FORM 6-K

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

dated September 30, 2014

 

Commission File Number 0-51504

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

(Exact Name as Specified in its Charter)

 

N/A

(Translation of Registrant’s Name)

 

60-66 Hanover Street

Fitzroy

Victoria 3065 Australia

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F  x

Form 40-F  o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Yes  o

No  x

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):  Not applicable.

 

 

 



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused the Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Date:  September 30, 2014

 

 

 

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Bronwyn Christie

 

 

Name:

Bronwyn Christie

 

 

Title:

Company Secretary

 

2



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

99.1

 

ASX Announcement, September 30, 2014

 

 

 

99.2

 

Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2014

 

3



Exhibit 99.1

 

ASX ANNOUNCEMENT

30 September 2014

 

Results from Extraordinary General Meeting

 

Melbourne, Australia; 30 September 2014: Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE, “Company”) advises that an Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders was held at 10.00 am today (Melbourne time).

 

Shareholders were asked to consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions:

 

1.              Ratification prior issue of shares under the Ironridge Convertible Note

 

2.              Approval issue of further shares under the Ironridge Convertible Note

 

The two resolutions were put before the shareholders and were passed on a show of hands.

 

The proxy votes received in respect of the Resolution are set out on the attached page.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

 

Alison Mew

Candice Knoll (USA)

 

Chief Executive Officer

Blueprint Life Science Group

 

 

 

 

Genetic Technologies Limited

+1 (415) 375 3340, Ext. 105

 

Phone: +61 3 8412 7000

 

 

 

About Genetic Technologies Limited

 

Genetic Technologies is an established diagnostics company with more than 20 years of experience in commercializing genetic testing, non-coding DNA and product patenting.  The Company has operations in Australia and the U.S. and is dual-listed on the ASX (Code: GTG) and NASDAQ (Ticker: GENE).  Genetic Technologies is focused on the commercialization of its patent portfolio through an active out-licensing program and the global expansion of its oncology and cancer management diagnostics assets.  Its U.S. subsidiary, Phenogen Sciences Inc., offers novel predictive testing and assessment tools to help physicians proactively manage women’s health.  Phenogen’s lead product, BREVAGen™, is a first in class, clinically validated risk assessment test for non-familial breast cancer.

 

For more information, please visit http://www.gtglabs.com and http://www.phenogensciences.com

 

Safe Harbor Statement

 

Any statements in this press release that relate to the Company’s expectations are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees.  Since this information may involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from expected results.  Additional risks associated with Genetic Technologies’ business can be found in its periodic filings with the SEC.

 



 

[Type text]

 

Proxy results for Extraordinary General Meeting

 

Description of Resolution

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

In favour of
Chairman

 

In favour of
others

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.Ratification prior issue of shares under the Ironridge Convertible Note

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numbers of votes received

 

49,509,858

 

17,668,574

 

 

31,005,327

 

46,314,101

 

Percentage of votes cast

 

34.26

%

12.23

%

 

21.46

%

32.05

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Approval issue of further shares under the Ironridge Convertible Note

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numbers of votes received

 

49,320,969

 

17,857,463

 

 

31,005,327

 

46,314,101

 

Percentage of votes cast

 

34.13

%

12.36

%

 

21.46

%

32.05

%

 

Notes:    The Company currently has a total of 668,106,442 ordinary shares on issue and 2,794 registered shareholders.

 

Genetic Technologies Limited · Website: www.gtglabs.com · Email: info@gtglabs.com     ABN 17 009 212 328

Registered Office · 60-66 Hanover Street Fitzroy Victoria 3065 Australia · Postal Address P.O. Box 115 Fitzroy Victoria 3065 Australia

Phone +61 3 8412 7000 · Fax +61 3 8412 7040

 



Exhibit 99.2

 

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

A.B.N. 17 009 212 328

 

Financial Report

 

for the year ended

 

30 JUNE 2014

 



 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2014 Financial Report

 

CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

Directors

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon (Non-Executive Chairman)

Dr. Mervyn Cass (Non-Executive)

Dr. Paul A. Kasian (Non-Executive)

Grahame J. Leonard AM (Non-Executive)

Prof. Ian F.C. McKenzie (Non-Executive)

 

Company Secretary

Bronwyn M. Christie

 

Registered Office

60-66 Hanover Street

Fitzroy  Vic.  3065

Australia

Telephone:               +61 3 8412 7000

Facsimile:                     +61 3 8412 7040

Email:                                        info@gtglabs.com

 

Postal address

Australian Business Number

Company website

P.O. Box 115

17 009 212 328

www.gtglabs.com

Fitzroy Vic.  3065

 

 

Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Banker (Australia)

Banker (USA)

Banker (Canada)

National Australia Bank Limited

Bank of America, N.A.

Bank of Montreal

Level 2, 151 Rathdowne Street

155 Town Centre Drive

595 Burrard Street

Carlton Vic.  3053

Mooresville NC 28117

Vancouver BC V7X 1L7

Australia

USA

Canada

 

 

 

Auditor

Stock Exchanges

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Australian Securities Exchange Code: GTG

NASDAQ Capital Market Ticker: GENE

Chartered Accountants

Stock Exchange Centre

The NASDAQ Stock Market

Freshwater Place

2 The Esplanade

One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway

2 Southbank Boulevard

Perth W.A. 6000

New York NY 10006

Southbank Vic.  3006

Australia

USA

Australia

 

 

 

Share Register

Computershare Investor Services Pty. Ltd.

Yarra Falls, 452 Johnston Street

Abbotsford  Vic.  3067

Australia

Telephone:               +61 3 9415 5000

Facsimile:                     +61 3 9473 2500

Website:                             www.computershare.com

 



 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

 

The Directors submit their Report for the year ended 30 June 2014.

 

DIRECTORS

 

The names and details of the Directors of Genetic Technologies Limited who held office during the 2014 financial year and until the date of this Report are stated below, as are the periods during which they served.

 

Directors in office as at the date of this Report

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon, BScAgr, PhD (Non-Executive)

 

In office from 1 July 2013 up to the date of this Report

 

Dr. Brandon, 67, was appointed to the Board on 5 October 2009 and as its Chairman on 28 November 2012.  He also served as Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee until 12 December 2013 and as a member of the Company’s Corporate Governance Committee since 12 December 2013.  He has spent his career in the biotech and life sciences sector where he has over 35 years experience in commercially focused research and development and in building successful companies which have commercialised a wide range of technologies.  As the founding director of the Centre for Animal Biotechnology, a research arm within the University of Melbourne Veterinary Science School, he was responsible for fund raising and the development of many agricultural technologies and products.  Dr. Brandon was a co-founder and Director of Stem Cell Sciences Ltd. and Smart Drug Systems Inc. and is the Chairman of genetics and artificial animal breeding company Clone International which uses cloning technologies to breed cattle, sheep and horses and to preserve the genetics of elite animals.

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass, MBBS (Non-Executive)

 

In office from 1 July 2013 up to the date of this Report

 

Dr. Cass, 73, was appointed to the Board on 30 September 2011 and also serves as a member of the Company’s Audit Committee and as Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee.  Dr. Cass is a practising medical practitioner and, after 28 years as the senior partner in an occupational medical practice in Port Melbourne, accepted the appointment as Medical Director of a plastic surgery centre in 1996.  He was the founding Chairman of the Australasian Occupational Medical Group and was a Director of Wolfe Research Pty. Ltd., a private medical biotech company associated with RMIT University.  He has been an advisor to the Victorian Government on Workers’ Compensation and Radiological Standards in general practice and is a former member of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, the roof body of the Victorian Jewish Community.

 

Dr Paul A. Kasian, AMPhD, MBA (Non-Executive)

 

In office from 12 December 2013 up to the date of this Report

 

Dr. Kasian, 57, was appointed to the Board on 12 December 2013 and also serves as a member of the Company’s Corporate Governance Committee.  Dr. Kasian is an experienced executive director with demonstrated domestic and international success in funds management, encompassing senior leadership, investment and risk roles.  Previously, Dr. Kasian has held senior leadership positions in a number of investment groups, including Chief Investment Officer at HSBC Asset Management; Head of HSBC Global Financial Team; Founding Director Accordius and Founding Director Wallara Asset Management.

 

Dr. Kasian has significant funds management experience in Australia leading investment in the healthcare and life sciences sector.  He was previously a Project Leader at ICI Australia providing advice on biotech projects and acquisitions.  He holds a PhD in Microbiology and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Melbourne.

 

Grahame Leonard AM, BA (Hons), LLB, CA, CPA, FAICD (Dip), AFAIM (Non-Executive)

 

In office from 29 November 2013 up to the date of this Report

 

Mr. Leonard, 73, was appointed to the Board on 29 November 2013 and also serves as Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee. Mr. Leonard is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria.  He began his professional life in various positions in the steel industry, having worked for 20 years with Lysaght (BHP), gaining invaluable training and experience in all facets of management, honing his skills in negotiating, training, planning and communication.

 

He subsequently accepted a senior executive position as Divisional General Manager with Nylex, which evolved into the BTR Nylex group.  On his return from establishing a distribution structure in USA in 1986, Mr. Leonard became Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director of the Australian subsidiary of the publishing multinational, The Thomson Corporation.

 

1



 

Mr. Leonard’s current professional positions include Commissioner, Victorian Multicultural Commission; Chairman, Escrow Angel Pty. Ltd., Diffuze Pty. Ltd., Health Media Group Pty Ltd and Digital Collective Pty. Ltd. Director, Skylabs Pty. Ltd., Opco Pty. Ltd. and Sunnymarsh Pty. Ltd. His numerous community positions include member Committee of Management, Past President and Honorary Life Member Executive Council of Australian Jewry; Director and Immediate Past Honorary Chief Executive Officer of Transparency International Australia (the Australian arm of the international anti-corruption watchdog), and member Governance and Steering Committees on the Jewish Community Demographic Survey Project.

 

In 2003, Mr. Leonard was awarded the Centenary Medal, instituted to commemorate the centenary of Federation of Australia, for community service and, in 2008 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

 

Prof. Ian McKenziePhD, MD, FRACP (Non-Executive)

 

In office from 29 November 2013 up to the date of this Report

 

Professor McKenzie,76, was appointed to the Board on 29 November 2013 and also serves as a member of the Company’s Corporate Governance Committee. Professor McKenzie graduated in Medicine (1961 MBBS) from Melbourne University and trained in Internal Medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital at the time when renal transplantation was being established.  An MD and MRACP/FRACP followed and a PhD on “Antibodies in Transplantation”.  He then worked at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine USA, where his interest in Lymphocyte Surface antigens developed when working with Dr. George Snell (Nobel Prize 1980).

 

On return to Australia in 1974, Professor McKenzie worked at the Austin Hospital, established a “Centre of Excellence” in the Department of Pathology at the University of Melbourne and, in 1990, was appointed as Founding Director of the Austin Research Institute (ARI).  His research at the ARI resulted in the formation of Prima Biomed Limited where he was a founding Board Member.  He is currently a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Revivicor (USA) and is an honorary member of the Australian Society for Immunology, Transplant Society of Australia and New Zealand, and International Xenotransplantation Association.

 

Professor McKenzie’s major contributions are described in more than 700 papers, covering allo- and xeno-transplantation, cell surface antigens and studies in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.  His laboratory pioneered the application of monoclonal antibody technology in Australia in the 1970’s, some of which were used in the clinic, either alone or as immunoconjugates, or were used to develop serum based ELISA tests for breast or ovarian cancer and were successfully licensed.  More recently, he has been consulting for several biotech companies, particularly involved in cancer vaccines and was the scientific consultant before joining the Board of the CRC for Biomarker Translation.

 

Also during the financial year, Mr. Tommaso Bonvino and Mr. Benjamin Silluzio both served as Directors of the Company from the beginning of the year until their resignation on 29 November 2013.

 

Company Secretary

 

Bronwyn Christie, B Com, CPA, Grad.Dip.Corp.Gov. (Company Secretary)

 

In office from 1 March 2014 up to the date of this Report

 

Mrs Christie was appointed as the Group’s Financial Controller on 11 March 2008 and as its Company Secretary on 1 March 2014.  Mrs. Christie is a Graduate of Melbourne University, a Certified Practicing Accountant and a member of the Governance Institute of Australia. Bronwyn comes to this role with over 25 years of experience in financial reporting, taxation, international business, foreign currency management, mergers and acquisitions and other aspects of finance gained through her various financial management roles. Previous roles have included Company Secretary and Public Officer at BASF Australia Ltd, a subsidiary of the world’s leading chemical company.

 

Also during the financial year, Mr. Thomas Howitt served as the Company Secretary of the Company from the beginning of the year until his resignation on 10 March 2014.

 

Interests in the shares and options of the Company and related bodies corporate

 

As at the date of this Report, the following Directors hold an indirect beneficial interest in the shares of the Company:

 

Mr. Grahame Leonard A.M.

3,000,000 shares

Dr. Mervyn Cass

577,834 shares

Dr Paul Kasian

256,410 shares

 

Apart from the above, no Director holds any interest in the shares and options of the Company as at the date of this Report.

 

2



 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

Corporate structure

 

Genetic Technologies Limited is a public company limited by shares that is incorporated and domiciled in Australia.  The Company has prepared a consolidated financial report incorporating the entities that it controlled during the financial year, which are outlined in the following illustration of the Group’s corporate structure as at the date of this Report:

 

 

Group overview

 

Genetic Technologies Limited was incorporated in Western Australia on 5 January 1987 as Concord Mining N.L.  The Company undertook a series of mining projects and, following several intervening changes, changed its name to Duketon Goldfields N.L. on 15 March 1995.  On 15 October 1999, the Company changed its status from a no liability company to a company limited by shares and, on 29 August 2000, it completed the acquisition of GeneType AG, a Swiss private company.  GeneType AG had been formed in 1989 by Dr. Mervyn Jacobson and Dr. Malcolm Simons after they met and resolved to test the hypothesis that the non-coding or “junk” regions of DNA were in reality not “junk”, but a valuable and highly ordered reservoir of useful genetic information, a fact which had been overlooked by the scientific community up until that time.  Following the acquisition of GeneType AG, the Company changed the nature of its business from mining to biotechnology and changed its name to Genetic Technologies Limited.

 

The Company has since established a fee-for-service genetic testing business that has become the largest non-government operation of its type in Australia.  The business performs a wide variety of genetic tests on humans and animals which includes human diagnostics, forensics and animal pedigree tests.  With the acquisition by the Company in April 2010 of the BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk test from the US, the Company launched its first test into a global market in June 2011.  The Company also conducts a successful out-licensing program in respect of its non-coding DNA technology and supports a late-stage research project.

 

Principal activities

 

The principal activity of the entities within the Group during the financial year was the provision of genetic testing services.  The Company also conducted out-licensing of its intellectual property relating to “non-coding DNA” and research and development in the areas of genetics and related fields.

 

During the 2011 financial year, the Company’s US subsidiary, Phenogen Sciences Inc., established a sales and distribution operation based in Charlotte, North Carolina from which the Group’s BREVAGen breast cancer risk test was launched into the US marketplace.

 

There were no significant changes in the nature of the Group’s activities during the financial year.

 

Result

 

During the 2014 financial year, Genetic Technologies Limited and its subsidiaries generated consolidated gross revenues from continuing operations and other revenues, of $5.5 million, representing a 34% decrease over the corresponding figure for the 2013 financial year of $8.4 million.  The increased loss for the year of $10.1 million was principally attributable to a decrease in the revenue from license fees and royalties and annuities received during the financial year of $3.9 million. There were offsetting increases / gains ie one-off gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary of $0.7 million and an increase of $1.4 million from the US of the Company’s lead product, BREVAGen.

 

3



 

Going concern and fundraising

 

In the Auditor’s Report for the year ended 30 June 2014, PricewaterhouseCoopers has included an Emphasis of Matter regarding continuity as a Going Concern. In this section of the Report, the Auditors note certain disclosures made by the Company in Note 2(a) under the heading Going Concern. In relation to these disclosures, the Company advises that:

 

1.                  In September 2014, the Company completed a successful private placement of unlisted secured (debt) notes (Notes) to existing and new Australian institutional and wholesale investors which raised a total of $2,150,000, before the payment of associated costs.

 

2.                  Also in September 2014, the Company signed a binding contract of sale for its heritage Australian Genetics business (“Australian Genetics”) to Specialist Diagnostics Services Ltd (“SDS”), the wholly owned pathology subsidiary of Primary Health Care Ltd. The Australian Genetics business provides diagnostic and sequencing services encompassing Australia-only medical, forensic, paternity and animal genomic testing. Under the terms of sale, SDS will acquire the Australian Genetics business for $2,000,000 in cash.  Assuming all conditions are met, settlement of the transaction is expected to occur within the next month.

 

Dividends and distributions

 

No dividends have been paid since the end of the previous financial year, nor have the Directors recommended that any dividend be paid.

 

4



 

Review of operations

 

Capital raising

 

During August 2013, the Company completed the placement of 41,666,667 ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.072 per share, raising a total of $3,000,000, prior to the payment of one-off transaction costs.  A further $4,000,000 was received by the Company under its Share Purchase Plan (“SPP”), during October and November 2013, before the payment of associated costs.  At the same issue price of $0.072 per share (and after allowing for rounding), this resulted in the issue of a further 55,555,635 ordinary shares in the Company.

 

Convertible notes

 

On 10 September 2013, the Company announced that it had executed documents with Ironridge BioPharma Co., a division of institutional investor Ironridge Global IV, Ltd. (“Ironridge”), in respect of redeemable convertible notes to raise USD 5,000,000 (the “Notes”).  The details of the Notes were provided to all shareholders in a Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting at which approval for the issue of the Notes was sought from shareholders.  This approval was subsequently received on 29 November 2013.

 

On 23 December 2013, the Notes were drawn down and the Company received $5,627,462 (being the Australian dollar equivalent of USD 5,000,000) from Ironridge, before the payment of associated costs.

 

As at 30 June 2014, Notes with a face value of USD 3,250,000 had been converted by Ironridge in return for which Ironridge received 117,161,871 ordinary shares (including ordinary shares issued in lieu of interest payment and an interest true-up adjustment). Subsequent to balance date, further conversion notices were received from Ironridge in respect of Notes with a face value of USD 900,000. These were converted in return for which Ironridge received 54,187,950 ordinary shares (including ordinary shares issued in lieu of interest payment).  Refer below for details.

 

BREVAGenbreast cancer risk test

 

Test samples received

 

Since launching its BREVAGen test in the US market in July 2011, the number of test samples received in each of the subsequent ten quarters has increased.  The start of CY14 however, brought with it severe winter weather conditions across large tracts of the US and this restricted patient and physician physical access to medical centres and willingness to attend for anything other than urgent medical care. Further to this challenge, the holiday period coincided with the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, so-called ObamaCare, which created uncertainty in patients’ understanding of their out-of-pocket expense liability that also restricted the uptake of BREVAGen. As a result, the number of test samples received in the March 2014 quarter, was, for the first time since launch, lower than that of the previous quarter.  In the following quarter, the company saw a return of patients to doctors’ offices and improved preparedness to take preventative care decisions, resulting in a return to growth in BREVAGen test samples received during the quarter ended 30 June 2014. Total patient samples received during the quarter were 1,096, representing 37% growth over the March 2014 quarter (800 samples).

 

Total samples received for the year of 3,935 was more than double that received in the previous corresponding period, representing an increase of more than 150%, reinforcing the Company’s decision to place increased focus on breast centres, radiology groups and high-population, health-conscious territories and this continued focused activity is anticipated to result in further growth over the coming quarters. Further, as a result of both increased test sample numbers and positive reimbursement changes since 1 January 2013, total sales revenue for the year increased by more than 400% over the previous corresponding period.

 

As at 30 June 2014, the Company now has enough historical data to use to enable it to determine a reliable estimate of the amount of revenue expected to be received.  Accordingly the Group now recognises the revenue on the BREVAGen test on an accruals basis. A one-off adjustment to increase revenue at this date was made for $446,000.

 

5



 

New York State

 

On 30 August 2013, the Company announced that it had received its Clinical Laboratory Permit from the New York State Department of Health.  This permit, which allows the Company to offer the BREVAGen test to residents of New York State, completed the final out-of-state licensure allowing the Company to provide testing services to all 50 US states.  The Company is now able to meet requests received from New York physicians to provide the BREVAGen test to patients as part of their clinical practice and Phenogen Sciences Inc. (Genetic Technologies’ US subsidiary) has now appointed its first representative to cover this State, with a particular emphasis on New York City.

 

Further expansion of the Company’s credentialing program

 

Credentialing with Preferred Provider Organisations (“PPOs”) allows for expedited claim adjudication as “in-network”.  A PPO is a managed care organisation of medical doctors, hospitals and other health care providers which has covenanted with insurers or third-party administrators to provide health care, at reduced rates, to the clients of the respective insurer or administrator.  Credentialing is a process whereby provider organisations such as physicians, care facilities and ancillary providers (including testing service providers such as Phenogen Sciences) contract directly with the PPO.  Contracts with PPOs are fundamental to having claims for the BREVAGen test adjudicated as “in-network”.

 

During the year, the Company announced that, through Phenogen Sciences, it had executed a further agreement with InterWest Health to use the InterWest provider network.  The execution of this agreement takes to eight the number of such PPO agreements that the Company has now entered into.  As at the date of this Report, the cumulative total number of covered lives for which its BREVAGen risk assessment test could be adjudicated as “in-network” is more than 102 million.

 

The positive impact of this activity has been demonstrated in reviewing reimbursement payments received in respect of the BREVAGen test since its launch.  The average reimbursement received in respect of claims that were adjudicated as “in-network” was significantly higher than the amounts received in respect of claims that were adjudicated as “out-of-network”, with the time taken to collect the funds also being materially shorter.

 

Once in-network, the Company receives improved cash flow via faster payment while still obtaining an acceptable level of reimbursement and reducing the costs incurred through appealing denials.  Once BREVAGen sample volumes reach a significant level and Genetic Technologies has gathered the necessary additional clinical utility data, the Company intends to approach insurers directly to contract.

 

Credentialing contracts have now been executed between the Company and InterWest Health, FedMed Inc., MultiPlan Network, Three Rivers Provider Network, Prime Health Services, National Preferred Provider Network / PlanCare America / Ohio Preferred Provider Network LLC (NPPN / OPPN), Galaxy Health Network and Fortified Provider Network.

 

Reimbursement

 

Up until the end of the 2012 calendar year, insurance claims for BREVAGen were submitted using the so-called “code stack” of CPT methodology codes.  Reimbursement under this regime was positive, with a low percentage of denials and appeals.  However, effective 1 January 2013, the AMA removed the code stack claim process, requiring tests without a specific CPT code to be claimed via an “Unlisted or Miscellaneous Code”.

 

As a result of these changes, the Company now uses a Miscellaneous Code when submitting claims for reimbursement from insurers.  As part of this transition, the list price for the BREVAGen test was increased to enable the Company to receive payment for aspects of the test that were not previously available under the code stack.  Importantly, notwithstanding this, the Company did not seek to increase the maximum out-of-pocket amount that a given patient is required to pay for a BREVAGen test under its “Patient Protection Program”.

 

Though the Company’s reimbursement per test (including write-offs and denials for non-coverage) has increased by more than 30%, the use of a miscellaneous code requires more administration and time by the Insurance Company to adjudicate the claim and thus increasing the time taken to receive reimbursement.

 

6



 

Cost effectiveness studies to improve reimbursement outcomes

 

Further to the publication in the journal of Cancer Prevention Research, Vol 6 (12) dated 5 December 2013: pp 1328—36, demonstrating the cost effectiveness of the BREVAGen test to guide MRI screening, an additional paper has been published demonstrating the cost effectiveness of the BREVAGen test to direct chemoprevention.

 

On 7 March 2014, GTG announced the publication in the journal Applied Health Economics and Health Policy Vol 12 (2): pp 203—17, of a study entitled “Economic Evaluation of Using a Genetic Test to Direct Breast Cancer Chemoprevention in White Women with a Previous Breast Biopsy”.  This study was a collaborative project between the Company and Archimedes Inc. of San Francisco, a healthcare modelling and analytics organization.  The study examined the cost-effectiveness of utilizing BREVAGen to direct tamoxifen chemoprevention.

 

An in-silico model of breast cancer and health care processes was used to simulate a population of white women aged 40-69, who were at elevated risk for breast cancer due to a history of benign breast biopsy, in a virtual clinical trial.  Women were assessed for risk of developing breast cancer using the BREVAGen test to determine eligibility for five years of tamoxifen therapy. The BREVAGen test was most cost-effective when given to patients at an intermediate risk of developing breast cancer (1.2 - 1.66% 5-year risk). The results demonstrated that adding genetic information about breast cancer susceptibility loci to current decision models for breast cancer chemoprevention not only improves clinical outcomes (with an average of 15 breast cancer cases prevented per 1,000 women), but is also cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio below the benchmark number used by US payers of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) saved.

 

Clinical utility studies are currently being designed and will be commenced during the latter part of 2014. The data obtained in these studies will be utilised in the direct contracting discussions with Insurers and self-insured employer groups.

 

Further validation studies supporting BREVAGen

 

The Company continues to actively progress research programs with leading international academic collaborators to confirm the utility of genomic risk assessment in other ethnic populations and to incorporate the full portfolio of currently known common breast cancer susceptibility variants into the BREVAGen test.

 

New Product Development

 

Planning is well progressed and the Company is on target to release “BREVAGenplus” in Q4, CY14. The new version of BREVAGen incorporates an expanded SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) panel, providing an increase in the predictive power of the test.  Importantly, it will also be validated in Hispanic and African American women populations, thereby increasing the applicable market and simplifying the marketing process for BREVAGen in clinics and breast centres.

 

The launch of this next generation BREVAGen, is anticipated to result in accelerated sample test volume growth.

 

Australian heritage businesses

 

The 2014 financial results for the Company’s Australian genetic testing businesses exceeded budget expectations.  These well-established “heritage” businesses, which comprise the provision of a wide range of medical, paternity, forensic and animal genetic tests, continued to maintain dominant positions in a number of their respective markets, despite some considerable price competition from several competitors.

 

7



 

Licensing and IP

 

Assertion programs

 

The Company is asserting actions against a number of different companies in 4 different States in the U.S.

 

On 24 December 2013, the Company reported that efficiencies in both legal resources and court times have been achieved by consolidating 4 cases, pending in the district of Delaware, in front of the same judge. The consolidation includes significant cases against companies such as Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer. These cases are awaiting scheduling orders but have been deferred until the court has ruled on 2 pending invalidity motions brought by 3 of the parties in September 2013 and in February 2014.

 

On 12 March 2014, the Company announced that a further consolidation had been achieved in the Northern District of California where, following the transfer of the Natera case, it has been consolidated, for at least some of the proceeding with the Agilent case. Following the court’s ruling in favour of the Company, - denying the motion to dismiss based on invalidity, issued on 9 March 2014 - case scheduling and discovery procedures are underway.

 

In the Glaxo-SmithKline LLC (“GSK”) case in the District of North Carolina, the Company has filed a second amended complaint introducing infringement activities related to a second Company patent. Subsequently, GSK has filed a motion to dismiss based on the familiar invalidity arguments raised by other parties. Further court activities will again be deferred until the ruling of the Judge in this matter.

 

During the year, the Company announced that it had executed agreements with Genesis Genetics Institute LLC, Genelex Corporation, Reprogenetics LLC, Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc. and Promega Corporation.

 

Other licensing activities

 

There are no updates to report relating to the remaining U.S or European cases.

 

Other commercial assets

 

As part of the Company’s strategy to focus on the expansion of its cancer diagnostic franchise, work continues to sell, out-license or co-develop other assets and technologies in which the Group has an interest.

 

ImmunAid and transactions with Dr. Mervyn Jacobson

 

On 18 December 2013, the Company announced that entities associated with the Company’s founder and largest beneficial shareholder, Dr. Mervyn Jacobson (collectively, the “Jacobson Entities”), had entered into transactions which, when completed, will result in the disposal by them of 105,937,500 shares in the Company.  Subsequent to that date, the Jacobson Entities disposed of 30,000,000 shares in the Company.

 

The Jacobson Entities and the Company entered into a binding Share Exchange Agreement (“Agreement”) pursuant to which, subject to shareholder approval, the Jacobson Entities will exchange a total of 75,937,500 shares in the Company at an agreed price of $0.08 per share in return for 4,500,000 shares in ImmunAid Limited (“ImmunAid”) owned by the Company at an agreed price of $1.35 per share.  The Jacobson Entities will not be entitled to vote at the Company shareholder meeting to consider the approval of this Agreement.

 

ImmunAid and the Company have also executed an Option Agreement pursuant to which ImmunAid will, when completion occurs under the Agreement, grant to the Company options to acquire a total of 2,250,000 ordinary shares in ImmunAid.  Each option will entitle the Company to acquire one ordinary share in ImmunAid at a price of $1.35 per share at any time for three years from the date on which the options are granted.  In consideration for the options granted to the Company by ImmunAid, the Company paid ImmunAid an option fee of $500,000, of which approximately $375,000 was satisfied by the forgiveness of outstanding debts currently owed to the Company by ImmunAid.  The Company paid the balance owed on the option fee in cash.

 

8



 

On 13 March 2014, the Company released the notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders and Sample Proxy for the Meeting.  The notice of meeting also included the Independent Expert’s Report which was required to show that all of the transactions above are fair and reasonable to Non-Associated Shareholders.

 

On 17 April 2014, the shareholders voted on the special resolution to approve the selective capital reduction by the Company and the disposal by the Company of shares in ImmunAid. The resolution was passed on a show of hands.

 

On 16 May 2014, the Company announced the completion of Share transactions with Dr Mervyn Jacobson, at which time, the then number of ordinary issued shares in the Company was reduced by 11.4%, from 664,769,002 to 588,831,502, following the cancellation of the shares acquired from the Jacobson Entities. Following the transaction, the Jacobson Entities were left with a total holding of 30,536,184 ordinary shares in the Company, representing 5.19% of the Company’s then total issued capital.

 

Gtech International Resources Limited

 

On 12 December 2013, the Company announced that its former Canadian-listed subsidiary, Gtech International Resources Limited (“Gtech”) had completed its acquisition of Sydney-based company Simavita Holdings Limited (“Simavita Holdings”), as originally disclosed by the Company to the ASX on 30 July 2013.  As part of the transaction, in which Simavita Holdings raised approximately $14.3 million via the issue of approximately 34.9 million new shares at an issue price of $0.41 per share (before the payment of costs and the repayment of certain debts), Gtech changed its name to Simavita Limited (“Simavita”).

 

The shares of Simavita commenced trading on the TSXV, under the trading symbol “SV”, on 6 December 2013.  On 9 December 2013, Simavita lodged documents with the ASX pursuant to which it will also seek a listing of CHESS Depositary Interests (“CDIs”) on the ASX.  The Simavita CDIs were listed on the ASX, under the ASX code “SVA”, on 20 February 2014.

 

Immediately following the completion of the acquisition, Genetic Technologies Limited held a total of 1,306,166 shares in Simavita, representing approximately 2.2% of that company’s total issued capital.  As a result of the transaction, Gtech was deconsolidated from the GTG Group and a number of changes were made to the Board of that company to reflect the new ownership.

 

The retained equity interest was recorded as an available for sale financial asset but has since been sold prior to balance date.

 

RareCellectTM

 

Discussions with companies interested in pursuing potential commercial collaborations are continuing.

 

Review of financial condition

 

Capital structure

 

As at the date of this Report, the Company had a total of 668,106,442 fully paid ordinary shares on issue, all of which were listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, and on the NASDAQ Capital Market in the USA via the Company’s ADRs (American Depositary Receipts).  Also at that date, there were 14,650,000 unissued ordinary shares in the Company under option.  As at the date of this Report, no ordinary shares were subject to escrow.

 

Treasury and related policies

 

The Company has in place a formal Cash Management Policy.  The Company follows industry accepted leading practice by investing the Company’s cash assets in a range of short to medium term interest-bearing deposits with appropriately rated financial institutions.

 

9



 

Cash provided by operations

 

During the financial year, the consolidated net cash outflows used in operations were approximately $11.0 million.  This result compared to the net cash outflows from operations from the prior financial year of $7.52 million.  Overall, the Group’s consolidated cash assets decreased by approximately $1.11 million during the 2014 financial year.

 

Liquidity and funding

 

As at 30 June 2014, the Company also had corporate credit card facilities with National Australia Bank Limited and Bank of America, which had total credit limits of $150,000 and $120,157, respectively.  As at that date, a total liability outstanding in respect of these credit card facilities was $26,577. Cash and cash equivalents, as at 30 June 2014, was $2,831,085.

 

Significant changes in the state of affairs

 

Executive Moves and Appointments

 

On 15 October 2013, the Company announced that Ms. Alison Mew would step aside from her responsibilities as the Company’s CEO for a period of three months for personal, health-related reasons.  On 7 January 2014, the Company announced that this arrangement had been extended until 31 March 2014.  Ms Mew returned to full-time work to resume her position of Chief Executive Officer, as from Tuesday, 1 April 2014.

 

Mr. Eutillio Buccilli was appointed as Chief Financial Officer, effective 2 June 2014, replacing Mr. Thomas Howitt who resigned his position as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary effective, 28 March 2014.

 

Options

 

On 11 September 2013, the Company granted a total of 1,250,000 options over ordinary shares in the Company to employees.  The options, which were granted at no cost, entitle the holders to acquire one ordinary share at a price of $0.105 at any time up to, and including 18 July 2018, subject to certain vesting conditions.

 

Annual Report and AGM

 

On 25 October 2013, the Company released its 2013 Annual Report and Notice for the 2013 Annual General Meeting of shareholders (“AGM”) which was held at 10.45 am on Friday, 29 November 2013 in the “Treetops” Room at Melbourne Museum.  All resolutions that were put before the shareholders at the AGM were passed.

 

Changes to the Board of Directors

 

On 29 November 2013, following the conclusion of the Company’s 2013 AGM, Prof. Ian McKenzie and Mr. Grahame Leonard AM were appointed as Directors of the Company.  At the conclusion of the AGM, two former Directors, Mr. Tommaso Bonvino and Mr. Benjamin Silluzio, ceased to be Directors of the Company.

 

On 12 December 2013, Dr. Paul Kasian was appointed as a Director of the Company.

 

There were no other significant changes in the state of affairs that are not described elsewhere in this Report.

 

10



 

Significant events after balance date

 

Convertible Notes

 

Subsequent to 30 June 2014, Redeemable Convertible Notes with a face value of USD 900,000 were converted in return for which Ironridge received 54,187,950 ordinary shares (including ordinary shares issued in lieu of interest payment and true-up adjustment).  As a result of this conversion, the face value of the remaining Notes has been reduced to USD 850,000 as at the date of this Report.

 

Options

 

On 31 July 2014, the Company granted a total of 6,875,000 options over ordinary shares in the Company to employees.  The options, which were granted at no cost, entitle the holders to acquire one ordinary share at a price of $0.04 at any time up to, and including 31 May 2019, subject to certain vesting conditions.

 

Licensing

 

On 26 August 2014, the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina last week issued an Order denying a motion brought by GlaxoSmithKline, LLC (GSK) to dismiss the patent infringement law suit brought against it by GTG. This significant success follows the separate success reported on March 12, 2014, when a similar motion to dismiss filed by Agilent in the Northern District of California was also denied.

 

Notice of EGM

 

On 28 August 2014 the Company released the Notice for an Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”), together with a Sample Form of Proxy for the Meeting. As detailed in the Notice, the Meeting will be held at 10.00 am on Tuesday, 30 September 2014, (Melbourne time) at the Company’s offices.

 

Nasdaq notice

 

On 3 September 2014, the Company announced that it received a letter dated 29 August 2014, from the Nasdaq Stock Market notifying the Company that for the last 30 consecutive business days, prior to 28 August, the bid price for the Company’s ordinary shares had closed below the minimum $US1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion under Nasdaq Marketplace Listing Rules (the “Rules”).The letter stated that in accordance with the Rules the Company has 180 calendar days, or until 25 February 2015, to regain compliance.

 

The issuance of such notices, by Nasdaq, are a matter of procedure, with the Company currently considering its position and the options available in order to regain compliance.

 

Financing and plans for restructure

 

On 15 September 2014, the Company, announced plans to restructure and realign its group activities. The changes announced will enable the Company to focus its strategy on the US molecular diagnostics (“MDx”) market and commercialisation of the Company’s lead breast cancer risk test BREVAGen.  The restructure and realignment of group activities follows a recent review of operations by the Company aimed at supporting the Company’s US MDx strategy.

 

The core plans approved by the Board include:

 

·                  the sale / divestment of non-core assets;

·                  the realignment of internal cost structures through a disciplined approach to cost management and capital allocation being driven by the recently appointed CFO;

·                  a board restructure, including the appointment of new directors, to support and enhance Company’s focus on the US MDx market; and

·                  a proposed Company name change to represent a MDx focus.

 

The plans being implemented are expected to provide investors with a focused MDx company and refined US commercialisation strategy for BREVAGen, with a significantly reduced operating cost base.

 

11



 

In support of these plans, the Company finalised the raising of $2.15M financing via the issue of unlisted secured (debt) notes (Notes) to existing and new Australian institutional and wholesale investors. The Notes will carry a 10.0% coupon rate, and subject to shareholder approval or, where the Company otherwise notifies that the Notes are convertible (in compliance with all applicable laws), the Notes will also be convertible into ordinary shares (at a 10.0% discount to the 5 day VWAP). The Notes will also carry free attached options to purchase further shares in the Company (Options) and will be subject shareholder approval. Shareholder approval for the conversion under Notes and the grant of the Options will be sought at a General Meeting.

 

The funds raised under the financing will be used to support Genetic Technologies’ short-term capital requirements and, together with existing cash reserves, will support the Company’s refocused US MDx strategy.

 

Sale of heritage Australian Genetics business

 

On 22 September 2014, the Company announced that it had signed a binding contract of sale for its heritage Australian Genetics business (“Australian Genetics”) to Specialist Diagnostics Services Ltd (“SDS”), the wholly owned pathology subsidiary of Primary Health Care Ltd. The Australian Genetics business provides diagnostic and sequencing services encompassing Australia-only medical, forensic, paternity and animal genomic testing. Under the terms of sale, SDS will acquire the Australian Genetics business for $2,000,000 in cash.  Assuming all conditions are met, settlement of the transaction is expected to occur within the next month.

 

The divestment of the Australian Genetics business follows the Company’s announcement on 15 September 2014, of plans to sell non-core assets and focus business activities on the US MDx market and commercialisation of the Company’s lead breast cancer risk test BREVAGen.

 

Appointment of two new Directors

 

On 24 September 2014, the Company announced it is pleased to advise that Mr. David Carter and Dr. Lindsay Wakefield have today been appointed Non-Executive Directors of the Company on “casual appointment”, in that the new appointees will then be required to submit themselves for re-election at the upcoming AGM, as per article 19.4 of the Company’s Constitution.

 

Apart from these events, there have been no other significant events which have occurred after balance date.

 

Business strategy, future developments and prospects

 

During the 2015 financial year, the Group will focus on the expansion of its genetic testing business, with emphasis on the sale and distribution of the BREVAGen breast cancer risk test in the US through its wholly-owned US subsidiary, Phenogen Sciences Inc.  The launch of the next generation test, BREVAGenplus, in the US, is planned for October 2014, to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. BREVAGenplus has been developed with an expanded SNP panel to provide a better and more accurate risk assessment, and will be applicable to African American and Hispanic women, alongside the Caucasian population. Further development of the Key Opinion Leader speaker program will be conducted following the launch of this new test that will be accompanied by public relations and promotional activities in target market areas including comprehensive breast and imaging centres.

 

Clinical utility studies will be commenced in partnership with key breast centres, to demonstrate the value of BREVAGen in the management of patients in the clinical setting.  These studies are important to engage with the private insurers for coverage decisions that assist in reimbursement. Further, the data generated will be useful in promoting adoption in additional breast and imaging centres.

 

Finally, and as part of Genetic Technologies’ refocused commercialisation strategy on MDx, the Company, in conjunction with its US assertion partner, will continue to maintain its patent assertion program in the United States, in a targeted and cost-effective manner in an effort to secure additional licenses to its proprietary non-coding technologies. The Company will also continue its efforts to divest the technology contained within the RareCellect project.

 

12



 

Legal matters

 

Other than those described elsewhere in this Report with respect to the Company’s ongoing licensing assertion program, there are no legal matters affecting the Company as at the date of this Report.

 

Financial analysis

 

Income statement

 

During the 2014 financial year, the Company’s reported loss after income tax increased from $9,349,483 in the prior year to $10,134,469.  Information relating to this movement is provided below.

 

Revenues from continuing operations (which include fees from the sale of genetic testing services) increased by 35%, or $1,187,097 as compared to the 2013 financial year.  This increase was primarily due to the increase in sales of the Company’s new BREVAGen breast cancer risk assessment test in the USA, which increased by 411%.

 

During the 2014 financial year, following the deconsolidation of former Canadian subsidiary Gtech International Resources Limited, a one-off gain on deconsolidation of 761,361 was recorded in the Company’s income statement.  During the financial year ended 30 June 2013, there were no such comparative transactions.

 

Other revenue includes the fees generated from the granting of licensing to the Company’s proprietary non-coding technologies.  During the 2014 financial year, the Company’s licensing revenues were $863,832 which represented a decrease of 82% as compared to the result from the previous year of $4,784,913.  The associated commission payable decreased accordingly from $1,209,865 to $129,749.  Other revenue also included interest received which decreased by 47% from $217,441 to $116,047 due to the decrease in interest rates.  During the 2013 financial year the Company received its first research and tax credit of $181,036 in cash which was reported under the heading other income and expense. In the 2014 financial year the Company changed from reporting this revenue on a cash basis to an accrual basis thereby increasing the amount reported to $358,395.

 

Fees that were paid to US Physicians as part of the Group’s expanding speaker program to promote its BREVAGen breast cancer risk test increased during the 2014 financial year by 163% to $503,425.

 

Employee benefits expenses paid to the US employees increased by 52%, or $1,085,780, during the 2014 financial year due to the hiring of additional employees to grow the BREVAGen business across the US states.

 

Other one-off items which contributed to the increase in the Company’s loss from the prior year included:

 

·                      $691,649 in finance costs that related to the establishment of the convertible note facility included in the balance sheet under borrowings;

 

·                      $648,374 in fair value losses on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss that related to the year-end valuation of the convertible note facility included in the balance sheet under borrowings;

 

·                      295,533 in fair value gains on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss that related to the year-end valuation of the ImmunAid option fee included in the balance sheet under financial assets at fair value through profit and loss ;

 

Balance sheet

 

As at 30 June 2014, the Company’s balance of cash and cash equivalents was $2,831,085 (2013: 1,721,293).  Performance bonds and other deposits of $2,949 (2013: $209,296) included a bond with a German Court of $206,259 in the 2013 financial year which was returned to the Company in the 2014 financial year.

 

As at 30 June 2014, the Company had disposed of its investments accounted for using the equity method (2013: 3,932,384) on completion of the share transactions in which the Jacobson Entities (the Company’s major shareholder) exchanged a total of 75,937,500 shares in the Company at an agreed price of $0.08 per share in return for the Company’s 4,500,000 shares in ImmunAid Limited at an agreed price of $1.35 per share. As part of the same transaction the Company acquired a financial asset at fair value through profit and loss ($795,533) via the granting to the Company of a total of 2,250,000 options to acquire ordinary shares in ImmunAid at a price of $1.35 per share at any time during the three years from the date on which the ImmunAid Options are granted.

 

Statement of cash flows

 

The total net operating and investing cash outflows for the year were $10,754,713 (2013: $7,695,431) and included costs associated with the Company’s US subsidiary Phenogen Sciences Inc. of $5,671,000. Net cash inflows from financing activities of $11,922,964 included $6,341,502 from the issue of ordinary shares net of transaction costs and $5,581,462

 

13



 

from the proceeds of borrowings.

 

14



 

Earnings / (loss) per share

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Basic earnings / (loss) per share (cents per share)

 

(1.76

)

(1.97

)

Diluted earnings / (loss) per share (cents per share)

 

(1.76

)

(1.97

)

 

Material business risks

 

The Group operates in the biotechnology sector.  Any investment in this sector is considered to be high risk in nature.  The Group is subject to normal business risks including, but not limited to, exchange rate fluctuations; the condition, liquidity and volatility of global securities markets; changes in government policy and legislation (particularly in Australia and the USA); and potential litigation, all of which are largely outside the control of the Company’s Board and Management.  Other risks that are more specific to the Company, the sector in which it operates and its underlying business activities include:

 

Financial risk - the business now called Genetic Technologies Limited was established in 1989.  With the exception of the year ended 30 June 2011, the Company has incurred operating losses in every year of its existence.  As at 30 June 2014, the Company had accumulated losses of $92,175,113 and the extent of any future losses and whether or not the Company can generate profits in future years remains uncertain.  The Company currently does not generate sufficient revenue to cover its operating expenses.  There is also no certainty that the Company will be able to raise additional funds by issuing further shares and/or the raising of debt and, if such funds are available, on what terms the Company would be able to secure them.

 

Length of sales cycle - the sales cycle for the Company’s testing products and license generation is typically lengthy.  As a result, the Company may expend substantial funds and management effort with no assurance of successfully selling its products or services or granting new licenses.  The sales effort requires the effective demonstration of the benefits of its products and services to, and significant training of, many different departments within a potential customer.  In addition, the Company is sometimes required to negotiate agreements containing terms which are unique to each customer.  With respect to license generation, it is common for negotiations with licensees to take many months before a license is granted.

 

Competition - with respect to BREVAGen, the Company’s lead breast cancer risk test, the Company is currently subject to limited competition from biotechnology and diagnostic companies, academic and research institutions and government or other publicly-funded agencies.  However, many potential competitors, which include private and public sector enterprises in Australia, the US and elsewhere, have greater experience in the areas of finance, research and development, marketing, sales, distribution, technical and regulatory matters than the Company does.  However, the Company maintains an extensive patent portfolio which does provide some protection for BREVAGen and for the Company’s licensing assertion program.

 

Intellectual property (“IP”) risks - the Company relies on its portfolio of patents, patent applications and exclusive licenses to patents relating to genetic technologies.  While the Company patents and protects its IP, it cannot be certain that additional patents will be issued to it or that its patents will withstand challenges by others.  Patents issued to, or licensed by, the Company may be infringed or third parties may develop similar technologies.  Further, patents may not provide meaningful protection from competitors.  The Company may also need to sue, or be sued, by third parties regarding its patents and other IP rights.  These suits may be costly and would divert funds and resources from the Company and cause distraction to Management.  Historically, the Company has commenced litigation against a number of parties to protect its IP rights.  If these proceedings are unsuccessful, the Company may be required to pay significant monetary damages.

 

Professional liability risks - by the very nature of its operations, the Company’s business exposes it to potential liability risks that are inherent in the testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of genetic tests.  In the event of a mistake occurring, including an incorrect result of analysis of genetic variations or other screening tests performed, the commercial sale of a genetic test by the Company may expose it to professional liability claims and possible adverse publicity.  Litigation of such claims could be costly.  Further, if a court were to require the Company to pay damages to a plaintiff, the amount of such damages could harm its financial condition, despite the Company having significant levels of public and product liability insurance coverage to protect it from such risks.

 

Government regulation - apart from accreditation requirements, the Company is generally not subject to significant regulation.  However, from time to time, federal, state and/or local governments adopt regulations relating to the conduct of genetic research and genetic testing.  In future, such regulations could limit or restrict the Company’s genetic research activities as well as genetic testing for research or clinical purposes.  Regulations restricting genetic testing could adversely affect the Company’s ability to market and sell its products and services.  Accordingly, any regulations of this nature could increase the costs of operations or restrict its ability to conduct its testing business and might adversely affect its operations and financial condition.

 

15



 

Ethical issues - public opinion regarding ethical issues related to the confidentiality and appropriate use of genetic testing results may influence government authorities to call for limits on, or regulation of the use of, genetic testing.  In addition, such authorities could prohibit testing for genetic predisposition to certain conditions, particularly for those that have no known cure.  Adverse publicity or public opinion relating to genetic research and testing could reduce the potential markets for the Company’s services, which could adversely affect its revenues.  Further, the patents it holds over uses of “non-coding” DNA have broad scope and have also been the subject of much debate and some criticism in the media.  Potential licensees could take legal action to seek the amendment, re-examination, revocation or invalidation of these patents, something which has happened previously on several occasions, though the Company has prevailed in all such cases.

 

BREVAGen - since the launch of the Company’s BREVAGen test in June 2011, a number of potential commercial risks have been identified.  The test exists in a new area of genetic testing, being a predictive test, and it may take time to establish credibility and educate potential customers which may delay establishing reasonable rates of sales.  Despite already having various studies and review publications, clinician adoption of the test requires substantial resources and effort.  The establishment of a new US company, such as the Company’s subsidiary Phenogen Sciences Inc., requires staffing with qualified and experienced salespeople who require time to establish customer contacts and convert sales.  Invariably, some new employees are not able to adapt to the new sales environment and may need to be replaced, potentially hampering growth.  Even though the Company’s laboratory has now been CLIA certified, US government health care programs could potentially restrict its ability to offer the test in the US, thereby restricting the available market.  The US healthcare reimbursement system with which the Company interacts is complex, involving a series of independent insurers and other third parties involved to assist with credentialing and the administration of the payment processes.  Establishing benchmarks with insurers is a time consuming process which could delay the receipt of initial payments until such time as “rules” with each provider can be established. The introduction of the Affordable Care Act in 2014 has created additional people with insurance coverage but has resulted in many people selecting policies with higher deductibles. This could reduce the reimbursement amount from insurers, place more cost onto the patient and thus negatively impact the willingness of patients to agree to take the BREVAGen test. The launch of BREVAGenplus (expanded SNP panel applicable to African-American and Hispanic ethnicities as well as Caucasian) in October 2014, brings additional risks with the costs of development, public relations and marketing communications adding to overhead costs. There is a risk that the forecasted increase in uptake for BREVAGenplus does not occur to offset the cost of this product introduction.

 

Risk management

 

In respect of the above risks, the Group takes a proactive approach to risk management.  The Board is responsible for ensuring that risks and opportunities are identified on a timely basis and that the Group’s objectives and activities are aligned with those risks and opportunities.  The Board believes that it is important for all Board members to be a part of this process and the Board takes overall responsibility for the recognition and management of risk.  The overview of the compliance and control mechanisms has been delegated to the Audit Committee through its Charter.

 

The Board believes that the Group is not yet sufficiently large to warrant the appointment of an internal auditor.

 

SHARE OPTIONS

 

Unissued shares under option

 

As at the date of this Report, there were 14,650,000 unissued ordinary shares in the Company under option.  During the year ended 30 June 2014, a total of 1,250,000 options to acquire ordinary shares in the Company were granted.  All options were granted at nil cost.  Refer Note 28 to the attached financial statements for details regarding the outstanding options.

 

Shares issued as a result of the exercise of options

 

During the 2014 financial year, no shares were issued as a result of the exercise of options.  No options have been exercised since the end of the financial year.  During the 2014 financial year, a total of 3,000,000 options that had been issued to employees lapsed due to forfeiture.  Option holders do not have any right, by virtue of their options, to participate in any share issue of the Company or any related body corporate.

 

INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

During the financial year, the Company paid a premium in respect of a contract insuring the Directors and Officers of the Company and any related body corporate against a liability incurred in his or her capacity as a Director or Officer to the extent permitted by the Corporations Act 2001.  The contract of insurance prohibits disclosure of the nature of the insurance provided and the amount of the premium.  The Company has agreed to indemnify the current and former Directors and Executive Officers against all liabilities to other persons that may arise from their position as Directors or Officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, except where to do so would be prohibited by law.

 

16



 

REMUNERATION REPORT

 

Introduction

 

This Remuneration Report outlines the Director and Executive remuneration arrangements of Genetic Technologies Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”) in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and its Regulations.  For the purposes of this Report, Key Management Personnel (“KMP”) of the Group are defined as those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the major activities of the Company and the Group, directly or indirectly, including any Director (whether executive or not) of the parent company, and includes the six executives in the Group, as set out below, receiving the highest remuneration.

 

For the purposes of this Report, the term “Executive” encompasses the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, US Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Scientific Director, Quality and Business Operations Director and Director, Global Licensing and IP.  For details regarding changes to Key Management Personnel during the period from 1 July 2013 to the date of this Report, please refer to the notes at the foot of the Remuneration Table on page 23.

 

Details of Directors and Key Management Personnel as at balance date

 

Directors

Executives

 

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon (Non-Executive Chairman)

Alison J. Mew (Chief Executive Officer)

 

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass (Non-Executive)

Eutillio Buccilli (Chief Financial Officer)

 

 

Mr. Grahame Leonard A.M. (Non-Executive)

Mark J. Ostrowski (US Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing)

 

 

Prof. Ian McKenzie (Non-Executive)

Dr. Richard Allman (Scientific Director)

 

 

Dr. Paul Kasian (Non-Executive)

Diana Newport (Quality and Business Operations Director)

 

 

 

Luisa Ashdown (Director, Global Licensing and IP)

 

Corporate Governance Committee

 

The Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (formerly known as the Nomination and Remuneration Committee) was established on 21 April 2005 and is, amongst other things, responsible for determining and reviewing remuneration arrangements for the Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Leadership Team.  The Committee is chaired by Dr. Mervyn Cass and has as its members Prof. Ian McKenzie and Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon, both of whom are independent directors.

 

The Corporate Governance Committee was established to assess the appropriateness of the nature and amount of remuneration paid to Directors and Executives on a periodic basis by reference to relevant employment market conditions, with the overall objective of ensuring maximum shareholder benefit from the retention of a high quality Board and Senior Leadership Team.

 

Remuneration strategy

 

The performance of the Company depends upon the quality of its Directors and Executives.  To prosper, the Company must attract, motivate and retain appropriately skilled Directors and Executives.

 

To this end, the Company embodies the following principles in its remuneration framework:

 

·             provide competitive rewards to attract high calibre Executives;

 

·             wherever possible, link Executive rewards to shareholder value;

 

·             ensure that a portion of an Executive’s remuneration is “at risk”; and

 

·             establish appropriate, demanding performance hurdles for variable Executive remuneration.

 

The remuneration strategy is approved by the Corporate Governance Committee.

 

Remuneration structure

 

In accordance with best practice corporate governance, the structure of Non-Executive Director and Executive remuneration is separate and distinct.

 

17



 

The key performance indicators applicable for all Executives are quantifiable and the methods of measurement are defined.  Potential levels of remuneration are linked to each performance indicator based on the pretext that if the performance indicators as defined are met then the business will have more likely achieved certain key financial or strategic objectives.  In addition to the various key performance indicators that are used to assess the performance of each Executive, the overall financial performance of the Company is also taken into consideration when determining both base levels of remuneration and short term incentive payments for those individuals.

 

Non-Executive Director remuneration

 

Objective

 

The Board seeks to set aggregate remuneration at a level which provides the Company with the ability to attract and retain Directors of the highest calibre, whilst incurring a cost which is acceptable to shareholders.

 

Structure

 

The Company’s Constitution and the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange specify that the aggregate remuneration of Non-Executive Directors shall be determined from time to time by a General Meeting of shareholders.  An amount not exceeding the amount determined is then divided between the Directors as agreed.  The most recent determination was made at the 2007 Annual General Meeting, when shareholders approved an aggregate remuneration not exceeding $500,000 per year.

 

The amount of aggregate remuneration sought to be approved by shareholders and the manner in which it is apportioned amongst Directors are reviewed annually.

 

Each Non-Executive Director receives a fee for serving as a Director of the Company.  No additional fees are paid to any Director for serving on either of the two sub-committees of the Board.

 

Executive remuneration

 

Objective

 

The Group aims to reward Executives with a level and mix of remuneration which is commensurate with their positions and responsibilities within the Group and so as to:

 

·             reward Executives for Group and individual performance against targets set by reference to suitable benchmarks;

 

·             align the interests of Executives with those of the shareholders; and

 

·             ensure that the total remuneration paid is competitive by market standards.

 

Structure

 

The remuneration paid to Executives is set with reference to prevailing market levels and comprises a fixed remuneration comprising base salary and superannuation, various short-term incentives (which are linked to agreed Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”), as described below under the heading of Variable remuneration), and a long-term option component.

 

Fixed remuneration

 

Objective

 

The Corporate Governance Committee oversees the setting of fixed remuneration on an annual basis.  The process consists of a review of Company, divisional and individual performance, relevant comparative remuneration in the market and internally and, where appropriate, external advice on policies and practices.  The members of the Committee have access to external advice independent of Management.

 

Structure

 

Fixed remuneration consists of some or all of the following components:

 

·             base salary;

 

·             non-monetary benefits which can include a motor vehicle allowance, costs associated with novated motor vehicle leases, vehicle parking (and associated fringe benefits tax, if applicable); and

 

·             superannuation benefits, which includes employer contributions.

 

18



 

With the exception of the employer contributions to superannuation, Executives are given some flexibility to decide the composition of their total fixed remuneration and the allocation between cash and other benefits.  It is intended that the manner of payment chosen will be optimal for the recipient without creating any additional cost for the Group.

 

Fixed remuneration is reviewed annually with reference to individual performance, market benchmarks for individual roles and the overall financial performance of the Group.  Any changes to the fixed remuneration of Executives are first approved by the Corporate Governance Committee.

 

All employee remuneration is evaluated on a regular basis using a set of variables and taking into account the addition of the statutory superannuation contribution.  An assessment of existing base salaries is made annually using comparisons against independent market data which provides information on salaries and other benefits paid for comparable roles within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, using third party salary survey data.  Annual performance reviews with each employee are based on a rating system which is used to assess his or her eligibility for salary increases.  Other qualitative factors, including the specialised knowledge and experience of the individual and the difficulty of replacing that person, are also taken into account when considering salary adjustments.

 

Variable remuneration

 

Objective

 

The objective of variable remuneration is to:

 

·             align the interests of Executives with those of shareholders;

 

·             link Executive rewards to the achievement of strategic goals and performance of the Company; and

 

·             ensure that the total remuneration paid by the Company is competitive by market standards.

 

Short Term Incentive (“STI”)

 

STI is an annual plan that applies to Executives and other senior employees that is based on the performance of both the Company and the individual during a given financial year.  STI ranges vary depending on the role, responsibilities and deliverables achieved by each individual.  Actual STI payments granted to the relevant employee will depend on the extent to which the pre-agreed specific targets are met within a financial year.  Specific targets are quantifiable with the agreed method of measurement defined at the beginning of the financial year.  The ongoing performance of the Executive or senior employee is evaluated regularly during the performance cycle.

 

Group objectives, and their relative weighting, vary depending on the position and responsibility of the respective individual, but in respect of the year ended 30 June 2014 include, amongst other things, the achievement of:

 

·            earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (“EBITDA”) and net profit targets where an individual has capacity to impact this result;

 

·             achieving or exceeding revenue targets;

 

·             achieving targets for cost reduction or efficiency gains;

 

·             contributing to business growth and expansion; and

 

·             performance or the delivery of results which exceed agreed targets.

 

These measures are chosen as they represent the key drivers for the short term success of the business and provide a framework for delivering long term value.  Personal and operating objectives vary according to the role and responsibility of the Executive and include objectives such as service delivery to customers, project delivery, compliance outcomes, intellectual property management and various staff management and leadership objectives.

 

Achievement of an individual’s targets or objectives is documented and assessed by both the individual and his or her direct manager.  The individual will participate in an annual performance review and must provide evidence of the objectives that he or she has delivered during the period under review.  Each objective is then rated on an achievement scale.  Depending on the aggregate of the ratings, the individual may be eligible to receive an STI payment.  STI payments, if any, are paid in August or September of each year subject to the completion of the performance review process and the receipt of a satisfactory rating.  The Board conducts this process in the case of the CEO.  Any such STI payments which may be made are delivered as a cash bonus during the following reporting period.

 

19



 

Long Term Incentive (“LTI”)

 

The objective of the Group’s LTI arrangements is to reward Executives and senior employees in a manner that aligns their remuneration with the creation of shareholder wealth.  As such, significant LTI grants are generally only made to Executives who are able to influence the generation of shareholder wealth and have an impact on the Group’s long term profitability.  There are no specific performance hurdles, apart from certain vesting provisions, in respect of the LTI grants made to Executives.  Options with a vesting period also serve as a retention tool and may reduce the likelihood of high performing Executives and senior employees being targeted by other companies.

 

LTI grants to Executives and senior employees are delivered in the form of options over unissued ordinary shares in the Company which are granted under the terms and conditions of the Company’s Employee Option Plan.  Selected Executives who contribute significantly to the long term profitability of the Company are invited to participate in the Employee Option Plan.  The remuneration value of these grants varies and is determined with reference to the nature of the individual’s role, as well as his or her individual potential and specific performance.

 

The options are granted at no cost, have a life of between four and five years and, in most cases, generally vest in three equal tranches after 12, 24 and 36 months from the date on which they are granted.

 

During the year ended 30 June 2014, a net share-based payments expense of $119,531 was incurred by the Company in respect of all options which had previously been granted to Executives and other senior employees.

 

In cases where an Executive ceases employment prior to the vesting of his or her options, the options are forfeited after a prescribed period if they have not been exercised.  The prescribed period ranges from two to twelve months, depending on the circumstances under which they left the Company, e.g. resignation, retirement, termination or death.  In the event of a change of control of the Company, the performance period end date will be brought forward to the date of the change of control and awards will vest over this shortened period.

 

The following table shows the key performance indicators for the Group over the past five financial years ended 30 June.

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to owners of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

(10,125,197

)

(9,298,367

)

(5,287,523

)

910,002

 

(9,343,766

)

Basic earnings per share (cents)

 

(1.76

)

(1.97

)

(1.15

)

0.22

 

(2.46

)

Increase/(decrease) in share price

 

(62.1

)%

(20.8

)%

(42.9

)%

500.0

%

(22.2

)%

Total KMP incentives (being STI and LTI) as a percentage of profit/(loss) for the year

 

(0.84

)%

(1.36

)%

(2.16

)%

41.98

%

(0.91

)%

 

20



 

STI and LTI payments made

 

In respect of the years ended 30 June 2014 and 30 June 2013, the following STI and LTI payments, and the percentages that each such payment represents relative to their respective salary/fees, were made to Executives:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed remuneration

 

At risk

 

Name and title of
Executives

 

Year

 

Salary/fees

 

Proportion
of total

 

STI

 

Proportion
of total

 

LTI

 

Proportion
of total

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

%

 

$

 

%

 

$

 

%

 

Alison J. Mew

 

2014

 

227,375

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2013

 

223,133

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Thomas G. Howitt(6)

 

2014

 

187,824

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary

 

2013

 

222,624

 

91.8

%

20,000

 

8.2

%

 

 

Mark J. Ostrowski

 

2014

 

299,828

 

83.2

%

 

 

60,661

 

16.8

%

US Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing

 

2013

 

221,953

 

74.9

%

10,778

 

3.6

%

63,549

 

21.5

%

Dr. Richard Allman

 

2014

 

125,725

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Scientific Director

 

2013

 

114,076

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Dr. Paul D.R. MacLeman

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-Chief Executive Officer

 

2013

 

122,949

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Lewis J. Stuart

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-General Manager US ops.

 

2013

 

52,843

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Gregory J. McPherson

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-VP Sales and Marketing

 

2013

 

182,157

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Dr. David J. Sparling

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-VP Legal / Corp. Develop.

 

2013

 

79,781

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Ivan Jasenko

 

2014

 

20,470

 

100

%

 

 

(12,156

)

 

Ex-Operations Director

 

2013

 

148,607

 

92.2

%

 

 

12,624

 

7.8

%

Diana Newport (8)

 

2014

 

98,692

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Quality & Ops. Director

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luisa Ashdown (9)

 

2014

 

140,441

 

87.1

%

 

 

20,761

 

12.9

%

Director, Licensing & IP

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eutillio Buccilli (10)

 

2014

 

14,433

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

2014

 

1,114,788

 

93.8

%

 

 

69,266

 

6.2

%

 

 

2013

 

1,368,123

 

92.8

%

30,778

 

2.0

%

76,173

 

5.2

%

 

21



 

Employment contracts

 

The Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Alison Mew, is employed under an employment contract dated 5 August 2009 which was subsequently amended on 13 December 2012.  The key terms and conditions of Ms. Mew’s employment arrangements are:

 

·             During the 2014 financial year, Ms. Mew’s base salary was increased to $266,500.  In addition, she received statutory superannuation contributions as prescribed under the Superannuation Guarantee legislation;

 

·             Ms. Mew is entitled to receive an STI payment equivalent to a maximum of 30% of base salary based on achievement of Key Performance Indicators, as agreed with the Board from time to time.

 

·             Ms. Mew may resign from her position, and thus terminate the contract, by giving up to five months written notice and the Company may terminate Ms. Mew’s contract by providing similar written notice or providing payment in lieu of the notice period; and

 

·             the Company may terminate Ms. Mew’s contract at any time without notice if serious misconduct has occurred.  Where termination with cause occurs, she is only entitled to receive that portion of remuneration which is fixed and only up to the date of termination.  In this instance, all entitlements to both STI and LTI are forfeited and would lapse.

 

The key provisions contained in the employment contracts for other Key Management Personnel in office at the date of this Report, being Mr. Eutillio Buccilli, Mr. Mark Ostrowski, Dr. Richard Allman, Ms. Diana Newport and Ms. Luisa Ashdown, are:

 

·             the Executive receives a base salary and statutory superannuation contributions, as prescribed under the Superannuation Guarantee legislation, together with certain STI payments based on achievement of Key Performance Indicators, as agreed with the Chief Executive Officer from time to time;

 

·             the Executive may resign from his / her position and terminate the contract by giving up to three months written notice;

 

·             the Company may terminate the contract by providing up to three months written notice or payment in lieu of notice; and

 

·             the Company may terminate the contract without notice in the event of serious misconduct.  In this instance, entitlements to both STI and LTI payments are forfeited and will lapse.

 

There are no employment contracts in place with any Non-Executive Director of the Company.

 

22



 

Remuneration of Key Management Personnel (“KMP”)

 

Name and title of

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

Post-employment

 

Other long-

 

Share-based

 

 

 

Directors

 

Year

 

Salary/fees

 

Other

 

Superannuation

 

term benefits

 

Options

 

Totals

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon

 

2014

 

67,125

 

 

28,059

 

 

 

95,184

 

Non-Executive Chairman

 

2013

 

51,759

 

 

26,458

 

 

 

78,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tommaso Bonvino(1)

 

2014

 

22,343

 

 

2,066

 

 

 

24,409

 

Non-Executive Director

 

2013

 

52,318

 

 

4,708

 

 

 

57,026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass

 

2014

 

33,516

 

 

25,069

 

 

 

58,585

 

Non-Executive Director

 

2013

 

52,318

 

 

4,708

 

 

 

57,026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benjamin Silluzio (2)

 

2014

 

22,343

 

 

2,066

 

 

 

24,409

 

Non-Executive Director

 

2013

 

29,344

 

 

2,641

 

 

 

31,985

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Melvyn J. Bridges

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-Non-Exec. Chairman

 

2013

 

32,683

 

 

9,754

 

 

 

42,437

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory W. Brown

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-Non-Executive Director

 

2013

 

18,016

 

 

1,621

 

 

 

19,637

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huw D. Jones

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-Non-Executive Director

 

2013

 

21,229

 

 

1,910

 

 

 

23,139

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grahame Leonard A.M. (3)

 

2014

 

31,281

 

 

2,893

 

 

 

34,174

 

Ex-Non-Executive Director

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prof. Ian McKenzie (4)

 

2014

 

31,281

 

 

2,893

 

 

 

34,174

 

Ex-Non-Executive Director

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Paul Kasian (5)

 

2014

 

29,460

 

 

2,725

 

 

 

32,185

 

Ex-Non-Executive Director

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sub-totals for Directors

 

2014

 

237,349

 

 

65,771

 

 

 

303,120

 

 

 

2013

 

257,667

 

 

51,800

 

 

 

309,467

 

 


Note:

(1)         Mr. Tommaso Bonvino resigned as a Director of the Company on 29 November 2013.

 

(2)         Mr. Benjamin Silluzio resigned as a Director of the Company on 29 November 2013.

 

(3)         Mr. Grahame Leonard was appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Company on 2 December 2013.

 

(4)         Prof. Ian McKenzie was appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Company on 2 December 2013.

 

(5)         Dr. Paul Kasian was appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Company on 12 December 2013.

 

23



 

Name and title of

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

Post-employment

 

Other long-

 

Share-based

 

 

 

Executives

 

Year

 

Salary/fees

 

Other

 

Superannuation

 

term benefits

 

Options

 

Totals

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

Alison J. Mew

 

2014

 

227,375

 

 

22,812

 

4,168

 

 

254,355

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2013

 

223,133

 

 

24,999

 

13,726

 

 

261,858

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas G. Howitt(6)

 

2014

 

187,824

 

114,755

 

17,374

 

 

 

319,953

 

Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary

 

2013

 

222,624

 

20,000

 

22,286

 

(721

)

 

264,189

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark J. Ostrowski(7)

 

2014

 

299,828

 

 

 

6,591

 

60,661

 

367,080

 

US Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing

 

2013

 

221,953

 

10,778

 

 

9,844

 

63,549

 

306,124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Richard Allman

 

2014

 

125,725

 

 

14,252

 

7,459

 

 

147,436

 

Scientific Director

 

2013

 

114,076

 

 

13,782

 

12,817

 

 

140,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Paul D.R. MacLeman(12)

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-Chief Executive Officer

 

2013

 

122,949

 

161,297

 

11,064

 

 

 

295,310

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lewis J. Stuart (13)

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-General Manager US ops.

 

2013

 

52,843

 

107,752

 

 

 

 

160,595

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory J. McPherson (14)

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-VP Sales and Marketing

 

2013

 

182,157

 

77,775

 

16,844

 

 

 

276,776

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. David J. Sparling(15)

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-VP Legal / Corp. Develop.

 

2013

 

79,781

 

102,248

 

8,080

 

 

 

190,109

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ivan Jasenko (8)

 

2014

 

20,470

 

12,893

 

1,894

 

 

(12,156

)

23,101

 

Ex-Operations Director

 

2013

 

148,607

 

 

13,374

 

4,760

 

12,624

 

179,365

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diana Newport (9)

 

2014

 

98,692

 

 

23,878

 

7,644

 

 

130,214

 

Quality & Ops. Director

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luisa Ashdown (10)

 

2014

 

140,441

 

 

12,991

 

8,500

 

20,761

 

182,693

 

Director, Licensing & IP

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eutillio Buccilli (11)

 

2014

 

14,433

 

 

2,865

 

1,289

 

 

18,587

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sub-totals for Executives

 

2014

 

1,114,788

 

127,648

 

96,066

 

35,651

 

69,266

 

1,443,419

 

 

 

2013

 

1,368,123

 

479,850

 

110,429

 

40,426

 

76,173

 

2,075,001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total remuneration of

 

2014

 

1,352,137

 

127,648

 

161,837

 

35,651

 

69,266

 

1,746,539

 

Key Management Personnel

 

2013

 

1,625,790

 

479,850

 

162,229

 

40,426

 

76,173

 

2,384,468

 

 


The following changes to KMP occurred during the period from 1 July 2013 to the date of this Report:

 

(6)         Mr. Thomas Howitt resigned as a Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of the Company on 28 March 2014. Included in his payments under the heading “other” is the payment of unused annual leave and unused long service leave of $114,755 (2013: $nil) and STI payments of $nil (2013:20,000).

 

(7)         Mr. Mark Ostrowski received a STI payment of $nil (2013:$10,778).

 

(8)         Mr. Ivan Jasenko resigned as Operations Director of the Company on 16 August 2013. Included in his payments under the heading “other” is the payment of unused annual leave of $12,893 (2013: $nil).

 

(9)         Ms. Diana Newport was appointed as Quality and Business Operations Director of the Company on 26 September 2013.

 

(10)  Ms. Luisa Ashdown became a member of the Key Management Personnel on 23 August 2013.

 

24



 

11.       Mr. Eutillio Buccilli was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the Company on 2 June 2014

 

12.       Dr. Paul MacLeman resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on 27 November 2012.  Included in his payments under the heading “other” is a termination payment of $nil (2013: $161,297).

 

13.       Mr. Lewis Stuart ceased to be an employee of the Company on 24 August 2012.  Included in his payments under the heading “other” is a termination payment of $nil (2013: $107,752).

 

14.       Mr. Greg McPherson ceased to be an employee of the Company on 12 July 2013.  Included in his payments under the heading “other” is a termination payment of $nil (2013: $77,775) that was accrued as at 30 June 2013.

 

15.       Dr. David Sparling resigned as VP Legal and Corporate Development on 27 November 2012.  Included in his payments under the heading “other” is a termination payment of $ nil (2013: $102,248).

 

Remuneration of Key Management Personnel (“KMP”) (cont.)

 

The details of those Executives nominated as Key Management Personnel under section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001 have been disclosed in this Report.  No other employees of the Company meet the definition of “Key Management Personnel” as defined in IAS 24 / (AASB 124) Related Party Disclosures, or “senior manager” as defined in the Corporations Act 2001.

 

Options exercised, granted and lapsed as part of remuneration during the year ended 30 June 2014

 

During the 2014 financial year no options were granted as equity compensation benefits to Executives, as disclosed below.  Details of the options held by the Executives nominated as Key Management Personnel during the year ended 30 June 2014 are set out below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value at

 

 

 

 

 

Number of options

 

Exercise

 

Number

 

Fair value

 

date of

 

Final

 

Name of Executive

 

Exercised

 

Granted

 

price

 

lapsed

 

per option

 

lapse

 

vesting date

 

Alison J. Mew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

Thomas G. Howitt

 

 

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

Mark J. Ostrowski

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

Dr. Richard Allman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

Gregory J. McPherson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

Ivan Jasenko

 

 

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

Diana Newport

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

Luisa Ashdown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

Eutillio Buccilli

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

Totals

 

 

 

 

 

1,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options exercised, granted and lapsed as part of remuneration during the year ended 30 June 2013

 

During the 2013 financial year, there were 2,400,000 options granted as equity compensation benefits to Executives. 10,700,000 options were exercised and 800,000 lapsed.

 

Fair values of options

 

During the year ended 30 June 2014, a total of 1,000,000 options that had previously been issued to KMPs lapsed.  Of this number, a total of 1,000,000 options were forfeited, whilst no options expired.  The lapsed options had no fair value on the date they lapsed as they were “out of the money”.  During the year ended 30 June 2013, a total of 10,700,000 options were exercised (refer Note 28 for details).

 

The above options granted during the 2014 financial year vest in three equal tranches after 12 months, 24 months and 36 months from the date of grant, respectively.  As at 30 June 2014, there were 2 executives and 13 employees who held options that had previously been granted under the Company’s respective option plans.

 

Fair values at grant date are independently determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected divided yield and the risk-free interest rate for the term of the option.

 

25



 

Optionholdings of Key Management Personnel

30 June 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

year

 

Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting as at year end

 

in which

 

Value yet

 

 

 

Opening

 

 

 

Number of options

 

 

 

Closing

 

 

 

Not

 

options

 

to vest

 

Name of optionholder

 

balance

 

Granted

 

Exercised

 

Lapsed

 

balance

 

Exercisable

 

exercisable

 

vest

 

$

 

Executive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas G. Howitt

 

500,000

 

 

 

(500,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

Alison J. Mew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory J. McPherson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark J. Ostrowski

 

2,400,000

 

 

 

 

2,400,000

 

800,000

 

1,600,000

 

2016

 

104,000

 

Richard Allman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ivan Jasenko

 

500,000

 

 

 

(500,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

Diana Newport

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luisa Ashdown

 

1,000,000

 

 

 

 

1,000,000

 

666,667

 

333,333

 

2015

 

21,667

 

Luisa Ashdown

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

500,000

 

500,000

 

 

2014

 

 

Eutillio Buccilli

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

4,900,000

 

 

 

(1,000,000

)

3,900,000

 

1,966,667

 

1,933,333

 

 

 

125,667

 

 

30 June 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

year

 

Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting as at year end

 

in which

 

Value yet

 

 

 

Opening

 

 

 

Number of options

 

 

 

Closing

 

 

 

Not

 

options

 

to vest

 

Name of optionholder

 

balance

 

Granted

 

Exercised

 

Lapsed

 

balance

 

Exercisable

 

exercisable

 

vest

 

$

 

Executive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Paul DR MacLeman

 

3,600,000

 

 

(3,600,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas G. Howitt

 

2,500,000

 

 

(1,000,000

)

(1,000,000

)

500,000

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

Alison J. Mew

 

1,500,000

 

 

(1,500,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lewis J. Stuart

 

2,400,000

 

 

(1,600,000

)

(800,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory J. McPherson

 

1,500,000

 

 

(1,500,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. David J. Sparling

 

1,500,000

 

 

(1,500,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark J. Ostrowski

 

 

2,400,000

 

 

 

2,400,000

 

 

2,400,000

 

2016

 

156,000

 

Richard Allman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ivan Jasenko

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

500,000

 

333,333

 

166,667

 

2014

 

16,833

 

Totals

 

13,500,000

 

2,400,000

 

(10,700,000

)

(1,800,000

)

3,400,000

 

833,333

 

2,566,667

 

 

 

172,833

 

 

26



 

Shareholdings of Key Management Personnel

30 June 2014

 

Shares held in Genetic 

 

Opening

 

Number of shares

 

Acquired on

 

Closing

 

Technologies Limited

 

balance

 

Bought

 

Sold

 

exercise of options

 

balance

 

Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass

 

473,667

 

104,167

 

 

 

577,834

 

Grahame Leonard A.M.

 

1,000,000

 

2,000,000

 

 

 

3,000,000

 

Prof. Ian McKenzie

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Paul Kasian

 

256,410

 

 

 

 

256,410

 

Executive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas G. Howitt

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alison J. Mew

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory J. McPherson

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark J. Ostrowski

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Richard Allman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ivan Jasenko

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diana Newport

 

 

100,000

 

(100,000

)

 

 

Luisa Ashdown

 

622,045

 

 

 

 

622,045

 

Eutillio Buccilli

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

2,352,122

 

2,204,167

 

(100,000

)

 

4,456,289

 

 

There were no loans to/from Key Management Personnel during the financial years ending 2014 and 2013.

 

End of Remuneration Report

 

27



 

AUDITOR INDEPENDENCE AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES

 

Auditor independence

 

The Directors of Genetic Technologies Limited have received an independence declaration from PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Company’s auditor, as reproduced immediately following the Directors’ Declaration on page 87 of the Financial Report.

 

Non-audit services

 

During the financial year, the following fees were paid or payable to the auditors of Genetic Technologies Limited and its subsidiaries in respect of both audit and non-audit services:

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Audit services

 

 

 

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Audit of the Company’s Financial Report under the Corporations Act 2001

 

280,500

 

275,167

 

Other audit firms in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Audit of the Financial Reports of subsidiaries

 

3,864

 

16,425

 

Total remuneration in respect of audit services

 

284,364

 

291,592

 

Non-audit services

 

 

 

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Other assurance services

 

60,000

 

 

 

Other audit firms in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Tax advice and compliance, accounting and other services

 

21,470

 

5,676

 

Total remuneration in respect of non-audit services

 

81,470

 

5,676

 

Total auditors’ remuneration

 

365,834

 

297,268

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

 

The Company is not aware of any breaches of any environmental regulation during the 2014 financial year.

 

ROUNDING OF AMOUNTS

 

The Company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100, issued by the Australian and Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the “rounding off” of amounts in the Directors’ Report.  Amounts in the Directors’ Report have been rounded off in accordance with that Class order to the nearest dollar.

 

28



 

PROCEDINGS ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

 

No proceedings have been brought or intervened in or on behalf of the Company with leave to the Court under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001.

 

DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS

 

Meeting attendances

 

The number of meetings of Directors (including the meetings of the two Sub-Committees of the Board) held during the financial year, and the number of such meetings attended by each Director, were as follows:

 

 

 

Directors’ meetings

 

Sub-Committees of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

Audit

 

Corporate Governance

 

Name of Director

 

Eligible

 

Attended

 

Eligible

 

Attended

 

Eligible

 

Attended

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon (1)

 

14

 

13

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

Tommaso Bonvino (2)

 

6

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass (4)

 

14

 

14

 

4

 

4

 

 

 

Benjamin Silluzio

 

6

 

6

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

Grahame Leonard A.M. (3)

 

8

 

8

 

3

 

3

 

 

 

Prof. Ian McKenzie

 

8

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Paul Kasian

 

7

 

7

 

3

 

3

 

 

 

 

Sub-committee membership

 

As at the date of this Report, the Company had two Sub-Committees of the Board of Directors: an Audit Committee and a Corporate Governance Committee.  The various individuals who served as members of the two Sub-Committees during the 2014 financial year were:

 

 

 

Audit Committee

 

Corporate Governance Committee

 

Name of Member

 

Period served

 

Period served

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon

 

1 July 2013 to 12 December 2013

 

12 December 2013 to 30 June 2014

 

Tommaso Bonvino

 

Not applicable

 

1 July 2013 to 29 November 2013

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass

 

1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014

 

1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014

 

Benjamin Silluzio

 

1 July 2013 to 29 November 2013

 

1 July 2013 to 29 November 2013

 

Grahame Leonard A.M

 

12 December 2013 to 30 June 2014

 

Not applicable

 

Prof. Ian McKenzie

 

Not applicable

 

12 December 2013 to 30 June 2014

 

Dr. Paul Kasian

 

12 December 2013 to 30 June 2014

 

Not applicable

 

 


Notes:

 

(1)    Dr. Brandon served as the Chairman of the Audit Sub-Committee from 1 July 2013 to 12 December 2013.

(2)    Mr. Bonvino served as the Chairman of the Corporate Governance Sub-Committee from 1 July 2013to 29 November 2013.

(3)    Mr. Leonard served as the Chairman of the Audit Sub-Committee from 12 December 2013 to 30 June 2014.

(4)    Dr. Cass served as the Chairman of the Corporate Governance Sub-Committee from 12 December 2013 to 30 June 2014.

 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

 

MR. GRAHAME LEONARD A.M.

 

Non-Executive Director

 

 

Melbourne, 30 September 2014

 

29



 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Genetic Technologies Limited (the “Company”) and its Board are committed to achieving and demonstrating the highest standards of corporate governance.  The Board continues to review its corporate governance framework and practices to ensure they meet the interests of shareholders.  In this statement, the Company and its controlled entities together are referred to as the “Group”.

 

A description of the Group’s main corporate governance practices is set out below.  Unless otherwise stated, all of these practices were in place for the entire 2014 financial year and on the whole comply with the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (including all relevant amendments) of the Australian Securities Exchange.  While in most respects, Genetic Technologies Limited complies with the Recommendations, in several areas, policies and practices are being further developed to bring them more closely into line.  As new policies are produced, or as the existing ones are amended, they are published on the Company’s website.

 

As at the date of this Statement, the following twelve Corporate Governance documents had been adopted by the Board, in addition to the Company’s Constitution which was completely revised and subsequently approved by the Company’s shareholders in November 2005.  All significant policies are published on the Company’s website (www.gtglabs.com).

 

·                       Board Charter, which defines the role of the Board and that of Management;

 

·                       Audit Committee Charter;

 

·                       Corporate Governance Committee Charter;

 

·                       Board Protocol, which clarifies the responsibilities of Directors and the Company’s expectations of them;

 

·                       Code of Conduct, including a Document Retention Policy;

 

·                       Board Performance Evaluation Policy;

 

·                       Risk and Compliance Policy;

 

·                       Continuous Disclosure Policy;

 

·                       Securities Trading Policy;

 

·                       Diversity Policy;

 

·                       Shareholder Communications Policy; and

 

·                       Whistleblower Policy.

 

ASX PRINCIPLES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight

 

The relationship between the Board and Management is critical to the Group’s success.  The Directors are responsible to the shareholders for the performance of the Group in both the short and longer terms 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 Group is properly managed.  The responsibilities of the Board include:

 

·             providing strategic guidance to the Group, including contributing to the development of and approving the Group’s corporate strategy;

 

·             reviewing and approving business plans, the annual budget and financial plans, including available resources and major capital expenditure initiatives;

 

·             overseeing and monitoring:

 

·             organisational performance and the achievement of the Group’s strategic goals and objectives;

 

·             compliance with the Company’s Code of Conduct; and

 

·             progress of major capital expenditures and other significant projects, including any acquisitions or divestments;

 

·             monitoring the Group’s financial performance, including approval of the annual and half-year financial reports and regular liaison with the Company’s auditors;

 

·             appointment, performance assessment and, if necessary, removal of the Chief Executive Officer;

 

·             ratifying the appointment and/or removal and contributing to the performance assessment for the members of the Senior Leadership Team;

 

30



 

·             ensuring there are effective management processes in place for approving major corporate initiatives;

 

·             enhancing and protecting the reputation of the organisation;

 

·             overseeing the operation of the Group’s system for compliance and risk management reporting to shareholders; and

 

·             ensuring appropriate resources are available to senior Management to enable them to implement the strategies approved by the Board.

 

Day-to-day management of the Group’s affairs and the implementation of the corporate strategy and policy initiatives are formally delegated by the Board to the Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Leadership Team as set out in the Group’s delegations policies.  These delegations are reviewed by the Board on an annual basis.

 

Performance appraisals for all members of the Senior Leadership Team last took place in May and June 2014.  The process for these assessments is described in the Remuneration Report on pages 16 to 26 of this Financial Report.

 

Principle 2: Structure the Board to add value

 

The Board operates in accordance with the broad principles set out in its Charter which is available from the corporate governance information section of the Company’s website (www.gtglabs.com).  The Charter provides details of the Board’s composition and responsibilities.

 

Board composition

 

The Charter states that:

 

·             the Board is to be comprised of both executive and non-executive Directors with a majority of non-executive Directors.  Non-executive Directors bring a fresh perspective to the Board’s consideration of strategic, risk and performance matters;

 

·             in recognition of the importance of independent views and the Board’s role in supervising the activities of Management, the Chairman must be an independent non-executive Director, the majority of the Board must be independent of Management and all Directors are required to exercise independent judgement and review and constructively challenge the performance of the Senior Leadership Team;

 

·             the Chairman is elected by the full Board and is required to meet regularly with the Chief Executive Officer;

 

·             the Company should, where possible, maintain a mix of Directors on the Board from different genders, age groups, ethnicity and cultural and professional backgrounds who have complementary skills and experience;

 

·            the Board is to establish measurable Board gender diversity objectives and assess annually the objectives and progress made in achieving them; and

 

·             the Board should undertake an annual Board performance review and consider the appropriate mix of skills required by the Board to maximise its effectiveness and its contribution to the Group.

 

The Board seeks to ensure that:

 

·             at any point in time, its membership represents an appropriate balance between directors with experience and knowledge of the Group and directors with an external or fresh perspective; and

 

·             the size of the Board is conducive to effective discussion and efficient decision-making.

 

Directors’ independence

 

The Board has adopted specific principles in relation to the independence of its Directors.  These state that, when determining independence, a Director must be a non-executive and the Board should consider whether the Director:

 

·             is a substantial shareholder of the Company or an officer of, or otherwise associated directly with, a substantial shareholder of the Company;

 

·             is, or has been, employed in an executive capacity by the Company or any other Group member within three years before commencing his or her service on the Board;

 

31



 

·             within the last three years has been a principal of a material professional adviser or a material consultant to the Company or any other Group member, or an employee materially associated with the service provided;

 

·             is a material supplier or customer of the Company or any other Group member, or an officer of or otherwise associated directly or indirectly with a material supplier or customer;

 

·             has a material contractual relationship with the Company or a controlled entity other than as a Director of the Group; and

 

·             is free from any business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the Director’s independent exercise of his or her judgement.

 

Materiality for these purposes is determined on both quantitative and qualitative bases.  An amount of over five percent of annual turnover of the Company or Group or five percent of the individual Directors’ net worth is considered material for these purposes.  In addition, a transaction of any amount or a relationship is deemed material if knowledge of it may impact the shareholders’ understanding of the Director’s performance.

 

Recent thinking on corporate governance has introduced the view that a Director’s independence may be perceived to be impacted by lengthy service on the Board.  To avoid any potential concerns, the Board has determined that a Director will not be deemed independent if he or she has served on the Board of the Company for more than ten years.  The Board will continue to monitor developments on this issue as they arise.

 

The Board assesses independence each year.  To enable this process, the Directors must provide all information that may be relevant to the assessment.

 

Board members

 

Details of the members of the Board, their experience, expertise, qualifications, term of office, relationships affecting their independence and their independent status are set out in the Directors’ Report.  As at the date of signing the Directors’ Report, all five Directors served as non-executive Directors and none had any relationships which may adversely affect their independence and, as such, they are deemed independent under the principles set out above.

 

Term of office

 

The Company’s Constitution specifies that all non-executive Directors must retire from office no later than the third Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) following his or her last election.  Where eligible, a Director may stand for re-election.

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)

 

The Chairman is responsible for leading the Board, ensuring that Directors are properly briefed in all matters relevant to their role and responsibilities, facilitating Board discussions and managing the Board’s relationship with the Company’s Senior Leadership Team.  In accepting the position, the Chairman had acknowledged that it will require a significant time commitment and has confirmed that other positions will not hinder his or her effective performance in that role.

 

The CEO is responsible for implementing Group strategies and policies.  The Board Charter specifies that these are separate roles to be undertaken by separate people.

 

Induction

 

The induction provided to new Directors enables them to actively participate in Board decision-making as soon as possible.  It ensures that they have a full understanding of the Company’s financial position, strategies, operations, culture, values and risk management policies.  It also explains the respective rights, duties, responsibilities, interaction and roles of the Board and the Senior Leadership Team and the Company’s meeting arrangements.

 

Commitment

 

The Board held fourteen Board meetings during the 2014 financial year.  Non-executive Directors are expected to spend adequate time preparing for and attending Board and Sub-Committee meetings and associated activities.  The number of meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors and of each Board Sub-Committee held during the year ended 30 June 2014, and the number of such meetings attended by each Director, are disclosed on page 28.

 

32



 

The commitments of all non-executive Directors are considered by the Corporate Governance Committee prior to the Director’s appointment to the Board and are reviewed each year as part of the annual performance assessment.

 

Prior to appointment or being submitted for re-election, each non-executive Director is required to specifically acknowledge that they have, and will continue to have, the time available to discharge their responsibilities to the Company.

 

Conflict of interests

 

In accordance with the Board Charter, all Directors are required to declare all interests in dealings with the Company and are required to take no part in decisions relating to them.  In addition, those Directors are not entitled to receive any papers from the Group pertaining to those dealings.  No declarations were received from any Directors during the financial year.

 

Independent professional advice

 

All Directors and members of the Board’s two Sub-Committees have the right, in connection with their duties and responsibilities, to seek independent professional advice at the Company’s expense.  Prior written approval of the Chairman is required, but such approval will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

Performance assessment

 

The Board undertakes an ongoing self-assessment of its collective performance, the performance of the Chairman and of its two Sub-Committees.  The assessment also considers the adequacy of the Company’s induction and continuing education processes, access to information and the support provided by the Company Secretary.

 

Members of the Senior Leadership Team are invited to contribute to this appraisal process.  The results and any action plans are documented together with specific performance goals which are agreed for the coming year.  The Chairman undertakes an assessment of the performance of individual Directors and meets with each Director to discuss this assessment.

 

Board Sub-Committees

 

The Board has established two Sub-Committees to assist in the execution of its duties and to allow detailed consideration of complex issues.  The current Sub-Committees of the Board are the Audit and Corporate Governance Committees.  Each is comprised entirely of non-executive Directors.  The Committee structure and membership is reviewed on an annual basis.

 

Each Sub-Committee has its own written Charter setting out its role and responsibilities and that of its members, its composition, structure, membership requirements and the manner in which the Sub-Committee is to operate.  Both of these Charters are reviewed on an annual basis and are available on the Company’s website.  All matters determined by the Sub-Committees are submitted to the full Board as recommendations for Board decisions.

 

Minutes of Sub-Committee meetings are tabled at the subsequent Board meeting.  Additional requirements for specific reporting by the Sub-Committees to the Board are addressed in the Charter of the individual Sub-Committees.

 

Corporate Governance Committee

 

The Corporate Governance Committee consists of Dr. Mervyn Cass (Chairman), Dr. Malcolm Brandon and Prof. Ian McKenzie, all of whom are independent.  Details of their attendance at meetings of the Committee are set out in the Directors’ Report on page 28.  The Committee operates in accordance with its Charter which is available on the Company’s website.  The main responsibilities of the Corporate Governance Committee are to:

 

·             conduct an annual review of the membership of the Board, having regard to present and future needs of the Company and to make recommendations on Board composition and appointments;

 

·             conduct an annual review of, and conclude on the independence of, each Director;

 

·             propose candidates for Board vacancies;

 

·             oversee the annual performance assessment program;

 

·             oversee Board succession, including the succession of the Chairman, and review whether succession plans are in place to maintain an appropriately balanced mix of skills, experience and diversity on the Board; and

 

·             assess the effectiveness of the induction process.

 

33



 

When a new Director is to be appointed, the Committee prepares a Board skills matrix to review the range of skills, experience and expertise on the Board, and to identify its needs.  From this, the Committee prepares a short-list of candidates with appropriate skills and experience.  A number of channels are used to source candidates to ensure the Company benefits from a diverse range of individuals in the selection process.  Where necessary, advice is sought from independent search consultants.

 

The full Board then appoints the most suitable candidate who must stand for election at the Company’s next AGM.  The Committee’s nomination of existing Directors for reappointment is not automatic and is partly contingent on their past performance, contribution to the effective operation of the Board and the current and future needs of both the Board and Company.  The Board and the Committee are also aware of the advantages of Board renewal and succession planning.

 

Notices of meetings for the election of Directors comply with the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s best practice recommendations.

 

New Directors are provided with a letter of appointment setting out the Company’s expectations, their responsibilities, rights and the terms and conditions of their employment.  All new Directors participate in a formal induction program which covers the operation of the Board and its Sub-Committees and financial, strategic, operations and risk management issues.

 

Principle 3: Promote ethical and responsible decision making

 

Code of conduct

 

The Company has developed a statement of values and a Code of Conduct (the “Code”) which has been fully endorsed by the Board and applies to all Directors.  The Code is regularly reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure it reflects the highest standards of behaviour and professionalism and the practices necessary to maintain confidence in the Group’s integrity and to take into account legal obligations and reasonable expectations of the Company’s stakeholders.

 

In summary, the Code requires that at all times Directors and employees act with the utmost integrity, objectivity and in compliance with the letter and the spirit of the law and company policies.

 

The purchase and sale of Company securities by Directors and employees is governed by the Securities Trading Policy.  Such trading is not permitted during the two-month periods immediately following the end of the Company’s two financial half-years, i.e. after 31 December and 30 June of each year.  Any transactions undertaken by Directors outside of these periods must be notified to the Company Secretary in advance.

 

The Code requires employees who are aware of unethical practices within the Group or breaches of the Company’s Securities Trading Policy to report such breaches in compliance with the Company’s whistleblower program which can be done anonymously.

 

The Directors are satisfied that the Group has complied with its policies on ethical standards, including trading in the Company’s securities.

 

Copies of the Code and the Securities Trading Policy are available on the Company’s website.

 

Diversity policy

 

The Company values diversity and recognises the benefits it can bring to the organisation’s ability to achieve its goals.  Accordingly, the Company has developed and introduced a diversity policy which outlines its diversity objectives in relation to gender, age, cultural background, ethnicity and other factors.  It includes requirements for the Board to establish measurable objectives for achieving diversity, and for the Board to assess annually both the objectives, and the Company’s progress made in achieving them.

 

In accordance with the Company’s Diversity Policy and ASX Corporate Governance principles, the Board has established various objectives in relation to gender diversity.  The aim is to achieve these objectives over the coming two to three years as relevant positions become vacant and appropriately-skilled candidates are available.

 

34



 

The objectives set by the Board in relation to gender diversity are set out in the following table.

 

 

 

Objective

 

Actual

 

Category

 

Number

 

Percentage

 

Number

 

Percentage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of women in whole organisation

 

32

 

50

%

48

 

75

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of women in senior executive positions

 

2

 

29

%

4

 

57

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of women on the Board

 

1

 

25

%

0

 

0

%

 

Responsibility for diversity has been included in the Board Charter and the Corporate Governance Committee Charter.

 

Principle 4: Safeguard integrity in financial reporting

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee consists of Mr. Grahame Leonard A.M. (Chairman), Dr. Mervyn Cass and Dr. Paul Kasian, all of whom are independent.  Details of their attendance at meetings of the Committee are set out in the Directors’ Report on page 28.  All members of the Audit Committee are financially literate and have an appropriate understanding of the industry in which the Group operates.  The Committee operates in accordance with a Charter which is available on the Company’s website.  The main responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to:

 

·             review, assess and approve the annual full and concise reports, the half-year financial report and all other financial information published by the Company or released to the Market;

 

·             assist the Board in reviewing the effectiveness of the organisation’s internal control environment covering:

 

·             effectiveness and efficiency of operations;

 

·             reliability of financial reporting; and

 

·             compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

 

·             oversee the effective operation of the Company’s risk management framework;

 

·             recommend to the Board the appointment, removal and remuneration of the external auditors, and review the terms of their engagement, the scope and quality of the audit and assess their performance;

 

·             consider the independence and competence of the external auditor on an ongoing basis;

 

·            review and approve the level of non-audit services provided by the Group’s external auditors and ensure that it does not adversely impact on the auditors’ independence;

 

·             review and monitor all related party transactions and assess their propriety; and

 

·             report to the Board on matters relevant to the Committee’s role and responsibilities.

 

In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee:

 

·             receives regular reports from Management and the Company’s external auditors;

 

·             meets with the external auditors at least twice a year, or more frequently if necessary;

 

·             reviews the processes the CEO and CFO have in place to support their annual certifications to the Board;

 

·             reviews any significant disagreements between the auditors and Management, irrespective of whether they have been resolved; and

 

·             provides the external auditors with a clear line of direct communication at any time to either the Chairman of the Audit Committee or, if necessary, the Chairman of the Board.

 

The Audit Committee has authority, within the scope of its responsibilities, to seek any information it requires from any employee or external party.

 

35



 

External auditors

 

The Company and Audit Committee policy is to appoint external auditors who clearly demonstrate quality of service 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.  PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PwC”) was appointed as the external auditor in 2009.  It is PwC’s policy to rotate audit lead engagement partners on listed companies at least every five years.

 

An analysis of fees paid to the external auditors, including a break-down of fees for non-audit services, is provided in the Directors’ Report and in Note 27 to the financial statements.  It is the policy of the external auditors to provide an annual declaration of their independence to the Audit Committee which is reproduced in the Company’s Annual Report.

 

The external auditor attends the Company’s AGM and is available to answer shareholder questions about the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content of the audit report.

 

Principles 5 and 6: Make timely and balanced disclosures and respect the rights of shareholders

 

Continuous disclosure and shareholder communication

 

The Company has written policies and procedures on information disclosure that focus 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.  These policies and procedures also include the arrangements the Company has in place to promote communication with shareholders and encourage effective participation at general meetings.  A summary of these policies and procedures is available on the Company’s website.

 

The Company Secretary has been nominated as the person responsible for communications with the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”).  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 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 website.  Procedures have also been established for reviewing whether any price sensitive information has been inadvertently disclosed and, if so, this information is also immediately released to the Market.

 

The Company’s website also enables users to provide feedback and has an option for shareholders to register their email address for direct email updates on Company matters.

 

All shareholders are entitled to receive a hard copy of the Company’s Annual and Half-Year Reports which are also available for download on its website.

 

Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk

 

The Board is responsible for satisfying itself annually, or more frequently as required, that Management has developed and implemented a sound system of risk management and internal control.  Detailed work on this task is delegated to the Audit Committee and reviewed by the full Board.

 

The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring there are adequate policies in relation to risk management, compliance and internal control systems.  They monitor the Company’s risk management by overseeing Management’s actions in the evaluation, management, monitoring and reporting of material operational, financial, compliance and strategic risks.  In providing this oversight, the Committee:

 

·             reviews the framework and methodology for risk identification, the degree of risk the Company is willing to accept, the management of risk and the processes for auditing and evaluating the Company’s risk management system;

 

·             reviews Group-wide objectives in the context of the abovementioned categories of corporate risk;

 

·             reviews and, where necessary, approves guidelines and policies governing the identification, assessment and management of the Company’s exposure to risk;

 

36



 

·             reviews and approves the delegations of financial authorities and addresses any need to update these authorities on an annual basis; and

 

·             reviews compliance with agreed policies.

 

The Committee recommends any actions it deems appropriate to the Board for its consideration.

 

Management is responsible for designing, implementing and reporting on the adequacy of the Company’s risk management and internal control system and has to report to the Audit Committee on the effectiveness of:

 

·             the risk management and internal control system during the year; and

 

·             the Company’s management of its material business risks.

 

Risk management group

 

The Company’s risk management policies and the operation of the risk management and compliance system are managed by the Company’s risk management group which consists of selected senior executives and is chaired by the CFO.  The Board receives reports from this group as to the effectiveness of the Company’s management of material risks that may impede or impact on the Company’s ability to meet its business objectives.

 

Each of the Company’s business units report to the risk management group on the key business risks applicable to their respective areas.  The review is undertaken by business unit management.  The risk management group then consolidates the business unit reports and recommends any actions to the Board for its consideration.

 

Corporate reporting

 

In complying with recommendation 7.3, the CEO and CFO make the following annual certifications to the Board:

 

·             that the Company’s financial reports are complete and present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of the financial condition and operational results of the Company and the Group and are in accordance with relevant accounting standards; and

 

·             that 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 in relation to financial reporting risks.

 

Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly

 

All matters pertaining to remuneration of Company Directors and employees are overseen and managed by the Corporate Governance Committee (refer above).  Committee members receive regular briefings from an external remuneration expert on recent developments on remuneration and related matters.

 

Each member of the Senior Leadership Team signs a formal employment contract at the time of their appointment covering a range of matters including their duties, rights, responsibilities and any entitlements on termination.  The standard contract refers to a specific formal job description.  This job description is reviewed by the Corporate Governance Committee on a regular basis and, where necessary, is revised in consultation with the relevant employee.

 

Further information on Directors’ and Executives’ remuneration, including principles used to determine remuneration, is set out in the Directors’ Report under the heading “Remuneration Report”.  In accordance with Group policy, participants in equity-based remuneration plans are not permitted to enter into any transactions that would limit the economic risk of options or other unvested entitlements.

 

The Committee also assumes responsibility for overseeing management succession planning, including the implementation of appropriate executive development programs and ensuring adequate arrangements are in place, so that appropriate candidates are recruited for later promotion to senior positions.

 

37



 

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

A.B.N. 17 009 212 328

 

Financial Statements

for the year ended

30 JUNE 2014

 

38



 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 30 June 2014

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

Notes

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Revenue from continuing operations — genetic testing services

 

 

 

4,564,280

 

3,377,183

 

Less: cost of sales

 

4

 

(1,837,729

)

(1,945,467

)

Gross profit from continuing operations — genetic testing services

 

 

 

2,726,551

 

1,431,716

 

Other revenue

 

5

 

979,879

 

5,002,354

 

Other income

 

6

 

955,025

 

235,490

 

Gain on disposal of subsidiary

 

7

 

761,361

 

 

Selling and marketing expenses

 

 

 

(6,251,595

)

(5,266,818

)

General and administrative expenses

 

 

 

(3,173,109

)

(4,413,782

)

Licensing, patent and legal costs

 

 

 

(1,079,199

)

(2,399,824

)

Laboratory and research and development costs

 

 

 

(3,298,127

)

(3,462,466

)

Finance costs

 

 

 

(744,199

)

(38,968

)

Fair value loss on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

 

 

(648,374

)

 

Share of net loss of associate accounted for using the equity method

 

36

 

(362,682

)

(437,185

)

Loss from continuing operations before income tax expense

 

 

 

(10,134,469

)

(9,349,483

)

Income tax expense

 

9

 

 

 

Loss for the year

 

 

 

(10,134,469

)

(9,349,483

)

Other comprehensive profit / (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange gains / (losses) on translation of controlled foreign operations

 

25

 

(149,162

)

9,347

 

Exchange gains / (losses) on translation of non-controlled foreign operations

 

27

 

86

 

17,073

 

Other comprehensive profit / (loss) for the year, net of tax

 

 

 

(149,076

)

26,420

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

 

 

 

(10,283,545

)

(9,323,063

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit loss for the year is attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

 

 

(10,125,197

)

(9,298,367

)

Non-controlling interests

 

27

 

(9,272

)

(51,116

)

Total loss for the year

 

 

 

(10,134,469

)

(9,349,483

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year is attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

 

 

(10,274,359

)

(9,289,020

)

Non-controlling interests

 

27

 

(9,186

)

(34,043

)

Total comprehensive loss for the year

 

 

 

(10,283,545

)

(9,323,063

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss per share attributable to owners of the Company and from continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per share (cents per share)

 

10

 

(1.76

)

(1.97

)

Diluted loss per share (cents per share)

 

10

 

(1.76

)

(1.97

)

 

The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

 

39



 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As at 30 June 2014

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

Notes

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

11

 

2,831,085

 

1,721,293

 

Trade and other receivables

 

12

 

1,111,565

 

328,642

 

Prepayments and other assets

 

13

 

414,910

 

398,185

 

Performance bond and deposits

 

14

 

2,949

 

209,296

 

Total current assets

 

 

 

4,360,509

 

2,657,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments accounted for using the equity method

 

15

 

 

3,932,384

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

16

 

795,533

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

17

 

394,164

 

423,168

 

Intangible assets and goodwill

 

18

 

1,178,993

 

1,306,559

 

Total non-current assets

 

 

 

2,368,690

 

5,662,111

 

Total assets

 

 

 

6,729,199

 

8,319,527

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

19

 

1,449,187

 

1,375,536

 

Deferred revenue

 

20

 

153,226

 

320,781

 

Provisions

 

21

 

715,603

 

768,699

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

 

2,318,016

 

2,465,016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisions

 

21

 

81,280

 

96,224

 

Borrowings

 

22

 

2,502,384

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

 

 

2,583,664

 

96,224

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

4,901,680

 

2,561,240

 

Net assets

 

 

 

1,827,519

 

5,758,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributed equity

 

24

 

90,080,492

 

83,735,845

 

Reserves

 

25

 

3,922,140

 

3,951,771

 

Accumulated losses

 

26

 

(92,175,113

)

(82,049,916

)

Parent entity interest

 

 

 

1,827,519

 

5,637,700

 

Non-controlling interests

 

27

 

 

120,587

 

Total equity

 

 

 

1,827,519

 

5,758,287

 

 

The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

 

40



 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended 30 June 2014

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

Notes

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Cash flows from / (used in) operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receipts from customers

 

 

 

4,007,591

 

8,460,774

 

Payments to suppliers and employees

 

 

 

(15,058,176

)

(16,213,984

)

Interest received

 

 

 

116,047

 

275,399

 

Interest and finance charges paid

 

 

 

(52,550

)

(38,968

)

Net cash flows from / (used in) operating activities

 

11

 

(10,987,088

)

(7,516,779

)

Cash flows from / (used in) investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from the sale of plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

1,201

 

Purchases of plant and equipment

 

 

 

(47,917

)

(53,611

)

Proceeds from the sale of shares in associate

 

 

 

 

46,951

 

Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale financial assets

 

 

 

577,497

 

 

Cash disposed on loss of control of subsidiary

 

 

 

(162,576

)

 

Advances to associates

 

 

 

(20,470

)

(173,193

)

Payment for financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

 

 

(114,159

)

 

Net cash flows from / (used in) investing activities

 

 

 

232,375

 

(178,652

)

Cash flows from / (used in) financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from the issue of shares

 

 

 

7,000,000

 

481,500

 

Equity transaction costs

 

 

 

(658,498

)

(25,797

)

Net proceeds from borrowings

 

 

 

5,581,462

 

 

Net cash flows from / (used in) financing activities

 

 

 

11,922,964

 

437,955

 

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

1,168,251

 

(7,257,476

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

 

 

1,721,293

 

8,900,235

 

Net foreign exchange difference

 

 

 

(58,459

)

78,534

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

11

 

2,831,085

 

1,721,293

 

 

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

 

41



 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 30 June 2014

 

Attributable to Members of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

Consolidated

 

Contributed
equity

 

Reserves

 

Accumulated
losses

 

Parent
interests

 

Non-
controlling
interests

 

Total
equity

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Balance at 30 June 2012

 

83,280,142

 

3,719,419

 

(72,751,549

)

14,248,012

 

154,630

 

14,402,642

 

Loss for the year

 

 

 

(9,298,367

)

(9,298,367

)

(51,116

)

(9,349,483

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

9,347

 

 

9,347

 

17,073

 

26,420

 

Total comprehensive income / loss)

 

 

9,347

 

(9,298,367

)

(9,289,020

)

(34,043

)

(9,323,063

)

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions of equity (net)

 

455,703

 

 

 

455,703

 

 

455,703

 

Share-based payments

 

 

223,005

 

 

223,005

 

 

223,005

 

 

 

455,703

 

223,005

 

 

678,708

 

 

678,708

 

Balance at 30 June 2013

 

83,735,845

 

3,951,771

 

(82,049,916

)

5,637,700

 

120,587

 

5,758,287

 

Loss for the year

 

 

 

(10,125,197

)

(10,125,197

)

(9,272

)

(10,134,469

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

(149,162

)

 

(149,162

)

86

 

(149,076

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

(149,162

)

(10,125,197

)

(10,274,359

)

(9,186

)

(10,283,545

)

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions of equity (net)

 

6,341,472

 

 

 

6,341,472

 

 

6,341,472

 

Value of shares issued on conversion of convertible notes

 

3,572,877

 

 

 

3,572,877

 

 

3,572,877

 

Value of shares cancelled as part of the swap deal

 

(3,569,702

)

 

 

(3,569,702

)

 

(3,569,702

)

Share-based payments

 

 

119,531

 

 

119,531

 

 

119,531

 

Removal of non-controlling interests on de-consolidation

 

 

 

 

 

(111,401

)

(111,401

)

 

 

6,344,647

 

119,531

 

 

6,464,178

 

 

6,352,777

 

Balance at 30 June 2014

 

90,080,492

 

3,922,140

 

(92,175,113

)

1,827,519

 

 

1,827,519

 

 

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

 

42



 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 30 June 2014

 

1.                  CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

The Financial Report of Genetic Technologies Limited (the “Company”) for the year ended 30 June 2014 was authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors dated 30 September 2014.  Genetic Technologies Limited is incorporated in Australia and is a company limited by shares.  The Directors have the power to amend and reissue the financial statements.

 

The Company’s ordinary shares are publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange under the symbol GTG and, via Level II American Depositary Receipts, on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker GENE.

 

2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a)             Basis of preparation

 

This general purpose Financial Report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Corporations Act 2001.

 

Compliance with IFRS

 

The Financial Report complies with Australian Accounting Standards as issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

Historical cost convention

 

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

 

Critical accounting estimates

 

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

 

Going concern

 

During the 2014 financial year, the Company incurred a total comprehensive loss after income tax of $10,283,545 (2013: $9,323,063) and net cash outflows from operations of $10,987,088 (2013: $7,516,779).

 

As at 30 June 2014, the Company held cash reserves of $2,831,085 and had net current assets of $2,042,493.

 

Subsequent to balance date, the Company has raised $4,150,000, before the payment of associated costs, through:

 

·                  $2,150,000 of new finance via the issue of unlisted secured (debt) notes to existing and new Australian institutional and wholesale investors; and

 

·                  $2,000,000 from the sale of its Heritage “Australian Genetics” business. Whilst subject to conditions precedent the sale is expected to complete within the next month.

 

As at the date of this Report, the Company held cash reserves of approximately $2,222,000.

 

The cash raised from the above two transactions, combined with its existing cash reserves, will enable the Company to fund its operations in the short to medium term.

 

However, the continuing viability of the Company and the group’s ability to continue as a going concern and meet its debts and commitments as and when they fall due is wholly dependent on the Company being successful in raising additional funds via the issuance of new equity in the near term.  Any issuance of new equity will be subject to shareholder approval, which will be sought at the appropriate time.

 

Due to the significant uncertainty surrounding the timing and quantum of the above event, there is a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, that it may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.  However, the Directors believe that the Company will be successful in raising new funds, in the timeframe required, and accordingly, have prepared the financial report on a going concern basis.

 

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Events subsequent to balance date

 

Convertible Notes

 

Subsequent to 30 June 2014, Redeemable Convertible Notes with a face value of USD 900,000 were converted in return for which Ironridge received 54,187,950 ordinary shares (including ordinary shares issued in lieu of interest payment and true-up adjustment).  As a result of this conversion, the face value of the remaining Notes has been reduced to USD 850,000 as at the date of this Report.

 

On 28 August 2014, the Company announced that it has convened a general meeting for 30 September 2014 to consider approving further conversions under the Company’s existing facility with Ironridge.  Where a conversion occurs after shareholder approval that would reduce the Company’s indebtedness under the Ironridge Facility, but it would not provide cash funding to the Company.

 

Options

 

On 31 July 2014, the Company granted a total of 6,875,000 options over ordinary shares in the Company.  The options, which were granted at no cost, entitle the holders to acquire one ordinary share at a price of $0.04 at any time up to, and including 31 May 2019, subject to certain vesting conditions.

 

Licensing

 

On 14 August 2014, the Company announced that it had executed a Settlement and Release Agreement with Histogenetics LLC. New York, USA. The precise commercial terms of this Agreement are covered by formal confidentiality provisions and cannot be disclosed.  This Agreement was achieved as a result of GTG’s continuing patent assertion and monetization efforts in the USA.

 

On 26 August 2014, the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina last week issued an Order denying a motion brought by GlaxoSmithKline, LLC (GSK) to dismiss the patent infringement law suit brought against it by GTG. This significant success follows the separate success reported on March 12, 2014, when a similar motion to dismiss filed by Agilent in the Northern District of California was also denied.

 

Notice of EGM

 

On 28 August 2014, the Company released the Notice for an Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”), together with a Sample Form of Proxy for the Meeting. As detailed in the Notice, the Meeting will be held at 10.00 am on Tuesday, 30 September 2014, (Melbourne time) at the Company’s offices.

 

Nasdaq notice

 

On 3 September 2014, the Company announced that it received a letter dated 29 August 2014, from the Nasdaq Stock Market notifying the Company that for the last 30 consecutive business days prior to 28 August, the bid price for the Company’s ordinary shares had closed below the minimum $US1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion under Nasdaq Marketplace Listing Rules (the “Rules”).  The letter stated that in accordance with the Rule the Company has 180 calendar days, or until 25 February 2015, to regain compliance.

 

The issuance of such notices, by Nasdaq, are a matter of procedure, with the Company currently considering its position and the options available in order to regain compliance.

 

Financing and plans for restructure

 

On 15 September 2014, the Company, announced plans to restructure and realign its group activities. The changes announced will enable the Company to focus its strategy on the US molecular diagnostics (“MDx”) market and commercialisation of the Company’s lead breast cancer risk test BREVAGen.  The restructure and realignment of group activities follows a recent review of operations by the Company aimed at supporting the Company’s US MDx strategy.

 

The core plans approved by the Board include:

 

·                  the sale / divestment of non-core assets;

·                  the realignment of internal cost structures through a disciplined approach to cost management and capital allocation being driven by the recently appointed CFO;

·                  a board restructure, including the appointment of new directors, to support and enhance Company’s focus on the US MDx market; and

·                  a proposed Company name change to represent a MDx focus.

 

The plans being implemented are expected to provide investors with a focused MDx company and refined US commercialisation strategy for BREVAGen, with a significantly reduced operating cost base.

 

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In support of these plans, the Company finalised the raising of $2.15M financing via the issue of unlisted secured (debt) notes (Notes) to existing and new Australian institutional and wholesale investors. The Notes will carry a 10.0% coupon rate, and subject to shareholder approval or, where the Company otherwise notifies that the Notes are convertible (in compliance with all applicable laws), the Notes will also be convertible into ordinary shares (at a 10.0% discount to the 5 day VWAP). The Notes will also carry free attached options to purchase further shares in the Company (Options) and will be subject shareholder approval. Shareholder approval for the conversion under Notes and the grant of the Options will be sought at a General Meeting.

 

The funds raised under the financing will be used to support Genetic Technologies’ short-term capital requirements and, together with existing cash reserves, will support the Company’s refocused US MDx strategy.

 

Sale of heritage Australian Genetics business

 

On 22 September 2014, the Company announced that it had signed a binding contract of sale for its heritage Australian Genetics business (“Australian Genetics”) to Specialist Diagnostics Services Ltd (“SDS”), the wholly owned pathology subsidiary of Primary Health Care Ltd. The Australian Genetics business provides diagnostic and sequencing services encompassing Australia-only medical, forensic, paternity and animal genomic testing. Under the terms of sale, SDS will acquire the Australian Genetics business for $2,000,000 in cash.  Assuming all conditions are met, settlement of the transaction is expected to occur within the next month.

 

The divestment of the Australian Genetics business follows the Company’s announcement on 15 September 2014, of plans to sell non-core assets and focus business activities on the US MDx market and commercialisation of the Company’s lead breast cancer risk test BREVAGen.

 

Appointment of two new Directors

 

On 24 September 2014, the Company announced it is pleased to advise that Mr. David Carter and Dr. Lindsay Wakefield have today been appointed Non-Executive Directors of the Company on “casual appointment”, in that the new appointees will then be required to submit themselves for re-election at the upcoming AGM, as per article 19.4 of the Company’s Constitution.

 

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2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(b)         New accounting standards and interpretations

 

(i)        Standards and Interpretations affecting amounts reported in the current period (and/or prior period)

 

The following new and revised standards and interpretations have been adopted in the current period and have affected the amounts reported in these financial statements.

 

·             AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, AASB 11 Joint Arrangements, AASB 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, AASB 128 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, AASB 127 Separate Financial Statements and AASB 2011-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Consolidation and Joint Arrangements Standards

 

AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements was issued in August 2011 and replaces the guidance on control and consolidation in AASB 127 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements and in Interpretation 112 Consolidation — Special Purpose Entities. The group has reviewed its investments in other entities to assess whether the conclusion to consolidate is different under AASB 10 than under AASB 127. No differences were found and therefore no adjustments to any of the carrying amounts in the financial statements are required as a result of the adoption of AASB 10.

 

Under AASB 11 Joint Arrangements, investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor. This accounting standard does not apply to the group as no joint arrangements were held by the company.

 

AASB 12 sets out the required disclosures for entities reporting under AASB 10 and AASB 11. It replaces the disclosure requirements currently found in AASB 127, AASB 128 and AASB 131.

 

·             AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement and AASB 2011-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 13

 

AASB 13 explains how to measure fair value and aims to enhance fair value disclosures; it does not change when an entity is required to use fair value to measure an asset or liability.

 

·             AASB 2012-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards — Disclosures — Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

 

AASB 2012-2 amendments do not change the current offsetting rules in AASB 132, but they clarify that the right of set-off must be available today (ie not contingent on a future event) and must be legally enforceable in the normal course of business as well as in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy. There are more extensive disclosures which focus on quantitative information about recognised financial instruments that are offset in the statement of financial position, as well as those recognised financial instruments that are subject to master netting or similar arrangements, irrespective of whether they are offset.  The amendments did not have a significant impact to the Group.

 

·             AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards to Remove Individual Key Management Personnel Disclosure Requirements Revised Corporations Regulations 2M.3.03

 

AASB 2011-4 amendments remove the individual key management personnel disclosure requirements from AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures, to achieve consistency with the international equivalent standard. Following the release of revised Corporations Regulations, all of the detailed disclosures will have to be included in the remuneration report for financial years commencing on or after 1 July 2013. Aggregate disclosures will still be required for the notes to the financial statements. These changes have been implemented in the current financial statements.

 

(ii)    Standards and Interpretations in issue but not yet adopted

 

In respect of the year ended 30 June 2014, the Group has assessed all new accounting standards mandatory for adoption during the current year, noting no new standards which would have a material affect on the disclosure in these financial statements.  There has been no effect on the profit and loss or the financial position of the Group.  Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2014 reporting periods.

 

The Group’s and the parent entity’s assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below.

 

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·             IFRS 9 / (AASB 9) Financial Instruments, AASB 2009-11 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 , AASB 2010-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2010), AASB 2012-6 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Mandatory Effective Date of AASB 9 and Transition Disclosures and AASB 2013-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Conceptual Framework, Materiality and Financial Instruments (effective 1 January 2018)

 

IFRS 9 / (AASB 9) Financial Instruments addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities.  The standard is not applicable until 1 January 2018 but is available for early adoption.  When adopted, the standard will affect in particular the Group’s accounting for its available-for-sale financial assets, since AASB 9 only permits the recognition of fair value gains and losses in other comprehensive income if they relate to equity investments that are not held for trading.  Fair value gains and losses on available-for-sale debt investments, for example, will therefore have to be recognised directly in profit or loss.

 

The standard is not expected to have an impact on the Group’s accounting for financial instruments.  All available-for-sale financial assets have been designated as not held for trading, such that fair value gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income.  The derecognition rules have been transferred from AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and have not been changed.  The Group has not yet decided when to adopt AASB 9.

 

AASB 2013-3 Amendments to AASB 136 Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets (effective 1 January 2014)

 

The AASB has made small changes to some of the disclosures that are required under AASB 136 Impairment of Assets.  These may result in additional disclosures if the Group recognises an impairment loss or the reversal of an impairment loss during the period.  They will not affect any of the amounts recognised in the financial statements.  The Group intends to apply the amendment from 1 July 2014.

 

·             Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 and 2011-2013 cycle (effective 1 July 2014)

 

In December 2013, the IASB approved a number of amendments to International Financial Reporting Standards as a result of the annual improvements project.  These include AASB-2 “Share based payments” and AASB 8, “Operating segments”. The Group does not expect that any adjustments will be necessary as the result of applying the revised rules.

 

·             Revenue From Contracts With Customers

 

The IASB has issued a new standard for the recognition of revenue. This will replace IAS 18 which covers contracts for goods and services and IAS 11 which covers construction contracts. The new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognised when control of a good or service transfers to a customer — so the notion of control replaces the existing notion of risks and rewards. While the AASB has not yet issued an equivalent standard, they are expected to do so in the second half of 2014.

 

The Group has not yet considered the impact of the new rules on its revenue recognition policies. It will undertake a detailed assessment in the near future. The Group intends to apply the amendment from 1 July 2017.

 

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

 

(c)              Principles of consolidation

 

Subsidiaries

 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Genetic Technologies Limited (the “Company” or “Parent Entity”) as at 30 June 2014 and the results of all subsidiaries for the year then ended.  Genetic Technologies Limited and its subsidiaries together are referred to in this Financial Report as the “Group” or the “Consolidated Entity”.

 

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Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the group has control.  The group controls an entity when the group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement within the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity.  Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group.  They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

 

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains / losses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated.  Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of the impairment of the asset transferred.  Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the Group’s policies.  Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of changes in equity, respectively.

 

Associates

 

Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control or joint control, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights.  Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, after initially being recognised at cost.  The Group’s investment in associates is detailed in Note 36.

 

The Group’s share of its associate’s post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in profit or loss and its share of post-acquisition other comprehensive income is recognised in other comprehensive income.  The cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of the investment.  Dividends receivable from associates are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment.

 

When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any other unsecured long-term receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

 

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates.  Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.  Accounting policies of associates have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

 

Changes in ownership interests

 

The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control as transactions with equity owners of the Group.  A change in ownership interest results in an adjustment between the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests to reflect their relative interests in the subsidiary.  Any difference between the amount of the adjustment to non-controlling interests and any consideration paid or received is recognised in a separate reserve within equity attributable to owners of Genetic Technologies Limited.

 

When the Group ceases to have control, joint control or significant influence, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value with the change in carrying amount recognised in profit or loss.  The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset.  In addition, any amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities.  This may mean that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss.  If the ownership interest in a joint venture or an associate is reduced but joint control or significant influence is retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate.

 

(d)             Segment reporting

 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker.  The chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing the performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(e)              Parent entity financial information

 

The financial information for the parent entity, Genetic Technologies Limited, as disclosed in Note 37, has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements, except that investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost in the financial statements of Genetic Technologies Limited.  Loans to subsidiaries are written down to their recoverable value as at balance date.

 

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(f)               Foreign currency translation

 

The functional and presentation currency of Genetic Technologies Limited and its Australian subsidiaries is the Australian dollar (AUD).  Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency at the exchange rates ruling at the date of the transaction.  Monetary assets and liabilities which are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date.  All differences are taken to the statement of comprehensive income.

 

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate ruling at the date of the initial transaction.  Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates ruling at the date when the fair value was determined.  The functional currencies of the Company’s five overseas subsidiaries are as follows:

 

Gtech International Resources Limited — Canadian dollars (CAD)

Genetic Technologies (Beijing) Limited (1) — Chinese yuan (CNY)

GeneType AG — Swiss francs (CHF)

GeneType Corporation — United States dollars (USD)

Phenogen Sciences Inc. — United States dollars (USD)

 

As at the reporting date, the assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated into the presentation currency of Genetic Technologies Limited at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and the statement of comprehensive income is translated at the weighted average exchange rates for the period unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions.  The exchange differences arising on the retranslation are recognised in other comprehensive income and taken directly to a separate component of equity.  On disposal of a foreign entity, the deferred cumulative amount recognised in equity relating to that particular foreign operation is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

 

Note:                  (1) Genetic Technologies (Beijing) Limited was de-registered in 2014.

 

(g)         Earnings per share (“EPS”)

 

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners 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.  Diluted EPS adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic EPS to take into account the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

 

(h)         Revenue recognition

 

Revenues are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the entity and the revenues can be reliably measured.  Revenues are recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable net of the amounts of Goods and Services Tax.  The following recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

 

Rendering of services

 

Revenues from the rendering of services are recognised when the services are provided and the fee for the services provided is recoverable.  Service arrangements are of short duration (in most cases less than three months).

 

License fees, royalties and annuities received

 

The Company licenses the use of its patented genetic technologies.  License fee income is recorded on the execution of a binding agreement where the Group has no future obligations, it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the entity and the revenue can be reliably measured.  The Group does not grant refunds to its customers.  Refer also to Note 2(x).  Royalties and annuities arising from the above licenses are recognised when earned in accordance with the substance of the agreement, in cases where no future performance is required by the Company and collection is reasonably assured.

 

Interest received

 

Revenue is recognised as the interest accrues using the effective interest method.  Interest charged on loans to related parties is charged on commercial and arm’s-length terms and conditions.

 

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(i)                Share-based payment transactions

 

The Group provides benefits to Group employees in the form of share-based payment transactions, whereby employees render services and receive rights over shares (“equity-settled transactions”).  There is currently an Employee Option Plan in place to provide these benefits to executives and employees and the cost of these transactions is measured by reference to the fair value at the date they are granted.

 

The fair value of options granted is determined by Cape Leveque Securities Pty. Ltd., an independent valuer, using a Black-Scholes option pricing model.  Cape Leveque Securities Pty. Ltd. has consented to having its name included in this Report.  In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any non-market performance conditions.  The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognized as an employee benefits expense, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the relevant vesting conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date the relevant employees become entitled to the award (“vesting date”).  The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until vesting date reflects (i) the extent to which the vesting period has expired; and (ii) the number of awards that, in the opinion of the Directors of the Group, will ultimately vest.  This opinion is formed based on the best information available at balance date.

 

The Group uses non-market vesting conditions for its share-based payment transactions and no cumulative expense is recognised for any awards that do not ultimately vest.  Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, as a minimum an expense is recognised as if the terms had not been modified.  In addition, an expense is recognised for any increase in the value of the transaction as a result of the modification, as at the date of modification.  Where appropriate, the dilutive effect of outstanding options is reflected as additional share dilution in the computation of diluted earnings per share.  The Company’s policy is to treat the options of terminated employees as forfeitures.

 

(j)                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 national income tax rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and unused tax losses.

 

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the company’s subsidiaries and associates operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

 

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.  However, the deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss.  Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.  Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses.  Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments in controlled entities where the parent entity is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset 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.  Current and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.  In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

 

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Tax consolidation legislation

 

Genetic Technologies Limited (“GTG”) and its wholly-owned Australian-resident subsidiaries have implemented the tax consolidation legislation.  The head entity, GTG, and the subsidiaries in the tax consolidated group 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, GTG also recognises the current tax assets / liabilities and the deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and tax credits assumed from subsidiaries in the tax consolidated group.  Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements with the tax consolidated entities are recognised as amounts receivable from or payable to other entities in the Group.  Details about the tax funding agreement are disclosed in Note 9.  Any difference between the amounts assumed and amounts receivable or payable under the tax funding agreements are recognised as a contribution to (or distribution from) wholly-owned tax subsidiaries.

 

(k)             Other taxes

 

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of Goods and Services Tax (GST) except where the GST incurred on a purchase of goods and services is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in which case the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense item as applicable; and receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included.  The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables in the balance sheet.  Cash flows are included in the cash flow statement on a gross basis and the GST component arising from investing and financing activities, which is recoverable from / payable to the taxation authority, are classified as operating cash flows.

 

(l)                Withholding tax

 

The Group generates revenues from the granting of licenses to parties resident in overseas countries.  Such revenues may, in certain circumstances, be subject to the deduction of local withholding tax.  In such cases, revenues are recorded net of any withholding tax deducted.

 

(m)     Finance costs

 

Finance costs are recognised using the effective interest rate method.

 

(n)             Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with an original maturity of 3 months or less.  For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above.  Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates.  Short-term deposits are made for varying periods, depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group, and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates.

 

(o)             Trade and other receivables

 

Trade receivables, which are non-interest bearing and generally have terms of between 30 to 90 days, are recognised and carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts.  An allowance for doubtful debts is made when there is objective evidence that a receivable is impaired.  Such evidence includes an assessment of the debtor’s ability and willingness to pay the amount due.  The amount of the allowance/impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the trade receivables and the estimated future cash flows expected to be received from the relevant debtors.  Details regarding interest rate and credit risk of current receivables are disclosed in Note 38.

 

(p)             Inventories

 

Inventories principally comprise laboratory and other supplies and are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  Inventory costs are recognised as the purchase price of items from suppliers plus freight inwards and any applicable landing charges.  Costs are assigned on the basis of weighted average cost.

 

(q)             Performance bonds and deposits

 

Performance bonds and deposits include cash deposits held as security for the performance of certain contractual obligations.

 

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(r)              Property, plant and equipment

 

Plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value.  Depreciation is calculated on either a straight-line or diminishing value basis over the estimated useful life of the respective asset as follows:

 

Laboratory equipment — 3 to 5 years

Computer equipment — 2 to 5 years

Office equipment — 2 to 5 years

Equipment under hire purchase — 3 years

Leasehold improvements — lease term, being between 1 and 5 years

 

Costs relating to day-to-day servicing of any item of property, plant and equipment are recognised in profit or loss as incurred.  The cost of replacing larger parts of some items of property, plant and equipment are capitalised when incurred and depreciated over the period until their next scheduled replacement, with the replacement parts being subsequently written off.

 

(s)               Intangible assets

 

Patents

 

Patents held by the Group are used in the licensing, testing and research areas and are carried at cost and amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, being from 5 to 10 years.  External costs incurred in filing and protecting patent applications, for which no future benefit is reasonably assured, are expensed as incurred.

 

Research and development costs

 

Costs relating to research activities are expensed as incurred.  An intangible asset arising from development expenditure on an internal project is recognised only when the Group can demonstrate the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale, its intention to complete and its ability to use or sell the asset, how the asset will generate future economic benefits, the availability of resources to complete the development and the ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development.  To date, all development costs have been expensed as incurred as their recoverability cannot be regarded as assured.

 

(t)                Goodwill

 

Goodwill on acquisition is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of the business combination over the acquirer’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities.  Following its initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.  Goodwill is not amortised.

 

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at each reporting date, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.  Impairment is determined by assessing the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the goodwill relates.  Where the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised.

 

Where goodwill forms part of a cash-generating unit and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the operation.  Goodwill disposed of in this circumstance is measured on the basis of the relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.

 

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units, or groups of cash-generating units, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the Group are assigned to those units or groups of units.  Each unit or group of units to which the goodwill is so allocated represents the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes and is not larger than an operating segment in accordance with IFRS 8 (AASB 8) Operating Segments.

 

52



 

(u)         Impairment of assets (other than goodwill)

 

The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired.  If any such indication exists, the Group makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount.  An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets and the asset’s value-in-use cannot be estimated to be close to its fair value.  In such cases, the asset is tested for impairment as part of the cash-generating unit to which it belongs.  When the carrying amount of an asset or cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset or cash-generating unit is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

 

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.  Impairment losses relating to operations are recognised in those expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset unless the asset is carried at its revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

 

An assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously recognised impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased.  If such indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated.  A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised.  If so, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount.  The increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years.  Such reversal is recognised in profit or loss unless it reverses a decrement previously charged to equity, in which case the reversal is treated as a revaluation increase.  After such a reversal, the depreciation charge is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s revised carrying amount, less any residual value, on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.

 

(v)             Leases and hire purchase agreements

 

Finance leases and hire purchase agreements, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the financed item, are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments.

 

Lease and hire purchase payments are apportioned between finance charges and a reduction of the associated liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.  Finance charges are recognised as an expense in profit or loss.  Capitalised leased assets and assets under hire purchase are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the agreement.  Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the asset are classified as operating leases.  Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

(w)           Employee benefits

 

(i) Short-term obligations

 

Provision is made for employee benefits accumulated as a result of employees rendering services up to the reporting date.  These benefits include wages and salaries, annual leave and long service leave.  Liabilities arising in respect of wages and salaries, expected to be settled within twelve months of the reporting date are measured at their nominal amounts based on remuneration rates which are expected to be paid when the liability is settled.  Expenses for non-accumulating sick leave are recognised when the leave is taken during the year and are measured at rates paid or payable.

 

(ii) Other long-term employee benefit obligations

 

The liabilities for long service leave and annual leave are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the reporting period in which the employee renders the related service.  They are therefore recognised in the provision for employee benefits and measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the end of the reporting period using the projected unit credit method.  Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service.  Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the end of the reporting period of government bonds with terms and currencies that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

 

The obligations are presented as current liabilities in the balance sheet if the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting period, regardless of when the actual settlement is expected to occur.

 

53



 

(x)             Deferred revenue

 

License revenues and annuities

 

License revenues received in respect of future accounting periods are deferred until the Company has fulfilled its obligations under the terms of the agreement.  Where deferred revenue relates to a license agreement with a specific term but the Company has no future performance obligations, the revenue is recognised on a straight-line accruals basis over the term in accordance with the substance of the agreements.  Where revenue has been deferred because the Company has future performance obligations, revenue is recognised as the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied.

 

Where a license agreement provides for the payment of regular annuities to the Company and the licensee has the right to terminate the agreement prior to the payment of those annuities with no penalty, the Company does not recognise revenue until such time as the associated cash payments are received, as it is not considered probable that the benefits of the transaction will flow to the Company until the cash collection is made.  Where such annuities are paid in advance, the revenue is allocated on a pro-rata basis with the balance being reflected in the balance sheet as a deferred revenue liability.

 

Genetic testing revenues

 

The Company operates facilities which provide genetic testing services.  The Company recognises revenue from the provision of these services when the services have been completed.  Fees received in advance of the testing process are deferred until such time as the Company completes its performance obligations.

 

Grant revenues

 

Grants are recognised when there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attaching conditions will be complied with.  When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognised as income over the periods necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the costs that it is intended to compensate.  When the grant relates to an asset, the fair value is credited to a deferred income account and is released to the statement of comprehensive income over the expected useful life of the relevant asset by equal annual instalments.

 

(y)             Provisions

 

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.  Where the Group expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain.  The expense relating to any provision is presented in the statement of comprehensive income net of any reimbursement.

 

If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.  Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

 

(z)              Trade and other payables

 

Trade payables and other payables are carried at amortised cost and represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of the financial year that are unpaid and arise when the Group becomes obliged to make future payments in respect of the purchase of these goods and services.  Trade payables and other payables generally have terms of between 30 and 60 days.

 

(aa)      Contributed equity

 

Issued and paid up capital is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received by the Company.  Transaction costs arising on the issue of ordinary shares are recognised directly in equity as a deduction, net of tax, of the proceeds received.  The Company has a share-based payment option plan under which options to subscribe for the Company’s shares have been granted to certain executives and other employees (refer Note 28).

 

(ab)      Financial assets and liabilities

 

During the year ended 30 June 2014, the Group acquired a financial asset and liability at fair value through profit or loss.  Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value and at the end of each reporting period.  The accounting for subsequent changes in fair value is recognised in profit or loss.

 

54



 

(ac)   Business combinations

 

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business combinations, including business combinations involving entities or businesses under common control, regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired.  The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group.  The consideration transferred also includes the fair value of any contingent consideration arrangement and the fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary.  All costs relating to acquisitions are expensed as incurred.

 

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are, with limited exceptions, measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.  On an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, the Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net identifiable assets.

 

The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.  If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary acquired and the measurement of all amounts has been reviewed, the difference is recognised directly in profit or loss as a bargain purchase.

 

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.

 

3.                  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

 

Estimates and judgements are evaluated and based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that may have a financial impact on the Company and that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

(a)             Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

 

The carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities are often determined based on estimates and assumptions of future events.  The key estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities within the next annual reporting period are set out below.

 

Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill

 

The Group determines whether intangible assets, including goodwill, are impaired on at least an annual basis, in accordance with the accounting policies stated in Notes 2(s) and 2(t).  This process requires an estimation to be made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating units to which the respective assets are allocated.

 

Income and withholding taxes

 

The Group is subject to income and withholding taxes in both Australia and jurisdictions where it has foreign operations.  There are many transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain.  Where the final outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current, deferred and withholding tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made (refer Notes 2(j), 2(k) and 2(l)).  In addition, the Group has considered the recognition of deferred tax assets relating to carried forward tax losses to the extent there are sufficient taxable temporary differences (deferred tax liabilities) relating to the same taxation authority and the same subsidiary against which the unused tax losses can be utilised.  However, utilisation of the tax losses also depends on the ability of the entity to satisfy certain tests at the time the losses are recouped (refer Note 9).

 

55



 

Revenue from the sale of the BREVAGen test

 

During the financial year ended 30 June 2012, the Company generated the first sales of its BREVAGentest.  Whilst not material to the overall result, in accordance with revenue recognition principles, due to the relatively limited numbers of tests sold in that first year of launch, the income generated from these sales was recorded on a cash basis.  Effective 1 January 2013, significant changes in the US reimbursement system have impacted (positively) on the amounts the Company has since received for the BREVAGentests it performs.

 

As at 30 June 2014, the Company now has enough historical data to use to enable it to determine a reliable estimate of the amount of revenue expected to be received.  Accordingly the Group now recognises the revenue on the BREVAGen test on an accruals basis. A one-off adjustment to increase revenue at this date was made for $446,000.

 

Share-based payments transactions

 

The Group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the value of the equity instruments at the date on which they are granted.  The fair value is determined by an independent valuer using a Black-Scholes options pricing model.

 

Useful lives of assets

 

The estimation of the useful lives of assets has been based on historical experience as well as lease terms (for leased equipment) and patent terms (for patents).  In addition, the condition of the assets is assessed at least annually and considered against the remaining useful life and adjustments to useful lives are made when considered necessary.

 

Research and development costs

 

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

 

To date, all development costs have been expensed as incurred as their recoverability cannot be regarded as assured.  In addition to the costs incurred by the Company’s research and development group, costs of clinical and other trials are also included.  The costs of research and development are expensed in full in the period in which they are incurred.  The Group will only capitalise its development expenses when specific milestones are met and when the Group is able to demonstrate that future economic benefits are probable.

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

4. COST OF SALES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories used

 

929,538

 

823,139

 

Direct labour costs

 

716,731

 

785,722

 

Depreciation expense

 

126,942

 

173,300

 

Inventories written off

 

64,518

 

163,306

 

Total cost of sales

 

1,837,729

 

1,945,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. OTHER REVENUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

License fees received

 

628,497

 

3,579,677

 

Royalties and annuities received

 

235,335

 

1,205,236

 

Interest revenue

 

116,047

 

217,441

 

Total other revenue

 

979,879

 

5,002,354

 

 

56



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

6. OTHER INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net foreign exchange gains

 

167,584

 

46,264

 

Net profit / (loss) on disposal of plant and equipment

 

53,277

 

(1,416

)

Management fees received

 

38,267

 

8,000

 

Research and development tax credit

 

358,395

 

181,036

 

Net profit on disposal of investments accounted for using the equity method

 

 

1,606

 

Fair value gains on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

295,533

 

 

Net gain on sale of available-for-sale financial assets

 

41,969

 

 

Total other income and expenses

 

955,025

 

235,490

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. GAIN ON DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of retained interest in subsidiary

 

535,529

 

 

Removal of net liabilities on loss of control of a subsidiary

 

(9,172

)

 

Reclassification of foreign currency reserve on loss of control of a subsidiary to profit or loss

 

123,603

 

 

Removal of non-controlling interests

 

111,401

 

 

Total gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

 

761,361

 

 

 

Note:                  On 12 December 2013, the Company announced that its former Canadian-listed subsidiary, Gtech International Resources Limited (“Gtech”) had completed its acquisition of Sydney-based company Simavita Holdings Limited (“Simavita Holdings”), as originally disclosed by the Company to the ASX on 30 July 2013.  As part of the transaction, in which Simavita Holdings raised approximately $14.3 million via the issue of approximately 34.9 million new shares at an issue price of $0.41 per share (before the payment of costs and the repayment of certain debts), Gtech changed its name to Simavita Limited (“Simavita”).

 

The shares of Simavita commenced trading on the TSXV, under the trading symbol “SV”, on 6 December 2013.  On 9 December 2013, Simavita lodged documents with the ASX pursuant to which it also sought a listing of CHESS Depositary Interests (“CDIs”) on the ASX.  The Simavita CDIs were listed on the ASX, under the ASX code “SVA”, on 20 February 2014.

 

Immediately following the completion of the acquisition, Genetic Technologies Limited held a total of 1,306,166 shares in Simavita, representing approximately 2.2% of that company’s total issued capital.  As a result of the transaction, Gtech was deconsolidated from the GTG Group and a number of changes were made to the Board of that company to reflect the new ownership. Cash disposed on loss of control of subsidiary was $162,576 (refer Cash Flow Statement).

 

On this date the subsidiary was deconsolidated and the retained interest was recognised as an available for sale financial asset recognised at fair value. This asset has since been sold prior to balance date for $577,497 and has been included as proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale financial assets within the cash flow statement.

 

The Gtech International Resources Limited subsidiary was allocated to the Corporate segment (refer Note 29).

 

8.             EXPENSES

 

Amortisation of intangible assets

 

127,566

 

127,565

 

Depreciation of fixed assets

 

83,937

 

97,444

 

Employee benefits expenses

 

6,797,341

 

6,938,342

 

Operating lease expenses

 

386,694

 

369,254

 

Research and development expenses

 

652,994

 

573,377

 

 

57



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

9. INCOME TAX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income tax expense

 

(10,134,469

)

(9,349,483

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax at the Australian tax rate of 30% (2013: 30%)

 

(3,040,341

)

(2,804,845

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

Net impairment losses and other write-downs

 

(83,376

)

54,883

 

Share-based payments expense

 

35,859

 

66,902

 

Share of net loss of associate accounted for using the equity method

 

108,805

 

131,156

 

Capital raising expenses

 

92,194

 

21,772

 

Disposal of associate accounted for using the equity method

 

1,100,195

 

 

Gain on disposal of subsidiary

 

(216,056

)

 

Fair value gains on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

(88,660

)

 

Research and development tax incentive

 

(107,518

)

(54,311

)

Non-assessable forgiveness of debt

 

(111,203

)

 

Tax effect of inter-company transactions

 

(81,909

)

 

Withholding tax expense

 

5,606

 

20,330

 

Other non-deductible items

 

2,869

 

6,869

 

 

 

(2,383,535

)

(2,557,244

)

Tax effect of adjustments relating to temporary differences

 

 

 

 

 

Amortisation and depreciation expenses

 

20,477

 

46,701

 

Convertible note finance costs

 

165,996

 

 

Fair value loss on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

194,512

 

 

Net movements in provisions

 

(8,560

)

4,794

 

Settlement proceeds from Applera Corporation

 

(87,488

)

(134,757

)

Under /(over) provision

 

(1,424,354

)

1,159,185

 

Tax losses utilised

 

 

 

Tax losses not recognised

 

3,522,952

 

1,481,321

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

96,234

 

Applera settlement

 

279,285

 

350,002

 

Intangible assets

 

2,170,487

 

2,404,695

 

Doubtful debts

 

32,677

 

64,286

 

Provisions

 

239,065

 

259,477

 

Other

 

64,754

 

52,553

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

2,786,269

 

3,227,247

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

ImmunAid Option

 

88,660

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

88,660

 

 

Net deferred tax assets on temporary differences not brought to account

 

(2,697,609

)

(3,227,247

)

Total net deferred tax assets

 

 

 

 

58



 

Tax losses

 

Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised

 

52,645,184

 

40,902,010

 

Potential tax benefit @ 30%

 

15,793,555

 

12,270,603

 

 

Subject to the Group continuing to meet the relevant statutory tests, the tax losses are available for offset against future taxable income.

 

As at balance date, there are unrecognised tax losses with a benefit of approximately $15,793,555 (2013: $12,270,603  ) that have not been recognised as a deferred tax asset to the Group.  These unrecognised deferred tax assets will only be obtained if:

 

(a)         The Group companies derive future assessable income of a nature and amount sufficient to enable the benefits to be realised;

 

(b)         The Group companies continue to comply with the conditions for deductibility imposed by the law; and

 

(c)          No changes in tax legislation adversely affect the Group companies from realising the benefit.

 

Tax consolidation legislation

 

Genetic Technologies Limited and its wholly-owned Australian subsidiaries implemented the tax consolidation legislation as from 1 July 2003.  The accounting policy in relation to this legislation is set out in Note 2(j).

 

The entities in the tax consolidated group have 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, Genetic Technologies Limited.

 

The entities have also entered into a Tax Funding Agreement under which the wholly-owned entities fully compensate Genetic Technologies Limited for any current tax payable assumed and are compensated by Genetic Technologies Limited for any current tax receivable and deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses or unused tax credits that are transferred to Genetic Technologies Limited under the tax consolidation legislation.  The funding amounts are determined by reference to the amounts recognised in the respective subsidiaries’ financial statements.

 

The amounts receivable or 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.

 

As at 30 June 2014, there are no unrecognised temporary differences associated with the Group’s investments in subsidiaries, as the Group has no liability for additional taxation should unremitted earnings be remitted (2013: $nil).

 

10.           LOSS PER SHARE

 

The following reflects the income and share data used in the calculations of basic and diluted loss per share:

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Loss for the year attributable to the owners of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

(10,125,197

)

(9,298,367

)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating loss per share

 

574,557,747

 

472,084,970

 

 

Note:        None of the 7,775,000 (2013: 9,525,000) options over the Company’s ordinary shares that were outstanding as at the reporting date are considered to be dilutive for the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share.

 

59



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

11. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

Cash at bank and on hand

 

2,831,085

 

1,721,293

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

2,831,085

 

1,721,293

 

Reconciliation of loss for the year

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of loss for the year after income tax tonet cash flows used in operating activities is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year after income tax

 

(10,134,469

)

(9,349,483

)

Adjust for non-cash items

 

 

 

 

 

Amortisation and depreciation expenses

 

338,445

 

398,309

 

Share-based payments expense

 

119,531

 

223,005

 

Share of loss of associate

 

362,682

 

437,185

 

Fair value gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

 

(225,833

)

 

Net (gain)/loss on sale of available for sale financial assets

 

(41,969

)

 

Fair value gains on financial assets at fair value throughprofit or loss

 

(295,533

)

 

Fair value losses on financial liabilities at fair value throughprofit or loss

 

447,769

 

 

Provision for advance to associate

 

 

173,193

 

Net (profit) / loss on disposal of plant and equipment

 

(53,277

)

1,416

 

Net foreign exchange (gains) / losses

 

46,344

 

(52,114

)

Net (profit) / loss on disposal of shares in associate

 

 

(1,606

)

Adjust for changes in assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables

 

(782,923

)

167,333

 

(Increase) / decrease in prepayments and other assets

 

(16,725

)

137,940

 

(Increase) / decrease in performance bonds and deposits

 

206,347

 

(191,836

)

(Increase) / decrease in financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

(795,533

)

 

Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables

 

73,651

 

469,764

 

Increase / (decrease) in deferred revenue

 

(167,555

)

54,135

 

Increase / (decrease) in provisions

 

(68,040

)

15,980

 

Net cash flows from / (used in) operating activities

 

(10,987,088

)

(7,516,779

)

Financing facilities available

 

 

 

 

 

As at 30 June 2014, the following financing facilities had been negotiated and were available:

 

 

 

 

 

Total facilities

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

277,298

 

215,603

 

Facilities used as at reporting date

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

(26,577

)

(60,918

)

Facilities unused as at reporting date

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

250,721

 

154,685

 

 

60



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (CURRENT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

1,004,395

 

513,633

 

Less: provision for doubtful debts

 

(108,925

)

(214,285

)

Net trade receivables

 

895,470

 

299,348

 

Other receivables

 

216,095

 

29,294

 

Total net current trade and other receivables

 

1,111,565

 

328,642

 

 

Note:        Trade and other receivables for the Group include amounts due in US dollars of USD 511,307 (2013: USD 42,140) and European euros of EUR 90,000 (2013: EUR 90,000).

 

Refer Note 38 for details of aging, interest rate and credit risks applicable to trade and other receivables for which, due to their short-term nature, their carrying value approximates their fair value.

 

13.           PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS (CURRENT)

 

Prepayments

 

201,916

 

184,394

 

Inventories at the lower of cost and net realisable value

 

212,994

 

213,791

 

Total current prepayments and other assets

 

414,910

 

398,185

 

 

14.           PERFORMANCE BONDS AND DEPOSITS (CURRENT)

 

Performance bonds

 

 

206,259

 

Deposits

 

2,949

 

3,037

 

Total current performance bonds and deposits

 

2,949

 

209,296

 

 

15.           INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD (NON-CURRENT)

 

Shares in associate (Note 36)

 

 

3,932,384

 

Total non-current investments accounted for using the equity method

 

 

3,932,384

 

 

Note:        On 18 December 2013, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell its entire investment in ImmunAid Limited, subject to shareholder approval. On 17 April 2014 the shareholders passed the resolution to proceed with the transaction on a show of hands.  On 16 May 2014 the Company announced the completion of the share transactions in which the Jacobson Entities (the Company’s major shareholder) exchanged a total of 75,937,500 shares in the Company at an agreed price of $0.08 per share in return for the Company’s 4,500,000 shares in ImmunAid Limited at an agreed price of $1.35 per share.

 

16.           FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT AND LOSS (NON-CURRENT)

 

Option Fee — ImmunAid Limited

 

795,533

 

 

Total financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

 

795,533

 

 

 

On 16 May 2014, as part of the share exchange agreement approved at an Extraordinary General meeting of Shareholders held on 17th April, ImmunAid Limited (ImmunAid) granted the Company a total of 2,250,000 options to acquire ordinary shares in ImmunAid at a price of $1.35 per share at any time during the three years from the date on which the ImmunAid Options are granted. As part of the consideration the Company paid ImmunAid an option fee of $500,000 of which $114,159 was paid in cash and the balance of $ 385,841 was applied against outstanding debts.

 

61



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laboratory equipment, at cost

 

3,479,145

 

3,880,330

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(2,743,213

)

(2,824,044

)

Less: impairment loss

 

(426,950

)

(751,325

)

Net laboratory equipment

 

308,982

 

304,961

 

Computer equipment, at cost

 

728,323

 

695,288

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(668,002

)

(617,439

)

Net computer equipment

 

60,321

 

77,849

 

Office equipment, at cost

 

229,104

 

224,949

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(207,160

)

(190,301

)

Net office equipment

 

21,944

 

34,648

 

Equipment under hire purchase, at cost

 

1,251,114

 

1,282,389

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(1,251,114

)

(1,272,389

)

Less: impairment loss

 

 

(10,000

)

Net equipment under hire purchase

 

 

 

Leasehold improvements, at cost

 

111,873

 

111,873

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(108,956

)

(106,163

)

Net leasehold improvements

 

2,917

 

5,710

 

Total net property, plant and equipment

 

394,164

 

423,168

 

Reconciliation of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Opening gross carrying amount

 

6,194,829

 

6,222,730

 

Add: additions purchased during the year

 

181,875

 

53,611

 

Less: disposals made during the year

 

(577,145

)

(81,512

)

Closing gross carrying amount

 

5,799,559

 

6,194,829

 

Opening accumulated depreciation and impairment losses

 

(5,771,661

)

(5,579,812

)

Add: disposals made during the year

 

577,145

 

78,895

 

Less: depreciation expense charged

 

(210,879

)

(270,744

)

Closing accumulated depreciation and impairment losses

 

(5,405,395

)

(5,771,661

)

Total net property, plant and equipment

 

394,164

 

423,168

 

 

Reconciliation of movements in property, plant and equipment by asset category

 

 

 

Opening

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

Closing

 

 

 

net carrying

 

Additions

 

Net disposals

 

expense and

 

net carrying

 

Asset category

 

amount

 

during year

 

during year

 

impairment loss

 

amount

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Laboratory equipment

 

304,961

 

144,685

 

 

(140,664

)

308,982

 

Computer equipment

 

77,849

 

33,035

 

 

(50,563

)

60,321

 

Office equipment

 

34,648

 

4,155

 

 

(16,859

)

21,944

 

Leasehold improvements

 

5,710

 

 

 

(2,793

)

2,917

 

Totals

 

423,168

 

181,875

 

 

(210,879

)

394,164

 

 

62



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patents

 

 

 

 

 

Patents, at cost

 

36,662,592

 

36,594,310

 

Less: accumulated amortisation

 

(32,889,940

)

(32,797,420

)

Less: impairment losses

 

(3,632,338

)

(3,632,338

)

Total net patents

 

140,314

 

164,552

 

Other intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

Assets associated with BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk test, at cost

 

1,033,273

 

1,033,273

 

Less: accumulated amortisation

 

(309,982

)

(206,654

)

Total net other intangible assets

 

723,291

 

826,619

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill, at cost

 

358,012

 

358,012

 

Less: accumulated impairment

 

(42,624

)

(42,624

)

Total net goodwill

 

315,388

 

315,388

 

Total net intangible assets and goodwill

 

1,178,993

 

1,306,559

 

Reconciliation of patents

 

 

 

 

 

Opening gross carrying amount

 

36,594,310

 

36,322,585

 

Adjust for exchange rate movements

 

68,282

 

271,725

 

Closing gross carrying amount

 

36,662,592

 

36,594,310

 

Opening accumulated amortisation and impairment losses

 

(36,429,758

)

(36,133,795

)

Add: amortisation expense charged (refer below)

 

(24,238

)

(24,238

)

Adjust for exchange rate movements

 

(68,282

)

(271,725

)

Closing accumulated amortisation and impairment losses

 

(36,522,278

)

(36,429,758

)

Total net patents

 

140,314

 

164,552

 

Reconciliation of other intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

Opening net carrying amount

 

826,619

 

929,946

 

Less: amortisation expense charged (refer below)

 

(103,328

)

(103,327

)

Total net other intangible assets

 

723,291

 

826,619

 

Reconciliation of goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

Opening gross carrying amount

 

358,012

 

358,012

 

Less: goodwill written off

 

 

 

Closing gross carrying amount

 

358,012

 

358,012

 

Opening accumulated impairment losses

 

(42,624

)

(42,624

)

Add: goodwill written off

 

 

 

Closing accumulated impairment losses

 

(42,624

)

(42,624

)

Total net goodwill

 

315,388

 

315,388

 

 

63



 

Remaining useful lives

 

The assets associated with the BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk test have a remaining useful life of 7 years as at 30 June 2014.

 

Disclosure of expenses

 

The total amortisation expense charged during the year in respect of intangible assets of $127,566 is disclosed in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under the headings of laboratory and research and development costs ($103,328) and licensing, patent and legal costs ($24,238).

 

Allocation of goodwill

 

The goodwill has been allocated to the operations segment (refer note 29).

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES (CURRENT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

 

900,275

 

622,216

 

Other payables

 

311,746

 

377,829

 

Accrued expenses

 

237,166

 

375,491

 

Total current trade and other payables

 

1,449,187

 

1,375,536

 

 

Note:        Trade payables and other payables for the Group include amounts due in US dollars of USD 331,481 (2013: USD 307,332), Chinese yuan of CNY NIL (2013: CNY 41,291), Canadian dollars of NIL (2013: CAD 171,900), European euros of EUR 75,752 (2013: EUR 20,804), Swiss francs of CHF 2,790 (2013: CHF 3,090), New Zealand dollars of NZD 861 (2013: NZD 839) and Japanese yen of NIL (2013: JPY 62,928).

 

Refer Note 38 for details of contractual maturity and management of interest rate, foreign exchange and liquidity risks applicable to trade and other payables for which, due to their short-term nature, their carrying value approximates their fair value.

 

20.           DEFERRED REVENUE (CURRENT)

 

Genetic testing fees received in advance

 

153,226

 

320,781

 

Total current deferred revenue

 

153,226

 

320,781

 

 

21.           PROVISIONS (CURRENT AND NON-CURRENT)

 

Current provisions

 

 

 

 

 

Annual leave

 

370,327

 

415,511

 

Long service leave

 

345,276

 

353,188

 

Total current provisions

 

715,603

 

768,699

 

Non-current provisions

 

 

 

 

 

Long service leave

 

81,280

 

96,224

 

Total non-current provisions

 

81,280

 

96,224

 

Total provisions

 

796,883

 

864,923

 

Reconciliation of annual leave provision

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

415,511

 

439,186

 

Add: obligation accrued during the year

 

388,935

 

382,655

 

Less: utilised during the year

 

(434,119

)

(406,330

)

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

370,327

 

415,511

 

 

64



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Reconciliation of long service leave provision

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

449,412

 

409,757

 

Add: obligation accrued during the year

 

58,415

 

50,995

 

Less: utilised during the year

 

(81,271

)

(11,340

)

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

426,556

 

449,412

 

 

Note:        The current provisions for annual leave and long service leave include a total amount of $345,276 (2013: $353,188) in respect of obligations which, based on historical evidence, the Company estimates will be settled more than 12 months from balance date.

 

22.           BORROWINGS (NON-CURRENT)

 

Redeemable convertible notes at fair value

 

2,502,384

 

 

Total borrowings

 

2,502,384

 

 

 

Note:        Borrowings for the Group include amounts due in US dollars of USD 2,362,000 (2013: NIL)

 

On 23 December 2013, Genetic Technologies Limited issued the redeemable convertible notes which had an initial face value of USD 5,000,000 to Ironridge BioPharma Co., a division of institutional investor Ironridge Global IV, Ltd. GTG received $5,627,462 (being the Australian dollar equivalent of USD 5,000,000) from Ironridge, before the payment of associated costs.

 

As at 30 June 2014, Notes with a face value of USD 3,250,000 had been converted in return for which Ironridge has received 117,161,871 ordinary shares in GTG (including ordinary shares issued in lieu of interest payment and an interest true-up adjustment).

 

After balance sheet date, Notes with a face value of USD 900,000 were converted in return for which Ironridge received 54,187,950 ordinary shares (including ordinary shares issued in lieu of interest payment and true-up adjustments).  As a result of the above conversions, the face value of Notes remaining is reduced to USD 850,000.

 

23.           FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

(i) Fair value hierarchy

 

This section explains the judgements and estimates made in determining the fair values of the financial instruments that are recognised and measured at fair value in the financial statements. To provide an indication about the reliability of the inputs used in determining fair value, the group has classified its financial instruments into the three levels prescribed under the Accounting Standards. An explanation of each level follows:

 

(a)             quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1);

 

(b)             inputs other than prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly (level 2); and

 

(c)              inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) (level 3).

 

The following table presents the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured and recognised at fair value as at 30 June 2014.

 

At 30 June 2014

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale financial assets ImmunAid option financial asset

 

 

 

795,533

 

795,533

 

Total assets

 

 

 

795,533

 

795,533

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss Convertible note

 

 

 

2,502,384

 

2,502,384

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

2,502,384

 

2,502,384

 

 

65



 

The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers into and transfers out of fair value hierarchy levels as at the end of the reporting period.

 

There were no transfers between levels 1 and 2 for recurring fair value measurements during the year, as the Company did not have any fair value assets or liabilities at 30 June 2013.

 

(ii) Valuation techniques used to derive level 2 and level 3 fair values

 

The Group obtains independent valuations for its financial assets and financial liabilities at least annually.

 

At the end of each reporting period, the directors update their assessment of the fair value of each asset and liability, taking into account the most recent independent valuations. The directors determine an assets or liabilities value range within a range of reasonable fair value estimates.

 

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined using valuation techniques.  These valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates.  If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.  If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3.

 

(iii) Valuation inputs and relationships to fair value

 

The following table summarises the quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in recurring level 3 fair value measurements. See (iv) below for the valuation methods adopted.

 

Description

 

Fair value at
30 June 2014
$

 

Unobservable
inputs

 

Range of inputs
(probability-
weighted average)

 

Relationship of
unobservable inputs to fair value

ImmunAid option financial asset

 

795,533

 

Share price

 

$0.66 - $1.56 ($1.00)

 

The higher the share price, the higher the fair value

 

 

 

 

Risk free cost of capital

 

2.63%

 

The higher the risk free cost of capital, the higher the fair value

 

 

 

 

Expected life of option

 

2.87 years

 

The longer the expected life of the option, the higher the fair value

 

 

 

 

Volatility of share price

 

65%

 

The higher the volatility, the higher the fair value

Convertible note

 

2,502,384

 

Share price

 

USD 1.06/unit (underlying ADR value)

 

The higher the share price, the lower the fair value

 

 

 

 

Hurdle price

 

USD2.00, USD2.50, USD 3.50 for options 1, 2 and 3 respectively

 

The higher the hurdle price, the higher the fair value

 

 

 

 

Risk free cost of capital

 

2.43%

 

The higher the risk free cost of capital, the lower the fair value

 

 

 

 

Expected life of option

 

0.5 years

 

The longer the expected life of the option, the lower the fair value

 

 

 

 

Volatility of share price

 

65%

 

The higher the volatility, the higher the fair value

 

66



 

(iv) Valuation processes

 

ImmunAid option financial asset

 

The value of the ImmunAid options held by Genetic Technologies as at year end (30 June 2014) was calculated by an independent licensed financial services provider using the Black Scholes option pricing model.

 

The inputs to the pricing model are summarised as follows -

 

·                  An underlying share price of $1.00 per ImmunAid share. This value was consistent with that contained in the Independent Experts Report dated 7 March distributed to shareholders of the company.

 

·                  A risk free cost of capital of 2.63%

 

·                  An expected option life of 2.87 years

 

·                  A future expected volatility of 65%

 

The life of the options is based on the options being held until close to or at expiry. The future expected volatility is based on historical volatilities of a number of comparable listed companies.

 

As a result the value per option as at 30 June was determined as 35.4 cents. Accordingly for the 2.25 million options held by the company as at 30 June 2014 a value of $795,533 has been ascribed and recorded.

 

Convertible note

 

The value of the Ironridge Redeemable Convertible Note (“IRCN”) outstanding as at 30 June 2014 was calculated by an independent licensed financial services provider using:

 

·                 standard corporate bond pricing theory for the redemption amount for principal and interest payable, and

 

·                 a variation of the Black Scholes option pricing model often referred to as a “cash or nothing” option for the additional marginal redemptions available under certain company ADR price out-performance milestones

 

The value of the principal and interest payable under the IRCN was determined as the redemption amount (including that associated with an early conversion) of the IRCN at the estimated most-likely redemption date, estimated to be 6 months from 30 June 2014, discounted back at the coupon rate (7.5% per annum) attributable to the IRCN.

 

The inputs to the relevant option pricing model associated with the additional marginal redemptions under certain ADR price outperformance are summarised as follows:

 

·                  An underlying share price of USD 1.06/ unit

 

·                  Hurdle prices of: USD2.00, USD 2.50, USD 3.50, with marginal payoffs of -0.1x FV, 0.25 x FV, and 0.15x FV respectively, where FV = USD 1.75 million

 

·                  A risk free cost of capital of 2.43%

 

·                  An expected option life of 0.5 years. Being the estimated most likely redemption date of the IRCNs based on historical redemption behaviour of the holder

 

·                  A future expected volatility of 65%. Based on the historical volatility of the companys ADR’s.

 

The optional values associated with additional marginal redemptions under certain ADR price-outperformance were as a result found to be immaterial. Accordingly the value of the IRCN was determined as 1.4 multiplied by USD 1.75 million being principal and interest or redemption amount due at the likely redemption date, discounted back by six months at the relevant coupon rate of 7.5% p.a. ie: USD 2.362 million.

 

The expected payoff is approximately 1.4x the stand-alone Note value for GTG ADR share price scenarios around USD 2.00 and below, which captures the share price at valuation date.

 

67



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

24. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued and paid-up capital

 

 

 

 

 

Fully paid ordinary shares

 

90,080,492

 

83,735,845

 

Total contributed equity

 

90,080,492

 

83,735,845

 

 

Movements in shares on issue

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2014

 

Shares

 

$

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

475,471,819

 

83,735,845

 

Add: shares issued as part of private placements

 

97,222,302

 

7,000,000

 

Add: shares issued as part of the conversion of convertible notes

 

117,161,871

 

3,572,877

 

Less: shares cancelled as part of the swap deal

 

(75,937,500

)

(3,569,702

)

Less: transaction costs arising on share issue

 

 

658,528

)

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

613,918,492

 

90,080,492

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2013

 

Shares

 

$

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

464,771,819

 

83,280,142

 

Add: shares issued during the year from the exercise of options

 

10,700,000

 

481,500

 

Less: other share transaction costs

 

 

(25,797

)

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

475,471,819

 

83,735,845

 

 

Terms and conditions of contributed equity

 

Ordinary shares have the right to receive dividends as declared and, in the event of winding up the Company, to participate in the proceeds from the sale of all surplus assets in proportion to the number of and amounts paid up on shares held.  Ordinary shares, which have no par value, entitle their holder to one vote, either in person or by proxy, at a meeting of the Company.

 

Capital management

 

When managing capital, Management’s objective is to ensure that the Group continues as a going concern as well as to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders.  Management also aims to maintain a capital structure to reduce the entity’s cost of capital.

 

68



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

25. RESERVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

(301,673

)

(152,511

)

Share-based payments

 

4,223,813

 

4,104,282

 

Total reserves

 

3,922,140

 

3,951,771

 

Reconciliation of foreign currency translation reserve

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

(152,511

)

(161,858

)

Add: net currency translation gain / (loss)

 

(149,162

)

9,347

 

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

(301,673

)

(152,511

)

Reconciliation of share-based payments reserve

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

4,104,282

 

3,881,277

 

Add: share-based payments expense

 

119,531

 

223,005

 

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

4,223,813

 

4,104,282

 

 

Nature and purpose of reserves

 

Foreign currency translation reserve

 

This reserve is used to record exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries.

 

Share-based payments reserve

 

This reserve is used to record the value of share-based payments provided to employees and others providing similar services as part of their remuneration.

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

26. ACCUMULATED LOSSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

(82,049,916

)

(72,751,549

)

Add: net loss attributable to owners of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

(10,125,197

)

(9,298,367

)

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

(92,175,113

)

(82,049,916

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

27. NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

120,587

 

154,630

 

Add: movements during the year

 

 

 

 

 

Less: share of operating losses

 

(9,272

)

(51,116

)

Less: share of movement in reserves

 

86

 

17,073

 

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

 

(9,186

)

(34,043

)

Removal of non-controlling interests on de-consolidation

 

(111,401

)

 

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

 

120,587

 

 

69



 

28.           OPTIONS

 

As at 30 June 2014, the following options over ordinary shares in the Company were outstanding.

 

 

 

2014

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

2013

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

Unlisted employee options (refer below)

 

7,775,000

 

$

0.151

 

9,525,000

 

$

0.147

 

 

On 30 November 2001, the Directors of the Company established a Staff Share Plan.  On 19 November 2008, the shareholders of the Company approved the introduction of a new Employee Option Plan.  Under the terms of the respective Plans, the Directors of the Company may grant options over ordinary shares in Genetic Technologies Limited to executives, consultants and employees of the Group.  The options, which are granted at nil cost, are not transferable and are not quoted on ASX.  As at 30 June 2014, there were 2 executives and 13 employees who held options that had been granted under the Plans.  Options granted under the Plans carry no rights to dividends and no voting rights.

 

The movements in the number of options granted under the Plans are as follows:

 

 

 

2014

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

2013

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

9,525,000

 

$

0.147

 

20,125,000

 

$

0.099

 

Add: options granted during the year

 

1,250,000

 

$

0.11

 

3,650,000

 

$

0.129

 

Less: options exercised during the year

 

 

 

(10,700,000

)

$

0.045

 

Less: options forfeited during the year

 

(3,000,000

)

$

0.121

 

(1,550,000

)

$

0.093

 

Less: options expired during the year

 

 

 

(2,000,000

)

$

0.216

 

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

7,775,000

 

$

0.151

 

9,525,000

 

$

0.147

 

Exercisable at the end of the financial year

 

4,175,000

 

$

0.167

 

3,166,667

 

$

0.155

 

 

There were no options exercised during the year ended 30 June 2014. A total of $481,500 was raised from the exercise of 10,700,000 options granted under the Employee Option Plan during the year ended 30 June 2013.  The weighted average share price at the dates on which the options were exercised during the year ended 30 June 2013 was $0.106.

 

The numbers of options outstanding as at 30 June 2014 by ASX code, including the respective dates of expiry and exercise prices, are tabled below (refer Note 30 for further information).  The options tabled below are not listed on ASX.

 

Option description

 

2014

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

2013

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

GTGAI (expiring 8 May 2015)

 

 

 

500,000

 

$

0.045

 

GTGAK (expiring 20 February 2017)

 

750,000

 

$

0.120

 

1,750,000

 

$

0.120

 

GTGAM (expiring 31 July 2016)

 

1,000,000

 

$

0.200

 

1,000,000

 

$

0.200

 

GTGAO (expiring 29 August 2017)

 

2,650,000

 

$

0.140

 

2,650,000

 

$

0.140

 

GTGAQ (expiring 1 December 2017)

 

250,000

 

$

0.100

 

250,000

 

$

0.100

 

GTGAS (expiring 25 January 2018)

 

500,000

 

$

0.100

 

750,000

 

$

0.100

 

GTGAW (expiring 31 March 2016)

 

1,875,000

 

$

0.190

 

2,625,000

 

$

0.190

 

GTGAY (expiring 11 July 2018)

 

750,000

 

$

0.110

 

 

 

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

7,775,000

 

$

0.151

 

9,525,000

 

$

0.147

 

 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding as at 30 June 2014 was 2.75 years (2013: 3.48 years).

 

70



 

29.           SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

Identification of reportable segments

 

The Group has identified three reportable segments based on the similarity of the products produced and sold and/or the services provided, as these represent the sources of the Group’s major risks and have the greatest effect on the rates of return. The segments are reported in a manner that is consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker.  The Group also separately reports the corporate headquarter function to clearly identify costs associated with that function.  The corporate function is not considered to be an operating or reportable segment.

 

The Group’s three operating segments can be described as follows:

 

Operations — involves the provision of a range of genetic testing services.

Licensing — involves the out-licensing of the Group’s “non-coding” technology.

Research — involves the undertaking of a range of research and development projects in the field of genetics and related areas.

 

The Corporate disclosures below include all revenues, costs, assets and liabilities associated with the headquarter function.

 

Business segments

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues and income

 

 

 

Segment

 

 

 

Sales

 

Other

 

Totals

 

Profit / (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Operations

 

2014

 

4,564,280

 

53,277

 

4,617,557

 

(6,170,433

)

 

 

2013

 

3,377,183

 

(1,419

)

3,375,764

 

(6,725,608

)

Licensing

 

2014

 

 

863,832

 

863,832

 

(215,367

)

 

 

2013

 

 

4,784,913

 

4,784,913

 

2,385,088

 

Research

 

2014

 

 

358,395

 

358,395

 

(294,600

)

 

 

2013

 

 

181,036

 

181,036

 

(392,341

)

Sub-total

 

2014

 

4,564,280

 

1,275,504

 

5,839,784

 

(6,680,400

)

 

 

2013

 

3,377,183

 

4,964,530

 

8,341,713

 

(4,732,861

)

Corporate

 

2014

 

 

1,420,761

 

1,420,761

 

(3,454,069

)

 

 

2013

 

 

273,314

 

273,314

 

(4,616,622

)

Totals

 

2014

 

4,564,280

 

2,696,265

 

7,260,545

 

(10,134,469

)

 

 

2013

 

3,377,183

 

5,237,844

 

8,615,027

 

(9,349,483

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortisation

 

Purchases of

 

Segment

 

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

/depreciation

 

equipment

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Operations

 

2014

 

2,410,598

 

(1,466,106

)

(281,501

)

180,065

 

 

 

2013

 

1,960,237

 

(1,477,080

)

(333,058

)

42,469

 

Licensing

 

2014

 

318,341

 

(188,443

)

(25,926

)

 

 

 

2013

 

184,103

 

(100,458

)

(28,195

)

712

 

Research

 

2014

 

202,305

 

(74,853

)

(14,695

)

 

 

 

2013

 

35,224

 

(119,767

)

(19,192

)

990

 

Sub-total

 

2014

 

2,931,244

 

(1,729,402

)

(322,122

)

180,065

 

 

 

2013

 

2,546,754

 

(1,765,440

)

(379,144

)

44,171

 

Corporate

 

2014

 

3,797,955

 

(3,172,278

)

(16,323

)

1,810

 

 

 

2013

 

5,772,773

 

(795,800

)

(19,165

)

9,440

 

Totals

 

2014

 

6,729,199

 

(4,901,680

)

(338,445

)

181,875

 

 

 

2013

 

8,319,527

 

(2,561,240

)

(398,309

)

53,611

 

 

71



 

Geographic information

 

Australia — is the home country of the parent entity and the location of the Company’s genetic testing and licensing operations.

USA — is the home of Phenogen Sciences Inc. and GeneType Corporation.

China — is the home of Genetic Technologies (Beijing) Limited.

Canada — is the home of Gtech International Resources Limited.

Switzerland — is the home of GeneType AG.

 

Geographic segments

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues and income

 

 

 

Segment

 

 

 

Sales

 

Other

 

Totals

 

Profit/(Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Australia

 

2014

 

2,867,665

 

2,273,473

 

5,141,138

 

(6,470,068

)

 

 

2013

 

3,047,672

 

6,144,771

 

9,192,443

 

(4,782,247

)

USA

 

2014

 

1,696,615

 

422,157

 

2,118,772

 

(3,974,981

)

 

 

2013

 

329,511

 

(906,929

)

(577,418

)

(4,330,769

)

China

 

2014

 

 

633

 

633

 

363,886

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

(10,258

)

Canada

 

2014

 

 

 

 

(38,345

)

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

(211,397

)

Switzerland

 

2014

 

 

2

 

2

 

(14,961

)

 

 

2013

 

 

2

 

2

 

(14,812

)

Totals

 

2014

 

4,564,280

 

2,696,265

 

7,260,545

 

(10,134,469

)

 

 

2013

 

3,377,183

 

5,237,844

 

8,615,027

 

(9,349,483

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortisation

 

Purchases of

 

Segment

 

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

/depreciation

 

equipment

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Australia

 

2014

 

5,939,694

 

9,336,251

 

(320,476

)

162,934

 

 

 

2013

 

7,809,210

 

7,698,493

 

(376,424

)

45,164

 

USA

 

2014

 

784,829

 

(14,091,395

)

(17,969

)

18,941

 

 

 

2013

 

279,137

 

(9,584,715

)

(21,885

)

8,447

 

China

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

(364,005

)

 

 

Canada

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

219,380

 

(172,219

)

 

 

Switzerland

 

2014

 

4,676

 

(146,536

)

 

 

 

 

2013

 

11,800

 

(138,794

)

 

 

Totals

 

2014

 

6,729,199

 

(4,901,680

)

(338,445

)

181,875

 

 

 

2013

 

8,319,527

 

(2,561,240

)

(398,309

)

53,611

 

 

Additional segment disclosures

 

Other revenues and income - corporate includes interest received of $116,047 (2013: $217,441).

 

Expenses - corporate includes employee benefits expenses of $1,537,479 (2013: $1,756,159) and a share of loss in associate of $362,682 (2013: $437,185).

 

Assets - corporate includes cash of $2,831,085 (2013:$1,721,293).

 

Liabilities - corporate includes trade and other payables of $486,612 (2013: $579,570) and provisions of $183,283 (2013: $216,231).

 

The Corporate business and the Australian geographic segments include a share of loss in associate of $362,682 (2013: $437,185).

 

72



 

Included in the above figures are the following intersegment balances and transactions:

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Loan payable (USA) and loan receivable (Australia)

 

346,315

 

3,562

 

Foreign exchange gain (USA) and foreign exchange loss (Australia)

 

422,157

 

905,700

 

Cost of sales (USA) and sales (Australia)

 

154,555

 

49,136

 

 

Segment products and locations

 

The three principal business segments of the Group are operations, licensing and research.  The principal geographic segment is Australia, with the Company’s headquarters being located in Melbourne in the State of Victoria.

 

Segment accounting policies

 

Segment information is prepared in conformity with the accounting policies of the entity and Accounting Standard IFRS 8 (AASB 8) Operating Segments which was adopted by the Company in 2009.  As a result, the primary reporting segments now reflect more closely the information that Management uses to make decisions about operating matters.  Interest received and finance costs are allocated under the heading Corporate as they are not part of the core operations of any other segment.

 

Major customers

 

The Group has a number of major customers to which it provides both products and services.  During the year ended 30 June 2014, there was one Australian customer from whom the Group generated revenues representing more than 10% ($ 535,716) of the total consolidated revenue from operations.  During the year ended 30 June 2013, there were no such customers.

 

30.           EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

Employee options

 

On 30 November 2001, the Directors of the Company established a Staff Share Plan.  On 19 November 2008, the shareholders of the Company approved the introduction of a new Employee Option Plan.  Under the terms of the respective Plans, the Directors may, at their discretion, grant options over the ordinary shares in the Genetic Technologies Limited to executives, consultants, employees, and former Non-Executive Directors, of the Group (refer Notes 28).

 

On 13 September 2013 1,250,000 options over ordinary shares (expiring 11 July 2018) were granted, at no cost, to a number of employees of the Company’s US subsidiary, Phenogen Sciences Inc.  Each option entitles the holders to acquire one ordinary share at a cost of between $0.105 (refer Note 28), settled in cash.

 

The above options granted during the 2014 financial year vest in three equal tranches after 12 months, 24 months and 36 months from the date of grant, respectively.  As at 30 June 2014, there were 2 executives and 13 employees who held options that had previously been granted under the Plans.

 

The fair value of each option granted under the Employee Option Plan is estimated by an external valuer using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants made during the years ended 30 June 2014 and 2013:

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Dividend yield

 

 

 

Historic volatility and expected volatility

 

80%

 

95%

 

Option exercises prices

 

$0.105

 

$0.10 to $0.14

 

Weighted average exercise price

 

$0.105

 

$0.129

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.13%

 

3.24% to 3.66%

 

Expected life of an option

 

3.82 years

 

4 years to 5 years

 

 

The expected price volatility is based on the historic volatility (based on the remaining life of the options), adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to publicly available information.

 

73



 

Superannuation commitments

 

The Group does not have any defined benefit funds.  In respect of the year ended 30 June 2014, the Group made statutory contributions to various superannuation funds on behalf of all employees in Australia at a rate of 9.25% per annum, in addition to making other superannuation contributions as part of salary packaging arrangements with staff.  All contributions are expensed when incurred.  In respect of the period commencing 1 July 2014, the rate increased to 9.5%.  Contributions made by the Group of up to 9.25% per annum of employees’ wages and salaries are legally enforceable in Australia.

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

31. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease expenditure commitments

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum operating lease payments

 

 

 

 

 

- not later than one year

 

373,379

 

359,497

 

- later than one year but not later than five years

 

60,585

 

376,450

 

- later than five years

 

 

 

Total minimum operating lease payments

 

433,964

 

735,947

 

 

As at 30 June 2014, the above operating leases related to the following premises that are currently occupied by the Group:

 

Location

 

Landlord

 

Use

 

Date of expiry
of lease

 

Minimum
payments ($)

 

60-66 Hanover Street Fitzroy,
Victoria 3065 Australia

 

Crude Pty. Ltd.

 

Office / laboratory

 

31 August 2015

 

422,331

 

9115 Harris Corners Parkway, Suite 320 Charlotte, North Carolina 28269 USA

 

New Boston Harris Corners LLC

 

Office

 

31 October 2014

 

11,633

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

433,964

 

 

Apart from the above, there were no other commitments or contingencies as at 30 June 2014.

 

32.           CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OF THE ENTITY

 

De-registration of Genetic Technologies (Beijing) Limited

 

On 4 April 2014, the subsidiary Genetic Technologies (Beijing) Limited was de-registered.

 

Sale of Investment in ImmunAid Limited

 

On 18 December 2013, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell its entire investment in ImmunAid Limited, subject to shareholder approval. On 17 April 2014 the shareholders passed the resolution to proceed with the transaction on a show of hands.  On 16 May 2014 the Company announced the completion of the share transactions in which the Jacobson Entities (the Company’s major shareholder) exchanged a total of 75,937,500 shares in the Company at an agreed price of $0.08 per share in return for the Company’s 4,500,000 shares in ImmunAid Limited at an agreed price of $1.35 per share. Refer to note 15.

 

De-consolidation of Gtech International Resources Limited

 

During the year ended 30 June 2014, the Group deconsolidated its former Canadian-listed subsidiary, Gtech International Resources Limited.  As a result, the net liabilities, the foreign currency reserve and non-controlling interest of the formerly-consolidated subsidiary were derecognised from the Group at the carrying amounts on the date that control was lost.  The retained equity interest has been recorded as an available for sale financial asset, and was sold prior to balance sheet date. Refer to note 7.

 

74



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

33. AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit services

 

 

 

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Audit of the Company’s Financial Report under the Corporations Act 2001

 

280,500

 

275,167

 

Other audit firms in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Audit of the Financial Reports of subsidiaries

 

3,864

 

16,425

 

Total remuneration in respect of audit services

 

284,364

 

291,592

 

Non-audit services

 

 

 

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Other assurance services

 

60,000

 

 

Other audit firms in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Tax advice and compliance, accounting and other services

 

21,470

 

5,676

 

Total remuneration in respect of non-audit services

 

81,470

 

5,676

 

Total auditors’ remuneration

 

365,834

 

297,268

 

 

34.           RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

 

Ultimate parent

 

Genetic Technologies Limited is the ultimate Australian parent company.  As at the date of this Report, no shareholder controls more than 50% of the issued capital of the Company.

 

Transactions within the Group and with other related parties

 

During the year ended 30 June 2014, various transactions between entities within the Group and other related parties occurred, as listed below.  Except where noted, all amounts were charged on commercial, arm’s-length terms and at commercial rates.

 

ImmunAid Limited

 

ImmunAid Limited (“ImmunAid”) is a former associate of Genetic Technologies Limited (the “Company”) in which the Company held a total of 4,500,000 ordinary shares, representing a 40% direct equity interest in ImmunAid until the following transactions were undertaken:-

 

·                  On 18 December 2013, the Company announced that entities associated with the Company’s founder and largest beneficial shareholder, Dr. Mervyn Jacobson (collectively, the “Jacobson Entities”), had entered into transactions which, when completed, will result in the disposal by them of 105,937,500 shares in the Company.  Subsequent to that date, the Jacobson Entities disposed of 30,000,000 shares in the Company.

 

·                  The Jacobson Entities and the Company entered into a binding Share Exchange Agreement (“Agreement”) pursuant to which, subject to shareholder approval, the Jacobson Entities will exchange a total of 75,937,500 shares in the Company at an agreed price of $0.08 per share in return for 4,500,000 shares in ImmunAid Limited (“ImmunAid”) owned by the Company at an agreed price of $1.35 per share.  The Jacobson Entities will not be entitled to vote at the Company shareholder meeting to consider the approval of this Agreement.

 

·                  ImmunAid and the Company have also executed an Option Agreement pursuant to which ImmunAid will, when completion occurs under the Agreement, grant to the Company options to acquire a total of 2,250,000 ordinary shares in ImmunAid.  Each option will entitle the Company to acquire one ordinary share in ImmunAid at a price of $1.35 per share at any time for three years from the date on which the options are granted.  In consideration for the options granted to the Company by ImmunAid, the Company will pay ImmunAid an option fee of $500,000, of which $385,841 will be satisfied by the forgiveness of outstanding debts currently owed to the Company by ImmunAid.  The Company will pay the balance owed of $114, 159 on the option fee in cash. Based on the Company’s current option agreement with ImmunAid, Dr. Mervyn Jacobson and Immunaid Limited are considered to be related parties of the Company.

 

·                  On 13 March 2014 the Company released the notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders and Sample Proxy for the Meeting.  The notice of meeting also included the Independent Expert’s Report which was required to

 

75



 

show that all of the transactions above are fair and reasonable to Non-Associated Shareholders.

 

76



 

·                  On 17 April 2014 the shareholders voted on the special resolution to approve the selective capital reduction by the Company and the disposal by the Company of shares in ImmunAid. The resolution was passed on a show of hands.

 

·                  On 16 May 2014, the Company announced the completion of Share transactions with Dr Mervyn Jacobson, at which time, the then number of ordinary issued shares in the Company was reduced by 11.4%, from 664,769,002 to 588,831,502, following the cancellation of the shares acquired from the Jacobson Entities. Following the transaction, the Jacobson Entities were left with a total holding of 30,536,184 ordinary shares in the Company, representing 5.19% of the Company’s then total issued capital.

 

·             During the 2014 financial year, the Company rendered eleven (2013: twelve) invoices to ImmunAid totalling $42,093  (2013:$52,800) (inclusive of GST) in respect management services provided to ImmunAid by the Company.  As at balance date, a total of $42,093 had been forgiven which related to the 2014 financial year and $44,000 had been forgiven which related to the prior financial year. These invoices were included the debt forgiven as part of the option fee transaction.

 

·             During the 2014 financial year, the Company paid various expenses to third parties on behalf of ImmunAid totalling $20,470 (2013:$173,300).  These amounts were recorded in the Company’s balance sheet as a receivable, against which a full provision was raised. As part of the option fee transaction, these debts were forgiven and the provisions in the Company’s books were reversed in full.

 

·             Dr. Jacobson served as Chief Executive Officer of ImmunAid throughout the entire 2014 financial year.  He rendered twelve invoices to ImmunAid totalling $200,004 (2013 $200,004) in respect of services performed by him.  As at balance date he had received $nil (2013:$33,334) from ImmunAid.  The remaining balance of $366,674 (2013:$166,670) was recorded in the ImmunAid’s balance sheet as a payable.

 

Licensing services

 

During the year ended 30 June 2014, the Company paid a total of $50,000 (2013: $50,000) to Dr. Mervyn Jacobson in respect of an administrative allowance associated with his role as the Company’s Vice President Global Licensing and Intellectual Property. During the year ended 30 June 2014, Dr. Mervyn Jacobson was also paid a management fee of $8,333 and an expense allowance for licensing of $16,667. Also during the year, Genetic Technologies Limited paid a total of $42,618 (2013: $293,981) to Transmedia Inc. in respect of commissions paid in relation to licensing services provided to the Company by Dr. Jacobson, and payment / reimbursement of associated travel expenses amounting to $45,043 (2013: $34,518).

 

Phenogen Sciences Inc.

 

During the year ended 30 June 2014, Phenogen Sciences Inc, a subsidiary, purchased testing services from Genetic Technologies Corporation Pty. Ltd., another subsidiary at a cost of $154,555 (2013: $49,136).

 

Except as noted, all transactions with Key Management Personnel have been entered into under terms and conditions no more favourable than those which the entity would have adopted if dealing at arm’s length.  Please refer below for a description of transactions with Key Management Personnel.

 

Details of Directors and Key Management Personnel as at balance date

 

Directors

 

Executives

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon (Non-Executive Chairman)

 

Alison J. Mew (Chief Executive Officer)

Dr. Mervyn Cass (Non-Executive)

 

Eutillio Buccilli (Chief Financial Officer)

Mr. Grahame Leonard A.M. (Non-Executive)

 

Mark J. Ostrowski (US Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing)

Prof. Ian McKenzie (Non-Executive)

 

Dr. Richard Allman (Scientific Director)

Dr. Paul Kasian (Non-Executive)

 

Diana Newport (Quality and Business Operations Director)

 

 

Luisa Ashdown (Director, Global Licensing and IP)

 

77



 

The following changes to Key Management Personnel occurred during the period from 1 July 2013 to the date of this Report:

 

1.                  Mr. Greg McPherson ceased to be an employee of the Company on 12 July 2013.

 

2.                  Mr. Ivan Jasenko resigned as Operations Director of the Company on 16 August 2013.

 

3.                  Ms. Luisa Ashdown became a member of the Key Management Personnel on 23 August 2013.

 

4.                  Ms. Diana Newport was appointed as Quality and Business Operations Director on 26 September 2013.

 

5.                  Mr. Tommaso Bonvino resigned as a Director of the Company on 29 November 2013.

 

6.                  Mr. Benjamin Silluzio resigned as a Director of the Company on 29 November 2013.

 

7.                  Mr. Grahame Leonard A.M. was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Company on 2 December 2014.

 

8.                  Prof. Ian McKenzie was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Company on 2 December 2014.

 

9.                  Dr. Paul Kasian was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Company on 12 December 2014.

 

10.           Mr. Thomas Howitt resigned as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer on 28 March 2014.

 

11.           Mr. Eutillio Buccilli was appointed as Chief Financial Officer on 2 June 2014.

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Remuneration of Key Management Personnel

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term employee benefits

 

1,479,785

 

2,105,640

 

Post-employment benefits

 

161,837

 

162,229

 

Share-based payments

 

69,266

 

76,173

 

Long-term benefits

 

35,651

 

40,426

 

Total remuneration of Key Management Personnel

 

1,746,539

 

2,384,468

 

 

Notes:             Mr. Leonard A.M., Prof. McKenzie, Dr. Kasian, Ms. Ashdown, Ms. Newport and Mr. Buccilli became members of Key Management Personnel during the year ended 30 June 2014.

 

Mr. Silluzio, Mr. Bonvino, Mr. McPherson Mr. Jasenko and Mr. Howitt all ceased to be members of Key Management Personnel during the year ended 30 June 2014.

 

All equity transactions with Key Management Personnel, other than those arising from the exercise of options, have been entered into under terms and conditions no more favourable than those which the entity would have adopted if dealing at arm’s length.

 

78



 

35.    SUBSIDIARIES

 

The following diagram is a depiction of the Group structure as at 30 June 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group interest (%)

 

Net carrying value ($)

 

Name of Group company

 

Incorporation details

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

Entities held directly by parent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GeneType Pty. Ltd.

(Dormant)

 

5 September 1990 Victoria, Australia

 

100

%

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genetic Technologies Corporation Pty. Ltd.

(Genetic testing)

 

11 October 1996 N.S.W., Australia

 

100

%

100

%

2

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RareCellect Pty. Ltd.

(Dormant)

 

7 March 2001 N.S.W., Australia

 

100

%

100

%

10

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GeneType AG

(Dormant)

 

13 February 1989 Zug, Switzerland

 

100

%

100

%

1,350

 

8,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GeneType Corporation

(Dormant)

 

18 December 1989 California, U.S.A.

 

100

%

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phenogen Sciences Inc.

(BREVAGenTM)

 

28 June 2010 Delaware, U.S.A.

 

100

%

100

%

11,006

 

11,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gtech International Resources Limited

(Deconsolidated — refer note below)

 

29 November 1968 Yukon Territory, Canada

 

 

75.8

%

 

47,161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total carrying value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,368

 

66,396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entities held by other subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genetic Technologies (Beijing) Limited

(Deconsolidated — refer note below)

 

25 December 2008

Beijing Municipality, China

 

 

100

%

 

 

 

Note:  On 4 April 2014, the subsidiary Genetic Technologies (Beijing) Limited was de-registered.

 

During the year ended 30 June 2014, the Group deconsolidated its former Canadian-listed subsidiary, Gtech International Resources Limited.  As a result, the net liabilities, the foreign currency reserve and non-controlling interest of the formerly-consolidated subsidiary were derecognised from the Group at the carrying amounts on the date that control was lost.  The retained equity interest has been recorded as an available for sale financial asset, and was sold prior to the balance sheet date.

 

79



 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

36. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

 

 

 

 

 

Opening gross carrying amount

 

3,932,384

 

4,414,914

 

Less: book value of 46,951 ordinary shares sold in associate

 

 

(45,345

)

Less: share of net loss of associate accounted for using the equity method

 

(362,682

)

(437,185

)

Less: 4,500,000 shares transferred to Dr Jacobson Entities as part of the share exchange agreement

 

(3,569,702

)

 

Closing gross carrying amount

 

 

3,932,384

 

Summarised financial information of associates

 

 

 

 

 

The Group’s share of the results of its associate, ImmunAid Limited, and its share of the aggregate assets and liabilities as at 30 June 2014 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Ownership interest (Note 32)

 

 

45.00

%

Assets

 

 

29,906

 

Liabilities

 

 

(324,621

)

Revenues

 

 

 

Profit / (loss)

 

(362,682

)

(437,185

)

 

37.           PARENT ENTITY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Summary financial information

 

The individual financial statements for the parent entity, Genetic Technologies Limited, disclose the aggregate amounts set out in the following table.

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Balance sheet

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

2,930,079

 

1,865,349

 

Total assets

 

6,233,906

 

7,892,261

 

Current liabilities

 

1,452,778

 

1,564,682

 

Total liabilities

 

16,547,422

 

13,109,489

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Contributed equity

 

90,080,492

 

83,735,845

 

Reserves (share-based payments)

 

2,409,136

 

2,289,605

 

Accumulated losses

 

(102,803,144

)

(91,242,678

)

 

 

(10,313,515

)

(5,217,228

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

(11,529,090

)

(11,274,372

)

 

Related party information

 

As at 30 June 2014, an amount of $45,808,549 (2013: $41,331,482) was receivable by the Company from its various subsidiaries and associates.  As at the same date, an amount of $12,510,981 (2013: $11,448,582) was payable by the Company to its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All such loans are unsecured, generally interest free and there are no fixed terms of repayment.

 

Financial risk management

 

In assessing the recoverability of intercompany receivables, Genetic Technologies Limited, the parent entity, raises a provision for diminution to ensure that the carrying amount of these receivables does not exceed the net tangible assets of the subsidiaries. The balance of the provision as at 30 June 2014 was $44,260,582 (2013:$40,604,954).

 

80



 

Contingent liabilities and commitments of the parent entity

 

As at the date of this Report, the parent entity had no contingent liabilities or other commitments.

 

38.           FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

 

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks such as credit risk, market risk (including foreign currency risk and interest rate risk) and liquidity risk.  The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group.  The Group uses different methods to measure the different types of risk to which it is exposed.  These methods include sensitivity analysis in the case of foreign exchange, interest rate and aging analysis for credit risk.

 

Risk management is managed by the Group’s Risk Management Committee under guidance provided by the Board of Directors.  The Committee identifies and evaluates financial risks in close cooperation with the Group’s operating units.  The Board, via its Audit Committee, provides guidance for overall risk management, as well as policies covering specific areas, such as credit risk, foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk.

 

The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash and cash equivalents.  The Group also has other financial assets and liabilities, such as trade receivables and payables, which arise directly from its operations.

 

The Group does not typically enter into derivative transactions, such as interest rate swaps or forward currency contracts.  It is, and has been throughout the period under review, the Group’s policy that no trading in financial instruments shall be undertaken.  The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are credit risk exposures, foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk.  The policies for managing each of these risks are summarised below.

 

Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in Note 2.

 

The Group holds the following financial instruments:

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash at bank / on hand

 

2,831,085

 

1,721,293

 

Trade and other receivables

 

1,111,565

 

328,642

 

Performance bond and deposits

 

2,949

 

209,296

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

795,533

 

 

Total financial assets

 

4,741,132

 

2,259,231

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

1,449,187

 

1,375,536

 

Borrowings

 

2,502,384

 

 

Total financial liabilities

 

3,951,571

 

1,375,536

 

 

Credit risk

 

The Group’s credit risk is managed on a Group basis.  Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions.  If there is no independent rating, the Group assesses the credit quality of the customer, taking into account its financial position, past experience and other factors.  Individual risk limits are set based on internal or external ratings.  The compliance with credit limits by customers is regularly monitored by Management.  Sales to retail customers are required to be settled in cash or using major credit cards, thereby mitigating credit risk.  The maximum exposures to credit risk as at 30 June 2014 in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the carrying amount of those assets, as indicated in the balance sheet.

 

81



 

Financial assets included on the balance sheet that potentially subject the Group to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables.  In accordance with the guidelines of the Group’s Short Term Investment Policy, the Group minimises this concentration of risk by placing its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions that maintain superior credit ratings in order to limit the degree of credit exposure.  For banks and financial institutions, only independently-rated parties with a minimum rating of “A-1” are accepted.  The Group has also established guidelines relative to credit ratings, diversification and maturities that seek to maintain safety and liquidity.  The Group does not require collateral to provide credit to its customers, however, the majority of the Group’s customers to whom credit is provided are large, reputable organisations and, as such, the risk of credit exposure is limited.  The Group has not entered into any transactions that qualify as a financial derivative instrument.

 

In addition, receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Group’s exposure to bad debts is not significant.  As at 30 June 2014, the balance of the Group’s provision for doubtful debts was $108,925 (2013: $214,285), out of a total net receivables balance as at that date of $1,111,565 (2013: $328,642) (refer Note 12).  For some trade receivables, the Group may also obtain security in the form of guarantees, deeds of undertaking or letters of credit which can be called upon if the counterparty is in default under the terms of the agreement.

 

Credit risk further arises in relation to financial guarantees given by the Group to certain parties in respect of obligations of its subsidiaries.  Such guarantees are only provided in exceptional circumstances.

 

An analysis of the aging of trade and other receivables and trade and other payables is provided below:

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Net trade and other receivables

 

 

 

 

 

Current (less than 30 days)

 

862,292

 

265,578

 

31 days to 60 days

 

89,028

 

35,638

 

61 days to 90 days (note)

 

70,404

 

1,788

 

Greater than 90 days (note)

 

89,841

 

25,638

 

Total net trade and other receivables (Note 12)

 

1,111,565

 

328,642

 

 

Note:        A total of $160,245 in net trade and other receivables greater than 60 days is past due, of which a total of $93,271 had been received prior to the date of this Report.

 

82



 

Market risk

 

Foreign currency risk

 

The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk, primarily with respect to the US dollar and Canadian dollar, through financial assets and liabilities.  It is the Group’s policy not to hedge these transactions as the exposure is considered to be minimal from a consolidated operations perspective.  Further, as the Group incurs expenses which are payable in US dollars, the financial assets that are held in US dollars provide a natural hedge for the Group.

 

Foreign exchange risk arises from planned future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s functional currency and net investments in foreign operations.  The risk is measured using sensitivity analysis and cash flow forecasting.

 

The Group has a Foreign Exchange Management Policy which was developed to establish a formal framework and procedures for the efficient management of the financial risks that impact on Genetic Technologies Limited through its activities outside of Australia, predominantly in the United States.  The policy governs the way in which the financial assets and liabilities of the Group that are denominated in foreign currencies are managed and any risks associated with that management are identified and addressed.  Under the policy, which is updated on a regular basis as circumstances dictate, the Group generally retains in foreign currency only sufficient funds to meet the expected expenditures in that currency.  Surplus funds, if any, are converted into Australian dollars as soon as practicable after receipt.

 

As at 30 June 2014, the Group held the following financial assets and liabilities that were denominated in foreign currencies:

 

Consolidated

 

Year

 

USD

 

CAD

 

EUR

 

CNY

 

NZD

 

CHF

 

JPY

 

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash at bank / on hand

 

2014

 

335,026

 

85

 

44

 

 

86

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

326,255

 

210,432

 

71,631

 

 

86

 

6,718

 

87,046

 

Trade and other receivables

 

2014

 

90,313

 

 

90,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

42,140

 

 

90,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets

 

2014

 

425,339

 

85

 

90,044

 

 

86

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

368,395

 

210,432

 

161,631

 

 

86

 

6,718

 

87,046

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

2014

 

331,481

 

 

75,752

 

 

861

 

2,790

 

 

 

 

2013

 

307,332

 

171,900

 

20,804

 

41,291

 

839

 

3,090

 

62,928

 

Borrowings

 

2014

 

2,362,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

 

2014

 

2,693,481

 

 

75,752

 

 

861

 

2,790

 

 

 

 

2013

 

307,332

 

171,900

 

20,804

 

41,291

 

839

 

3,090

 

62,928

 

 

Notes:

USD — United States dollars

CAD — Canadian dollars

EUR — European euros

GBP — Great Britain pounds

 

CNY — Chinese yuan

NZD — New Zealand dollars

CHF — Swiss francs

JPY — Japanese yen

 

During the year ended 30 June 2014, the Australian dollar / US dollar exchange rate strengthened by 3.2%, from 0.9146 at the beginning of the year to 0.9439 at the end of the year.  During the same period, Australian dollar / Canadian dollar exchange rate strengthened by 4.6%, from 0.9627 at the beginning of the year to 1.0072 at the end of the year.

 

Based on the financial instruments held at 30 June 2014, had the Australian dollar weakened / strengthened by 10% against the US dollar with all other variables held constant, the Group’s loss for the year would have been $218,000 lower / $267,000 higher (2013: loss $45,000 lower / loss $37,000 higher), mainly as a result of changes in the values of cash and cash equivalents which are denominated in US dollars, as detailed in the above tables.

 

83



 

Interest rate risk

 

The Group’s main interest rate risk arises in relation to its short-term deposits with various financial institutions.  If rates were to decrease, the Group may generate less interest revenue from such deposits.  However, given the relatively short duration of such deposits, the associate risk is relatively minimal.  The Group also has various hire purchase liabilities with fixed interest rates.  While these rates do not vary once the contract has been executed, the Group may be subject to interest rate movements if it were to acquire additional assets via similar contracts in the future.

 

The Group has a Short Term Investment Policy which was developed to manage the Group’s surplus cash and cash equivalents.  In this context, the Group adopts a prudent approach that is tailored to cash forecasts rather than seeking high returns that may compromise access to funds as and when they are required.  Under the policy, the Group deposits its surplus cash in a range of deposits / securities over different time frames and with different institutions in order to diversify its portfolio and minimise risk.

 

On a monthly basis, Management provides the Board with a detailed list of all cash and cash equivalents, showing the periods over which the cash has been deposited, the name and credit rating of the institution holding the deposit and the interest rate at which the funds have been deposited.  A comparison of interest rate movements from month to month and a variance to an 11am deposit rate is also provided.

 

At 30 June 2014, if interest rates had changed by +/- 50 basis points from the year-end rates, with all other variables held constant, the Group’s loss for the year would have been $12,000 lower / higher (2013: loss $6,000 lower / higher), as a result of higher / lower interest income from cash and cash equivalents.  Consolidated equity for the Group would have been $12,000 higher / lower (2013: $6,000 higher / lower) mainly as a result of an increase / decrease in the fair value of cash and cash equivalents.

 

The exposure to interest rate risks and the effective interest rates of financial assets and liabilities, both recognised and unrealised, for the Group is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Floating rate

 

Fixed rate

 

Carrying
amount

 

Weighted ave.
effective rate

 

Ave. maturity
period

 

Consolidated

 

Year

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

%

 

days

 

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash at bank / on hand

 

2014

 

2,831,085

 

 

2,831,085

 

2.35

%

At call

 

 

 

2013

 

1,721,293

 

 

1,721,293

 

1.50

%

At call

 

Performance bond / deposits

 

2014

 

 

2,949

 

2,949

 

 

At call

 

 

 

2013

 

 

209,296

 

209,296

 

 

At call

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

2014

 

 

795,533

 

795,533

 

 

At call

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

At call

 

Totals

 

2014

 

2,831,085

 

798,482

 

3,629,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

1,721,293

 

209,296

 

1,930,589

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

 

2014

 

 

2,502,384

 

2,502,384

 

7.50

%

At call

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

2014

 

 

2,502,384

 

2,502,384

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note   The convertible note is settled in shares of the Company.

 

Liquidity risk

 

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents and the availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities, such as its hire purchase and credit card facilities.  The Group manages liquidity risk by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and, wherever possible, matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities.  Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, Management aims to maintain flexibility in funding by keeping committed credit lines available.  Surplus funds are generally only invested in instruments that are tradeable in highly liquid markets.

 

84



 

A balanced view of cash inflows and outflows affecting the Group is summarised in the table below:

 

 

 

 

 

< 6 months

 

6 to 12 months

 

1 to 5 years

 

> 5 years

 

Totals

 

Consolidated

 

Year

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash at bank / on hand

 

2014

 

2,831,085

 

 

 

 

2,831,085

 

 

 

2013

 

1,721,293

 

 

 

 

1,721,293

 

Trade and other receivables

 

2014

 

1,111,565

 

 

 

 

1,111,565

 

 

 

2013

 

328,642

 

 

 

 

328,642

 

Performance bond and deposits

 

2014

 

2,949

 

 

 

 

2,949

 

 

 

2013

 

209,296

 

 

 

 

209,296

 

Total financial assets

 

2014

 

3,945,599

 

 

 

 

3,945,599

 

 

 

2013

 

2,259,231

 

 

 

 

2,259,231

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

2014

 

1,449,187

 

 

 

 

1,449,187

 

 

 

2013

 

1,375,536

 

 

 

 

1,375,536

 

Total financial liabilities

 

2014

 

1,449,187

 

 

 

 

1,449,187

 

 

 

2013

 

1,375,536

 

 

 

 

1,375,536

 

Net maturity

 

2014

 

2,496,412

 

 

 

 

2,496,412

 

 

 

2013

 

883,695

 

 

 

 

883,695

 

 

The Group had access to the following undrawn borrowing facility as at 30 June 2014:

 

 

 

Facility limit

 

Amount used

 

Amount available

 

Nature of facility

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Credit card facility

 

277,298

 

(26,577

)

250,721

 

 

39.           SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Subsequent to 30 June 2014, Redeemable Convertible Notes with a cumulative face value of USD 900,000 were converted in return for which Ironridge Global IV, Ltd. received a total of 1,806,265 American Depositary Receipts (representing 54,187,950 ordinary shares).  As a result of these conversions, the face value of the remaining Notes had been reduced to USD 850,000 as at the date of this Report.

 

On 28 August 2014, the Company announced that it has convened a general meeting for 30 September 2014 to consider approving further conversions under the Company’s existing facility with Ironridge.  Where a conversion occurs after shareholder approval that would reduce the Company’s indebtedness under the Ironridge Facility, but it would not provide cash funding to the Company.

 

On 31 July 2014, the Company granted a total of 6,875,000 options over ordinary shares in the Company.  The options, which were granted at no cost, entitle the holders to acquire one ordinary share at a price of $0.04 at any time up to, and including 31 May 2019, subject to certain vesting conditions.

 

On 26 August 2014, the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina last week issued an Order denying a motion brought by GlaxoSmithKline, LLC (GSK) to dismiss the patent infringement law suit brought against it by GTG. This significant success follows the separate success reported on March 12, 2014, when a similar motion to dismiss filed by Agilent in the Northern District of California was also denied.

 

85



 

Nasdaq notice

 

On 3 September 2014, the Company announced that it received a letter dated 29 August 2014, from the Nasdaq Stock Market notifying the Company that for the last 30 consecutive business days prior to 28 August, the bid price for the Company’s ordinary shares had closed below the minimum $US1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion under Nasdaq Marketplace Listing Rules (the “Rules”).The letter stated that in accordance with the Rule the Company has 180 calendar days, or until 25 February 2015, to regain compliance.

 

The issuance of such notices, by Nasdaq, are a matter of procedure, with the Company currently considering its position and the options available in order to regain compliance.

 

Financing and plans for restructure

 

On 15 September 2014, the Company, announced plans to restructure and realign its group activities. The changes announced will enable the Company to focus its strategy on the US molecular diagnostics (“MDx”) market and commercialisation of the Company’s lead breast cancer risk test BREVAGen.  The restructure and realignment of group activities follows a recent review of operations by the Company aimed at supporting the Company’s US MDx strategy.

 

The core plans approved by the Board include:

 

·                  the sale / divestment of non-core assets;

·                  the realignment of internal cost structures through a disciplined approach to cost management and capital allocation being driven by the recently appointed CFO;

·                  a board restructure, including the appointment of new directors, to support and enhance Company’s focus on the US MDx market; and

·                  a proposed Company name change to represent a MDx focus.

 

The plans being implemented are expected to provide investors with a focused MDx company and refined US commercialisation strategy for BREVAGen, with a significantly reduced operating cost base.

 

In support of these plans, the Company finalised the raising of $2.15M financing via the issue of unlisted secured (debt) notes (Notes) to existing and new Australian institutional and wholesale investors. The Notes will carry a 10.0% coupon rate, and subject to shareholder approval or, where the Company otherwise notifies that the Notes are convertible (in compliance with all applicable laws), the Notes will also be convertible into ordinary shares (at a 10.0% discount to the 5 day VWAP). The Notes will also carry free attached options to purchase further shares in the Company (Options) and will be subject shareholder approval.

 

Shareholder approval for the conversion under Notes and the grant of the Options will be sought at a General Meeting.

 

The funds raised under the financing will be used to support Genetic Technologies’ short-term capital requirements and, together with existing cash reserves, will support the Company’s refocused US MDx strategy.

 

Sale of heritage Australian Genetics business

 

On 22 September 2014, the Company announced that it had signed a binding contract of sale for its heritage Australian Genetics business (“Australian Genetics”) to Specialist Diagnostics Services Ltd (“SDS”), the wholly owned pathology subsidiary of Primary Health Care Ltd. The Australian Genetics business provides diagnostic and sequencing services encompassing Australia-only medical, forensic, paternity and animal genomic testing. Under the terms of sale, SDS will acquire the Australian Genetics business for $2,000,000 in cash.  Assuming all conditions are met, settlement of the transaction is expected to occur within the next month.

 

The divestment of the Australian Genetics business follows the Company’s announcement on 15 September 2014, of plans to sell non-core assets and focus business activities on the US MDx market and commercialisation of the Company’s lead breast cancer risk test BREVAGen.

 

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Appointment of two new Directors

 

On 24 September 2014, the Company announced it is pleased to advise that Mr. David Carter and Dr. Lindsay Wakefield have today been appointed Non-Executive Directors of the Company on “casual appointment”, in that the new appointees will then be required to submit themselves for re-election at the upcoming AGM, as per article 19.4 of the Company’s Constitution.

 

Apart from these events, there have been no other significant events which have occurred after balance date.

 

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DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION

 

In the opinion of the Directors:

 

(a)             the Financial Statements and accompanying notes set out on pages 38 to 85 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 consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2014 and of its performance 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

 

Note 2 confirms that the financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

The Directors have been given the declarations by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.

 

This Declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

 

 

MR. GRAHAME LEONARD A.M.

Non-Executive Director

 

Melbourne, 30 September 2014

 

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Auditor’s Independence Declaration

 

As lead auditor for the audit of Genetic Technologies Limited for the year ended 30 June 2014, I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:

 

a)        no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and

 

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

 

This declaration is in respect of Genetic Technologies Limited and the entities it controlled during the period.

 

 

/s/ Nadia Carlin

 

 

Nadia Carlin

 

Melbourne

Partner

 

30 September 2014

PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757

Freshwater Place, 2 Southbank Boulevard, SOUTHBANK VIC 3006, GPO Box 1331, MELBOURNE VIC 3001

T: 613 8603 1000, F: 613 8603 1999, www.pwc.com.au

 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

 

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Independent auditor’s report to the members of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

Report on the financial report

 

We have audited the accompanying financial report of Genetic Technologies Limited (the company), which comprises the consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2014, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory notes and the directors’ declaration for Genetic Technologies Limited (the consolidated entity). The consolidated entity comprises the company and the entities it controlled at year’s end or from time to time during the financial year.

 

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report

 

The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In Note 2, the directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards.

 

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. Those 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.

 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the consolidated entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial 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.

 

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

 

Independence

 

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757

Freshwater Place, 2 Southbank Boulevard, SOUTHBANK VIC 3006, GPO Box 1331, MELBOURNE VIC 3001
T: 613 8603 1000, F: 613 8603 1999, www.pwc.com.au

 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

 

90



 

Auditor’s opinion

 

In our opinion:

 

(a)                       the financial report of Genetic Technologies Limited is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

 

(i)                            giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2014 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and

 

(ii)                         complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

 

(b)                       the financial report and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in Note 2.

 

Emphasis of Matter - Material Uncertainty Regarding Continuation as a Going Concern

 

Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 2 in the financial report, which indicates that the company incurred a total comprehensive loss after income tax of $10,283,545 and net cash outflows from operations of $10,987,088 during the year ended 30 June 2014 and the Company will seek to raise additional funds through the issuance of new equity in the near term. These conditions, along with other matters set forth in Note 2, indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern and therefore, the company may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business and at the amounts stated in the financial report.

 

Report on the Remuneration Report

 

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 16 to 26 of the directors’ report for the year ended 30 June 2014. The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the remuneration report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

 

Auditor’s opinion

 

In our opinion, the remuneration report of Genetic Technologies Limited for the year ended 30 June 2014 complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

 

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Nadia Carlin

 

/s/ Sam Lobley

 

 

Nadia Carlin

 

Sam Lobley

 

Melbourne

Partner

 

Partner

 

30 September 2014

 

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