobile entertainment unit contains an LCD flat screen, DVD player, Nintendo Gamecube and computer, with a huge variety of preloaded games and movies. AHG Driving Centre AHG has entered into a long term strategic partnership with Perth’s Driver Training and Education Centre (DTEC) and secured naming rights to this purpose-built facility near Perth International Airport. The Group has made this commitment in recognition of the community need to increase driver skills and safety. All customers under the age of 25 who purchase a car from a Western Australian AHG dealership are given two free defensive driver training courses at the AHG Driving Centre. ROCKY BAY CITY TO SURF CITY TO SURF ... New South Wales Queensland Zupps Free Ladies Drive Day NSW Police Fire Brigade and Ambulance Services Seeing Eye Dogs/Working Wonders for Sick Kids Regular support is provided to the NSW Police Fire Brigade and Ambulance Services, specifically to the Natalie Newman Benefit Night. Each year Zupps Motor Group aligns itself with one major charity for the full year. Through fund raising efforts in 2006 Zupps raised $16,000 for Seeing Eye Dogs. In 2005 it raised approximately $18,000 for Working Wonders for Sick Kids. Zupps believes that by supporting such charities it can make a difference in the community. Customers are offered the opportunity to take a defensive driving course which focuses on driving skills, awareness and safety. PCYC Kid Smart Official Blue Light Handbook This handbook is a kids education programme that is distributed to local school children to educate them on dangers such as drugs. Queensland Police Community Policing Vehicles Lions Club McGrath Motor Group have been sponsoring Lions Clubs events for more than 20 years. Motoring Women Australia A dealership-based series of evening events offering basic vehicle maintenance skills to female customers. St. Andrews High School Marayong Career Night Each year McGrath Motor Group provides sponsorship to support the graduating students at their careers advisory night. The sponsorship enables the school to invite guest speakers to inspire and guide students in the final years of their schooling on further education and future career choices. AHG DRIVING CENTRE Providing community-policing vehicles to Queensland Police for various station-based community operations. The Silver Lining Foundation Helping the disadvantaged indigenous youth of Queensland by providing sponsorship to The Silver Lining Foundation. New Zealand Maori Warden Trust AHG provides vehicles for use to the Maori Warden Trust, a youth group mentor. Sponsorship and Support AHG also sponsors the Auckland Rugby Union, provides support to NZ Rally Champion, Mark Tapper and hosts a number of community events throughout the year. In addition to the above we acknowledge many of our employees who give their time in support of these and other worthwhile causes. Zupps Women at the Wheel program This program began in 1999 in response to government and media reports that suggested many women felt uncertain unprepared, uncomfortable and unresponded to when dealing with the motor industry in general. Each Zupps dealership invites women who are Zupplink members (a Zupps referral, loyalty and reward program) to a special evening event that involves a tour of the service department, an overview of vehicle safety features, and a particular focus on basic instruction on vehicle maintenance. STARLIGHT FOUNDATION SENSES GOLF DAY 25 26 AHG’s Industry Excellence 1. 2. .3 ... AHG and the motor vehicle industry in general applauds industry excellence with a number of awards being offered to those who excel. AHG Awards for Excellence The collective efforts of all AHG’s business units over the past 12 months delivered an outstanding result for the Group. To recognise and congratulate teams and individuals for their contribution, AHG holds an annual Awards for Excellence night. The aim of the program is to identify and recognise those individuals and businesses in our Group who have excelled in their field during the year. The Awards are judged over the full financial year, and hence related to Western Australian operations only this year, and a gala night is held in August each year to announce the annual winners. Our employees’ commitment to the Group allows us to achieve excellence in our operations. It is their motivation that drives the AHG business and we value their shared commitment to customer service. Our winners include: Business of the Year Amcap Distribution Centre Employee of the Year – Logistics Operations Maureen Rice Amcap Distribution Centre Employee of the Year – Dealerships Ross Embleton City Motors Holden & HSV Service/Panel Manager of the Year Philip McLardy Osborne Park Subaru & Volkswagen Salesperson of the Year Mark Webster WA Hino & Volkswagen Commercial Centre Financial Controller of the Year John Verrier Giant Nissan Hyundai New Vehicle Manager of the Year Bruno Cirillo WA Hino & Volkswagen Commercial Centre Used Vehicle Manager of the Year Shane Connors Northside Nissan Aftercare Manager of the Year Lynda Arts Osborne Park Subaru & Volkswagen Wholesale Manager of the Year Nevin Porter Northside Nissan Finance & Insurance Manager of the Year Paul Clayton Nuford Tradesperson of the Year Paul Atkinson Northside Nissan Safety & Health Award Melville Mitsubishi Parts Manager of the Year Mike Marmo Amcap Distribution Centre & Skipper Trucks Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Jarryd Ruksenas City Motors Holden & HSV MTAWA Awards Western Australia’s Motor Industry Awards celebrate those people who are significant contributors and are the cornerstone in the industry, as well as recognising the people and organisations who will lead the industry to a successful future. The Australian motor vehicle industry is one of Australia’s most dynamic and interesting industry sectors, employing in excess of 600,000 people across Australia. In Western Australia, the vehicle industry makes a major contribution to the State economy and supports many vital parts of its infrastructure. The Awards are open to all current members of the motor industry in Western Australia and gives the recipient the opportunity to be recognised as a leader in the industry. The categories include: • Repairer of the Year • Quality Service Business of the Year • Excellence in the Environment and Safety • Manager of the Year • Business Commitment to Training • Apprentice or Trainee of the Year • Motor Trade Association of W.A. (Inc.) Lifetime Achievement Award AHG is proud to have achieved awards in three out of the five categories recognised at the 2007 Motor Industry Awards on 21 April 2007. Winners and Finalists include: MTAWA Winners • Osborne Park Subaru & Volkswagen’s Service Manager, Philip McLardy Manager of the Year • Grand Toyota - Quality Service Business of the Year • Big Rock Toyota - Business Commitment to Training Photos 1. Business of the Year - AMCAP 2. Finance & Insurance Manager of the Year - Paul Clayton 3. New Vehicle Manager of the Year Bruno Cirillo 27 ... 28 2. .1 .5 3. .4 6. .7 ... MTAWA Finalists Holden Suzuki • Osborne Park Subaru & Volkswagen’s John Venables-Kyrke, Grand Toyota‘s Adam Garrat; and Lynford’s Ryan Brandy - Apprentice of the Year North City Holden’s Don Cameron was awarded 2006 Used Vehicle Manager of the Year in March 2007 at the Holden Guild of Excellence Awards. Zupps Browns Plains held Queensland’s highest market share for 2006, Zupps Southport was awarded as No. 1 Selling Non Metro Suzuki Dealer 2006. • City Motors Holden & HSV, Osborne Park Subaru & Volkswagen - Business Commitment to Training McGrath Holden Liverpool was finalist in two categories for Liverpool Council Business Awards 2007, Zupps Browns Plains was 2006 Holden Grand Masters Dealer and winner of the Chairman’s Award (No. 1 dealer in Australia for Group 2). • Osborne Park Subaru & Volkswagen Quality Service Business of the Year • City Motors Holden & HSV’s Richard Machura - Manager of the Year Manufacturers also provide awards for excellence in which AHG dealerships have excelled, some of which include: Ford Zupps Mt Gravatt was 2006 Holden Grand Masters Dealer, winner of the Guild of Excellence – Service & After Sales Award, Queensland and Service Managers Guild – Top in Zone and Ben O’Neill was named Foreman of the Year. John Andrew Ford was named no. 1 Ford Dealer in New Zealand and Amy O’Connell was named Ford Apprentice of the year. Nuford Sales Manager Award 2006 - Dez De Lange, Star Achievers Award 2006, Customer Service Division Excellence Award 2006 - Parts Department. Mazda Fuso Mitsubishi Fuso Zupps Rocklea was named No. 2 Sales Dealer of the Year and No. 2 Parts Dealer of the Year in 2006. Skipper Trucks was winner of the National Parts Dealer of the Year. Nissan Hino Australia Northside Nissan was awarded Platinum Dealer in 2006 and 2007. Zupps Browns Plains was awarded Platinum Dealer in 2007. WA Hino was awarded Highest Selling Dealership 2006/07 and Sales Person of the Year 2006/07 (Mark Webster). John Andrew Mazda was named no. 1 Mazda Dealer in New Zealand. Mitsubishi Zupps Mitsubishi was named as Australia’s number 1 selling dealer in 2006. To reach platinum status dealers must achieve consistently in each key element of facilities, sales and marketing, service, parts, loyalty and operations. This is the most elite recognition within Nissan. McGrath Nissan was awarded with the Elite Sales Award 2007. UD Nissan Zupps Rocklea was awarded No. 1 Parts Dealer of the Year 2006, 2006 National Service Technician of the Year, 2006 No. 1 Sales Dealer of the Year, 2006 Dealer of the Year. Volkswagen McGrath Volkswagen’s Chanh Trinh was voted NSW 2007 Technician of the Year and was runner up nationally. Osborne Park Volkswagen was awarded the 2006 Volkswagen Australia Parts Department of the Year. Rand Transport Rachel Pampano was awarded the Frank Vale Award in New South Wales. Frank Vale was one of the founding members of the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association and the award recognises young up-and-comers in the refrigerated warehousing and/or transport industry. Photos 1. Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Jarryd Ruksenas 2. Aftercare Manager of the Year Lynda Arts 3. Used Vehicle Manager of the Year Shane Connors 4. Service Manager of the Year Phil McLardy 5. Employee of the Year (Logistics Operations) - Maureen Rice 6. Wholesale Manager of the Year Nevin Porter 7. Financial Controller of the Year John Verrier 29 30 AHG Employees ... AHG is committed to the ongoing recruitment, development, training and retention of its employee base, which now numbers more than 3,500 employees. AHG’s goal is to be an employer of choice within the automotive retail and logistics industries. This objective is enhanced by AHG’s diversified portfolio of vehicle dealerships and logistics businesses that provide opportunities for talented staff to advance within the Group, facilitating the Group’s ongoing succession planning. As a measure of AHG’s strength in personnel management, more than 350 employees have served the Group for more than 10 years. Their dedication is highly regarded and awarded membership to the long serving members club led by Chairman Robert Branchi who has been with AHG for more than 50 years. AHG has implemented performancebased reward systems which contribute to enhanced employee performance and job satisfaction. The Group has introduced innovative training programs for Dealer Principals and other employees that support performance and provide direct career advancement opportunities. AHG takes great pride in its extensive training programs that enable employees to develop to their full potential. AHG believes that the following key programs give the Group and its employees a competitive edge: • Active participation in industry apprenticeship programs, employing around 80 new apprentices each year; • Innovative recruitment drives enabling AHG to recruit untapped talent in the market place and bring on approximately 60 new sales cadets each year; • Tailored training and sales certification programs canvassing induction and ongoing training and development; • Customer designed service advisor programs to ensure high customer satisfaction standards are met at every AHG Dealership; • Ongoing training at all levels of management through the Australian Institute of Management; • Further education support for senior employees undertaking post-graduate studies, such as MBA programs; • Monthly sales induction courses for all new employees; • School to Zupps Apprenticeship Project in Queensland offers local high school students, who excel academically, two-year mechanical service technician apprenticeships; and • Total group support of the Deloitte / Horwarth “Academy for Excellence” programmes for all senior managers. College of Automotive Learning The recently established College of Automotive Learning (‘CAL’) is a registered training office based in Perth. While owned by AHG, the Group treats this division as an independent training supplier which provides services to operations both internal and external to AHG. CAL has the scope to deliver on six different qualifications from administration and sales through to mechanical services. This year 100 trainees will graduate through the CAL courses. 31 32 Statement of Corporate Governance Practices ... Automotive Holdings Group Limited and the Board are committed to achieving and demonstrating the highest standards of corporate governance. The Board continues to review the framework and practices to ensure they meet the interests of stakeholders. The relationship between the Board and senior management is critical to the Company’s long term success. The directors are responsible for the performance of the Company in both the short and the longer term and seek to balance sometimes competing objectives in the best interests of the Group as a whole. Their focus is to enhance the interests of shareholders and other key stakeholders and to ensure the Company is properly managed. Day to day management of the Company’s affairs and the implementation of the corporate strategy and policy initiatives are formally delegated by the Board to the Managing Director and senior executives. A description of the Company’s main corporate governance practices is set out below. All these practices, unless otherwise stated, were in place for the entire year. Board of Directors The Board operates in accordance with the broad principles set out in its Board Charter, a copy of which is available from the corporate profile section of the Company’s investor relations website at www.ahgir.com.au. Board Composition The Board Charter states: • The Board will be comprised of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 9 Directors; • The Chair shall be a non-executive Director who is selected on the basis of the person’s achievements and record as a leader; • At least half of the Directors will be non executive. Non Executive directors bring a fresh perspective to the Board’s consideration of strategic, risk and performance matters and are best placed to exercise independent judgement and review and constructively challenge the performance of management; • The roles of the Chair and the Managing Director (“MD”) may not be exercised by the same individual; d) providing oversight of the Company, including its control and accountability systems; • The Board shall ensure that collectively, it has the appropriate range of expertise to properly fulfil its responsibilities; e) exercising due care and diligence and sound business judgement in the performance of their duties; • The Remuneration and Nomination Committee is responsible for providing recommendations to the Board on the composition of the Board within the criteria outlined; f) considering and approving the Group’s annual budgets; • The composition of the Board, its performance and the appointment of new directors will be reviewed periodically by the Board, taking advice from external advisers as appropriate; and • All directors are required to voluntarily review their membership from time to time taking into account length of service, age, qualifications and expertise relevant to the Company’s then current policy and program, together with the other criteria considered desirable for composition of a balanced Board and the overall interests of the Company. Responsibilities Without intending to limit this general role of the Board, the specific functions and responsibilities of the Board include: a) approving the strategic objectives of the Group and establishing goals to promote their achievement and comparing actual results ensuring the planning process is efficient; b) ensuring they inform themselves of the Group’s business and financial status at all times; c) establishing investment criteria including acquisitions and divestments, approving investments, and implementing ongoing evaluation of investments against such criteria; g) reviewing and ratifying systems of risk management and internal compliance and control, codes of conduct and legal compliance; h) appointing and removing the MD, monitoring performance and approving remuneration of the MD, and the remuneration policy and succession plans for the MD; i) ratifying the appointment and, where appropriate, the removal of the Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’) and the Company Secretary; j) monitoring the performance and implementation of strategy and ensuring appropriate resources are available; k) ensuring that business risks facing the Group are, where possible, identified and that appropriate monitoring and reporting internal controls are in place to manage such risks; l) approving and monitoring financial and other reporting; m)ensuring the Company complies with its responsibilities under the Corporations Act, the ASX Listing Rules, the Company’s Constitution and other relevant laws; n) adopting clearly defined delegations of authority from the Board to the MD and Finance Director; and o) review its own processes and effectiveness and the balance of competence of the Board. 33 34 ... Board Members Details of the members of the Board, their experience, expertise, qualifications, term of office and independent status are set out in the Directors’ Report under the heading ‘Information on Directors’. There are currently five non-executive Directors, four of whom are deemed independent under the principles set out below, and two executive Directors at the date of signing this report. The Board shall ensure that collectively its membership represents an appropriate balance between directors with experience and knowledge of the Company and directors with an external or fresh perspective. It shall review the range of expertise of its members on a regular basis and ensure that it has operational and technical expertise relevant to the operation of the Company. The Board seeks to ensure that its size is conducive to effective discussion and efficient decision making. Directors’ Independence The Board has adopted specific principles in relation to Directors’ independence. These state that a Director is non-executive when he or she is not a member of management and is independent when he or she: (a)is not a substantial shareholder of the Company or an officer of, or otherwise associated directly with a substantial shareholder of the Company (as defined in section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001); (b)has not, within the last 3 years, been employed in an executive capacity by the Company or another group member, or been a Director after ceasing to hold any such employment; (c) has not, within the last 3 years, been a principal of a material professional adviser or a material consultant to the Company or another group member, or an employee materially associated with the service provided; (d)is not a material supplier or customer of the Company or other group member, or an officer of or otherwise associated, directly or indirectly, with a material supplier or customer; (e) has no material contractual relationship with the Company or another group member other than as a Director of the Company; (f) has not served on the Board for a period which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the Directors’ ability to act in the best interests of the Company; and (g)is free from any interest and any business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the Directors’ ability to act in the best interests of the Company. Term of office The Company’s Constitution specifies that at each annual general meeting of the Company 1/3rd of the Directors for the time being or, if their number is not 3 or a multiple of 3, then the number nearest to but not exceeding 1/3rd, retire from office but no Director may retain office for more than 3 years without submitting himself or herself for re-election even though the submission results in more than 1/3rd of the Directors retiring from office. Where eligible, a retiring Director may stand for re-election. Chair and MD The Chair is responsible for leadership of the Board, for the efficient organisation and conduct of the Board’s function and for the briefing of all Directors in relation to issues arising at Board meetings. The Company has determined that Mr John Groppoli, who was a previous partner of the Company’s advising law firm, Deacons, and now consults to Deacons on a casual basis, is an independent director. The MD is responsible for the ongoing management of the Company in accordance with the strategy, policies and programs approved by the Board. ASX CGC recommendation 2.2 states that the chairperson should be an independent director. Mr Robert Branchi is the Company’s Chair. Mr Branchi is not an independent director however the Board believes that Mr Branchi is the most appropriate person to chair the meetings given his intimate knowledge of the Company and industry, having been involved with the Automotive Holdings Group for more than 25 years in an executive capacity. The full Board currently holds approximately 11 scheduled meetings per year and any extraordinary meetings at such other times as may be necessary to address any specific significant matters that arise. A strategic planning meeting is held once a year. Non Executive Directors The five non executive Directors met once during the year at an official non executive Directors’ meeting and several times in a more casual manner without the presence of management to discuss the operation of the Board and a range of other matters. Relevant matters arising from these meetings were shared with the full Board. Commitment Individual Directors are required to commit the necessary time and energy to Board matters to ensure that they are contributing their best endeavours in the performance of their duties for the benefit of the Company, without placing undue reliance on other Directors to fulfil these duties. The number of meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors and each Board committee held during the year ended 30 June 2007 and the number of meetings attended by each Director is disclosed in the Directors’ Report under the heading ‘Meetings of Directors’. ... Conflicts of Interest Entities connected with Messrs Wheatley (who was a related party until 24 May 2007) and Branchi had business dealings with the Company during the year, as described in note 39 to the financial statements. The Directors concerned declared their interests in those dealings to the Company and took no part in decisions relating to them or the preceding discussions. In addition, where the Board considered appropriate, those Directors did not receive any papers from the Group pertaining to those dealings and excused themselves from any discussion on the matters. Independent Professional Advice To facilitate independent judgement in decision-making, each Director has the right to seek independent professional advice at the Company’s expense. However, prior approval from the Chair is required, which may not be unreasonably withheld. Performance Assessment The Board undertakes an annual self assessment of its collective performance, the performance of the Chairman and of its committees by way of a series of questionnaires. The results are collected and discussed at a Board meeting and any action plans are documented together with specific performance goals which are agreed for the coming year. This assessment was undertaken during March/April 2007. The Chairman undertakes an annual assessment of the performance of individual directors and meets privately with each director to discuss this assessment. This process is also conducted by way of a series of questionnaires in March/April 2007. Corporate reporting It is the responsibility of both the CEO and CFO (or equivalent) to provide written assurances to the Board that in all material respects: (a)the financial reports submitted to the Board are complete and present a true and fair view in all material respects, of the Company’s financial condition and operational results of the Company and are in accordance with relevant accounting standards; and (b)the above statement is founded on a sound system of risk management and internal compliance and control which implements the policies adopted by the Board and that the Company’s risk management and internal compliance and control is operating efficiently and effectively in all material respects. Board Committees To assist with the execution of its responsibilities, the Board has the authority to establish and determine the powers and functions of the committees of the Board. The Board has established the Audit and Risk Management Committee and a Remuneration and Nomination Committee. Each committee is comprised entirely of non-executive Directors. The Committee structure and membership is reviewed on an annual basis. Each Committee has its own written charter setting out its objectives, composition, powers, role and responsibilities. All of these charters are reviewed on an annual basis and are available on the Company’s investor relations website. All matters determined by committees are submitted to the full Board as recommendations for Board decisions. Minutes of committee meetings are tabled at the subsequent Board meeting. Additional requirements for specific reporting by the committees to the Board are addressed in the charter of the individual committees. Remuneration & Nomination Committee The Remuneration & Nomination Committee will comprise a minimum of three non-executive Directors and will meet at least once each year. The current composition consists of the following: Robert Branchi (Chair) Greg Wall John Groppoli Details of these Directors’ attendance at remuneration committee meetings are set out in the Directors’ report under the heading ‘Meetings of Directors’. The Remuneration & Nomination Committee operates in accordance with its charter which is available on the Company’s investor relations website. It provides the Board with advice and recommendations which enable the Board to: (a)set in place remuneration policies which are designed to attract and retain senior managers and Directors with the expertise to enhance the performance and growth of the Company; (b)ensure that the level and composition of remuneration packages are fair, responsible and adequate and, in the case of executive Directors and senior managers, display a clear relationship between the performance of the individual and the performance of the Company; and (c) ensure the Company has available to it a Board with the appropriate competencies to enable it to effectively discharge its mandate. The responsibilities of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee include: a) the Company’s recruitment, retention and termination packages, policies and procedures, incentive schemes and superannuation arrangements for specified senior management; 35 36 ... b) the remuneration framework for Directors; and c) reviewing and providing recommendations to the Board on its composition. Further information on Directors’ and executives’ remuneration is set out in the Directors’ Report under the heading “Remuneration Report”. Audit and Risk Management Committee The Audit & Risk Management Committee consists of the following non-executive Directors: Greg Wall (Chair) Robert Branchi David Griffiths Details of these Directors’ qualification and attendance at Audit & Risk Management Committee meetings are set out in the Directors’ report under the headings ‘Information on Directors’ and ‘Meetings of Directors’. Each member of the Committee must be able to read and understand financial statements. The Committee must also include at least one member who is a qualified accountant or other financial professional with experience in financial and accounting matters. The role and responsibilities, composition, structure and membership requirements of the Audit and Risk Management Committee include: a) monitoring and reviewing the integrity of financial statements, the effectiveness of the Company’s internal financial controls, the independence, objectivity and competency of internal and external auditors and the policies on risk oversight and management; b) providing an independent, objective review of financial information provided by management to shareholders and regulatory authorities; and c) making recommendations to the Board in relation to the nomination and appointment of external auditors, approving the remuneration and terms of their engagement and reviewing the quality of the external audit. The Committee is not responsible for the review of related party transactions, as all such matters must be referred to the full Board. The Audit and Risk Management Committee will comprise • a minimum of three members; • a majority of independent Directors; and • a non-executive Chair who is not the Chairman of the Board. Members of the Committee must have an appropriate level of understanding of the principles of corporate governance including knowledge of the Australian Stock Exchange’s (ASX) Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations. Executives may attend by invitation. The Audit and Risk Management Committee operates in accordance with a charter which is available on the Company’s investor relations website. Its primary objective is to assist the Board in fulfilling its corporate governance and oversight responsibilities including its responsibilities in relation to the accounting and reporting practices of the consolidated entity. • meets separately with the external auditors and the internal auditor at least once a year without the presence of management; In fulfilling its responsibilities, the audit committee: • receives regular reports from management, the internal and external auditors; • meets with the internal and external auditors at each scheduled meeting; • provides the internal and external auditors with a clear line of direct communication at any time to either the Committee, Chairman of the Audit & Risk Management Committee or the Chairman of the Board. The Audit & Risk Management Committee has authority, within the scope of its responsibilities to seek any information it requires from any employee or external party. External Auditors The Company and Audit & Risk Management Committee policy is to appoint external auditors who clearly demonstrate quality and independence. The performance of the external auditor is reviewed annually and applications for tender of external audit services are requested as deemed appropriate, taking into consideration assessment of performance, existing value and tender costs. BDO Kendalls (previously Horwaths) was appointed as external auditor in 2005. It is Company policy to rotate audit engagement partners on listed companies at least every five years. An analysis of fees paid to the external auditor, including a break down of fees for non audit services, is provided in the Directors’ report. It is the policy of the external auditor to provide an annual declaration of their independence to the audit committee. The external auditor will attend the annual general meeting and be available to answer shareholder questions about the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content of the audit report. Risk Assessment and Management The Board, through the Audit & Risk Management Committee, is responsible for providing the Board with advice and recommendations regarding the ongoing development of risk oversight and management policies that set out the roles and respective accountabilities of the Board, the Committee, management and the internal audit function. The Committee is responsible for: ... 1. Risk Oversight and Management Policies (a)providing the Board with advice and recommendations regarding the ongoing development of risk oversight and management policies that set out the roles and respective accountabilities of the Board, the Committee, management and the internal audit function; 2. Risk Management and Risk Profile (a)providing the Board with advice and recommendations regarding the establishment and implementation of: (i) a risk management system; and (ii) a risk profile for the company that describes the material risk which the company faces; (b)reviewing the effectiveness of the Company’s implementation of the risk management system at least once a year; and (c) regularly reviewing and updating the Company’s risk profile The Committee is responsible for ensuring that the appropriate senior managers have established and implemented a system for identifying, assessing, monitoring and managing risk throughout the organisation. Considerable importance is placed on maintaining a strong control environment. There is an organisational structure with clearly drawn lines of accountability and delegation of authority. Adherence to the Code of Conduct is required at all times and the Board actively promotes a culture of quality and integrity. Comprehensive practices are established such that: • The Board has appointed external consultants to review its current risk management framework and to work with management to finesse it; • The Company has modified its Occupational Safety & Health Manual to accommodate its recent expansion and this will be rolled out to the Group over the coming months; • The Board has commissioned external consultants to conduct a national audit of AHG’s occupational health, safety and environment management system; • The Company’s internal audit division carries out regular systematic monitoring of control activities and reports to both the relevant business operations management, senior management and the Audit & Risk Management Committee; • Quarterly reviews of each operating entity are undertaken by management addressing such things as the past performance of their area of responsibility and the current and future risks they face; • Strategic planning sessions are scheduled each year to review the Company’s strategic direction in detail and specific focus on the identification of the key business and financial risks which could prevent the company from achieving its objectives; • The Board requires that each major proposal submitted to the Board for decision is accompanied by a comprehensive risk assessment and, where required, management’s proposed mitigation strategies; • The Board has adopted a Matters Retained by the Board policy which outlines whom has authority to approve such things as: - unbudgeted capital expenditure and revenue commitments above a certain size; - sale of property, plant and equipment above a certain size; - material changes to the terms of any borrowing facility, agreement etc. above a certain size; • financial exposures are controlled including the use of derivatives; • occupational health and safety standards and management systems are monitored and reviewed to achieve high standards of performance and compliance with regulations; • business transactions are properly authorised and executed. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) declare in writing to the Board that the financial reports are based on a sound system of risk management and internal compliance and control and that the company’s risk management and compliance system is operating efficiently and effectively in all material respects. Code of Conduct Code of Conduct for Directors and Officers A Code of Conduct has been established by the Board to promote ethical and responsible practices and standards for directors and key officers of the Company to discharge their responsibilities and reflects the directors’ and key officers’ intention to ensure that their duties and responsibilities to the Company are performed with the upmost integrity. The Code of Conduct for Directors and Officers deals with the following main areas: a)integrity and professionalism; b)compliance with laws and regulations; c)conflicts of interest; d)confidential information; e)inside information; f) fair dealing; g)benefits; h)corporate opportunities; and i) encouraging the reporting of unlawful, unethical behaviour. Directors and key officers must comply with the Code of Conduct. Share trading policies are also in place for directors, senior executives and general employees. The objectives of these policies is to minimise the risk of directors, senior executives and general employees who may hold sensitive information, contravening the laws against insider trading, ensure the Company is able to meet its reporting obligations under the ASX Listing Rules and increase transparency with respect to trading in securities of the Company. 37 38 ... Directors and senior executives should not deal in securities of the Company unless: (1)they have satisfied themselves that they are not in possession of any price sensitive information that is not generally available to the public; (2)they have advised the Chairman of their intention to do so; (3)the Chairman has made appropriate enquiries of other directors and senior executives; and (4)the Chairman has indicated that there is no impediment to them doing so. Generally the Chairman will allow directors and senior executives to deal in securities of the Company as a matter of course within 1 month after the release of annual or half-yearly results and within the period of 1 month after the issue of a prospectus, however they should wait sufficient time after the relevant release so that the market has had time to absorb the information, but in any event at least 2 hours after the relevant release. General employees may deal in securities of the Company as a matter of course unless they are in possession of price sensitive information that is not generally available to the public. The directors are satisfied that the Group has complied with its policies on conduct, including trading in securities. A copy of the Code of Conduct and the share trading policies are available on the Company’s investor relations website. Code of Conduct covering obligations to stakeholders The Board has established a Code of Conduct to guide compliance with legal and other obligations to legitimate stakeholders. The Code includes: a) responsibilities to shareholders and the financial community; b) responsibilities to clients and customers; c) employment practices; d) obligations relative to fair trading and dealing; e) responsibilities to the community; f) how the Company complies with legislation affecting its operations; and g) how the Company monitors and ensures compliance with the Code. The Board of Directors aims to ensure that the shareholders are informed of all major developments affecting the Company’s state of affairs. Information is communicated to shareholders as follows: An annual report is distributed to all those shareholders who elect to receive it. The Board ensures that the report includes relevant information about the operations of the Company during the year, changes in the state of affairs of the Company and details of future developments, in addition to the other disclosures required by the Corporations Act. The half-yearly report contains summarised financial information and a review of the operations of the Company during the period. The half-year reviewed financial report is prepared in accordance with the requirements of applicable Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act and is lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the ASX. The half-year financial report is sent to any shareholder that requests it. Proposed major changes in the Company that may impact on share ownership rights are submitted to a vote of shareholders. The Board encourages full participation of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to ensure a high level of accountability and identification with the Company’s strategy and goals. Important issues are presented to the shareholders as single resolutions. The Company’s external auditor is requested to attend the Annual General Meeting and be available to answer shareholder questions. The shareholders are responsible for voting on the appointment and aggregate remuneration of directors, the granting of options and shares to directors and changes to the Constitution. A copy of the Constitution of the Company is available to any shareholder who requests it. The latest ASX releases, Board policies and procedures and financial information are located on the Company’s investor relations website. Continuous Disclosure The Company has a written policy on information disclosure that focuses on continuous disclosure of any information concerning the Group that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price of the Company’s securities. The Company Secretary has been nominated as the person responsible for communications with the Australian Stock Exchange. This role includes responsibility for ensuring compliance with the continuous disclosure requirements in the ASX Listing Rules and overseeing and co-ordinating information disclosure to the ASX, analysts, brokers, shareholders, the media, customers and the public. All information disclosed to the ASX is posted on the Company’s website as soon as it is disclosed to the ASX. When analysts are briefed on aspects of the Group’s operations, the material used in the presentation is released to the ASX and posted on the Company’s web site. Procedures have also been established for reviewing whether any price sensitive information has been disclosed and, if so, this information is also immediately released to the market. All shareholders who have elected to receive a copy of the Company’s annual report do so. A copy of the Continuous Disclosure Policy is located on the Company’s investor relations website. Annual Financial Report 30 June 2007 39 40 Financial Report Contents Directors’ Report 41 Auditor’s Independence Declaration 59 Income Statements 60 Balance Sheets 61 Statements of Changes in Equity 62 Cash Flow Statements 63 Notes to the Financial Statements 64 Directors’ Declaration 118 CEO/CFO Declaration 119 Independent Audit Report 120 Shareholder and Optionholder Information 122 Operations Contacts 124 Corporate Directory 125 Financial Calendar* Record Date for Final Dividend 2 October 2007 Final Dividend Paid 12 October 2007 Annual General Meeting 29 November 2007 Half Year End 31 December 2007 Half Year Profit Announcement February 2008 Record Date for Interim Dividend^ March 2008 Interim Dividend Payable^ April 2008 Year End 30 June 2008 * timing of events is subject to change ^ subject to board resolution Directors’ Report 41 Your directors present their report on the consolidated entity consisting of Automotive Holdings Group Limited (“AHG”) and the entities it controlled (‘Group’) at the end of, or during, the year ended 30 June 2007. Directors The following persons were directors of AHG during the year and up to the date of this report: Robert John Branchi Non Executive Chairman David Griffiths Non Executive Director Giovanni (John) Groppoli Non Executive Director Bronte McGregor Howson Managing Director Peter William Stancliffe Non Executive Director Gregory Joseph Wall Non Executive Director Hamish Calder Williams Finance Director Mr G Groppoli was appointed a director on 4 July 2006 and continues in office at the date of this report. Mr D Griffiths was appointed a director on 27 February 2007 and continues in office at the date of this report. Mr V C Wheatley was a director from 29 October 2004 until his retirement on 24 November 2006. Mrs M V Prater (nee Wheatley) was an alternate director to Mr VC Wheatley from 3 October 2005 until Mr Wheatley’s retirement on 24 November 2006. Principal Activities The principal continuing activities of the Group consist of: AHG Automotive Retail Logistics Wholesale Distribution Automotive Parts AMCAP Dealerships New Vehicle Sales Used Vehicle Sales Finance and Insurance Sales Vehicle Service Replacement Parts Sales Refrigerated Transport Storage and Distribution Rand Transport Motorcycle Distribution KTM Sportmotorcycles Vmoto 42 ... Dividends – AHG Dividends paid to members during the financial year were as follows: Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June 2006 of 6 cents per fully paid share paid on 13 October 2006 (2006: 5 cents per fully paid shares paid on 2 July 2005) 2007 $’000 2006 $’000 $8,400 $3,350 Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June 2007 of 5 cents per fully paid share paid on 2 April 2007 (2006: 4 cents per fully paid shares on 31 March 2006) $7,103 $5,600 $15,503 $8,950 TOTAL Dividends not recognised at year end Since year end the directors have recommended the payment of a fully-franked final dividend of 7.5 cents per share, based on tax paid at 30%. The aggregate amount of dividends to be paid on 12 October 2007 out of the retained profits at 30 June 2007, but not recognised as a liability at year end, will be $13,950,791. Review of Operations Net profit after tax attributable to members for the year ended 30 June 2007 was $30.2 million, a 49.3% increase on the 30 June 2006 net profit after tax of $20.2 million. Group revenue for the year for continuing and discontinuing operations was $2.3124 billion, up 43.0% on the $1.6164 billion from the previous year. EBITDA for the period was $75.9 million, 41.6% above the previous year’s result of $53.6 million. The Automotive retail division achieved an EBITDA of $65.0 million, a 50.5% increase above the previous year’s result of $43.2 million on revenue of $2.064 billion, an increase of 46.0% on the previous year’s revenue of $1.414 billion. AHG’s logistics division, comprising Rand Transport, AMCAP and KTM Sportmotorcycles distribution achieved EBITDA of $10.9 million, an increase of 4.8% over the previous year’s result of $10.4 million, on revenue of $247.9 million, an increase of 22.5% on the previous year’s revenue of $202.3 million. AHG continues to assess opportunities that fit the company’s growth strategy that delivers sustained earnings growth for shareholders. This will be pursued by • continuing to establish new automotive dealerships on greenfield sites, • adding new franchise brands to AHG’s automotive retailing portfolio, • expanding the logistics division through broadening the service offering to customers and extending its geographic reach, • continuing to focus on superior customer service and retention to increase sales through AHG’s automotive and logistics network, • maintaining tight control of operating costs; and • targeting selective acquisitions that complement existing businesses are earnings accretive and create long term value for shareholders. Consolidated sales revenue and results are set out below. Revenue from continuing operations 30 June 2007 $’000 2,231,907 30 June 2006 $’000 1,388,984 EBITDA from continuing operations 70,251 49,259 Net profit before tax 43,373 30,628 Income tax expense (13,178) (9,427) 30,195 21,201 3,021 1,980 Net profit after tax 33,216 23,181 Net profit after tax attributable to minority interests (3,041) (2,977) Net profit after tax attributable to members of AHG 30,175 20,204 Profit from continuing operations Profit from discontinuing operations ... Significant Changes in State of Affairs Significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group during the financial year were as follows: An increase in contributed equity of $149,914,000 (from $110,407,000 to $260,321,000) as a result of Opening balance 1 July 2006 30 June 2007 $’000 110,407 Additions Issue of 10,102,040 fully paid ordinary shares @ $2.45 to AC McGrath & Co. Pty Ltd as part of the acquisition of the McGrath Lander Motor Group 24,750 Issue of 7,744,320 fully paid shares @ $3.87 to Jonwen Financial Services Pty Ltd for the acquisition of the Zupp Motor Group 30,000 Placement of 31,157,000 fully paid ordinary shares to substantial shareholders and institutional and sophisticated investors. Funds raised to be applied in the funding of the Zupp Motor Group acquisition 90,355 Issue of 1,780,545 fully paid ordinary shares @ $2.90 to existing shareholders under the Share Purchase Plan 5,161 Issue of 399,296 fully paid ordinary shares @ $2.50 under the AHG Performance Right Plan 998 Issue of 4,488 fully paid ordinary shares @ $2.67 under the AHG Tax Exempt Share Plan 12 Less Transaction costs arising on the share issue Closing balance 30 June 2007 (1,362) 260,321 On 1 October 2006 AHG acquired all of the issued capital in Auckland Auto Collection Limited (AACL) a New Zealand automotive sales and service group, for cash consideration of $1.386 million. For further information regarding the acquisition of AACL please refer to note 29. On 8 January 2007 AHG issued equity by way of 10,102,040 fully paid ordinary shares to the value of $24.75 million to AC McGrath & Co Pty Ltd. This issue was part consideration for the acquisition of the assets and businesses of the McGrath Lander Motor Group in New South Wales acquired pursuant to an Overall Agreement and Asset Sale & Purchase Agreements dated at 1 December 2006. The equity issued extinguished the loan account balance of $24.75 million classified in the accounts at 31 December 2006 as a current liability. The shares issued to AC McGrath & Co Pty Ltd are subject to a voluntary escrow agreement for twelve months, commencing on 1 December 2006 and expiring 30 November 2007 and were only entitled to a pro rata dividend from 1 December 2006 for the half year. For further information regarding the acquisition of McGrath Lander Group please refer to note 29. On 8 May 2007 AHG issued equity by way of 7,744,320 fully paid ordinary shares to the value of $30 million to Jonwen Financial Services Pty Ltd. This issue was part consideration for the acquisition of the assets and businesses of the Zupp Motor Group in Queensland acquired pursuant to an Overall Agreement and Share Sale & Purchase Agreements dated 19 March 2007. The shares issued to Jonwen Financial Services Pty Ltd are subject to a voluntary escrow agreement. The terms of the agreement include a two tiered level of restriction whereby 75% (5,808,240 fully paid ordinary shares) of the securities issued will be subject to a twelve month period of restriction from the date of issue, expiring 2 May 2008. The balance of 25% (1,936,080 fully paid shares) of securities issued were subject to a three month period of restriction from the date of issue, expired on 2 August 2007. The securities issued are only entitled to a pro rata final dividend from 1 May 2007. For further information regarding the acquisition of Zupp Motor Group please refer to note 29. To complete the acquisition of the Zupp Motor Group the AHG Group also issued 31.157 million fully paid ordinary shares (including 6,900,000 fully paid ordinary shares to Mr VC Wheatley or entities associated with Mr VC Wheatley, a related party of AHG at the time) in the Company at $2.90 per share. The proceeds of this issue were in part applied in satisfaction of the cash component of the acquisition. The share issue was fully underwritten by Bell Potter Securities Limited. 43 44 ... Matters Subsequent to the End of the Year On 10 July 2007, AHG announced that it has executed an agreement with Vmoto Limited to become the exclusive Australian distributor of Vmoto branded scooters and related merchandise. Under the agreement, AHG’s logistics division will distribute Vmoto and ATVs initially through the existing Vmoto retail network around Australia. AHG will establish a dedicated operation within its logistics division to manage the distribution business under the agreement, which took effect on 1 July 2007 and has an initial term of five years. As part of the agreement, AHG has acquired approximately $800,000 of inventory. No other matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2007 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect: (a) the Group’s operations in future financial years, or (b) the results of those operations in future financial years, or (c) the Group’s state of affairs in future financial years. Likely Developments and Expected Results of Operations Other than the developments mentioned elsewhere in this report the Group continues to examine a range of organic and acquisition growth opportunities in the normal course of business. The Group’s automotive growth strategy will be developed within parameters of manufacturers’ retail distribution strategies. Further information on likely developments in the operations of the Group and the expected results of operations have not been included in this report as the directors believe it would be likely to result in unreasonable prejudice to the Group. Environmental Regulation The Group is subject to significant environmental regulation in respect of its service centre operations as set out below: The Group holds environmental licenses for its service centres. These licenses arise under the requirements of various State government regulations. Management continues to work with local regulatory authorities to achieve, where practical, best practice environmental management so as to minimise risk to the environment, reduce waste and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The Group had no adverse environmental issues during the year. Its current initiatives include obtaining green stamp accreditation and installing water reclaiming and recycle systems at new dealerships with a view to installing on all sites in the near future. ... Information on Directors Giovanni (John) Groppoli, LLB, BJuris, FAICD. Non-Executive Director (Independent) Robert John Branchi, MAICD, FCPA. Chairman, Non-Executive Experience and expertise Mr Branchi has more than 50 years broad experience and knowledge in the motor industry and has been a Director of AHG for over 25 years. Prior to being appointed Chairman, Mr Branchi was the Group’s Managing Director. Other current directorships (of listed entities) None Former directorships in the last 3 years None Interest in shares 17,641,591 ordinary shares in AHG. Special responsibilities • Chairman of the Board of Directors; • Chairman of the Remuneration & Nominating Committee; and • Member of the Audit & Risk Management Committee. David Griffiths, B Econ (Honours) UWA, Master of Economics ANU. Non-Executive Director (Independent) Experience and expertise Mr Griffiths was appointed as a non-executive director on 27 February 2007. Mr. Griffiths has more than 15 years experience in equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and the corporate advisory sector. He is a former Divisional Director of Macquarie Bank Limited and Executive Chairman of Porter Western Limited. Mr. Griffiths is also the Pro Chancellor of The University of Western Australia. Experience and expertise Mr. Groppoli was appointed to the Board on 4 July 2006. Mr. Groppoli was previously a partner of national law firm Deacons from 1987 to 2004 where he specialised in franchising, legal compliance and corporate governance. He was Managing Partner of the Perth office of Deacons from 1998 to 2002. Mr. Groppoli left private practice in 2004 and is currently Managing Director of Milners Pty Ltd, a leading Australian brand marketing group specialising in quality high-end home products. Other current directorships (of listed entities) Retravision (WA) Limited Electcom Limited Former directorships in the last 3 years None Interest in shares 30,825 ordinary shares in AHG. Special responsibilities Member of the Remuneration and Nominating Committee. Bronte McGregor Howson, MAICD. Executive Director Advanced Nanotechnology Limited Experience and expertise Mr Howson has over 25 years experience in the automotive industry. He was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) in January 2000 with his title being recently changed to Managing Director. Mr Howson successfully ran his own automotive parts business which he sold to AHG in 1988 when at the time accepting a position within the Group as General Manager of AMCAP Distribution and Logistics Centre. Mr Howson has extensive experience in importing and distribution of automotive products, coupled with strong local and national market intelligence. Since listing, the Group has enjoyed significant success and expansion under Mr Howson’s leadership. Former directorships in the last 3 years None Other current directorships (of listed entities) None Interest in shares 30,000 ordinary shares in AHG. Former directorships in the last 3 years None Special responsibilities • Member of the Audit & Risk Management Committee. Interest in shares 5,191,765 ordinary shares in AHG. Other current directorships (of listed entities) ARC Energy Limited Great Southern Limited ThinkSmart Limited Special responsibilities • Chief Executive Officer 45 46 ... Peter William Stancliffe, BE (Civil) FAICD Non-Executive Director (Independent) Experience and expertise Mr. Stancliffe was appointed as a nonexecutive director on 25 November 2005. Mr. Stancliffe has more than 35 years experience in the management of major corporations, both in Australia and overseas. He is a former Chief Executive Officer of Australian National Industries Limited and of Pirelli Cables Limited and has extensive experience in strategy development, management processes and practices and corporate governance. Other current directorships (of listed entities) Hills Industries Limited View Resources Limited Hamish Calder Williams, FCA, MAICD. Executive Director Experience and expertise Mr Williams joined AHG as Chief Financial Officer in 1993. He was appointed Finance Director in 1996 and in that position is responsible for all corporate finance, taxation, audit and accounting matters in relation to AHG, including the treasury function. Other current directorships (of listed entities) None Former directorships in the last 3 years None Interest in shares 33,094 ordinary shares in AHG. Former directorships in the last 3 years Nil Special responsibilities • Chief Financial Officer Interest in shares 21,725 ordinary shares in AHG Vernon Charles Wheatley, FAICD Non Executive Director Mr Wheatley retired as a director on 24 November 2006. Special responsibilities None Gregory Joseph Wall, MA, FAICD, SA Fin. Non-Executive Director (Independent) Experience and expertise Mr. Wall was appointed to the Board on 1 August 2005. He has over 30 years experience in Banking and Finance and was Chief Executive, StateWest Credit Society Ltd for 10 years. Following StateWest’s merger with Home Building Society, Mr. Wall was appointed Managing Director of Home Building Society. His former roles include State Manager WA and Head of Marketing for Challenge Bank Ltd. Other current directorships (of listed entities) Home Building Society Limited Former directorships in the last 3 years Nil Interest in shares 20,000 ordinary shares in AHG. Special responsibilities • Chairman of the Audit & Risk Management Committee; • Member of the Remuneration & Nominating Committee Company Secretaries Susan Dianna Symmons, (B Comm, ACIS, MAICD) was appointed Company Secretary on 27 June 2006. Prior to joining AHG, Ms Symmons spent five years as Company Secretary of Evans & Tate Limited where she was responsible for all legal, company secretarial and investor relations matters and was involved in a range of projects involving capital raisings, acquisitions and divestment transactions. Prior to working with Evans & Tate, Ms Symmons spent twelve years at Heytesbury Pty Ltd, the last three of those years as Company Secretary. David William Kiggins, (ACA ICAEW, BSc Hons, MAICD) General Manager Business Development and Company Secretary Mr Kiggins joined the Group in September 2004 and was responsible for implementing the group restructure and project managing the IPO. He was appointed Company Secretary in 2005 and since AHG listed on ASX has been focused on business development – including special projects, acquisitions and corporate strategy – and primarily the acquisitions of the McGrath Lander Group and the Auckland Auto Collection in 2006, and the Zupps Group in 2007. Prior to joining AHG he spent 9 years at Andersen principally in consulting, and has also held senior roles with a number of technology and telecommunications companies. ... Meetings of Directors The number of meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors and of each Board committee held during the year ended 30 June 2007 and the number of meetings attended by each Director are as follows: Full meetings of directors Non executive directors Audit & Risk Management Remuneration and Nominating A B A B A B A RJ Branchi 17 17 1 1 5 5 2 2 BM Howson 16 17 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a G Groppoli1 13 17 1 1 n/a n/a 1 1 D Griffriths2 5 7 1 1 1 1 n/a n/a PW Stancliffe3 16 17 1 1 3 4 n/a n/a GJ Wall 13 17 1 1 5 5 2 2 5 5 n/a n/a n/a n/a 1 1 16 17 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a VC Wheatley4 HC Williams B A = Number of meetings attended B = Number of meetings held during the time the Director held office or was a member of the committee 1Mr G Groppoli was appointed a member of the Remuneration and Nominating Committee in November 2006 and attended all meetings since his appointment. 2Mr D Griffiths was appointed a director on 27 February 2007 and attended 5 out of 7 board meetings and all audit meetings since his appointment. 3Mr PW Stancliffe resigned as a member of the Audit & Risk Management committee on 29 March 2007 and attended all meetings during his appointment. 4Mr VC Wheatley retired on 24 November 2006 and attended all meetings during his appointment. Retirement, election and continuation in office of directors In accordance with the Constitution of the Company, Mr Griffiths was appointed a director on 27 February 2007 as a casual vacancy and offers himself for re-election at the next annual general meeting. In accordance with the Constitution of the Company, Messrs Wall and Williams will retire by rotation. Being eligible, Messrs Wall and Williams will offer themselves for re-election at the next annual general meeting. Remuneration report The remuneration report is set out under the following main headings: A. Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration B. Service agreements C. Share based compensation D. Details of remuneration E. Additional information The information provided under headings A-D includes remuneration disclosures that are required under Accounting Standard AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures. These disclosures have been transferred from the financial report and have been audited. The disclosures in Section E are additional disclosures required by the Corporations Act 2001 and the Corporations Regulations 2001 which have not been audited. 47 48 ... A. Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration (audited) The objective of the Group’s executive reward framework is to ensure reward for performance is competitive and appropriate for the results delivered. The framework aligns executive reward with achievement of strategic objectives and the creation of value for shareholders, and conforms with market practice for delivery of reward. The Board ensure that executive reward satisfies the following key criteria for good reward governance practices: • Competitiveness and reasonableness • Acceptability to shareholders • Performance linkage / alignment of executive compensation • Transparency • Capital management In consultation with external remuneration consultants, the Group has structured an executive remuneration framework that is market competitive and complementary to the reward strategy of the organisation. Alignment to shareholders’ interests: • has economic profit as a core component of plan design • focuses on sustained growth in shareholder wealth, consisting of dividends and growth in share price and delivering constant return on assets as well as focusing the executive on key non financial drivers of value • attracts and retains high calibre executives Alignment to program participants’ interests: • rewards capability and experience • reflects competitive reward for contribution to growth in shareholder wealth • provides a clear structure for earning rewards • provides recognition for contribution The Company currently has in place short term incentives for certain senior executives, the details of which are listed below. When considering such incentives, the Board ensures that executive reward satisfies the following criteria listed above for good reward governance practices. The remuneration framework provides a mix of fixed and variable pay and a blend of short term and long term incentives. Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration Fees and payments to non executive Directors reflect the demands which are made on, and the responsibilities of, the directors. Non-executive directors’ fees are reviewed annually by the Board. When setting fees and other compensation for non-executive Directors, the Board takes the advice of independent remuneration consultants to ensure non executive directors’ fees are appropriate and in line with the market. The Chairman’s fees are determined independently to the fees of non-executive directors based on comparative roles in the external market provided by independent remuneration consultants. The Chairman is not present at any discussions relating to determination of his own remuneration. Non-executive directors do not receive share options however a salary sacrifice plan (AHG Executive Share Plan) has been finalised for directors and senior executives. The AHG Executive Share Plan will, enable directors and senior executives to sacrifice a portion of their directors’ fees, salary, bonus or commission, as the case may be, in shares in the Company. Shareholder approval will be obtained for this plan where required and further details will be provided at the time. The Constitution provides that the Directors’ remuneration (excluding the salary of an Executive Officer or Managing Director) must not exceed the maximum aggregate sum determined by the Company in a general meeting. Total remuneration for non-executive Directors last voted upon by shareholders in a general meeting in 2006 is not to exceed $600,000, in aggregate, per annum. This maximum sum cannot be increased without members’ approval by ordinary resolution at a general meeting. ... The following fees have applied Base Fees From 1 January 2007 To 31 December 2006 Chairman $81,000 $75,000 Other non-executive directors $64,800 $60,000 $10,800 $10,000 Audit & Risk Management Committee Member $5,400 $5,000 Remuneration & Nominating Committee Chairman $5,400 $5,000 Remuneration & Nominating Committee Member $2,700 2,500 Additional Fees Audit & Risk Management Committee Chairman Payment of expenses In addition to remuneration, Directors are entitled to receive travelling and other expenses reimbursement that they properly incur in attending Directors’ meetings, attending any general meetings of the Company or in connection with the Company’s business. Payment for extra services Any Director called upon to perform extra services or undertake any executive or other work for the Company beyond his or her general duties, may be remunerated either by a fixed sum or a salary as determined by the Directors. This may be either in addition to or in substitution for the Director’s share in the usual remuneration provided. Executive Director Remuneration Executive Director remuneration and reward framework consists of the following components: • Base pay and benefits; • Performance-based incentives; • Other remuneration such as superannuation The combination of these comprises the Executive Director’s total remuneration. Remuneration policies are currently being reviewed by the remuneration committee for the year ended 30 June 2008. Base Pay Executive Directors are offered a competitive base pay that comprises the fixed component of pay and rewards. External remuneration consultants provide analysis and advice to ensure base pay is set to reflect the market for a comparable role from time to time. Base pay for Executive Directors is reviewed annually to ensure the executive’s pay is competitive to the market, however an increase is not guaranteed. Benefits Executive Directors may receive benefits such as motor vehicles and life insurance. Short Term Incentives If the Company achieves a pre-determined profit target set by the Board, a short-term incentive (STI) is paid to the Executive Directors. Cash incentives are paid by 30 September each year. Using a profit target ensures variable reward is only available when value has been credited for shareholders and when profit is consistent with the business plan. Both Executive Directors have a target STI opportunity given their accountabilities of the role and impact on the organisation or business unit performance. The maximum target bonus opportunity is 80 % of base pay for the Managing Director and 60% of base pay for the Finance Director. 49 50 ... Long Term Incentives Executive Directors are participants of the AHG Performance Rights Plan whereby rights to acquire shares in the Company may be awarded to eligible senior executives of the Company as determined by the Board from time to time. The vesting of those rights will be subject to certain specified performance criteria. Rights were issued to both Executive Directors following approval granted at the Company’s annual general meeting held on 24 November 2006 as follows: 1.156,843 share rights to BM Howson as consideration for Mr Howson extending his employment contract with the Company to 31 December 2009: and 2.31,368 share rights to HC Williams as consideration for Mr Williams extending his employment contract with the Company to 30 June 2009. The aforementioned rights vested immediately. In addition to the above, the following share right entitlements for the year ended 30 June 2007 were approved by shareholders in general meeting which allowed for the issue of share right entitlements up to the following levels: 1.355,511 share rights to Mr BM Howson; and 2.66,658 share rights to Mr HC Williams, Following a review of the performance criteria for the year ended 30 June 2007 it was determined that this, together with their base pay and STI, represented an appropriate level and mix of remuneration. As a result the following rights are to be issued: 1.355,511 share rights to BM Howson; and 2.66,658 share rights to Mr HC Williams. A further issue of share rights to BM Howson and HC Williams is to be considered at the Company’s Annual General Meeting for the performance period 30 June 2008. Details of the Executive Directors’ short and long term incentives are set out below. Remuneration policies are currently being reviewed by the Remuneration Committee for the year ended 30 June 2008. Specific details relating to the terms and conditions of employment for each Executive Director are also set out below. Effect of cessation of office Under the Company’s Constitution, with the approval of the Company in a general meeting, the Directors may, upon a Director ceasing to hold office or at any time after a Director ceases to hold office whether by retirement or otherwise, pay to the former Director or any of the legal personal representatives or dependents of the former Director, in the case of death, a lump sum in respect of past services of the Director of an amount not exceeding the amount either permitted by the Corporations Act or ASX Listing Rules. The Company may contract with any Director to secure payment of the lump sum to the Director, his or her legal personal representatives or dependants or any of them, unless prohibited by the Corporations Act or the ASX Listing Rules. Payment of superannuation contributions The Company pays the Directors’ superannuation contributions of an amount at least necessary to meet the minimum level of superannuation contributions required under any applicable legislation to avoid any penalty, charge, tax or impost. Financial benefit A Director must ensure that the requirements of the Corporations Act are complied with in relation to any financial benefit given by the Company to the Director or to any other related party of the Director. The Company must not make loans to Directors or provide guarantees or security for obligations undertaken by Directors except as may be permitted by the Corporations Act. Details of Remuneration (audited) Details of the nature and amount of each major element of the remuneration of the directors and key employees for the year ended 30 June 2007 are set out below. B. Service Agreements (audited) Executive Directors Remuneration and other terms of employment for the Executive Directors are formalised in an Executive Service Agreement. The agreements for the Executive Directors provide for the provision of performance-related cash bonuses and other benefits. Specific details relating to the terms and conditions of employment, which are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee, for each Executive Director is as follows: Bronte McGregor Howson - Expiry of service agreement – 31 December 2009; - Total remuneration of $850,000 per annum (inclusive of superannuation, benefits and motor vehicle but exclusive of bonuses); - Entitlement to short term bonus of $340,000 upon the budgeted net profit after tax being achieved by the company in a relevant financial year. If the Company achieves more than 100% but less than 115% of budget the employee will receive $340,000 plus $11,333.33 for each percentile from 100% up to 115%. If the company achieves more than 115% but less than 125% of budget the employee will receive $510,000 plus $17,000 for each higher percentile ranking from 115% up to 125%; ... - Participation in the AHG Performance Rights Plan which awards the executive director with ordinary shares in the company for nil consideration, provided specified performance criteria is met. - Either party can terminate on 12 months’ notice; - Company may terminate without compensation (excluding statutory entitlements) under certain conditions including disobeying a lawful direction, conduct which brings the company into disrepute, serious misconduct, breach of confidentiality, being found guilty or being convicted by a court of a serious criminal offence; - If employment ceases for any reason, the executive director will be required to resign as director. Hamish Calder Williams - Expiry of service agreement – 30 June 2009; - Total remuneration of $425,000 per annum (inclusive of superannuation, benefits and motor vehicles but exclusive of bonuses); Remuneration and other terms of employment for the key employees are formalised in a letter of agreement and may provide for the provision of performance-related cash bonuses and other benefits. The terms of the key employees’ employment may include: - standard leave entitlements; - continuing term employment; - rights of summary dismissal are preserved; - the total remuneration of each key employee is subject to annual review, but an increase is not guaranteed; - termination provisions of 1-3 months. Specific details relating to the terms and conditions of employment for each key employee are set out below: Christopher Bevan Marwick, Chief Operating Officer, Western Australia - Participation in the AHG Performance Rights Plan which awards the executive director with ordinary shares in the company for nil consideration, provided specified performance criteria is met. - Continuing term employment; - Total remuneration of approximately $242,000 per annum (inclusive of superannuation, benefits and motor vehicles but exclusive of bonuses); - Entitlement to monthly bonus payments of an amount equal to 1.5% of the Western Australian dealerships’ monthly operating profits; - Executive can terminate on 3 months’ notice; - Company may terminate without compensation (excluding statutory entitlements) under certain conditions including disobeying a lawful direction, conduct which brings the company into disrepute, serious misconduct, breach of confidentiality, being found guilty or being convicted by a court of a serious criminal offence. - Either party can terminate on 12 months’ notice; Robert McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, New South Wales - Entitlement to short term bonus of $127,500 upon the budgeted net profit after tax being achieved by the company in a relevant financial year. If the company achieves more than 100% but less than 115% of budget the employee will receive $127,500 plus $4,250 for each percentile from 100% up to 115%. If the company achieves more than 115% but less than 125% of budget the employee will receive $191,250 plus $6,375 for each higher percentile ranking from 115% up to 125%; - Company may terminate without compensation (excluding statutory entitlements) under certain conditions including disobeying a lawful direction, conduct which brings the company into disrepute, serious misconduct, breach of confidentiality, being found guilty or being convicted by a court of a serious criminal offence; - If employment ceases for any reason, the executive director will be required to resign as director Other Key Employees Other than the Executive Directors dealt with above, the following persons are considered key employees of the company: - Christopher Bevan Marwick - Robert McGrath - Gary Gooding - David William Kiggins - Susan Dianna Symmons - Continuing term employment; - Total remuneration of approximately $352,000 per annum (inclusive of superannuation, benefits and motor vehicles but exclusive of bonuses); - Entitlement to additional bonus payment of $200,000 on the achievement of the Group’s budget. - Entitlement to an addition bonus payment of $250,000 upon a successful acquisition of an agreed acquisition target. - Executive can terminate on 3 months’ notice; - Company may terminate without compensation (excluding statutory entitlements) under certain conditions including disobeying a lawful direction, conduct which brings the company into disrepute, serious misconduct, breach of confidentiality, being found guilty or being convicted by a court of a serious criminal offence. 51 52 ... Gary Gooding, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland C. Share based compensation (audited) - Continuing term employment; (i)AHG Performance Rights Plan - Total remuneration of approximately $250,000 per annum (inclusive of superannuation, benefits and motor vehicles but exclusive of bonuses); The Board has adopted the AHG Performance Rights Plan (Plan). Under the Plan, rights to acquire shares in the company (Rights) may be awarded to eligible senior executives of the company as determined by the Board from time to time. The vesting of these Rights will be subject to certain specific performance criteria. At this point only executive directors have been invited to participate in the Plan. - Entitlement to additional bonus payment of $50,000 on the achievement of the Group’s budget. - Executive can terminate on 1 months’ notice; - Company may terminate without compensation (excluding statutory entitlements) under certain conditions including disobeying a lawful direction, conduct which brings the company into disrepute, serious misconduct, breach of confidentiality, being found guilty or being convicted by a court of a serious criminal offence. David William Kiggins, GM Business Development - Continuing term employment - Base salary of $203,513 (inclusive of superannuation, benefits and motor vehicle but exclusive of bonuses) - Entitlement to additional bonus payment of $60,000 on the achievement of the Group’s budget. - Entitlement to an additional $1,000 for each 1% that the Group results exceed budget up to a maximum of $20,000 or 20% - Executive can terminate on 1 months’ notice. - Company may terminate without compensation (excluding statutory entitlements) under certain conditions including disobeying a lawful direction, conduct which brings the company into disrepute, serious misconduct, breach of confidentiality, being found guilty or being convicted by a court of a serious criminal offence. Susan Dianna Symmons, Company Secretary - Continuing term employment - Base salary of $165,000 (inclusive of superannuation) - Entitlement to additional bonus payment of $10,000 for each 5% that the Group results exceed budget up to a maximum of $30,000 or 15%. - Executive can terminate on 1 months’ notice - Company may terminate without compensation (excluding statutory entitlements) under certain conditions including disobeying a lawful direction, conduct which brings the company into disrepute, serious misconduct, breach of confidentiality, being found guilty or being convicted by a court of a serious criminal offence. Summary of the terms of the Plan are as follows; Type of Plan Awards under the Plan will be structured as Rights to acquire ordinary shares in the Company for nil consideration, provided specified performance criteria decided by the Board are met within defined time restrictions. The Plan rules allow participation by any executive director of the Company and other senior executives of the Company deemed to be eligible by the Board. Awards under the Plan will be expressed as a number of Rights to acquire a certain number of ordinary shares in the Company (generally one share for every Right). Purchase Price Plan participants will not be required to pay any amount in respect of the award of the Rights or on acquisition of the shares pursuant to the exercise of Rights. Number of Rights to be issued The Board will determine the number of Rights to be granted to each participant through an assessment of market remuneration practice, performance against budget and in line with the Company’s executive remuneration strategy. The Board will call on recommendations from the Remuneration and Nominating Committee. Vesting Subject to certain performance criteria being satisfied (see below), it is currently proposed that Rights will vest on 30 September each year (after the finalisation of the Company’s yearly audited financial statements) during the applicable performance period. In the normal course, the exact number of Rights that will vest will be determined by reference to whether the performance criteria has been achieved. There are two performance criteria as outlined below for the year ended 30 June 2007. Rights linked to Total Shareholder Return (TSR) that remain unvested when the performance criteria are first tested will be carried forward for re-testing on 30 September in the 2 following performance periods, after which they will immediately lapse. ... Rights linked to earnings per share (EPS) that remain unvested when the performance criteria are first tested will immediately lapse. The Board has retained discretion under the Plan to permit variations to the terms on which Rights are issued (including to permit early vesting of the Rights) in some limited circumstances, particularly where a “cessation event” or “change of control” event occurs. “Cessation events” include (among other things) the death, retirement or redundancy of a participant. “Control” has the meaning given to it in section 50AA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Performance Criteria Performance criteria will be designed to align the performance of senior executives with the interests of shareholders. While performance hurdles will be determined by the Board at its discretion, the current intention is to use TSR and EPS as a measure of performance. TSR will be determined on the basis of the total shareholder return (including dividends) during the relevant performance period. For the purpose of calculating the TSR, the share price to be used on the first and last day of a performance period will be the volume weighted average price for the shares of the Company traded on ASX for the 5 trading days up to and including that day. EPS will be determined with reference to the percentage increase in EPS over the performance period, with a higher EPS giving a higher entitlement to Rights vested. The number of Rights issued to the executives is linked to performance against budget, and then 50% of these Rights are tested against the TSR criteria and 50% are tested against the EPS criteria to determine the number of Rights which are exercisable. TSR schedule The percentage of TSR Rights that will be exercisable will be calculated by reference to the Company’s TSR as follows: Company’s TSR relative to Reference Group comprising of a selection of ASX 300 companies < 51st percentile Percentage of Rights that are exercisable 0% ≥ 51st percentile but < 75th percentile 50% (plus a pro rata increase of 2% for each higher percentile ranking up to the 75th percentile) ≥ 75th percentile 100% EPS schedule The percentage of EPS Rights that will be exercisable for the Performance Period will be calculated by reference to the Company’s EPS growth as follows: Company’s EPS Growth < 8% Percentage of Rights that are exercisable Nil ≥ 8% but < 10% 50% ≥10% but < 12% 75% ≥12% 100% Cap The aggregate number of shares subject to outstanding Rights (that is, Rights that have not yet been exercised and that have not lapsed) that have been awarded under all of the Company’s equity incentive plans will not exceed 5% of the issued share capital. (ii) AHG Tax Exempt Share Plan AHG has also introduced a tax exempt share plan that provides Eligible Employees with more than 3 years service with an opportunity to share in the growth in value of the AHG shares and to encourage them to improve the performance of the Company and its return to shareholders by the issue of $1,000 of shares which are purchased by the employee by way of salary sacrifice. (iii) AHG Executive Share Plan The AHG Executive Share Plan has recently been finalised. The plan will allow certain senior executives the opportunity to salary sacrifice their salary, commission or bonus to the purchase of AHG shares up to a maximum of $50,000. 53 54 ... Management of the Plans The Plans will be administered by the Board or a committee to whom the Board has delegated the responsibility for administering the Plan. The Company has appointed CPU Share Plans Pty Ltd to act as trustee of the Plan (Trustee). The Trustee will, at the direction of the Board (or Board committee), acquire the Company’s shares either by way of on-market acquisition or by subscription, and the shares will be held on trust for participants under the Plan. As explained above, it is the current intention of the Board that the Trustee (or another appointed to act as trustee of the Plan) will either purchase shares on-market or subscribe for new shares, using funds provided by the Company and hold those shares on trust for participants under the Plan. Once a participant satisfies his or her performance criteria, the Rights issued to that participant vest, and the participant may then direct the Trustee to transfer to him or her that number of shares equal to the number of the participant’s Rights vesting. D. Details of remuneration (audited) The following table provides the details of remuneration for all directors of the company and the key employees of the Group with authority and the nature and amount of the elements of their remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2007: Short-term and long-term employee benefits Post Employment Benefits Less, Commission Commission / Bonus Commission Cash / Bonus accrued / Bonus Share Plan Share Plan Salary Paid during from June Accrued for Benefits Benefits & fees the year 2006 June 2007 (2006) (2007) $ $ $ $ $ $ Total Other Non Monetary Benefits $ Superannuation $ $ Non Executive Directors Robert John Branchi 68,850 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 37,846 28,263 134,959 Peter William Stancliffe 63,708 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 5,734 69,442 Giovanni Groppoli 62,291 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 5,606 67,897 5,328 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 5,904 11,232 Gregory Joseph Wall 12,083 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 66,942 79,025 Vernon Charles Wheatley2 24,999 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 24,999 David Griffiths1 Executive Directors Bronte McGregor Howson 712,387 Hamish Calder Williams 284,850 429,244 141,289 (442,500) (147,500) 680,000 416,7545 1,273,4903 39,158 255,000 83,3495 238,7784 38,226 96,675 990,667 105,113 3,213,646 Key Executives Christopher Bevan Marwick 187,861 468,845 (105,998) 191,989 Nil Nil 91,978 42,384 877,059 16,442 86,042 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 2,196 104,680 Robert McGrath 102,500 54,166 Nil Nil Nil Nil 8,131 104,237 269,034 David William Kiggins 150,000 72,926 (12,926) 40,000 Nil Nil 27,270 15,686 292,956 Susan Dianna Symmons 145,346 Nil Nil 30,000 Nil Nil Nil 16,151 191,497 1,836,645 1,252,512 (708,924) 1,196,989 500,103 1,512,268 242,609 Gary Gooding TOTAL 494,891 6,327,093 ... 1 Mr. Griffiths was appointed a director on 27 February 2007 2 Mr. Wheatley resigned as a director on 24 November 2006. 3 The estimated value of shares issues and dividends under AHG Performance Rights Plan. See table below for further details. 4 The estimated value of share issues and dividend entitlement under AHG Performance Rights Plan. See table below for further details. 5 Value of shares and dividend entitlement under the AHG Performance Rights Plan. These amounts represent entitlement that were derived for the year ended 30 June 2006 and have been brought to account following the approval at the Company’s annual general meeting held on 24 November 2006. See table below for further details. In accordance with the AHG Performance Rights Plan, the following eligible persons have the right to receive the following shares. Due to the Trust being required to purchase shares to meet the AHG Performance Rights Plan obligations, the following is a summary of the cost of the shares at 30 June 2007; AHG Performance Rights Plan Bronte Howson Hamish Williams Total 2007 2006 2007 2006 Share Rights Share Rights Share Rights Share Rights 355,511 156,843 66,658 31,368 422,169 188,211 $ $ $ $ $ $ $2.50 - 392,107 - 78,420 - 470,527 $2.50 444,390 - 83,323 - 527,713 - $4.35 773,234 - 144,980 - 918,214 - unsatisfied dividend rights 55,866 24,647 10,475 4,929 TOTAL 1,273,490 416,754 238,778 83,349 Number of shares 2007 2006 Share Rights Share Rights Shares acquired to satisfy 2006 rights Shares acquired to satisfy 2007 rights Shares to be purchased at 30 June 2007 Amounts payable for 66,34129,576 1,512,268 500,103 55 56 ... Comparative details for the year ended 30 June 2006 is as follows: Short-term employee benefits Post Employment Benefits Less Commission Commission Cash Commission accrued / Bonus Salary Paid during from June Accrued for & fees the year 2005 June 2006 $ $ Non Monetary Benefits $ Total Superannuation $ $ Non Executive Directors Robert John Branchi Nil Nil Nil Nil 30,018 87,200 117,218 Vernon Charles Wheatley 60,000 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 60,000 Gregory Joseph Wall 61,249 Nil Nil Nil Nil 5,513 66,762 Peter William Stancliffe 38,500 Nil Nil Nil Nil 3,465 41,965 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 55,624 Nil Nil Nil Nil 5,006 60,630 Bronte McGregor Howson 750,000 293,717 (293,717) 442,500 45,331 67,500 1,305,331 Hamish Calder Williams 314,200 137,781 (137,781) 147,500 43,512 84,450 589,662 Christopher Bevan Marwick 209,217 252,691 (116,143) 105,998 42,042 12,138 505,943 David Williams Kiggins 140,000 73,193 (53,972) 12,926 28,327 12,139 212,613 10,084 Nil Nil Nil Nil 1,011 11,095 1,638,874 757,382 (601,613) 708,924 189,230 278,422 Giovanni David Groppoli4 Griffiths1 Trevor James Flügge3 Executive Directors Key Executives Susan Dianna Symmons TOTAL 2 2.971,219 1 Mr Griffiths was appointed a director on 27 February 2007 and consequently did not earn any director fees or attend any meetings for the year ended 30 June 2006. 2 Ms Symmons was appointed company secretary on 27 June 2006. 3 Mr Flügge resigned from AHG on 30 June 2006. 4 Mr Groppoli was appointed a director on 4 July 2006 and consequently did not earn any director fees or attend any meetings for the year ended 30 June 2006. ... The relative proportions of remuneration that are linked to performance and those that are fixed are as follows: Fixed Remuneration 2007 2006 2007 At risk – STI 2006 2007 At risk - LTI 2006 Robert John Branchi 100% 100% Nil Nil Nil Nil Vernon Charles Wheatley 100% 100% Nil Nil Nil Nil Gregory Joseph Wall 100% 100% Nil Nil Nil Nil Peter William Stancliffe 100% 100% Nil Nil Nil Nil Giovanni Groppoli 100% 100% Nil Nil Nil Nil 100% 100% Nil Nil Nil Nil 26% 63% 21% 37% 53%1 Nil 26% 29% 32%1 Nil Non Executive Directors David Griffiths1 Executive Directors Bronte McGregor Howson Hamish Calder Williams 42% 71% Key Executives Christopher Bevan Marwick 37% 52% 63% 48% Nil Nil Gary Gooding 18% Nil 82% Nil Nil Nil Robert McGrath 42% Nil 58% Nil Nil Nil David Williams Kiggins 69% 66% 31% 34% Nil Nil Susan Dianna Symmons 84% 100% 16% Nil Nil Nil 1 The 2007 percentages include the share plan benefits for both 2006 and 2007. If the 2006 benefit was excluded from 2007 remuneration, the percentages would have been 46% and 26% respectively. E. Additional Information Performance of AHG The company listed on 31 October 2005 and accordingly does not have 4 years previous financial information of the company’s earnings and the consequences of the company’s performance of shareholder wealth, as required to be disclosed under the Corporations Act Section 300 (1AA). The only relevant information is an increase of earnings of $10.0 million over the previous year profit attributable members and an increase in EPS from 16.6 cents per share to 20.0 cents per share. Insurance of Officers During the year AHG paid insurance premiums in respect of a Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance contract. The contract insures each person who is or has been a director or executive officer of the Group against certain liabilities arising in the course of their duties to the Group. The directors have not disclosed details of the nature of the liabilities covered or the amount of the premium paid in respect of the insurance contract as such disclosure is prohibited under the terms of the contract. Proceedings on Behalf of the Company No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the company or 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 any part of those proceedings. The company was not a party to any such proceedings during the year. 57 58 ... Non-audit services The board of directors, in accordance with advice from the audit committee, is satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the year by the Group’s auditors is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001. The directors are satisfied that the services disclosed below did not compromise the external auditor’s independence for the following reasons: - an Auditors Independence Policy has been adopted by the Board specifying the circumstances which it is deemed appropriate for management to contract the services of the external auditors for non audit work ensuring they do not adversely affect the integrity and objectivity of the auditor; and - the nature of the services provided do not compromise the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and APES 110 Code of Ethics of Professional Accountants. The following fees for non-audit services were paid / payable to the external auditors during the year ended 30 June 2007: CONSOLIDATED 2007 2006 $000 $000 Advisory Services Fees paid to BDO Kendalls Audit & Assurance (WA) Pty Ltd (formerly Horwath Audit (WA) Pty Ltd) 24 58 Fees paid to BDO Kendalls Corporate Tax (WA) Pty Ltd (formerly Horwath (WA) Pty Ltd) 193 307 TOTAL 217 365 Taxation Services Auditor’s Independence Declaration The lead auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 has been received and follows the directors’ report. Auditor BDO Kendalls Audit & Assurance (WA) Pty Ltd (formerly Horwath Audit (WA) Pty Ltd) was appointed on 14 June 2005 and continues in office in accordance with section 327 of the Corporations Act 2001. Rounding of Amounts The company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/0100, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the “rounding off” of amounts in the financial report. Amounts in the financial report have been rounded off in accordance with that Class Order to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar. This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors. Robert J. Branchi, Director Perth, 26th September 2007 Auditor’s Independence Declaration BDO Kendalls Audit & Assurance (WA) Pty Ltd 128 Hay Street SUBIACO WA 6008 PO Box 700 WEST PERTH WA 6872 Phone 61 8 9380 8400 Fax 61 8 9380 8499 aa.perth@bdo.com.au www.bdo.com.au ABN 79 112 284 787 26 September 2007 The Directors Automotive Holdings Group Limited 21 Old Aberdeen Place WEST PERTH WA 6005 Dear Sirs DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY BDO KENDALLS TO THE DIRECTORS OF AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS GROUP LIMITED As lead auditor of Automotive Holdings Group Limited for the year ended 30 June 2007, I 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 relation to the audit; and • any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. This declaration is in respect of Automotive Holdings Group Limited and the entities it controlled during the period. Yours faithfully BDO Kendalls Audit & Assurance (WA) Pty Ltd Glyn O’Brien Director 59 60 Income Statements As at 30 June 2007 Note Revenue from continuing operations CONSOLIDATED 2007 2006 $000 $000 PARENT 2007 $000 2006 $000 3 2,231,907 1,388,984 32,337 19,032 Cost of sales (1,873,596) (1,154,642) - - Gross Profit 358,311 234,342 32,337 19,032 Employee benefits expense (166,002) (110,007) (9,163) (7,486) Depreciation and amortisation expense 4 (8,459) (6,407) (585) (382) Finance costs expense 4 (20,795) (13,067) (1,897) (1,360) Advertising and promotion (21,866) (18,729) (650) (470) Occupancy costs (30,673) (22,062) (767) (304) Vehicle preparation and service (15,626) (9,008) - - Supplies and outside services (16,652) (8,201) (813) (379) Motor vehicle expenses (7,564) (4,040) (261) (170) Equipment rental (4,908) (4,842) (287) (167) Other expenses (22,644) (7,563) (1,981) (1,449) 34 251 212 - - Profit before income tax 43,373 30,628 15,933 6,865 5 (13,178) (9,427) 1,400 984 Profit from continuing operations 30,195 21,201 17,333 7,849 40 3,021 1,980 - - Profit for the year 33,216 23,181 17,333 7,849 Profit attributable to minority interest (3,041) (2,977) - - Automotive Holdings Group Limited 30,175 20,204 17,333 7,849 Cents Cents Share of net profit of jointly controlled operation Income tax (expense)/benefit Profit from discontinued operations Profit attributable to members of Earnings per share for profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company: Basic earnings per share 36 20.0 16.6 Diluted earnings per share 36 20.0 16.6 The above income statements should be read in conjunction with accompanying notes. Balance Sheets 61 As at 30 June 2007 Note CONSOLIDATED 2007 2006 $000 $000 PARENT 2007 $000 2006 $000 ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 6 28,652 42,781 3,886 27,052 Trade and other receivables 7 159,021 81,445 2,197 1,992 Inventories 8 442,495 245,897 - - Other current assets 9 5,554 5,342 1,809 790 40 - 8,176 - - Total current assets Assets of disposal group classified as held for sale 635,722 383,641 7,892 29,834 Non-current assets Other financial assets 10 - - 202,316 78,739 Available-for-sale financial assets 11 3,467 416 3,457 406 Receivables 7 - - 27,685 18,834 Property, plant and equipment 12 81,039 31,330 2,251 1,471 Intangible assets 13 213,102 71,434 59,943 484 Deferred tax assets 14 14,036 8,663 2,548 1,893 Total non-current assets 311,644 111,843 298,200 101,827 Total assets 947,366 495,484 306,092 131,661 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables 15 119,596 76,473 5,757 3,028 Borrowings 16 424,358 228,625 12,058 227 Current tax liabilities 17 11,152 9,640 10,651 8,898 Provisions 18 10,436 6,984 700 620 565,542 321,722 29,166 12,773 Liabilities directly associated with assets of a disposal group classified as held for sale 40 - 424 - - Total current liabilities 565,542 322,146 29,166 12,773 Non-current liabilities Borrowings 19 69,172 25,266 12,324 8,336 Deferred tax liabilities 20 1,818 592 725 14 Provisions 21 18,358 9,762 1,399 1,240 Total non-current liabilities 89,348 35,620 14,448 9,590 Total liabilities 654,890 357,766 43,614 22,363 Net assets 292,476 137,718 262,478 109,298 EQUITY Contributed equity 22 260,321 110,407 260,321 110,407 Reserves 23 1,369 - 1,436 - Retained profits/(accumulated losses) 23 30,453 15,781 721 (1,109) Parent entity interest 292,143 126,188 262,478 109,298 24 333 11,530 - - Total equity Minority interest 292,476 137,718 262,478 109,298 The above balance sheets should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes 62 Statements of Changes in Equity For the Year Ended 30 June 2007 CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 Total equity at the beginning of the financial year 137,718 70,463 109,298 55,168 Revaluation of available for sale financial assets 1,436 - 1,436 - Foreign currency translation reserve movement (67) - - - Net income recognised directly in equity 1,369 - 1,436 - Profit for the year 33,216 23,181 17,333 7,849 Total recognised income and expense for the year 34,585 23,181 18,769 7,849 Contributions of equity, net of transactions costs 149,914 55,228 149,914 55,231 Dividends provided for or paid 26 (15,503) (8,950) (15,503) (8,950) Additional minority interest 105 - - - Deconsolidation of minority interest (13,435) - - - Dividends paid to minority interests (908) (2,204) - - 120,173 44,074 134,411 46,281 Total equity at the end of the financial year 292,476 137,718 262,478 109,298 Members of Automotive Holdings Group Limited 31,544 20,204 18,769 7,849 Minority interest 3,041 2,977 - - 34,585 23,181 18,769 7,849 Note Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders: Total recognised income and expense for the year attributable to: The above statements of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. Cash Flow Statements 63 For the Year Ended 30 June 2007 CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 2,406,603 1,765,989 9,215 6,654 (inclusive of GST) (2,404,854) (1,729,679) (16,708) (8,944) 1,749 36,310 (7,493) (2,290) Interest and costs of finance paid (20,795) (14,500) (1,583) (1,360) Income taxes (paid) / received (16,791) (6,958) (13,534) 8,519 Note Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST) Payments to suppliers and employees Interest received 2,375 1,771 1,938 2,154 27 (33,462) 16,623 (20,672) 7,023 Dividends and distributions received 48 19 20,991 10,788 Payments for property, plant and equipment (19,118) (10,425) (1,141) (408) 29 (91,234) - (88,821) - Payment for investments (16,113) (570) (16,113) (570) Proceeds of sale of property, plant and equipment 3,908 2,836 69 42 Proceeds on sale of goodwill 13,504 - - - Payment for purchase of businesses (36,736) - (36,736) - Loans from related parties - - 22,971 - Loans to related parties - - - (6,835) Net cash (outflow) inflow from investing activities (145,741) (8,140) (98,780) 3,017 Proceeds from borrowings 87,651 12,073 17,530 - Repayment of borrowings - (23,068) (323) (34,704) transaction costs 94,582 39,917 94,582 55,229 Dividends paid to minority shareholders (1,656) - - - Dividends paid to company’s shareholders (15,503) (8,950) (15,503) (8,950) Net cash inflow from financing activities 165,074 19,972 96,286 11,575 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (14,129) 28,455 (23,166) 21,615 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 42,781 14,326 27,052 5,437 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 28,652 42,781 3,886 27,052 Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Payment for purchase of controlled entity, net of cash acquired Cash flow from financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares, net of 6 Financing arrangements (notes 16 & 19) Non-cash financing and investing activities (note 27) The above cash flow statements should be read in conjunction with accompanying notes. 64 Notes to the Financial Statements 30 June 2007 Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The principle accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial report are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years unless otherwise stated. The financial report includes separate financial statements for Automotive Holdings Group Limited as an individual entity and the consolidated entity consisting of Automotive Holdings Group Limited and its subsidiaries. Automotive Holdings Group Limited is a listed public company, incorporated and domiciled in Australia. (a) Basis of preparation decision that, in principle, all options that currently exist under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) should be included in Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRS), and additional Australian disclosures initially required should be eliminated, other than those now considered particularly relevant in the Australian reporting environment or those which would be in conflict with the Corporations Act. Early adoption of the revised standard has had no effect on any of the amounts recognised in the financial report but certain disclosures which are no longer required have been omitted. This general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Australian Accounting Interpretations and the Corporations Act 2001. This includes applying the pronouncements to the comparatives in accordance with AASB 108 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. No adjustments to any of the financial statements were required for the above pronouncement, but certain disclosures are no longer required and have therefore been omitted. Compliance with IFRS Historical cost convention Australian Accounting Standards include Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRS). Compliance with AIFRS ensures that the consolidated financial statements and notes of Automotive Holdings Group Limited comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The parent entity financial statements and notes also comply with IFRS except that it has elected to apply the relief provided to parent entities in respect of certain disclosure requirements contained in AASB 132 Financial Instruments: Presentation and Disclosure. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets, financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss and certain classes of property, plant and equipment. Early adoption of standards The following new accounting standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued and are not mandatory as at 30 June 2007. They are available for early adoption and have been applied in preparing this financial report. The company has made a formal written election to change accounting policies early from adoption of these new standards, interpretations and consequential amendments in accordance with s334 (5) of the Corporations Act: - revised AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements (issued October 2006) The company has elected to early adopt the revised version of AASB 101: Presentation of Financial Statements for the annual financial period commencing 1 July 2006. The revised standard is mandatory for annual reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2007. The amendments result from an Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) Critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements in applying accounting policies. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that may have a financial impact on the entity and that are believed to reasonable under the circumstances. The group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The following estimates and assumptions have an element of risk which may result in an adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. - Note 1(g) Impairment of Assets - Note 1(o) Intangibles - Note 21(a) Warranties - Note 1(k) Demo Provisions - Note 1(k) Used Car Provisions - Note 1(t) Share-based payments In relation to the aforementioned matters the most significant area of estimates relates to intangibles and impairment of assets. ... The group tests annually whether intangibles have suffered any impairment in accordance with the accounting policy stated in note 1(g). The recoverable of cash generating units have been determined based on value in use calculations. These calculations require the use of assumptions. Refer to note 13 for details of these assumptions and the potential impact of changes to the assumptions. (b) Principles of consolidation (i) Subsidiaries The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all entities controlled by Automotive Holdings Group Limited, the ultimate parent entity, as at 30 June 2007 and the results of all controlled entities for the year then ended. Automotive Holdings Group Limited and its controlled entities together are referred to in this financial report as the Group or consolidated entity. Subsidiaries are all those entities (including special purpose entities) over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies, generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one-half of the voting rights. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Group controls another entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases. The Group applies a policy of treating transactions with minority interests as transactions with parties external to the Group. The effects of all transactions between entities in the Group are eliminated in full. Minority interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated income statement and balance sheet respectively. (ii) Joint ventures Jointly controlled operations The proportionate interests in the assets and liabilities of a joint venture operation have been incorporated in the financial statements under the appropriate headings. The share of the profits or losses is recognised in the consolidated income statement. Details of the joint venture are set out in note 34. (c) Revenue recognition Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. It is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. Amounts disclosed as revenue are net of returns, trade allowances, rebates and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised: (i) Sale of goods Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon the delivery of goods to the customer. (ii) Rendering of services Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised in the period in which the service is provided. (iii) Commissions and finance income Commissions and finance income are recognised in the period in which the related sale of goods or rendering of service is recognised. (iv) Interest income Interest income is recognised on a time proportionate basis using the effective interest method. (v) Dividends Dividends are recognised as revenue when the right to receive payment is established. (d) Income Tax The income tax expense or revenue for the period is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable income based on the Australian Taxation Office rate of 30% adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount in the financial statements. 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. The relevant tax rates are applied to the cumulative amounts of deductible and taxable temporary difference to measure the deferred tax asset or liability. An exception is made for certain temporary differences arising from the initial recognition of an asset or a liability. No deferred tax asset or liability is recognised in relation to these temporary differences if they arose in a transaction, other than a business combination, that at the time of the transaction did not affect either accounting profit or taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments in controlled entities where the parent entity is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 65 66 ... Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Current and deferred tax balances attributable to amounts recognised directly in equity are also recognised directly in equity. Tax consolidation legislation: Automotive Holdings Group Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation as of 1 April 2005. The head entity, Automotive Holdings Group Limited, and the controlled entities in the tax consolidated group continue to account for their own current and deferred tax amounts. These tax amounts are measured as if each entity in the tax consolidated group continues to be a stand alone taxpayer in its own right. In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts, Automotive Holdings Group Limited also recognises the current tax liabilities (or assets) and the deferred tax assets arising from unused tax credits assumed from controlled entities in the tax consolidated group. (e) Leased assets Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Assets acquired under finance leases are capitalised at the lease’s inception at the lower of the fair value of the leased asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments. They are amortised over the anticipated life of the relevant lease. Lease payments are allocated between interest expense and reduction in the lease liability to achieve a constant rate on the finance balance outstanding. Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases (note 25). Operating lease assets are not capitalised and rental payments are charged against operating profit in the period in which they are incurred. (f) Business combinations The purchase method of accounting is used for all business combinations regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. Cost is measured as the fair value of the assets given up, shares issued or liabilities undertaken at the date of the acquisition plus incidental costs directly attributable to the acquisition. Where equity instruments are issued in an acquisition, the fair value of the instruments is their published market price as at the date of exchange unless, in rare circumstances, it can be demonstrated that the published price at the date of exchange is an unreliable indicator of fair value and that other evidence and valuation methods provide a more reliable measure of fair value. Transaction costs arising on the issue of equity instruments are recognised directly in equity. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any minority interest. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the income statement, but only after a reassessment of the identification and measurement of the net assets acquired. Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, the amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present value as at the date of exchange. The discount rate used is the entity’s incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar borrowing could be obtained from an independent financier under comparable terms and conditions. (g) Impairment of assets Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash generating units). ... (h) Cash and cash equivalents For cash flow statement presentation purposes, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits at call with financial institutions and other highly liquid investments with short periods to maturity which are readily convertible to cash on hand and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. (i) Bank Outstanding cheques are recorded as payables whilst outstanding lodgments are shown as receivables. (j) Trade receivables All trade debtors are recognised at the amounts receivable as they are due for settlement no more than 60 days from the date of recognition. Collectibility of trade debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off. A provision for doubtful debts is raised when some doubt as to collection exists. (k) Inventories New motor vehicles are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Demonstrator vehicles are written down to net realisable value. Costs are assigned on the basis of specific identification. Used motor vehicles are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value on a unit by unit basis. Net realisable value has been determined by reference to the likely net realisable value given the age and condition of the vehicle at year end. Costs are assigned on the basis of specific identification. Parts and accessories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs are assigned to individual items on the basis of weighted average cost. Work in progress is stated at cost. Cost includes labour incurred to date and consumables utilized during the service. Costs are assigned to individual customers on the basis of specific identification. (l) Investments and other financial assets The Group classifies its investments or other financial assets in the following categories: available-for-sale financial assets, other financial assets (shares in subsidiaries) and loans and receivables. The classification depends on the purpose for which the investments or other financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of its investments at initial recognition and re-evaluates this designation at each reporting date. (i) Other Financial Assets Other financial assets comprise shares in subsidiaries (notes 10 and 28). Assets in this category are classified as non-current as they are not expected to be realised within 12 months of the balance sheet date. (ii) Available-for-sale financial assets Available for sale financial assets, comprising principally marketable equity securities, are non-derivatives that are either designated in this category or not classified in any of the other categories. They are included in non-current assets unless management intends to dispose of the investment within 12 months of the balance sheet date. (iii) Loans and Receivables Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed and determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, (Note 7) except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after the balance date which are classified as non-current assets. Loans and receivables are included in trade and other receivables in the balance sheet. Purchases and sales of investments are recognised on the trade-date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. Available-for-sale financial assets are subsequently carried at fair value. Loans and receivables and held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of non-monetary securities classified as available-for-sale are recognised in equity in the availablefor-sale investments revaluation reserve. When securities classified as available-for-sale are sold or impaired, the accumulated fair value adjustments are included in the income statement as gains and losses from investment securities. The fair values of quoted investments are based on current bid prices. If the market for a financial asset is not active (and for unlisted securities), the Group establishes fair value by using valuation techniques. These include reference to the fair values of recent arm’s length transactions, involving the same instruments or other instruments that are substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis, and pricing models to reflect the issuer’s specific circumstances. 67 68 ... The Group assesses at each balance date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. In the case of equity securities classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in fair value of a security below its cost is considered in determining whether the security is impaired. If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss – measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognised in the income statement in equity instruments are not reversed through the income statement. (m) Fair value estimation The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement or for disclosure purposes. The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives and available-for-sale securities) is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price. The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at each balance date. The nominal value less estimated credit adjustments of trade receivables and payables are assumed to approximate their fair values. The fair value of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate that is available to the Group for similar financial instruments. (n) Property, plant and equipment Plant and equipment (excluding property and land) are measured on a cost basis and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives, as follows: Life Owned plant & equipment 2 – 20 years Motor vehicles 4 - 8 years Plant & equipment under lease Term of Lease Land and buildings are shown at cost less subsequent depreciation for buildings. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred. The cost of improvements to or on leasehold properties is amortised over the unexpired period of the lease (including option periods) or the estimated useful life of the improvement to the consolidated entity, whichever is the shorter. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date (note 1(g)). An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in the income statement. (o) Intangibles (i) Goodwill on acquisition: The difference between the purchase consideration and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is initially brought to account as goodwill or discount on acquisition. Goodwill on the acquisition of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortised. Instead, goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. (ii) Franchise rights: The Group has franchise agreements with manufacturers for the distribution of new vehicles and parts. The franchise rights agreements have varying terms and periods of renewal. The Group considers that the franchise agreements will be renewed indefinitely and accordingly no amortisation is charged on these assets. The Group assesses the franchise rights for impairment on a periodic basis, but at least annually, and where there are indications of impairment the franchise rights values are adjusted to their recoverable values. (p) Trade and other payables These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the consolidated entity prior to the end of financial year and which are unpaid. The amounts are generally unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition. ... (q) Borrowings Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities, which are not incremental costs relating to the actual draw-down of the facility, are recognised as prepayments and amortised on a straight-line basis generally over the estimated term of the facility. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date. (r) Borrowing costs Borrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. Borrowing costs include: - interest on bank overdrafts, short and long-term borrowings - interest on new vehicle bailment arrangements - amortisation of ancillary costs incurred in connection with the arrangement of borrowings (s) Provisions Provisions for legal and other claims are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount has been reliably estimated. An extended mechanical warranty is offered on the majority of the Group’s retail used car sales. A fee is paid to an independent third party to administer the warranty programme and an amount is set aside as a provision for future warrantable repairs in respect of all policies taken up. All warrantable repairs are submitted to the administrator for approval and, once approved, are debited to the provision. (t) Employee benefits (i) Wages, salaries and annual leave The provision for employee entitlements to wages, salaries (including non-monetary benefits) and annual 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. (ii) Long Service Leave The liability for long service leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date is recognised in the provision for employee entitlements and is measured in accordance with the above. The liability for long service leave expected to be settled more than 12 months from the reporting date is recognised in the provision for employee entitlements and measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash flows. (iii) Profit-sharing and bonus plans The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses and profit-sharing based on a formula that takes into consideration the profit attributable to the company’s shareholders after certain adjustments. The Group recognises a provision where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive obligation. (iv) Share-based payments Share-based compensation benefits are provided to eligible senor executives of the company via the AHG Performance Rights Plan. Information relating to this scheme is set out in the director’s report. The fair value of performance rights is recognised as an employee benefit expense based on the probability of meeting certain performance hurdles during a performance period. At each balance date, the entity revises its estimate of the number of performance rights that are expected to become exercisable. The employee benefit expense recognised each period takes into account the most recent estimates. (u) Contributed equity Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. (v) Dividends Provision is made for the amount of any dividend declared, determined or publicly recommended by the directors on or before the end of the financial year but not distributed at balance date. 69 70 ... (w) Earnings per share (i) Basic earnings per share: Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing profit attributable to equity holders of the company, excluding any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus elements in ordinary shares issued during the year. (ii) 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 the dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of shares assumed to have been issued for no consideration in relation to dilutive potential ordinary shares. (x) New motor vehicle stock and related bailment Motor vehicles secured under bailment plans are provided to the Group under bailment agreements between the floor plan loan providers and entities within the Group. The Group obtains title to the vehicles immediately prior to sale. The floor plan providers treat the vehicles from a practical point of view as forming part of the Group’s trading stock. Both the inventory value and the corresponding floor plan obligation have been included in the financial statements although ownership of such inventory rests with the floor plan financiers. (y) Rounding of amounts The company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/0100, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the “rounding off” of amounts in the financial report. Amounts in the financial report have been rounded off in accordance with that Class Order to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar. (z) Goods and services tax (GST) Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense. Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included with other receivables or payables in the balance sheet. Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the taxation authority, are presented as operating cash flow. (aa) Segment reporting A business segment is a group of assets and operations engaged in providing products or services that are subject to risks and returns that are different to those of other business segments. A geographical segment is engaged in providing products or services within a particular economic environment and is subject to risks and returns that are different from those of segments operating in other economic environments. (ab) Non-current assets (or disposal groups) held for sale and discontinued operations Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as held for sale and stated at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. An impairment loss is recognised for any initial or subsequent write-down of the assets (or disposal group) to fair value less costs to sell. A gain is recognised for any subsequent increases in fair value less costs to sell of an asset (or disposal group), but not in excess of any cumulative impairment loss previously recognised. A gain or loss not previously recognised by the date of the sale of the non-current assets (or disposal group) is recognised at the date of derecognition. Non-current assets (including those that are part of a disposal group) are not depreciated or amortised while they are classified as held for sale. Interest and other expenses attributable to the liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale continue to be recognised. Non-current assets classified as held for sale and the assets of a disposal group classified as held for sale are presented separately from the other assets in the balance sheet. The liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale are presented separately from other liabilities in the balance sheet. A discontinued operation is a component of the entity that has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and that represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations, is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of such a line of business or area of operations, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. The results of discontinued operations are presented separately on the face of the income statement. ... (ac) Financial guarantee contracts Financial guarantee contracts are recognised as a financial liability at the time the guarantee is issued. The liability is initially measured at fair value and subsequently at the higher of the amount determined in accordance with AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation, where appropriate. The fair value of financial guarantees is determined as the present value of the difference in net cash flows between the contractual payments under the debt instrument and the payment that would be required without the guarantee, or the estimated amount that would be payable to a third party for assuming the obligation. Where guarantees in relation to loans or other payables of subsidiaries or associates are provided for no compensation, the fair values are accounted for as contributions as part of the cost of the investment. Change in accounting policy The policy recognising financial guarantee contracts as financial liabilities was adopted for the first time in the current financial year. In previous reporting periods, a liability for financial guarantee contracts was only recognised if it was probable that the debtor would default and a payment would be required under the contract. The change in policy was necessary following the change to AASB 139 Financial Instruments; Recognition and Measurement made by AASB 2005-9 Amendments to Australian Accountant Standards in September 2005. The parent entity has reviewed the level of financial guarantees and the existing contractual payments under the debt instruments and considers there is no material impact of the application of the standard. Accordingly the retrospective application of this standard has not resulted in any restatement of the financial statements. (ad) Foreign currency translation (i) Functional and presentation currency Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (‘functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is AHG Limited’s functional and presentation currency. (ii) Transactions and balances Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement, except when deferred in equity as part of the net investment in a foreign operation. Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. (iii) Group companies The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows: -assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet; -income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximate of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions) and -all resulting exchange differences are recognized as a separate component of equity. On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of any net investment in foreign entities, and of borrowings are taken to shareholders’ equity. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate. (ae)Accounting standards issued not yet effective The following new/amended accounting standards and interpretations have been issued, but are not mandatory for financial years ended 30 June 2007. They have not been adopted in preparing the financial report for the year ended 30 June 2007 and are expected to impact the entity in the period of initial application. In all cases the entity intends to apply these standards from application date as indicated in the table below. 71 72 ... AASB Reference Title and Affected Standard(s): Nature of Change Application Date: Impact on Initial Application AASB Interpretation 10 (issued Sept 2006) Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment Prevents the reversal of impairment losses on goodwill, investments in equity instruments carried at cost and available-forsale financial assets being reversed in the annual financial report. Periods commencing on or after 1 November 2006 There will be no impact because the entity has not previously made any impairment write-downs on these items during an interim reporting period (or has not subsequently reversed such impairment write-downs). AASB Interpretation 11 (issued Feb 2007) AASB 2 – Group and Treasury Share Transactions Clarifies the accounting treatment under AASB 2: Share-Based Payments where the parent entity grants rights to its equity instruments to employees of its subsidiaries, or where a subsidiary grants to its employees rights to equity instruments of its parent. Periods commencing on or after 1 March 2007 There will be no impact because at the reporting date neither the entity nor its parent entity has granted any rights to equity instruments for employee services. AASB 2007-4 (issued Apr 2007) Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from ED 151 and Other Amendments [AASB 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 102, 107, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 1023 & 1038] Inserts accounting treatment options that currently exist under IFRSs back into AIFRSs and removes Australianspecific disclosures that were originally added into AIFRSs on first-time adoption from 1 January 2005. Periods commencing on or after 1 July 2007 Most changes relate to certain Australian-specific disclosures not being required. Customer Loyalty Programmes The fair value of revenue is to be allocated between sales and reward credits, resulting in a portion of revenue being deferred until reward credits are redeemed. Periods commencing on or after 1 July 2008 AASB Interpretation 13 The entity does not intend to adopt any reinstated options for accounting treatment when the standard is adopted. As such, there here will be no future financial impacts on the financial statements. There will be no impact as the entity does not have a customer loyalty programme ... AASB Reference Title and Affected Standard(s): Nature of Change Application Date: Impact on Initial Application AASB 123 (revised Jun 2007) Borrowing Costs To the extent that borrowing costs are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset, the option of recognising borrowing costs immediately as an expense has been removed. Consequently all borrowing costs for qualifying assets will have to be capitalised. Periods commencing on or after 1 January 2009 The transitional provisions of this standard only require capitalisation of borrowing costs on qualifying assets where commencement date for capitalisation is on or after 1 January 2009. As such, there will be no impact on prior period financial statements when this standard is adopted. AASB 7 (issued Aug 2005) Financial Instruments: Disclosures Replaces the disclosure requirements relating to financial instruments currently included in AASB 132: Disclosure and Presentation Annual periods commencing on or after 1 January 2007 As this is a disclosure standard only, there will be no impact on amounts recognised in the financial statements. However, various additional disclosures will be required about the group’s and the parent entity’s financial instruments. AASB 8 (Issued Feb 2007) Operating Segments Replaces the disclosure requirements of AASB 114: Segment Reporting. Periods commencing on or after 1 January 2009 As this is a disclosure standard only, there will be no impact on amounts recognised in the financial statements. However, disclosures required for the operating segments will be significantly different to what is currently reported (business and geographical segment). Note 2 Segment Information Description of Segments Primary Reporting – Business Segments AHG is made up of two operating divisions in which it operates within the geographical area of Australia: - Automotive Retail – operating from 100 locations, from 24 manufacturers, including both continuing and discontinuing operations; and - Logistics – comprising AHG’s automotive parts warehousing and distribution business, refrigerated transport, cold storage and distribution and motorcycle distribution. 73 74 ... Segment Reporting 2007 Revenue Automotive Retail $000 1,983,984 Share of net profits of joint venture partnership Logistics $000 247,923 Discontinued $000 80,487 Consolidated $000 2,312,394 - 251 - 251 1,983,984 248,174 80,487 2,312,645 Unallocated corporate revenue - Total segment revenue Total revenue 2,312,645 Segment result 36,184 7,189 4,880 48,253 Unallocated corporate expenses - Income tax expense (15,037) Profit for the year 33,216 Depreciation and amortisation Segment assets 5,995 2,464 135 8,594 836,112 96,415 - 932,527 Unallocated corporate assets Total consolidated assets 14,839 947,366 Segment liabilities - 632,519 Unallocated corporate liabilities 553,336 79,183 22,371 Total consolidated liabilities 654,890 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other non current segment assets 180,340 25,727 - 206,067 Automotive Retail $000 1,186,703 Logistics $000 202,069 Discontinued $000 227,442 Consolidated $000 1,616,214 - 212 - 212 1,186,703 202,281 227,442 1,616,426 Unallocated corporate revenue - Segment Reporting 2006 Revenue Share of net profits of joint venture partnership Total segment revenue Total revenue Segment result 1,616,426 2,877 33,506 Unallocated corporate expenses 24,313 6,316 - Income tax expense (10,325) Profit for the year Depreciation and amortisation 23,181 4,133 1,758 516 6,407 374,210 78,852 8,176 461,238 Unallocated corporate assets 34,246 Segment assets Total consolidated assets Segment liabilities 495,484 424 347,402 Unallocated corporate liabilities 294,505 52,473 10,364 Total consolidated liabilities Acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other non current segment assets 357,766 12,786 2,493 570 15,849 ... Note 3 Revenue CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 From continuing operations: Sales revenue $000 $000 $000 $000 2,151,855 1,346,340 - - 74,563 38,802 8,524 6,243 2,226,418 1,385,142 8,524 6,243 2,375 1,732 1,938 2,154 48 19 20,991 10,074 2 - (13) 3 3,064 2,091 897 558 Sale of goods Rendering of services Other revenue: Interest Dividends Net profit (loss) on disposal of vehicles, plant, furniture and equipment Other revenue Total revenue From discontinued operations (Note 40) 5,489 3,842 23,813 12,789 2,231,907 1,388,984 32,337 19,032 80,487 227,442 - - Note 4 Expenses CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 Profit before income tax includes the following specific expenses: Depreciation $000 $000 $000 $000 Vehicles, plant, furniture and equipment 4,610 4,060 404 254 113 63 - - 4,723 4,123 404 254 2,976 1,930 181 128 Land and buildings Total depreciation Amortisation Capitalised leased assets Leasehold improvements 760 354 - - 3,736 2,284 181 128 Interest paid – other persons 3,574 2,844 1,396 1,007 Interest paid – finance leases 1,158 525 48 37 16,063 9,698 - - - - 453 316 20,795 13,067 1,897 1,360 74 91 - - - 86 - - 19,547 18,298 881 412 Total amortisation Finance costs – net Interest paid – floor plan Interest paid – related entities Finance costs expensed Bad debts written off Net loss on sale of vehicles, plant, furniture and equipment Rental expenses relating to operating leases 75 76 ... Note 5 Income Tax Expense CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 Income tax expense $000 $000 $000 $000 Current tax 17,043 11,565 (1,422) (727) Deferred tax (1,701) (1,240) 22 (257) Adjustment for current tax of prior periods (305) - - - 15,037 10,325 (1400) (984) 13,178 9,427 (1,400) (984) 1,859 898 - - 15,037 10,325 (1,400) (984) (2,293) (1,380) (73) (263) 592 140 95 6 (1,701) (1,240) 22 (257) 43,373 30,628 15,933 6,865 4,880 2,877 - - 14,476 10,052 4,780 2,060 - 81 - - 865 192 331 15 Income tax expense is attributable to: Profit from continuing operations Profit from discontinued operations Deferred income tax expense included in income tax expense comprises: Decrease in deferred tax assets (note 14) Decrease in deferred tax liabilities (note 20) Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable Profit from continuing operations before income tax expense Profit from discontinued operations before income tax expense Tax at the Australia tax rate of 30% (2006 – 30%) Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible (taxable) in calculating taxable income: Non deductible amortisation Non deductible expenses Tax benefit on restructure costs - - - - Non assessable dividends - - (7,244) (3,398) Tax offset for franking credits - - 733 339 15,341 10,325 (1,400) (984) (305) - - - 15,036 10,325 (1,400) (984) (616) 319 (616) 319 Net deferred tax – debited (credited) directly to equity (note 14) 582 986 582 986 (34) 1,305 (34) 1,305 Adjustment for current tax of prior periods Income tax expense / (benefit) Amounts recognised directly in equity Aggregate current and deferred tax arising in the reporting period and not recognised in net profit or loss but directly debited or credited to equity Current tax – debited/(credited) directly to equity (note 20) ... Tax consolidation legislation Automotive Holdings Group Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation as of 1 April 2005. The accounting policy in relation to this legislation is set out in note 1(d). On adoption of the tax consolidation legislation, the entities in the tax consolidation group entered into a tax sharing agreement which, in the opinion of the directors, limits the joint and several liabilities of the wholly-owned entities in the case of a default by the head entity, Automotive Holdings Group Limited. The entities have also entered into a tax funding agreement under which the wholly-owned entities fully compensate Automotive Holdings Group Limited for any current tax payable assumed. The amounts receivable/payable under the tax funding agreement are due upon receipt of the funding advice from the head entity, which is issued as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year. The head entity may also require payment of interim funding amounts to assist with its obligations to pay tax installments. The funding amounts are recognised as non-current intercompany receivables or payables (see notes 7 and 39). Note 6 Cash And Cash Equivalents (Current) Note Cash at bank and at hand Deposits at call CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 27,591 $000 23,546 $000 2,825 $000 7,817 1,061 19,235 1,061 19,235 28,652 42,781 3,886 27,052 The above figures agree to cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the statement of cash flows. Cash at hand is non-interest bearing. Cash at bank bears floating interest rates between 5.83% and 6.20% (2006: 3.50% and 5.36%) The deposits at call interest rates at 30 June were 6.20% (2006: 5.70%) Note 7 Trade And Other Receivables (Current) Trade receivables Provision for impairment of receivables 160,764 82,796 2,197 1,992 (1,743) (1,351) - - 159,021 81,445 2,197 1,992 Impaired trade receivables The Group has recognised a loss of $74,378 (2006: $91,415) in respect of impaired trade receivables during the year ended 30 June 2007. The loss has been included in “other expenses” in the Income Statement. Receivables (Non Current) Loans to subsidiaries 39 - - 27,685 18,834 The fair value of the loans to subsidiaries is consistent with their carrying value. Information concerning the effective interest rate and credit risk of current and non-current receivables is set out in note 33. Note 8 Inventories (Current) Vehicle inventory – at cost 402,067 230,124 - - Write-down to net realisable value (6,478) (5,097) - - Other stock – at cost 49,900 22,496 - - Write-down to net realisable value (2,994) (1,626) - - 442,495 245,897 - - Inventory recognised as an expense during the year ended 30 June 2007 amounted to $1,873,596,000 (2006: $1,154,642,000). 77 78 ... Note 9 Other Assets (Current) Notes CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 Prepaid expenses and deposits $000 5,554 $000 5,342 $000 1,809 $000 790 5,554 5,342 1,809 790 28 - - 202,316 78,739 - - 202,316 2,468 416 2,458 406 999 - 999 - 3,467 416 3,457 406 Note 10Other Financial Assets (Non Current) Shares in subsidiaries 78,739 These financial assets are carried at cost. Note 11 Available-for-Sale Financial Assets (Non Current) Shares in unlisted companies Shares in listed companies For further information refer to note 1(m). Unlisted securities Unlisted securities are shares held in carsales.com.au Limited. Listed securities Listed securities represent shares issued in AHG that will be transferred to senior executives under the AHG Performance Rights Plan subsequent to the year-end. Note 12 Property, Plant And Equipment Land & buildings at cost Accumulated depreciation Plant and equipment at cost CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 11,420 $000 7,743 $000 - $000 - (273) (96) - - 11,147 7,647 - - 49,406 21,341 2,411 1,235 (25,292) (9,635) (778) (338) 24,114 11,706 1,633 897 Capitalised lease assets 38,203 8,823 839 704 Accumulated amortisation (4,088) (2,009) (221) (130) 34,115 6,814 618 574 Leasehold improvements at cost 13,897 6,376 - - Accumulated depreciation Accumulated amortisation (2,234) (1,213) - - 11,663 5,163 - - Total property, plant and equipment 81,039 31,330 2,251 1,471 ... Land and buildings $’000 Plant and equipment $’000 Capitalised leased assets $’000 Leasehold improvements $’000 Total $’000 3,757 11,706 6,814 5,163 27,440 group previously held for sale 3,890 - - - 3,890 Sub-total 7,647 11,706 6,814 5,163 31,330 Additions 2,787 9,311 29,976 7,021 49,095 826 9,932 1,239 285 12,282 - (2,120) (938) (16) (3,074) (113) (4,715) (2,976) (790) (8,594) 11,147 24,114 34,115 11,663 81,039 - 897 574 - 1,471 CONSOLIDATED 2007 Carrying amount at 1 July 2006 Assets included in a disposal Acquisitions through business combinations Disposals Depreciation Carrying amount at 30 June 2007 PARENT 2007 Carrying amount at 1 July 2006 Additions - 1,223 306 - 1,529 Disposals - (83) (81) - (164) Depreciation - (404) (181) - (585) Carrying amount at 30 June 2007 - 1,633 618 - 2,251 Carrying amount at 1 July 2005 6,452 12,832 6,644 2,401 28,329 Additions 1,289 6,486 3,336 4,168 15,279 Disposals - (2,771) (1,236) (18) (4,025) - (1,030) - (816) (1,846) (94) (3,811) (1,930) (572) (6,407) 7,647 11,706 6,814 5,163 31,330 Carrying amount at 1 July 2005 - 717 352 - 1,069 Additions - 473 416 - 889 Disposals - (39) (66) - (105) Depreciation - (254) (128) - (382) Carrying amount at 30 June 2006 - 897 574 - 1,471 CONSOLIDATED 2006 Assets included in a disposal group classified as held for sale Depreciation Carrying amount at 30 June 2006 PARENT 2006 Non-current assets pledged as security Refer to note 19 for information on non-current assets pledged as security by the parent entity and its controlled entities. 79 80 ... Note 13 Intangibles (Non Current) (a) Intangibles are allocated to the groups CGU’s identified according to business segments. A segment level summary of the intangible allocation is presented below. CONSOLIDATED 2007 Goodwill $’000 Franchise rights $’000 Total $’000 Carrying amount at 1 July 2006 28,282 43,152 71,434 Additions 48,230 96,460 144,690 Disposal of discontinued operations (1,007) (2,015) (3,022) Carrying amount at 30 June 2007 75,505 137,597 213,102 484 - 484 Additions 19,820 39,639 59,459 Carrying amount at 30 June 2007 20,304 39,639 59,943 29,822 47,371 77,193 570 - 570 Discontinued operations (2,110) (4,219) (6,329) Carrying amount at 30 June 2006 28,282 43,152 71,434 484 - 484 - - - 484 - 484 PARENT 2007 Carrying amount at 1 July 2006 CONSOLIDATED 2006 Carrying amount at 1 July 2005 Additional costs in relation to restructure and acquisition of controlled entities PARENT 2006 Carrying amount at 1 July 2005 Reversal of amortisation Carrying amount at 30 June 2006 Impairment tests for goodwill Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) identified in accordance with business operations; being automotive retail and logistics operations (note 2). CONSOLIDATED 2007 Automotive retail 64,164 131,157 195,321 Logistics 11,341 6,440 17,781 Carrying amount at 30 June 2007 75,505 137,597 213,102 20,304 39,639 59,943 - - - 20,304 39,639 59,943 PARENT 2007 Automotive retail Logistics Carrying amount at 30 June 2007 ... CONSOLIDATED 2006 Goodwill $’000 Franchise rights $’000 Total $’000 Automotive retail 16,941 36,712 53,653 Logistics 11,341 6,440 17,781 Carrying amount at 30 June 2006 28,282 43,152 71,434 484 - 484 - - - 484 - 484 PARENT 2006 Automotive retail Logistics Carrying amount at 30 June 2006 The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a five-year period. The key assumptions used in the value-in-use calculations are as follows: (b) Key assumptions used for value in used calculations In performing the value in use calculation for each CGU, the group has applied a pre tax discount rate of 7.5% representing the incremental borrowing rate. The weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the budget period was 3%. The weighted average growth rate used is consistent with forecasts included in industry reports. In the analysis of the value in use calculation the group has applied a number of sensitivity assumptions which incorporated the following; (i) Sensitivity analysis of discounts rates applied in the value in used calculation. This included a range of discount rates of 6.5% to 10.0%. (ii) A breakeven analysis of value in use calculation based on estimated future cash flows after extrapolating an appropriate discount rate. This calculation resulted in a significant positive gap between the baseline discount rate applied and the breakeven discount rate. (iii) Sensitivity analysis of estimated future cash flows against the pre tax discount rate of 7.5% and the breakeven point. (c) Impact of possible changes in key assumptions The recoverability of intangibles has been reviewed on a segment basis. This includes the automotive retail and logistics businesses. The group has multiple identifiable CGU’s across each of the segments. In isolation none of the individual CGU’s is significant in its own right as compared to the groups total intangible assets. Based on the key assumptions on which management has based its determinations there are no underlying assumptions which would significantly affect the groups recoverable amount of intangibles. (d) Impairment charge Discounted cash flows indicate that goodwill is not impaired and accordingly no impairment charge has been provided. (e) Provisional assessment of intangibles AASB 3 Business Combinations permits companies to assign a provisional fair value to the intangible assets at the date of acquisition and then allows a further 12 months from the date of acquisition to determine the final values. In regard to the classification allocation of the identifiable intangible assets acquired, external advice has been sought due to the complexity of these intangibles. Once a final determination of the classification allocation of the identifiable intangible assets is achieved, any changes in the disclosure of the allocations will be made in the 2008 financial year. 81 82 ... Note 14 Deferred Tax Assets CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 478 373 - - Employee benefits 4,168 3,853 630 558 Provision for warranties 1,002 957 - - (20) (14) - - (687) (319) (687) (319) Vehicle & parts write-down 460 124 - - Provision for fringe benefits tax 531 248 135 63 1,283 845 245 262 The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to: Amounts recognised in profit or loss Doubtful debts Leases Amortisation of share issue expense Accrued expenses Other provisions 2,436 1,291 338 24 9,651 7,358 661 588 Amounts recognised directly in balance sheet Employee benefits 1,332 - - - Accrued expenses and other provisions 1,166 - - - 1,887 1,305 1,887 1,305 14,036 8,663 2,548 1,893 Opening balance 1 July 8,663 6,298 1,893 5,153 Credited to income statement (note 5) 2,293 1,380 73 263 582 985 582 985 2,498 - - - - - - (4,508) Closing balance 30 June 14,036 8,663 2,548 1,893 Deferred tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months 11,229 1,733 2,038 379 2,807 6,930 510 1,514 14,036 8,663 2,548 1,893 Amount recognised directly in equity Share issue expenses (note 22) Closing balance 30 June Movements: Credited to equity Acquisition of subsidiary deferred tax asset (note 29) De-recognition of deferred tax resulting from tax consolidation Deferred tax assets to be recovered within 12 months ... Note 15 Trade And Other Payables (Current) Note CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 Trade payables $000 64,728 $000 47,361 $000 - $000 - Other payables and accruals 48,464 27,958 4,607 2,981 Goods and services tax 5,406 1,154 152 47 38 998 - Amounts owing to related entities 119,596 76,473 998 5,757 3,028 Note 16 Borrowings (Current) Finance company loans (a) 406,283 217,117 - - Lease liability (note 25(c)) (b) 4,709 2,499 285 227 Hire purchase liability (note 25(d)) (b) 890 1,007 17 - Deferred settlement (note 29) (c) 4,756 - - - Other loans (c) 7,720 8,002 11,756 - 424,358 228,625 12,058 227 (a) Finance company loans The finance company loans are in respect of vehicles provided to the Group (note 1(x)) and are secured over certain plant and equipment, receivables, cash and inventories of the Group. The Group has floor plan facilities amounting to $440,135,000 (2006: $243,251,500). At 30 June 2007 $397,274,000 (2006: $203,004,592) of these facilities were used. The average interest rate applicable at 30 June 2007 on these loans was 7.02% (2006: 6.71%). Finance company loans are repayable within a short period after the vehicle is sold to a third party, generally 48 hours. $9,000,000 (2006: $14,000,000) is a working capital loan secured by registered first debenture charge with interest charged at 1% above the 90 day bank bill rate (currently 7.37% 2006: 6.88%). $9,000 (2006: $112,000) is a property loan charged with interest (currently 7.37% 2006: 6.88%). (b) Lease and hire purchase liabilities Lease liabilities are fully secured while hire purchase liabilities are partly secured. Refer Note 19 for further information on security and guarantees provided over lease and hire purchase liabilities. (c) Other loans $7,000,000 (2006: $8,000,000) are commercial bills secured, plant and equipment, receivables, cash and inventories of the Group. Interest is charged at an average rate of 6.41% (2006: 6.09%) for the period of the bill. They mature on 21st August 2007 and are expected to be rolled over under the terms of the facility agreement. $4,756,000 (2006:Nil) is an interest bearing deferred settlement consideration payable relating to the acquisition of the Zupps Group as detailed in note 29. $720,000 (2006: Nil) is the current component of a commercial loan in relation to franchise imposed redevelopment costs in relation to Perth Auto Alliance. Interest is charged on the loan at an average rate of 7.72% (2006: Nil) There are Nil (2006: $2,000) unsecured deposits in relation to subsidiaries. 83 84 ... (d) Interest rate risk exposure Details of the Group’s exposure to interest rate changes on borrowings are set out in note 33. (e) Fair value disclosures Details of the fair value of borrowings for the Group are set out in note 19(f). (f) Security Details of the security relating to each of the secured liabilities are set out in notes 16 and 19. Note 17 Current Tax Liabilities Note CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 Income tax 11,152 9,640 10,651 8,898 11,152 9,640 10,651 8,898 Employee benefits 7,554 4,920 700 620 Other 21(b) 1,257 883 - - Warranties 21(a) 1,625 1,181 - - 10,436 6,984 700 620 Note 18 Provision (Current) Refer Note 21 for movement in warranties and other provisions. Note 19 Borrowings (Non Current) Other loans (a) 29,944 18,811 2,835 8,000 Deferred vendor finance (a) 9,185 - 9,185 - Lease liability (note 25(c)) 28,404 4,216 261 336 Hire purchase liability (note 25(d)) 1,209 1,809 43 - (b) 430 430 - - 69,172 25,266 12,324 8,336 Amounts owing to manufacturer (a) Other loans $6,260,000, (2006: $5,811,000) property loans secured by mortgage properties. Interest was charged at 7.72%, (2006: 6.88%). $20,335,000 (2006: $12,000,000) are commercial bills secured over certain properties, plant and equipment, receivables, cash and inventories of the Group. Interest is charged at an average rate of 6.43% (2006: 5.89%) for the period of the bill. They mature between 30/7/06 and 04/9/07. $1,000,000 (2006: $1,000,000) are commercial loans with a 5 year term. Interest is charged at a variable rate, currently 6.48% (2006: 8.3%). $9,185,000 (2006:Nil) is the net present value of an interest bearing deferred settlement consideration payable of $10,000,000 relating to the acquisition of the McGrath Group as detailed in note 29. $2,209,000 (2006: Nil) is a franchise supported working capital loan between Auckland Automotive Collection Limited and Ford Credit. Interest is charged at an average rate of 9.97% (2006: Nil) $140,000 is a secured capital loan held with Zupps Group secured over certain properties, plant and equipment, receivables, cash and inventories of the Group. Interest is charged at an average rate of 7.07% . ... (b) Amounts owing to manufacturer The amount owing to the manufacturer is repayable after a period of three years and is non-interest bearing. It is unsecured. (c) Assets pledged as security The carrying amounts of assets pledged as security for current and non-current borrowings are: Note CONSOLIDATED 2007 2006 $000 $000 PARENT 2007 $000 2006 $000 Current Floating charge Cash and cash equivalents 6 24,766 15,729 - - Trade and other receivables 7 156,824 79,453 - - Inventories 8 442,495 245,897 - - Other current assets 9 3,746 4,552 - - 11 - 1,846 - - Total current assets pledged as security 627,831 347,477 - - 12 11,147 7,647 - - 12 34,115 6,814 618 574 Available for sale financial assets 11 10 10 - - Plant and equipment 12 33,526 15,972 - - Total non-current assets pledged as security 78,798 30,443 618 574 Total assets pledged as security 706,629 377,920 618 574 Available for sale financial assets Non-Current First Mortgage Freehold land and buildings Finance lease Plant and equipment Floating charge (d) Financing arrangements Unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit: Total facilities In addition to (a) the consolidated entity has bank overdraft facilities of $4,100,000 (2006: $4,850,000). Refer Note 16(a) for details of floor plan facilities. Used bank overdraft facilities at balance date Facilities are subject to annual review and as at 30 June 2007 $1,113,000 (2006: $193,255) of these facilities were used. (e) Interest rate risk exposure Details of the Group’s exposure to interest rate changes on borrowings are set out in note 33. 85 86 ... (f) Fair value The carrying amounts and fair values of non-current borrowings at balance date are: CARRYING VALUE 2007 2006 $000 $000 FAIR VALUE 2007 $000 2006 $000 Financial liabilities Advances Vendor financing Lease liability Hire purchase liability Amounts owing to manufacturer Other loans 28,943 17,811 28,943 17,811 9,185 - 9,185 - 28,404 4,216 28,404 4,216 1,209 1,809 1,209 1,809 430 430 430 430 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 69,171 25,266 69,171 25,266 Note 20 Deferred Tax Liability (Non Current) CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 Prepayments 288 125 107 11 Inventories 261 261 - - Other 645 206 2 3 18 - - - 616 - 616 - 1,818 592 725 14 Opening balance 1 July 592 452 14 345 Charged to income statement (note 5) 592 140 95 6 18 - - - 616 - 616 - - - - (337) Closing balance 30 June 1,818 592 725 14 Deferred tax liabilities to be settled within 12 months 1,818 592 725 14 1,818 592 725 14 The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to: Amounts recognised in profit or loss Amounts recognised in balance sheet Deferred tax liability acquired Amounts recognised in equity Revaluation of unlisted shares Movements: Acquisition of subsidiary deferred tax liability (note 29) Charged to equity De-recognition of deferred tax resulting from tax consolidation ... Note 21 Provision (Non Current) CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 Warranties (a) 3,249 2,261 - - Employee entitlements 15,109 7,501 1,399 1,240 18,358 9,762 1,399 1,240 (a) Warranties Provision is made for the estimated claims in respect of extended warranties provided on the majority of the Group’s retail used car sales. These claims are expected to settle over the next three years. Management estimates the provision based on historical warranty claim information and any recent trends that suggest future claims could differ from historical amounts. (b) Other Provision is made for various legal or constructive liabilities across the group where none of these are material in their own right. (c) Movements in provision Movements in each class of current and non-current provision during the year, other than employee benefits, are set out below: Note CONSOLIDATED 2007 2007 $000 $000 Warranties Other Carrying amount at start of year 3,442 883 Additional provisions recognised 2,452 374 Payments / other sacrifices of economic benefits (1,020) - 18 / 21 4,874 1,257 Current 18 1,625 1,257 Non-current 21 3,249 - Total provisions 4,874 1,257 Carrying amount at end of year Represented as follows: 87 88 ... Note 22 Contributed Equity PARENT PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 Shares Shares $000 $000 Ordinary shares fully paid 191,187,689 140,000,000 260,321 110,407 191,187,689 140,000,000 260,321 110,407 (a) Share Capital Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. Date Details Note Number of shares Issue price $000 (b) Movement in ordinary share capital 30/06/05 Balance 67,000,001 55,178 28/07/05 Share split (c) 13,000,000 - 01/08/05 Notes conversion (d) 14,299,999 $1.00 14,300 04/11/05 ASX share issue (e) 45,700,000 $1.00 45,700 115,178 Less: transaction costs arising on share issue (4,771) 30/06/06 Balance 08/01/07 Shares issues as consideration for the purchase of assets (f) 10,102,040 $2.45 24,750 25/01/07 Shares issued for AHG Performance Rights (g) 399,296 $2.50 998 27/02/07 Issue of share for AHG Tax Exempt Plan (h) 4,488 $2.67 12 04/05/07 Share Placement (i) 31,157,000 $2.90 90,355 11/05/07 Share Purchase Plan (j) 1,780,545 $2.90 5,161 11/05/07 Shares issued as consideration for the purchase of assets (k) 7,744,320 $3.87 30,000 Less: transaction costs arising on share issues (1,362) 30/06/07 Balance 140,000,000 110,407 191,187,689 260,321 (c) Share split On 28 July 2005 the company passed a resolution of members approving a share split of 13,000,000 ordinary shares. (d) Other equity securities The amount shown for other equity securities is the value of the conversion rights relating to the 7% convertible notes. These notes converted during the year ended 30 June 2006. (e) ASX share issue On 3 August 2005, Automotive Holdings Group Limited lodged with ASIC a prospectus for the offer of 45,700,000 shares at $1.00 to raise $45,700,000. The Group applied for the shares to be listed for quotation on the Australian Stock Exchange, which they were on 3rd November 2005. The prospectus was fully subscribed. ... (f) Shares issued as consideration for purchase of assets On 8 January 2007 Automotive Holdings Group Limited issued shares to the value of $24.75 million (10,102,040 ordinary shares @ $2.45 per share) to AC McGrath & Co Pty Ltd as part of the consideration for the purchase of the McGrath Lander Motor Group. Refer to note 29 for further information. The shares issued are subject to a Voluntary Escrow agreement for twelve months commencing from 1 December 2006 and expiring 30 November 2007 and were only entitled to a pro rata dividend from 1 December 2006 to 31 December 2006. (g) Share issued for AHG Performance Rights Plan On 25 January 2007 Automotive Holdings Group Limited issued shares under the AHG Performance Rights Plan, details of which are contained in note 42 to this report. (h) Issue of shares for the AHG Tax Exempt Plan On 27 January 2007 Automotive Holdings Group Limited issued shares to employees under the AHG Tax Exempt Share Plan. The shares are subject to a restriction on disposal so that they can not be sold until the earlier of three years from the date of issue or the cessation of employment from the AHG Group. (i) Share Placement On 4 May 2007 Automotive Holdings Group Limited issued shares to substantial shareholders, other institutional and sophisticated investors, to fund the acquisition of the Zupps Group. (j) Share Purchase Plan On 11 May 2007 Automotive Holdings Group Limited issued shares to allow existing shareholders the opportunity to subscribe for shares up to the maximum legal value of $5,000 at the same price as the institutional placement. (k) Shares issued as consideration for the purchase of acquired entities On 11 May 2007 Automotive Holdings Group Limited issued shares for the purchase of the Zupps Group to the value of $30 million as part consideration. The shares issued are subject to a voluntary escrow agreement. The terms of the agreement include a two tiered level of restrictions whereby 75% (5,808,240 fully paid ordinary shares) of the securities issued will be subject to a twelve month period of restriction from the date of issue commencing from 2 May 2007 and expiring 2 May 2008. The balance of 25% (1,936,080 fully paid ordinary shares) of the securities issued will be subject to a three month period of restriction from the date of issue, commencing from 2 May 2007 and expiring 2 August 2007. The securities issued are only entitled to a pro rata dividend from 2 May 2007 of the final dividend. 89 90 ... Note 23 Reserves CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 - - - - 2,052 - 2,052 - Deferred tax (note 20) (616) - (616) - Balance 30 June 1,436 - 1,436 - - - - - (67) - - - (I) Available-for-sale investments revaluation reserve Balance 1 July Revaluation (Ii) Foreign currency translation reserve Balance 1 July Currency translation differences arising during the year Balance 30 June Total Reserves (67) - - - 1,369 - 1,436 - Retained Profits/ Accumulated Losses Balance 1 July 15,781 4,527 (1,109) (10) Net profit for the year 30,175 20,204 17,333 7,849 (15,503) (8,950) (15,503) (8,950) 30,453 15,781 721 (1,109) Dividends paid Balance 30 June Nature and purpose of reserves: (i) Available-for-sale investments revaluation reserve Changes in the fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale financial assets are taken to this reserve, as described in note 1(l). Amounts are recognised in the profit and loss when the associated assets are sold or impaired. (ii) Foreign currency translation reserve Exchange differences arising on translation of the foreign controlled entity are taken to the foreign currency translation reserve, as described in note 1(ad). The reserve is recognised in profit and loss when the net investment is disposed of. Note 24 Minority Interests CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 Interest in: $000 $000 $000 $000 Share capital 106 10,583 - - Retained profit 227 947 - - Balance 30 June 333 11,530 - - On 1 March 2007, Automotive Holdings Group Limited acquired the balance of shares in Perth Auto Alliance Pty Ltd (PAA) from Ford International Capital Corporation a company associated with Ford. The acquisition of the additional 39.7% of shares has resulted in PAA becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent entity. As a result of the acquisition of the balance of shares in the PAA a significant proportion of minority interest has been removed from the Group’s financial statement. ... Note 25Commitments (a) Capital commitments Entities within the Group are committed to purchase vehicles from various manufacturers and are required to forward order these vehicles. The vehicles are recognised once physically received. The exception relates to the purchase of trucks where a proportion is recognised in advance of the trucks being received. CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 Within one year 1,275 1,475 1,275 1,475 Later than one year but not later than 5 years 1,700 1,475 1,700 1,475 (b) Remuneration commitments Commitments for the payment of salaries and other remuneration under long-term employment contracts in existence at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable: (c) Finance lease commitments The Group leases various plant and equipment under finance leases, with the options to acquire them on expiry of the leases. Commitments in relation to finance leases are payable as follows: - within one year 6,732 2.901 321 262 - later than one year but not later than five years 21,686 4,573 277 361 - later than five years 14,877 - - - Total lease payments 43,295 7,474 598 623 (10,182) (759) (52) (60) 33,113 6,715 546 563 4,709 2,499 285 227 Non-current (note 19) 28,404 4,216 261 336 33,113 6,715 546 563 Future finance charges Lease liability Representing lease liabilities: Current (note 16) The weighted average interest rate implicit in the leases is 7.2% (2006: 7%) 91 92 ... CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 - within one year 1,045 1,078 21 - - later than one year but not later than five years 1,237 2,083 44 - Total hire purchase payments 2,282 3,161 65 - Future finance charges (183) (345) (5) - Total hire purchase liability 2,099 2,816 60 - 890 1,007 17 - Non-current (note 19) 1,209 1,809 43 - 2,099 2,816 60 - (d) Hire purchase commitments The Group finances various plant and equipment under hire purchase agreements. Commitments in relation to hire purchase agreements are payable as follows: Representing hire purchase liabilities: Current (note 16) The weighted average interest rate implicit in the hire purchase agreements is 6.6% (2006: 6.6%) (e) Operating lease commitments The Group leases property and equipment under operating leases with varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. Non cancellable operating leases contracted for but not capitalised in the accounts are payable as follows: - within one year 40,088 25,269 524 660 - later than one year but not later than five years 129,097 105,512 1,790 1,229 - later than five years 149,451 95,171 2,502 - 318,636 225,952 4,816 1,889 ... Note 26 Dividends PARENT 2007 2006 $000 $000 8,400 3,350 7,103 5,600 15,503 8,950 13,951 8,400 (a) Ordinary shares Final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2006 of 6 cents per fully paid shares paid on 13 October 2006 (30 June 2005 of 5 cents per fully paid share paid on 2 July 2005) Interim dividend for the year ended 30 June 2007 of 5 cents per fully paid shares paid on 2 April 2007 ( 30 June 2006 of 4 cents per fully paid share paid on 31 March 2006) (b) Dividends not recognised at year end: Since year end the directors have recommended the payment of a fully franked final dividend of 7.5 cents per share (2006: 6 cents), based on tax paid at 30%. The aggregate amount of dividends to be paid on 12 October 2007 (2006: 13 October 2006) out of the retained profits at 30 June 2007, but not recognised as a liability as year end is CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 47,696 8,410 47,696 8,410 (c) Franked dividends: Franking credits available for subsequent financial years based on a tax rate of 30% (2006 – 30%) The above amounts represent the balance of the franking account as at the end of the financial year, adjusted for: (a) franking credits that will arise from the payment of the amount of the provision for income tax; (b) franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date; and (c) franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables at the reporting date. The impact on the franking account of the dividend recommended by the directors since year end, but not recognised as a liability at year end, will be a reduction in the franking account of $5,980,286 (2006 - $3,600,000). 93 94 ... Note 27 Reconciliation Of Profit After Income Tax To Net Cash Inflow/ (Outflow) From Operating Activities CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 33,216 23,181 17,333 7,849 (48) (19) (20,991) (10,074) Amortisation 3,736 2,284 181 128 Depreciation 4,723 4,123 404 254 2 86 13 (3) Increase in trade debtors (48,444) (1,463) (205) (147) Increase in inventories (59,502) (28,348) - - 356 (1,442) (1,019) 72 (2,702) - (73) 3,261 357 - (14,956) 4,269 29,365 16,476 (1,693) 340 4,889 1,745 239 1,068 590 - 95 6 (33,462) 16,623 (20,672) 7,023 Profit for the year Distribution / dividends received Non-cash flows in profit: Loss/(profit) on sale of non current assets Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Decrease (Increase) in other current assets (Increase) decrease in deferred tax assets Increase (decrease) in provision for income taxes payable Increase (decrease) in trade creditors and accruals Increase in provisions Increase in provision for deferred tax liabilities Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities Non cash financing and investing activities During the year the consolidated entity acquired plant and equipment with a fair value of $29,976,147 (2006: $3,335,705) by means of finance leases. These acquisitions are not reflected in the Cash Flow Statement. During the year parent entity issued shares to the value of $24.75 million (10,102,040 ordinary shares @ $2.45 per share) to AC McGrath & Co Pty Ltd as part of the consideration for the purchase of the McGrath Lander Motor Group. This financing activity is not reflected in the Cash Flow Statement. Refer to notes 22 and 29 for further information. As part of the financing of the McGrath Lander Motor Group acquisition the parent entity entered into a deferred settlement arrangements where the parent entity received vendor financing from AC McGrath & Co Pty Ltd for a total amount of $10 million. Under the Asset Sale & Purchase Agreement dated 1 December 2006 the balance of consideration payable will be made on 1 December 2008. This financing activity is not reflected in the Cash Flow Statement. The balance of the vendor financing is reflected in Note 19 to the accounts. Refer to note 29 for further information. During the year the parent entity issued shares to the value of $30 million (7,744,320 ordinary shares @ $3.87 per share) to Jonwen Financial Services Pty Ltd as part of the consideration for the Zupp Motor Group. This financing activity is not reflected in the Cash Flow Statement. Refer to Note 29 for further information. Note 28 Subsidiaries The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the above subsidiaries in accordance with the accounting policy described in note 1(b). All controlled entities are either directly controlled by Automotive Holdings Group Limited, or wholly owned within the consolidated entity, have ordinary class shares and are incorporated in Australia or New Zealand. ... 6jidbdi^kZ=daY^c\h<gdjeA^b^iZY 68C&&&),%%(- 6aa&%% jcaZhh bVg`ZY 6=<;^cVcXZE$A Vh igjhiZZ [dgVi[ 6=<;^cVcXZJ$I =daYh &%% d[jc^ih 6aa&%% jcaZhh bVg`ZY 6=<;^cVcXZ'%%*E$A 7^\GdX`E$A 7^\GdX`J$I 7^\GdX`'%%*E$A 6JI+E$A Bdjcih7VnJ$I 8]Zaa^c\ldgi]E$A 9jcXVc6jidhE$A 9jcXVc6jidhJ$I 9jcXVc6jidh'%%*E$A <^Vci6jidh&..,E$A <^Vci6jidhJ$I <^Vci6jidhE$A HL<IE$A HL<IJ$I <gVcY6jidh'%%*E$A 8^inBdidgh&.-&E$A 8^inBdidghJ$I A^dciZVbE$A BZak^aaZ6jidhE$A BZak^aaZ6jidhJ$I BZak^aaZ6jidh'%%*E$A Cdgi]8^in&.-&E$A Cdgi]8^inJ$I Cdgi]8^in'%%*E$A Cdgi]h^YZC^hhVc&.-+ Cdgi]h^YZC^hhVcJ$I Cdgi]h^YZ6jidh'%%*E$A @^c\hed^ciE$A CZl9ZVaZgh]^eJ$I Cj[dgY;dgYE$A GVcYIgVchedgi&.-+E$A GVcYIgVchedgiJ$I GVcYIgVchedgiE$A <ZgVaY^cZCdb^cZZhE$A 7ZabdciJ$I H`^eeZgIgjX`hE$A Hdji]h^YZ6jidh&.-&E$A Hdji]h^YZJ$I Hdji]h^YZ6jidh'%%*E$A IdiVa6jidh&..%E$A IdiVa6jidhJ$ICd' IdiVa6jidh'%%*E$A ;VaXdcZiE$A IgjX`J$I L6IgjX`hE$A 7jibVXE$A BdidgW^`ZJ$I BdidgXnXaZ9^hig^Wjidgh 6jhigVa^VE$A DhWdgcZEVg`J$I DhWdgcZEVg`6jidhE$A ?VcZiid=daY^c\hE$A ]daYh &%% ]daYh *% KZ]^XaZEVgihL6E$A ?VcVhZcE$A 9jVa6jidhE$A 8VhiaZ\ViZ:ciZgeg^hZhE$A H]ZbVeZa'%%*E$A EZgi]6jid6aa^VcXZE$A 6=<&E$A KZ]^XaZHidgV\Z:c\^cZZg^c\E$A KBHE$A A:<:C9 B8B6jidhCdb^cZZhE$A AVg\ZEinAiY HbVaaEinAiY Jc^iIgjhi BX<gVi]AVcYZg<gdjeHZZ6cc& Ojeeh<gdjeHZZ6cc' CZlOZVaVcYHZZ6cc( -% 95 96 ... 6ccZmjgZ& 6jidbdi^kZ=daY^c\h<gdjeA^b^iZY 68C&&&),%%(- BX<gVi]AVcYZg<gdje 68BA^kZgeddaE$A 68B6jidhE$A =^\]aVcY@VX`ZaaE$A =^\]aVcY6jidhE$A B8BHji]ZgaVcYE$A B8B6jidhE$A 6ccZmjgZ' 6jidbdi^kZ=daY^c\h<gdjeA^b^iZY 68C&&&),%%(- Ojeeh<gdj e OjeehBi<gVkViiE$A Ojeeh=daY^c\hE$A OjeehHdji]h^YZE$A Ojeeh6heaZnE$A OjeehEVgihE$A Hdji]Zgc6jidbdi^kZ <gdjeE$A Ojeeh<daY8dVhiE$A Hdji]ZVhi6jidbdi^kZ <gdjeE$A Hdji]lZhi6jidbdi^kZ <gdjeE$A 6ccZmjgZ( 6jidbdi^kZ=daY^c\h<gdjeA^b^iZY 68C&&&),%%(- CZlOZVaVcY AL8A^b^iZY 6jX`aVcY6jid 8daaZXi^dcA^b^iZY @IBCZlOZVaVcY A^b^iZY ,) ... Note 29 Business Combinations (a) Auckland Auto Collection Limited On 1 October 2006 Automotive Holdings Group Limited acquired all of the issued capital in Auckland Auto Collection Limited (AACL), a New Zealand automotive sales and service group, for cash consideration of $1,386,000. The acquired business contributed revenues of $124,991,000 and net profit before tax of $111,000 to the Group for the period from 8 September 2006 to 30 June 2007. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 July 2006, consolidated revenue and consolidated net profit before tax for the full-year ended 30 June 2007 would have been $167,727,000 and $149,000 respectively. Details of net assets acquired and goodwill and franchise rights are as follows: Purchase consideration ($’000) Cash paid 1,202 Direct costs relating to the acquisition 184 Total purchase consideration 1,386 Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (1,026) Goodwill and franchise rights 360 The goodwill and franchise rights are primarily attributable to AACL’s market position and future prospects. The assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition are as follows: Acquiree’s carrying amount ($’000) Fair value ($’000) Cash and cash equivalents 1,818 1,818 Property, plant and equipment 2,615 2,615 Inventories 27,455 27,455 Receivables 6,447 6,447 (2,233) (2,233) (736) (736) (34,340) (34,340) 1,026 1,026 Payables Employee benefit liabilities, including superannuation Borrowings Net identifiable assets acquired CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 Outflow of cash to acquire subsidiary, net of cash acquired: $000 $000 $000 $000 (1,386) - (1,386) - 1,818 - 1,818 - - - - - 432 - 432 - Cash consideration Less: balances acquired: Cash Bank overdraft Inflow of cash 97 98 ... (b) McGrath Motor Group On 1 December 2006 Automotive Holdings Group Limited acquired the business and assets of McGrath Motor Group, a New South Wales automotive sales and service group. On 1 March 2007 Lansvale Holden a Sydney dealership was acquired and incorporated into the McGrath Motor Group. The acquired business contributed revenues of $361,575,000 and net profit before tax of $7,234,000 to the Group for the period from 2 December 2006 to 30 June 2007. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 July 2006, consolidated revenue and consolidated net profit before tax for the full-year ended 30 June 2007 would have been $631,609,000 and $10,738,000 respectively. Details of net assets acquired and goodwill and franchise rights are as follows: Purchase consideration Cash paid ($’000) 32,397 Shares issued (10,102,040 @ $2.45) 24,750 Deferred vendor financing 8,850 Subtotal 65,997 Direct costs relating to the acquisition 4,339 Total purchase consideration 70,336 Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (10,877) Goodwill and franchise rights 59,459 As part of the settlement agreement for the purchase of the McGrath Motor Group the parent entity entered into a vendor financing arrangement with AC McGrath & Co Pty Ltd. Under this agreement an amount of $10.0 million is payable to the vendor on the second anniversary of the completion date. The amount of $8.85 million reflected the net present value of the liability on the completion date. The balance of $1.15 million represents the deferred interest that will be matured to the profit and loss over the period of the loan. The shares issued are subject to a Voluntary Escrow agreement for twelve months, commencing on 1 December 2006 and expiring 30 November 2007 and were only entitled to a pro rata dividend from 1 December 2006 to 31 December 2006. The goodwill and franchise rights are primarily attributable to the McGrath Motor Group’s market position and future prospects. The assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition are as follows: Property, plant and equipment Acquiree’s carrying amount ($’000) 37 Fair value ($’000) 37 15,516 15,516 (268) (268) (2,782) (2,782) Inventories Payables Employee benefit liabilities, including superannuation Borrowings (1,626) (1,626) Net identifiable assets acquired 10,877 10,877 CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 Outflow of cash to acquire subsidiary, net of cash acquired: $000 $000 $000 $000 (36,736) - (36,736) - Cash - - - - Bank overdraft - - - - Outflow of cash (36,736) - (36,736) - Cash consideration Less: balances acquired: ... (c) Zupps Motor Group On 2 May 2007 Automotive Holdings Group Limited acquired the business and assets of Zupps Motor Group, Queensland’s largest privately owned automotive retailing group. The acquired business contributed revenues of $125,175,799 and net profit before tax of $3,269,698 to the Group for the period from 2 May 2007 to 30 June 2007. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 July 2006, consolidated revenue and consolidated net profit before tax for the full-year ended 30 June 2007 would have been $642.1 million and $13.1 million respectively. Details of net assets acquired and goodwill are as follows: Purchase consideration ($’000) Cash paid 87,928 Shares Issued (7,744,320 @ $3.87) 30,000 Estimated balance of amount payable under the Settlement agreement Subtotal Direct costs relating to the acquisition 4,756 122,684 872 Total purchase consideration 123,556 Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (42,068) Goodwill and franchise rights 81,488 The goodwill and franchise rights are primarily attributable to the Zupps Group’s market position and future prospects. The final value of consideration payable for the purchase of the Zupps Group is subject to the finalisation of settlement accounts. The aforementioned figures are preliminary numbers. At 30 June 2007 the total consideration exchanged for the acquisition represents cash consideration of $87.928 million plus the issue of 7,744,320 shares in the parent entity with an equivalent value of $30.0 million. The estimated balance of consideration payable of $4.756 million will be finalised during the year ended 30 June 2008. This amount is reflected as a current liability in the group’s financial statements. The shares issued are subject to a Voluntary Escrow agreement. The terms of the agreement include a two tiered level of restriction whereby 75% (5,808,240 fully paid ordinary shares) of the securities issued will be subject to a twelve month period of restriction from the date of issue, commencing from 2 May 2007 and expiring 2 May 2008. The balance of 25% (1,936,080 fully paid shares) of securities issued will be subject to a three month period of restriction from the date of issue, commencing from 2 May 2007 and expiring 2 August 2007. The securities issued are only entitled to a pro rata dividend from 2 May 2007 of the final dividend. 99 100 ... Acquiree’s carrying amount ($’000) Fair value ($’000) 23 23 24,912 24,912 333 333 91,798 91,798 Property, plant and equipment 9,323 9,323 Deferred Tax Assets (net) 2,070 2,070 Other receivables 1,145 1,145 GST Receivable 801 801 Bank overdraft (3,228) (3,228) Payables (8,228) (8,228) Cash at bank Receivables (net) Prepayments Inventories Accrued expenses (2,168) (2,168) Employee benefit liabilities, including superannuation (4,399) (4,399) Other provisions (1,281) (1,281) Provision for income tax payable (1,155) (1,155) (46) (46) (67,832) (67,832) 42,068 42,068 Lease liability Borrowings Net identifiable assets acquired CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 (88,800) - (88,800) - 23 - 23 - Bank overdraft (3,228) - (3,228) - Outflow of cash (92,005) - (92,005) - Outflow of cash to acquire subsidiary, net of cash acquired: Cash consideration Less: balances acquired: Cash ... (d) Perth Auto Alliance On 1 March 2007, Automotive Holdings Group Limited acquired the balance of shares in Perth Auto Alliance Pty Ltd (PAA) from Ford International Capital Corporation a company associated with Ford. The acquisition of the additional 39.7% of shares has resulted in PAA becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent entity. The total purchase consideration was $15.1 million. As a result of the acquisition, the group has recognised an additional $2.5 million to goodwill and franchise rights representing the difference between the net assets attributable to the balance of shares acquired and the total consideration paid. CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 (15,114) - (15,114) - Cash - - - - Bank overdraft - - - - Outflow of cash (15,114) - (15,114) - Outflow of cash to acquire subsidiary, net of cash acquired: Cash consideration Less: balances acquired: Note 30 Contingencies A liability exists for after sales service and finance rebates but the amount can not be quantified, but in the opinion of the directors is not material amount. At 30 June 2007, trusts within the Group entered into sale and buyback agreements for a number of vehicles. At this date the directors of the trustees are of the opinion that the repurchase price of these vehicles, net of provision at 30 June 2007, is below their expected selling price. Parent Entity: Unsecured guarantees, indemnities and undertakings have been given by the parent entity in the normal course of business in respect of financial trade arrangements entered into by its controlled entities. It is not practicable to ascertain or estimate the maximum amount for which the parent entity may become liable in respect thereof. At 30 June 2007 no controlled entity was in default in respect of any arrangement guaranteed by the parent entity and all amounts owed have been brought to account as liabilities in the financial statements. Cross guarantees have been given by Automotive Holdings Group Limited and controlled entities as described in note 31. No deficiencies of assets exist in any of these companies. No contingent liabilities exist in respect of joint venture interests (note 34). 101 102 ... Note 31 Deeds Of Cross Guarantee Automotive Holdings Group Limited has entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee with all of its controlled entities, excluding the legal entities initiated / acquired within the financial year, under which each entity guarantees the debts of the others. The excluded legal entities initiated / acquired within the financial year and in the process of being included in the deed of cross guarantees are as follows; ACM Autos Pty Ltd 121 604 082 Southeast Automotive Group Pty Ltd 103 071 290 ACM Liverpool Pty Ltd 121 604 055 Southwest Automotive Group Pty Ltd 096 279 480 Highland Autos Pty Ltd 121 604 297 Vehicle Storage & Engineering Pty Ltd 121 604 242 Highland Autos Nominees Pty Ltd 121 604 037 Zupps Aspley Pty Ltd 009 900 298 Highland Kackell Pty Ltd 121 805 785 Zupps Gold Coast Pty Ltd 009 681 261 MCM Autos Pty Ltd 121 606 862 Zupps Holdings Pty Ltd 009 824 462 MCM Autos Nominees Pty Ltd 121 606 826 Zupps Mt Gravatt Pty Ltd 009 695 694 MCM Sutherland Pty Ltd 121 606 808 Zupps Parts Pty Ltd 009 842 648 Perth Auto Alliance Pty Ltd 089 353 346 Zupps Southside Pty Ltd 009 839 187 Southern Automotive Group Pty Ltd 103 181 237 The parent entity has determined that there are no material deficiencies in the controlled entities, and therefore there is no liability that should be recognised in relation to these guarantees. Note 32 Economic Dependency The Group is dependent on various vehicle manufacturers for the supply of new vehicles and replacement parts and motorcycles for sale. Various subsidiaries have dealer agreements with manufacturers. The dealer agreements are franchise agreements for the purpose of the franchising code which confers on the parties certain rights and obligations in respect of termination, assignment and mediation that override any conflicting provisions in the dealer agreements. Dealership agreements usually run for a fixed term, typically between 3 and 5 years, often with no automatic right of renewal. There is a risk that these arrangements may not be renewed which would have a detrimental effect on the future financial performance of the Group. The manufacturers and distributors usually include a termination clause which provides them with the ability to terminate the agreements on short notice. If a franchise is terminated, it would have a detrimental effect on the future financial performance of the Group. Note 33 Financial Risk Management The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks – foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, operational risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on, amongst other things, the efficient management of Automotive Holdings Group Limited‘s financial risks that arise through the automotive retail and logistics businesses and establishes a sound policy to minimise the financial risk and uncertainty that AHG faces through the uncertain and volatile nature of its cash flows that could materially reduce AHG revenues and profitability. Risk management is monitored by the Audit & Risk Management Committee who advises the Board and report on the status of business risks through integrated risk management programs aimed at ensuring risks are identified, assessed and appropriately managed. The Company has implemented a Financial Risk Management Policy that: • identifies the actual and forecast financial exposures, through timely information flow within AHG; • ensures effective management processes are followed for the financial risks identified and maintained within acceptable levels, to avoid unaffordable losses; • delivers managed outcomes in terms of Australian dollar cash flows, employing a management approach that focuses on risk minimisation and moderation of volatility; ... • safeguards AHG’s financial resources by adhering to authorised hedging parameters, appropriate levels of authority, operational controls and credit guidelines; • maintains adequate selection of treasury facilities and lines of credit required to minimise AHG financial exposures/risks and meet its short and long-term liquidity needs; • ensure that accounting policies adopted for the treasury function are in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices; and • ensures that the taxation treatment of treasury products is in accordance with income tax legislation and where appropriate adjustments are made to accounting income, thereby avoiding income tax penalties. Under this policy, a Treasury Committee has been established comprising of the Managing Director, Finance Director, Company Secretary and an external treasury adviser. This Committee is to meet regularly to overview internal and external reports at least on a quarterly basis, with minutes circulated to the Board after each meeting. The Committee’s responsibilities will include: • Discussing current industry and financial market trends, views and expectations; • Supervision of financial market activities and exposures in terms of the potential impact on AHG and Policy; • Reviewing the existing hedged positions, with view to any top-up and/or restructuring opportunities that may exist or may be permitted; • Discuss and recommend appropriate strategies for both short-term defensive and long-term strategic hedging; and • Periodically review required changes to the policy and make recommendation to the Audit & Risk Management Committee (who in turn make recommendations to the Board where required). (a) Foreign Exchange Risk The management approach to financial risk management is aimed at minimising and managing the impact of movements in foreign exchange rates on its purchases and to protect future cash flow. Policy has been developed by considering the following criteria: • Negotiating purchase contracts in AUD where possible to reduce its foreign exchange exposure; • Achieving budget/profitability on the cost of specific delivery; and • Obtaining competitive quotes to ensure no counterparty is favoured over another and the best returns are being achieved. All foreign exchange hedging is undertaken in conjunction with the most updated details of the underlying exposure. The fundamental approach is that AHG will only enter into hedging transactions that match its underlying exposure, which is in line with industry best practice. (b) Interest Rate Risk The objective of AHG interest rate risk policy is to minimise the potential for financial loss arising from unfavourable movements in interest rates to cause an increase in costs and adversely affect AHG profitability when compared against budget expectations. In the context of AHG activities, interest rate risk arises from: • Exposure on its inventory financing arrangements via its floor-plan refinancing for its dealership group; • Risk return exposure on surplus cash within the AHG businesses; • Exposure to interest rate movements on specific debt financing as a result of acquisitions or strategic developments of AHG. The key elements of AHG approach to manage interest rate risk are to: • Support working capital requirements at a cost of funds that is market competitive; • Manage its liquidity risk through daily cash position and projected forecasts, to ensure funds are available to meet its operating expenditure and reduce the incidence of overdraft; • Monitor counterparty covenants and compliance ratios; • Manage any substantial surplus of Australian dollar funds; and • Minimise the overall cost of funds through prudent, effective and efficient management of borrowings and investments such as capping or fixing funding costs within acceptable levels or risk in terms of fixed/floating mix of liabilities. 103 104 ... (c) Operational Risk The objective of AHG operational risk policy is to ensure that AHG operates under a controlled environment and infrastructure that minimises the risk of mismanagement, error, fraud and unauthorised activities associated with the day-to-day financial activities. In the context of AHG activities, operational risk arises from: • The number of personnel within AHG and the degree of segregation of duties; • The complexity of financial instruments and structures used; and • Adequate infrastructure and systems. The key elements of AHG’s approach to manage operational risk are: • Defining the roles, responsibilities and authority framework and ensuring AHG have adequate staffing and established controls to mitigate operational risk; • Effective control and segregation of duties to ensure that front and back office personnel are responsible for different activities during the deal life cycle (i.e. no one person is singularly responsible for initiating and settling a transaction to the end); • Having international swap dealers association agreements in place with each counterparty to cover legal risk for all hedging instruments; and • Establishing a suite of financial reports, sourced internally. (d) Credit Risk The objective of AHG’s credit risk policy is to contain the potential for losses arising from a buyer or financial intermediary’s unwillingness, inability or failure to meet its financial commitment against its obligations. AHG’s risk lies predominately with its limited investment activities, hedging counterparties, and through insurance institutions providing insurance cover. AHG’s credit risk arises from: • Credit funds (i.e. cheque account or investments) with its banking counterparty, the risk the counterparty denies access to funds or is unable or unwilling to repay principal and accrued interest; • Non performance of obligations by the financial counterparty holding hedging or derivative transactions, where the mark-to-market revaluations reflects an unrealised gain in favour of AHG; • Non performance of obligations by the insurance company with respect to the amount of outstanding insurance claims, where counterparty is unwilling or unable to honour its commitment. (e) Liquidity Risk The objective of AHG’s liquidity risk policy is to ensure that AHG has adequate financing facilities and operating cash flows available to meet its financial commitments in a timely manner. The liquidity risk management approach is to identify and manage AHG financial commitments on the following basis: • Long-term liquidity management involving the structuring of AHG‘s balance sheet and debt maturity profile to protect against a liquidity problem in the future. ... Fixed interest rate maturing in Floating interest 2007 More Non- 1 yr or Over 1-2 Over 2-3 Over 3-4 Over 4-5 than 5 interest Notes rate less years years years years years bearing Total Financial assets $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 Cash and deposits 6 28,364 - - - - - - 288 28,652 Receivables 7 - - - - - - - 159,021 159,021 Other current assets 9 - - - - - - - 5,554 5,554 11 - - - - - - - 3,467 3,467 Total 28,364 - - - - - - 168,330 196,694 - - - - - - - 119,596 119,596 Available-for-sale financial assets (non-current) Weighted average Interest rate - % 5.89% Financial liabilities Trade & other creditors 15 Vehicle bailment 16 406,283 - - - - - - - 406,283 Bills payable (current) 16 12,476 - - - - - - - 12,476 19 28,803 - - - - - - - 28,803 Deferred vendor finance 19 - - - - - - - 9,185 9,185 Bills payable (non-current) Deferred settlement 16 4,756 - - - - - - - 4,756 Other loans 19 - - - - - - - 1,430 1,430 Lease liabilities 16/19 33,114 - - - - - - - 33,114 Hire purchase 16/19 - 889 1,016 193 - - - - 2,099 Total 485,432 889 1,016 193 - - - 130,211 617,742 7.04% 6.60% 6.60% 6.60% Weighted average interest rate - % 105 106 ... Fixed interest rate maturing in Floating interest 2006 More Non- 1 yr or Over 1-2 Over 2-3 Over 3-4 Over 4-5 than 5 interest Notes rate less years years years years years bearing Total Financial assets $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 Cash and deposits 6 42,578 - - - - - - 203 42,781 Receivables 7 - - - - - - - 81,445 81,445 Other current assets 9 - - - - - - - 5,342 5,342 41 - - - - - - - 8,176 8,176 11 - - - - - - - 416 416 Total 42,578 - - - - - - 95,582 138,160 - - - - - - - 76,473 76,473 Assets of disposal group classified as held for sale (current) Available-for-sale financial assets (non-current) Weighted average Interest rate - % 5.27% Financial liabilities Trade & other creditors 15 Vehicle bailment 16 217,117 - - - - - - - 217,117 Bills payable (current) 16 8,000 - - - - - - 2 8,002 (non-current) 19 - 12,000 - - - - - - 12,000 Other loans 19 5,811 - - - - - - 1,430 7,241 Lease liabilities 16/19 6,715 - - - - - - 6,715 Hire purchase 16/19 - 1,070 532 542 570 102 - - 2,816 Total 237,643 13,070 532 542 570 102 - 77,905 330,364 6.71% 6.60% 6.60% 6.60% 6.60% 6.60% Bills payable Weighted average interest rate - % ... Note 34Interest In Joint Ventures Jointly controlled operation A subsidiary has entered into a jointly controlled operation called Vehicle Parts (WA) Pty Ltd for the distribution of Subaru Parts. The Company has a 50% participating interest in this jointly controlled operation and is entitled to 50% of its profit. The Company’s interests in the assets employed in the jointly controlled operation are included in the consolidated balance sheet, in accordance with the accounting policy described in note 1(b), under the following classifications: CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 88 82 - - Receivables 374 403 - - Inventories 499 344 - - 2 2 - - 963 831 - - 1 - - - 964 831 - - Revenue 3,777 3,258 - - Expenses (3,526) (3,046) - - 251 212 - - Current assets Cash on hand Other Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Share of assets employed in joint venture Share of joint venture’s revenue, expenses and results: Profit before income tax Note 35Events Occurring After Balance Date On 10 July 2007, AHG announced that it has executed an agreement with Vmoto Limited to become the exclusive Australian distributor of Vmoto branded scooters and related merchandise. Under the agreement AHG’s logistics division will distribute Vmoto and ATVs initially through the existing Vmoto retail network around Australia. AHG will establish a dedicated operation within its logistics division to manage the distribution business under the agreement, which takes effect on 1 July 2007 and has an initial term of five years. As part of the agreement AHG has acquired approximately $800,000 of inventory. No other matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2007 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect: (a) the Group’s operations in future financial years, or (b) the results of those operations in future financial years, or (c) the Group’s state of affairs in future financial years. 107 108 ... Note 36 Earnings Per Share PARENT 2007 2006 Cents Cents 19.6 15.0 (a) Basic earnings per share Profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company Profit from discontinuing operations 0.4 1.6 20.0 16.6 19.6 15.0 0.4 1.6 20.0 16.6 Profit from continuing operations 30,195 21,201 Profit from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to minority interests (3,041) (2,977) 27,154 18,224 3,021 1,980 30,175 20,204 27,154 18,224 3,021 1,980 30,175 20,204 151,130,650 122,047,945 151,130,650 122,047,945 Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company (b) Diluted earnings per share Profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company Profit from discontinuing operations Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company (c) Reconciliation of earnings used in calculating earnings per share Basic earnings per share Profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company used in the calculation of basic earnings per share Profit from discontinuing operations Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company used in the calculation of basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share Profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share Profit from discontinuing operations Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share (d) Weighted average number of shares used as the denominator Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in calculating of basic earnings per share Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in calculating of diluted earnings per share ... Note 37 Remuneration Of Auditors CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 417 411 77 25 329 - - - - 60 - - 746 471 77 25 24 58 - - 193 307 116 - During the year the following services were paid or payable to the auditor of the parent entity, its related practices and non-related audit firms: Audit Services Fees paid or payable to BDO Kendalls Audit & Assurance (WA) Pty Ltd (formerly Horwath Audit (WA) Pty Ltd) Audit and review of financial reports and other audit work under the Corporations Act 2001 Fees paid or payable to affiliated offices of BDO Kendalls Audit & Assurance (WA) Pty Ltd (formerly Horwath Audit (WA) Pty Ltd) Audit and review of financial reports and other audit work under the Corporations Act 2001 Fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers for the audit of financial reports of an entity in the consolidated entity (Perth Auto Alliance) Advisory Services Fees paid to BDO Kendalls Audit & Assurance (WA) Pty Ltd Taxation Services Fees paid to BDO Kendalls (WA) Pty Ltd Note 38 Key Management Personnel Disclosures (a) Directors The following persons were directors of Automotive Holdings Group Limited during the financial year: Robert John Branchi Chairman (Non-Executive) David Griffiths Non-Executive Director (appointed 27 February 2007) Giovanni Groppoli Non- Executive Director (appointed 4 July 2006) Bronte McGregor Howson Managing Director Peter William Stancliffe Non-Executive Director Gregory Joseph Wall Non-Executive Director Hamish Calder Williams Finance Director Vernon Charles Wheatley Non-Executive Director (resigned 24 November 2006) Michelle Victoria Prater Alternate for V C Wheatley (resigned 24 November 2006) 109 110 ... (b) Other Key Management personnel The following persons were the executives of the company with the greatest authority for the strategic direction and management of the Group during the financial year: Christopher Bevan Marwick Chief Operating Officer - WA Gary Gooding Chief Executive Officer – QLD. Robert McGrath Chief Executive Officer - NSW David William Kiggins GM Business Development Susan Dianna Symmons Company Secretary (c) Key Management personnel compensation CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 Short-term employee benefits 5,832 2,693 5,564 2,693 495 278 389 278 6,327 2,971 5,953 2,971 Post-employment benefits The company has taken advantage of the relief provided by Corporations Regulation 2M.6.04 and has transferred the detailed remuneration disclosures to the directors report under the heading ‘Remuneration Report’. Refer to note 42 for further details on share-based payments scheme with executives. (d) Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel (i) Share holdings The number of shares in the company held during the financial year by each director of Automotive Holdings Group Limited and other key management personnel of the Group, including their personally related parties, are set out below. There were shares granted during the reporting period to certain key management personnel as compensation under the AHG Performance Rights Plan (note 42). ... 2007 Directors Beneficial Owner Balance at start of the year Changes during the year Balance at the end of the year 17,639,866 +1,7251 17,641,591 Bronte McGregor Howson Croystone Nominees Pty Ltd as +1,7251 trustee for BBK Unit Trust BM Howson Robert John Branchi Auto Management Pty Ltd as trustee for The Branchi Family Trust 5,056,472 -25,0002 5,033,197 Nil +156,8433 158,568 +1,7251 Hamish Calder Williams 1 +1,7251 +31,3683 Hamish Calder Williams Gregory Joseph Wall 33,094 20,000 Nil 20,000 20,000 +1,7251 21,725 Nil +29,1004 30,825 +1,7251 Peter William Stancliffe Giovanni Groppoli Magix Communications Pty Ltd David Griffiths Larksea Investments Pty. Ltd. atf Lake Avenue Trust Vernon Charles Wheatley Jove Management Pty Ltd As trustee for The Wheatley Family Trust Vernon Charles Wheatley P.F.V Pty Ltd as trustee for The Wheatley Unit Trust Vernon Charles & Joycelyn Edith Wheatley Michelle Victoria Prater Nil +30,0004 30,000 16,013,124 Nil 16,013,124 10,000 Nil 10,000 35,545,282 Nil 35,545,282 2,807,916 +6,900,0005 9,707,916 Michelle Victoria Prater 500,000 Nil 500,000 Christopher Bevan Marwick 760,000 +57,0991,4,5,6 817,099 150,000 +25,0005 +1,7251 176,725 +20,0005 20,000 Other Key Management Personnel Christopher Bevan Marwick David William Kiggins Glengarry Estate Pty Ltd Susan Dianna Symmons Harvey Charles & Susan Dianna Symmons 1 Purchased under the Share Purchase Plan 2 Off-market transfer 3 Issued under the AHG Performance Rights Plan (note 42) 4 On market purchase 5 Issued under the Private Placement to Institutional and Sophisticated Shareholders 6 Salary sacrificed under the AHG Tax Exempt Plan Nil 111 112 ... 2006 Directors Beneficial Owner Robert John Branchi Auto Management Pty Ltd as trustee for The Branchi Family Trust Balance at start of the year Changes during the year Balance at the end of the year 13,742,358 +2,666,428 +1,231,080 17,639,866 4,234,795 +821,677 5,056,472 1 - 1 13,410,991 +2,602,133 16,013,124 Nil +10,000 10,000 29,769,174 +5,776,108 35,545,282 2,351,630 +456,286 2,807,916 Gregory Joseph Wall Nil +20,000 20,000 Trevor James Flügge Nil +20,000 20,000 Peter William Stancliffe Nil +20,000 20,000 Michelle Victoria Prater Nil +500,000 500,000 Bronte McGregor Howson Croystone Nominees Pty Ltd as trustee for BBK Unit Trust Hamish Calder Williams Hamish Calder Williams Vernon Charles Wheatley Jove Management Pty Ltd As trustee for The Wheatley Family Trust Vernon Charles Wheatley P.F.V Pty Ltd as trustee for The Wheatley Unit Trust Vernon Charles & Joycelyn Edith Wheatley Other Key Management Personnel Christopher Bevan Marwick Christopher Bevan Marwick Nil +760,000 760,000 David William Kiggins Glengarry Estate Pty Ltd Nil +150,000 150,000 Nil Nil Nil Susan Dianna Symmons (e) Loans to key management personnel There were no loans to key management personnel. (f) Other transactions with key management personnel Related party disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in Note 39. Aggregate amounts of each of the above types of other transactions with key management personnel of Automotive Holdings Group Limited: ... 2007 2006 ($’000) ($’000) 4,573 3,141 9,274 9,390 2007 ($’000) 7,236 2006 ($’000) 7,443 VC & JE Wheatley atf The Pulo Rd Super Fund 563 589 Ensile Pty Ltd 195 303 Orient Holdings Pty Ltd 455 430 Amounts recognised as distributions to shareholders Dividends paid Amounts recognised as expense Rent of premises Note 39 Related Parties (a) Parent entity The parent entity in the wholly-owned group is Automotive Holdings Group Limited. (b) Subsidiaries Interest in subsidiaries is set out in Note 28. (c) Key management personnel Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in Note 38. (d) Transactions with related parties During the year to 30 June 2007, entities within the wholly owned group paid rent on premises to: Automotive Properties Pty Ltd Auto Management Pty Ltd 825 625 9,274 9,390 The rental agreements are under terms and conditions no more favourable than those which it is reasonable to expect would have applied if the transactions were at arm’s length. Vernon Charles Wheatley was a director of Automotive Holdings Group Limited until 24 November 2006 and remained a related party until 24 May 2007. He is a director of Automotive Properties Pty Ltd, Ensile Pty Ltd and trustee of the Pulo Rd Super Fund. Robert John Branchi is a director of Automotive Holdings Group Limited, Orient Holdings Pty Ltd and Auto Management Pty Ltd. (e) Transactions of directors and director related entities concerning shares Transactions relating to ordinary shares and subscriptions for new ordinary shares were on the same terms and conditions that applied to other shareholders. (f) Other transactions of directors and director related entities Subsidiaries may, from time to time, sell motor vehicles, parts and servicing of motor vehicles for use to directors of entities in the consolidated entity or their director-related entities within a normal employee relationship on terms and conditions no more favourable than those which it is reasonable to expect would have been adopted if dealing with directors or their director-related entities at arm’s length in the same circumstances. The Company has applied the exemption under Corporations Amendments Regulation 2006 which exempts listed companies from providing remuneration disclosures in relation to their key management personnel in their annual financial reports by Accounting Standard AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures. These remuneration disclosures are provided in the Directors’ Report under the heading ‘Remuneration Report’. Transactions between the parent entity and its subsidiaries consist of the receipt of dividends, administration charges, transfer of funds for day to day financing and the receipt of interest on net working capital. Amounts receivable by the parent entity from related parties in the wholly owned group at balance date are shown in Note 7. 113 114 ... Note 40 Discontinued Operation (a) Description On the 11 September 2006 AHG announced the planned divestment of dealerships within the Perth Auto Alliance (PAA) allowing AHG to exercise its option to purchase the remaining 39.7% shareholding in the PAA. The process of divestment was completed 31 October 2006. Financial information relating to the discontinued operation for the period to the date of disposal is set out below. (b) Financial performance and cash flow information for the years ended 30 June 2007 and 2006 Note CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 3 80,487 227,442 - - Expenses (79,517) (224,565) - - Profit before income tax 970 2,877 - - 5 (296) (897) - - Profit from discontinuing operations 674 1,980 - - before income tax 3,910 - Income tax expense (1,563) - - - after income tax 2,347 - - - Profit from discontinued operations 3,021 1,980 - - Net cash inflows from operating activities 1,367 5,731 - - 5,369 (2,587) - - 6,736 3,144 - - Revenue Income tax expense Gain on sale of discontinued operations - Gain on sale of discontinued operations Net cash inflows/(outflows) from investing activities (2007 includes an inflow of $5,368,935 from the sale of discontinued operations). Net increase in cash generated by the discontinued operations ... (c) Carrying amounts of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations at 30 June 2007 and 2006 The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities as at 30 June 2007 and 30 June 2006 are: CONSOLIDATED PARENT 2007 2006 2007 2006 $000 $000 $000 $000 Property, plant and equipment - 1,030 - - Leasehold improvements - 816 - - Goodwill - 6,330 - - Total assets - 8,176 - - Provision for employee benefits - 424 - - Total liabilities - 424 - - Net Assets - 7,752 - - Note 41 Company Details The registered office of Automotive Holdings Group Limited is 21 Old Aberdeen Place, West Perth, Western Australia 6005. Note 42 Share-Based Payments (i) AHG Performance Rights Plan The Board has adopted the AHG Performance Rights Plan (Plan). Under the Plan, rights to acquire shares in the company (Rights) may be awarded to eligible senior executives of the company as determined by the Board from time to time. The vesting of these Rights will be subject to certain specific performance criteria. At this point only executive directors have been invited to participate in the Plan. Summary of the terms of the Plan are as follows; Type of Plan Awards under the Plan will be structured as Rights to acquire ordinary shares in the Company for nil consideration, provided specified performance criteria decided by the Board are met within defined time restrictions. The Plan rules allow participation by any executive director of the Company and other senior executives of the Company deemed to be eligible by the Board. Awards under the Plan will be expressed as a number of Rights to acquire a certain number of ordinary shares in the Company (generally one share for every Right). Purchase Price Plan participants will not be required to pay any amount in respect of the award of the Rights or on acquisition of the shares pursuant to the exercise of Rights. Number of Rights to be issued The Board will determine the number of Rights to be granted to each participant through an assessment of market remuneration practice, performance against budget and in line with the Company’s executive remuneration strategy. The Board will call on recommendations from the Remuneration and Nominating Committee. 115 116 ... Vesting Subject to certain performance criteria being satisfied (see below), it is currently proposed that Rights will vest on 30 September each year (after the finalisation of the Company’s yearly audited financial statements) during the applicable performance period. In the normal course, the exact number of Rights that will vest will be determined by reference to whether the performance criteria have been achieved. There are two performance criteria as outlined below. Rights linked to Total Shareholder Return (TSR) that remain unvested when the performance criteria are first tested will be carried forward for re-testing on 30 September in the 2 following performance periods, after which they will immediately lapse. Rights linked to earnings per share (EPS) that remain unvested when the performance criteria are first tested will immediately lapse. The Board has retained discretion under the Plan to permit variations to the terms on which Rights are issued (including to permit early vesting of the Rights) in some limited circumstances, particularly where a “cessation event” or “change of control” event occurs. “Cessation events” include (among other things) the death, redundancy or redundancy of a participant. “Control” has the meaning given to it in section 50AA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Performance Criteria Performance criteria will be designed to align the performance of senior executives with the interests of shareholders. While performance hurdles will be determined by the Board it its discretion, the current intention is to use TSR and EPS as a measure of performance. TSR will be determined on the basis of the total shareholder return (including dividends) during the relevant performance period. For the purpose of calculating the TSR, the share price to be used on the first and last day of a performance period will be the volume weighted average price for the shares of the Company traded on ASX for the 5 trading days up to and including that day. EPS will be determined with reference to the percentage increase in EPS over the performance period, with a higher EPS giving a higher entitlement to Rights vested. The number of Rights issued to the executives is linked to performance against budget, and then 50% of these Rights are tested against the TSR criteria and 50% are tested against the EPS criteria to determine the number of Rights which are exercisable. TSR schedule The percentage of TSR Rights that will be exercisable will be calculated by reference to the Company’s TSR as follows: Company’s TSR relative to Reference Group comprising of a selection of ASX 300 companies Percentage of Rights that are exercisable < 51st percentile 0% ≥ 51st percentile but ≤ 75th percentile 50% (plus a pro rata increase of 2% for each higher percentile ranking up to the 75th percentile) ≥ 75th percentile 100% ... EPS schedule The percentage of EPS Rights that will be exercisable for the Performance Period will be calculated by reference to the Company’s EPS growth as follows: Company’s EPS Growth Percentage of Rights that are exercisable < 8% Nil ≥ 8% but < 10% 50% ≥10% but < 12% 75% ≥12% 100% Cap The aggregate number of shares subject to outstanding Rights (that is, Rights that have not yet been exercised and that have not lapsed) that have been awarded under all of the Company’s equity incentive plans will not exceed 5% of the issued share capital. (ii) AHG Tax Exempt Share Plan AHG has also introduced a tax exempt share plan that provides Eligible Employees with more than 3 years service with an opportunity to share in the growth in value of the AHG shares and to encourage them to improve the performance of the Company and its return to shareholders by the issue of $1,000 of shares which are purchased by the employee by way of salary sacrifice. (iii) AHG Executive Share Plan The AHG Executive Share Plan has recently been finalised. The plan will allow certain senior executives the opportunity to salary sacrifice their salary, commission or bonus to the purchase of AHG shares up to a maximum of $50,000 per annum. 117 118 Directors’ Declaration In the directors’ opinion: (a) the financial statements and notes are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001,including: (i) complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting requirements; and (ii) giving a true and fair view of the company’s and consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2007 and of their performance as represented by the results of their operations, changes in equity and their cash flows, for the financial year ended on that date; and (b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable; and (c) the audited remuneration disclosures of the directors’ report comply with Accounting Standards AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and (d) at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Extended Closed Group identified in Note 31 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 31 The directors have been given the declarations by the chief executive officer and chief financial officer required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001. This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors. RJ Branchi Director Perth 26th September 2007 Declaration by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer declare that in their opinion: (a) the financial records of the company have been properly maintained in accordance with CA 286; and (b) the financial statements and notes to the financial statements for the financial year comply with the accounting standards; and (c) the financial statements and notes to the financial statements for the financial year give a true and fair view; and (d) any other matters that are prescribed by the regulations in relation to the financial statements and the notes for the financial year are satisfied. This declaration is signed by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer: BM Howson Perth 26th September 2007 HC Williams 119 120 Independent Audit Report INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT To the members of Automotive Holdings Group Limited BDO Kendalls Audit & Assurance (WA) Pty Ltd 128 Hay Street SUBIACO WA 6008 PO Box 700 WEST PERTH WA 6872 Phone 61 8 9380 8400 Fax 61 8 9380 8499 aa.perth@bdo.com.au www.bdo.com.au ABN 79 112 284 787 Report on the Financial Report and AASB 124 Remuneration Disclosures Contained in the Directors’ Report We have audited the accompanying financial report of Automotive Holdings Group Limited, which comprises the balance sheet as at 30 June 2007, and the income statement, statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year ended on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory notes and the directors’ declaration of the consolidated entity comprising the company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end. We have also audited the remuneration disclosures contained in the directors’ report. As permitted by the Corporations Regulations 2001, the consolidated entity has disclosed information about the remuneration of directors and executives (“remuneration disclosures”), required by Accounting Standard AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures, under the heading “Remuneration Report” in the directors’ report and not in the financial report. Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report and the AASB 124 Remuneration Disclosures Contained in the Directors’ Report The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001. This responsibility includes establishing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances. In Note 1, the directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements, that compliance with the Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards ensures that the financial report, comprising the consolidated financial statements and notes, complies with International Financial Reporting Standards. The directors of the company are also responsible for the remuneration disclosures contained in the directors’ report. Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. Our responsibility is to also express an opinion on the remuneration disclosures contained in the directors’ report based on our audit. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report and the remuneration disclosures contained in the directors’ report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report and the remuneration disclosures contained in the directors’ report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report and the remuneration disclosures contained in the directors’ report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report and the remuneration disclosures contained in the directors’ report. BDO Kendalls is a national association of separate partnerships and entities ... We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions. Independence In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, provided to the directors of Automotive Holdings Group Limited on 26 September 2007, would be in the same terms if provided to the directors as at the date of this auditor’s report. Auditor’s Opinion on the Financial Report In our opinion the financial report of Automotive Holdings Group Limited is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: (a) giving a true and fair view of the company’s and consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2007 and of their performance for the year ended on that date; and (b) complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and (c) the consolidated financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in Note 1. Auditor’s Opinion on the AASB 124 Remuneration Disclosures Contained in the Directors’ Report In our opinion the remuneration disclosures that are contained in the directors’ report comply with Accounting Standard AASB 124. BDO Kendalls Audit & Assurance (WA) Pty Ltd Glyn O’Brien Director th Signed at Perth this 26 day of September 2007. 121 122 Shareholder and Optionholder Information The shareholder information set out below was applicable at 31 July 2007. A. Distribution of equity securities Analysis of numbers of equity security holders by size of holding: 1 - 1000 1001 - 500 5001 - 1000 39 10000 537 10001 - No. of Shareholders 221 659 100001 and over 73 1,888 The number of holders holding a less than marketable parcel of ordinary shares based on the market price as at 5 September 2007 was 53 holders holding 522 shares. B. Equity Security Holders The names of the twenty largest holders of fully paid ordinary shares are listed below: PFV Pty Ltd <<Wheatley Unit Account>> Ordinary Shares Percentage of Number Held Issued Shares 35,545,282 18.59 Auto Management Pty Ltd <<Branchi Family Account>> 17,641,591 9.23 Jove Management Pty Ltd <<Wheatley Family Account>> 16,013,124 8.38 RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Ltd <<PIPooled Account>> 10,485,831 5.48 AC McGrath & Co Pty Ltd 10,103,765 5.28 Mr VC Wheatley and Ms JE Wheatley <<Pulo Road Super Fund>> 9,707,916 5.08 Jonwen Financial Services Pty. Ltd. 7,744,320 4.05 RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Ltd <<PIIC Account>> 6,473,639 3.39 Croystone Nominees Pty Ltd <<BBK Unit Account>> 5,000,000 2.62 JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 4,612,068 2.41 Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited <<CFS Developing Companies Account>> 3,000,000 1.57 Zero Nominees Pty Ltd 2,973,260 1.56 Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited <<CFS Future Leaders Fund Account>> 2,898,276 1.52 National Nominees Limited 2,818,604 1.47 Bond Street Custodians Limited <Macquarie Smaller Co’s A/c> 2,630,986 1.38 TPIC Pty. Ltd. 2,277,248 1.19 Cogent Nominees Pty. Ltd. 2,165,634 1.13 Argo Investments Limited 1,819,435 0.95 Creative Corporation Pty Ltd <<Leisk Investment Account>> 1,632,208 0.85 Ms Colleen Christine Howson 1,501,725 0.79 147,044,912 76.92 ... C. Substantial holders PFV Pty Ltd <<Wheatley Unit Account>> Ordinary Shares Percentage of Number Held Issued Shares 35,545,282 18.59 Auto Management Pty Ltd <<Branchi Family Account>> 17,641,591 9.23 Jove Management Pty Ltd <<Wheatley Family Account>> 16,013,124 8.38 RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Ltd <<PIPooled Account>> 10,493,379 5.46 AC McGrath & Co Pty Ltd 10,103,765 5.28 9,707,916 5.08 Mr VC Wheatley and Ms JE Wheatley <<Pulo Road Super Fund>> D. Voting Rights The voting rights attaching to the Ordinary shares are set out below: -On a show of hands, each member has 1 vote; -On a poll, each member has 1 vote for each share the member holds; -The vote may be exercised in person or by proxy, body corporate, representative or attorney; -If a share is held jointly and more than 1 member votes in respect of that share, only the vote of the member whose name appears first in the register counts. 123 124 Operation Contacts Western Australia AMCAP Distribution Centre General Manager – Rod Williams (08) 9351 6666 Big Rock Toyota Dealer Principal – Ken Hogan (08) 9344 0111 Challenger Ford Dealer Principal – John Jones (08) 9527 2666 Chellingworth Motors Dealer Principal – Greg Arnold (08) 9273 3131 City Motors Holden & HSV Dealer Principal – Mark Branchi (08) 9422 7777 Duncan Nissan Dealer Principal – Richard Veza (08) 9262 0000 Giant Nissan Dealer Principal – Cameron Hede (08) 9445 5666 Giant Hyundai Dealer Principal – Cameron Hede (08) 9445 5700 Grand Toyota Wangara Dealer Principal – Chris Emmerson (08) 9403 9000 Grand Toyota Clarkson General Manager – Craig Tickner (08) 9407 1900 KTM Sportmotorcycles General Manager – Jeff Leisk (08) 9351 4771 Lynford Dealer Principal – Nigel Morgan (08) 9242 9000 Melville Mitsubishi Dealer Principal – Alan Blazevic, Acting (08) 9330 6222 North City Holden Dealer Principal – Peter Thompson (08) 9273 2222 Northside Nissan Dealer Principal – Richard Hewes (08) 9409 0000 Nuford Dealer Principal – John Ball (08) 9309 8888 Osborne Park Volkswagen Dealer Principal – Shane Marshall (08) 9273 2333 Osborne Park Skoda Dealer Principal - Shane Marshall (08) 9445 5666 Rand Transport General Manager – Vere Lodder (08) 9353 7099 Rockingham Mitsubishi Dealer Principal – Ray Fiori (08) 9550 8800 Seaview Ford General Manager – Jedd Fudger (08) 9407 2222 Skipper Trucks (Belmont) Dealer Principal – Simon Ramsay (08) 9333 1888 Skipper Trucks (Bunbury) Dealer Principal – Simon Ramsay (08) 9721 7177 Southside Mitsubishi Dealer Principal – Dion Wagner (08) 9358 9555 Subaru Osborne Park Dealer Principal – Shane Marshall (08) 9273 2777 Subaru Wangara General Manager – Carlos DaCosta (08) 9309 2889 Titan Ford Dealer Principal – Steve Waller (08) 9333 5544 Total Nissan Dealer Principal – Garry Wright (08) 9351 4444 Vmoto Distribution General Manager – Jeff Leisk (08) 9351 4771 WA Hino Sales & Service and Volkswagen Commercial Centre Dealer Principal – Paul McGovern (08) 9351 2000 Wangara Kia Dealer Principal – Frank Benedetti (08) 9309 8300 Wangara Suzuki Dealer Principal – Frank Benedetti (08) 9309 3720 Queensland Zupps Burleigh Trucks Fuso / UD Nissan Dealer Principal – Larry McConnie (07) 5569 5111 Zupps Burpengary Trucks Fuso / UD Nissan Dealer Principal – Larry McConnie (07) 3888 1633 Zupps Rocklea Trucks Fuso / UD Nissan Dealer Principal – Larry McConnie (07) 3277 9355 Zupps Aspley – Holden / HSV Mitsubishi / Suzuki Dealer Principal – John Mills (07) 3246 8000 Zupps Beaudesert – Holden / Nissan / Suzuki Dealer Principal – Peter Gwinner (07) 5542 1220 Zupps Browns Plains – Holden / HSV / Suzuki / Hyundai Dealer Principal – Roger Farrell (07) 3802 4000 Zupps Burleigh – Mitsubishi / Suzuki Dealer Principal – David Miller (07) 5569 7200 Zupps Capalaba – Subaru Dealer Principal – Ian Lloyd (07) 3843 8130 Zupps Cleveland - Mitsubishi Dealer Principal – Ben Carreira (07) 3383 2688 Zupps Coopers Plains - Parts General Manager – Greg Lovett (07) 3259 5059 Zupps Helensvale – Mitsubishi / Suzuki Dealer Principal – David Miller (07) 5514 3800 Zupps Mt Gravatt – Mitsubishi / Peugeot Dealer Principal – Ben Carreira (07) 3243 8888 Zupps Mt Gravatt – Subaru / Kia Dealer Principal – Ian Lloyd (07) 3404 8800 Zupps Mt Gravatt – Holden / HSV / Saab / Hummer / Skoda Dealer Principal – Keith Beach (07) 3877 0000 Zupps Southport – Mitsubishi / Subaru / Suzuki / Peugeot Dealer Principal – David Miller (07) 5561 6161 New Zealand Albany Mazda Dealer Principal – Mike Critchley +64 9 414 0770 John Andrew Ford Dealer Principal – David Wills +64 9 376 9829 John Andrew Mazda Dealer Principal – David Wills +64 9 376 9829 North Harbour Ford Dealer Principal – Mike Critchley +64 9 443 5000 North Harbour Mazda Dealer Principal – Mike Critchley +64 9 443 5000 Warkworth Ford & Mazda Dealer Principal – Mike Critchley +64 9 425 8078 KTM Sportmotorcycles General Manager – Paul Ottaway +61 9 274 9095 Victoria Prestige Hino Dealer Principal – Sam Nixon (03) 9212 5555 VSE – Vehicle Storage & Engineering General Manager - Stan Taylor (03) 9212 5580 New South Wales Lander Nissan & Kia Dealer Principal – Nigel Hamilton (02) 8884 4888 Lander Mitsubishi & Suzuki Dealer Principal – John Drakoulis (02) 9839 9000 Lander Toyota General Manager – Steve McLaughlin (02) 8884 4888 Lansvale Holden Dealer Principal – David Berry (02) 9728 7333 McGrath Liverpool – Holden Dealer Principal – Chad Davies (02) 9821 5000 McGrath Liverpool – Volkswagen Dealer Principal – Gary Swanton (02) 9821 5070 McGrath Liverpool – Mitsubishi / Mazda / Subaru Dealer Principal – Greg Hook (02) 9600 5555 McGrath Sutherland – Holden / Volkswagen / Saab / Mazda / Nissan Dealer Principal – Phillip Diab (02) 9545 7333 Corporate Directory 125 Directors Registered Office and Head Office Solicitors Robert John Branchi David Griffiths Giovanni (John) Groppoli Bronte McGregor Howson Peter William Stancliffe Gregory Joseph Wall Hamish Calder Williams 21 Old Aberdeen Place West Perth WA 6005 Tel: +61 8 9422 7676 Fax: +61 8 9422 7686 Email: info@ahg.com.au Deacons 108 St George’s Terrace Perth WA 6000 Tel: +61 8 9426 3222 Fax: +61 8 9426 3444 Email: info@deacons.com.au Managing Director Bronte McGregor Howson Chief Financial Officer Hamish Calder Williams Company Secretary Susan Dianna Symmons David William Kiggins Auditors BDO Kendalls Audit & Assurance (WA) Pty Ltd 128 Hay Street Subiaco WA 6008 Tel: +61 8 9380 8400 Fax: +61 8 9380 8499 Email: aa.perth@bdo.com.au Share Registry Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd GPO Box 2975 Melbourne VIC 3001 Enquiries (within Australia): 1300 850 505 Enquiries (outside Australia) +61 3 9415 4000 Fax: +61 3 9473 2500 AHG Annual Report 2007 ACN 111 470 038