Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

o

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

OR

 

 

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013

 

 

OR

 

 

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

OR

 

 

o

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of event requiring this shell company report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

For the transition period from                       to                        

 

Commission file number 0-51504

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

N/A

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

AUSTRALIA

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

60-66 Hanover Street, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia

Telephone: 011 61 3 8412 7000; Facsimile: 011 61 3 8412 7040

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Thomas G. Howitt

Telephone: 011 61 3 8412 7050; Facsimile: 011 61 3 8412 7040

Email: tom.howitt@gtglabs.com

60-66 Hanover Street, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act. None

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

 

American Depositary Shares each representing 30 Ordinary Shares and evidenced by American Depositary Receipts

Title of each Class

 



Table of Contents

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act. None

 

Number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

475,471,819 Ordinary Shares

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

o Yes   x No

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

o Yes   x No

 

Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

x Yes   o No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data file required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232 405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

x Yes   o No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer x

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP o

 

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board
x

 

Other o

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

o Item 17   o Item 18

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

o Yes   x No

 

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

 

o Yes   o No

 



Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item 1.

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

2

 

 

 

Item 1.A

Directors and Senior Management

2

 

 

 

Item 1.B

Advisers

3

 

 

 

Item 1.C

Auditor

3

 

 

 

Item 2.

Offer Statistics And Expected Timetable

3

 

 

 

Item 3.

Key Information

3

 

 

 

Item 3.A

Selected Financial Data

3

 

 

 

Item 3.B

Capitalization and Indebtedness

6

 

 

 

Item 3.C

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

6

 

 

 

Item 3.D

Risk Factors

6

 

 

 

Item 4.

Information on the Company

14

 

 

 

Item 4.A

History and Development of the Company

14

 

 

 

Item 4.B

Business Overview

15

 

 

 

Item 4.C

Corporate Structure

38

 

 

 

Item 4.D

Property, Plant and Equipment

39

 

 

 

Item 4.E

Unresolved Staff Comments

39

 

 

 

Item 5.

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

39

 

 

 

Item 5.A

Operating Results

40

 

 

 

Item 5.B

Liquidity and Capital Resources

45

 

 

 

Item 5.C

Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

47

 

 

 

Item 5.D

Trend Information

47

 

 

 

Item 5E.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

48

 

 

 

Item 5F.

Information about contractual obligations

48

 

 

 

Item 6.

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

48

 

 

 

Item 6.A

Directors and Senior Management

48

 

 

 

Item 6.B

Compensation

50

 



Table of Contents

 

Item 6.C

Board Practices

54

 

 

 

Item 6.D

Employees

56

 

 

 

Item 6.E

Share Ownership

56

 

 

 

Item 7.

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

56

 

 

 

Item 7.A

Major Shareholders

56

 

 

 

Item 7.B

Related Party Transactions

57

 

 

 

Item 7.C

Interests of Experts and Counsel

57

 

 

 

Item 8.

Financial Information

57

 

 

 

Item 8.A

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

57

 

 

 

Item 8.B

Significant Changes to Financial Information

59

 

 

 

Item 9.

The Offer and Listing

60

 

 

 

Item 9.A

Offer and Listing Details

60

 

 

 

Item 9.B

Plan of Distribution

61

 

 

 

Item 9.C

Markets

61

 

 

 

Item 9.D

Selling Shareholders

61

 

 

 

Item 9.E

Dilution

61

 

 

 

Item 9.F

Expenses of the Issue

61

 

 

 

Item 10.

Additional Information

61

 

 

 

Item 10.A

Share Capital

61

 

 

 

Item 10.B

Our Constitution

63

 

 

 

Item 10.C

Material Contracts

64

 

 

 

Item 10.D

Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Security Holders

64

 

 

 

Item 10.E

Taxation

65

 

 

 

Item 10.F

Dividends and Paying Agents

70

 

 

 

Item 10.G

Statement by Experts

70

 

 

 

Item 10.H

Documents on Display

70

 

 

 

Item 10.I

Subsidiary Information

70

 

 

 

Item 11.

Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

70

 

ii



Table of Contents

 

Item 12.

Description Of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

71

 

 

 

Item 12.A

Debt Securities

71

 

 

 

Item 12.B

Warrants and Rights

71

 

 

 

Item 12.C

Other Securities

71

 

 

 

Item 12.D

American Depositary Shares

71

 

 

 

Item 13.

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

72

 

 

 

Item 14.

Material Modifications to The Rights Of Security Holders and Use Of Proceeds

72

 

 

 

Item 15.

Controls and Procedures

72

 

 

 

Item 15.A

Disclosure controls and procedures

72

 

 

 

Item 15.B

Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting

72

 

 

 

Item 15.C

Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm

73

 

 

 

Item 15.D

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

73

 

 

 

Item 16.A

Audit Committee Financial Expert

73

 

 

 

Item 16.B

Code Of Ethics

73

 

 

 

Item 16.C

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

74

 

 

 

Item 16.D

Exemptions From The Listing Standards For Audit Committees

74

 

 

 

Item 16.E

Purchases Of Equity Securities By The Issuer And Affiliated Purchasers

75

 

 

 

Item 16.F

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

75

 

 

 

Item 16.G

Corporate Governance

76

 

 

 

Item 16.H

Mine Safety Disclosure

76

 

 

 

Item 17.

Financial Statements

76

 

 

 

Item 18.

Financial Statements

76

 

 

 

Item 19.

Exhibits

76

 

iii



Table of Contents

 

INTRODUCTION

 

In this Annual Report, the “Company,” “Genetic Technologies”, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Genetic Technologies Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Our consolidated financial statements are set out on pages F1 to F42 of this Annual Report (refer to Item 18 “Financial Statements”).

 

References to the “ADSs” are to our ADSs described in Item 12.D “American Depositary Shares” and references to the “Ordinary Shares” are to our Ordinary Shares described in Item 10.A “Share Capital”.

 

Our fiscal year ends on June 30 and references in this Annual Report to any specific fiscal year are to the twelve month period ended on June 30 of such year.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  We use words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “expects”, “future”, “intends” and similar expressions to identify such forward-looking statements.  This Annual Report also contains forward-looking statements attributed to certain third parties relating to their estimates regarding the growth of Genetic Technologies and related service markets and spending.  You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this Annual Report.  Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks faced by us described below under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are contained in cautionary statements in this Annual Report including, without limitation, in conjunction with the forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report and specifically under Item 3.D “Risk Factors”.

 

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these cautionary statements.

 

ENFORCEMENT OF LIABILITIES AND SERVICE OF PROCESS

 

We are incorporated under the laws of Western Australia in the Commonwealth of Australia.  The majority of our directors and executive officers, and any experts named in this Annual Report, reside outside the U.S.  Substantially all of our assets, our directors’ and executive officers’ assets and such experts’ assets are located outside the U.S.  As a result, it may not be possible for investors to affect service of process within the U.S. upon us or our directors, executive officers or such experts, or to enforce against them or us in U.S. courts, judgments obtained in U.S. courts based upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the U.S.  In addition, we have been advised by our Australian solicitors that there is doubt that the courts of Australia will enforce against us, our directors, executive officers and experts named herein, judgments obtained in the U.S. based upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the U.S. or will enter judgments in original actions brought in Australian courts based upon the federal securities laws of the U.S.

 



Table of Contents

 

PART I

 

Item 1.                                 Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

 

Item 1.A                        Directors and Senior Management

 

The Directors of the Company as of the date of this Annual Report are as follows:

 

Name

 

Position/Function

 

Business Address

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon

 

Non-Executive Chairman

 

60-66 Hanover Street
Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Tommaso Bonvino

 

Non-Executive Director

 

60-66 Hanover Street
Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass

 

Non-Executive Director

 

60-66 Hanover Street
Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Benjamin Silluzio

 

Non-Executive Director

 

60-66 Hanover Street
Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Australia

 

The members of Senior Management of the Company as of the date of this Annual Report are as follows:

 

Name

 

Position/Function

 

Business Address

 

 

 

 

 

Alison J. Mew (refer note)

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

60-66 Hanover Street
Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas G. Howitt (refer note)

 

Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary

 

60-66 Hanover Street
Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Richard Allman

 

Scientific Director

 

60-66 Hanover Street
Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory J. McPherson

 

Vice President Sales and Marketing

 

60-66 Hanover Street
Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Ivan Jasenko

 

Operations Director

 

60-66 Hanover Street
Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Mark J. Ostrowski

 

US Senior Vice President
Sales and Marketing

(Phenogen Sciences Inc.)

 

9115 Harris Corners Parkway
Suite 320
Charlotte North Carolina 28269
USA

 

Note:                 As from October 15, 2013, Ms. Mew stepped aside from her day to day responsibilities as CEO for a period of three months for personal, health-related reasons.  As from that date, Mr. Howitt assumed the role of Acting CEO in addition to his usual roles of CFO and Company Secretary.

 

2



Table of Contents

 

Item 1.B                            Advisers

 

Our principal bankers, accountants and legal advisers are as follows:

 

Name of Adviser

 

Function

 

Business Address

 

 

 

 

 

National Australia Bank Limited

 

Bankers - Australia

 

Level 2, 151 Rathdowne Street
Carlton Victoria 3053
Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Bank of America, N.A.

 

Bankers - USA

 

155 Town Centre Drive
Mooresville North Carolina 28117
USA

 

 

 

 

 

K&L Gates

 

General Counsel

 

525 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia

 

 

 

 

 

Sheridan Ross PC

 

Licensing and Patent Attorneys

 

1560 Broadway, Suite 1200
Denver Colorado 80202-5141
USA

 

 

 

 

 

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

 

U.S. Securities Counsel

 

200 Park Avenue
New York New York 10166
USA

 

Item 1.C                        Auditor

 

The auditor of the Group’s financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was PricewaterhouseCoopers, whose address is 2 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank, Victoria, 3006, Australia.  PricewaterhouseCoopers is the Company’s current independent registered public accounting firm, an appointment ratified at the Annual General Meeting held on November 25, 2009.

 

Item 2.                                 Offer Statistics And Expected Timetable

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3.                                 Key Information

 

Item 3.A                        Selected Financial Data

 

The following selected financial data for the five years ended June 30, 2013 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Genetic Technologies Limited, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, which became effective for our Company as of our fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.

 

The balance sheet data as of June 30, 2013 and 2012 and the statement of comprehensive income data for the 2013, 2012 and 2011 fiscal years are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are included in this Annual Report.  Balance sheet data as of June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and statement of comprehensive income data for the 2010 and 2009 financial years are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this Annual Report.  The data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information included herein.

 

All amounts are stated in Australian dollars as of June 30, as noted.

 

3



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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 AND 2009

 

 

 

Year ended
June 30, 2013

 

Year ended
June 30, 2012

 

Year ended
June 30, 2011

 

Year ended
June 30, 2010

 

Year ended
June 30, 2009

 

 

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

Revenue from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genetic testing services

 

3,377,183

 

3,691,215

 

4,594,960

 

4,915,528

 

4,599,286

 

Less: cost of sales (refer note below)

 

(1,945,467

)

(1,948,625

)

(2,034,916

)

(2,722,975

)

(2,760,359

)

Gross profit from operations

 

1,431,716

 

1,742,590

 

2,560,044

 

2,192,553

 

1,838,927

 

Other revenue

 

5,002,354

 

3,136,406

 

13,680,741

 

3,739,747

 

5,391,714

 

Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

 

 

5,113,175

 

 

 

 

Selling and marketing expenses

 

(5,266,818

)

(4,384,184

)

(3,018,947

)

(2,679,979

)

(2,765,060

)

General and administrative expenses

 

(4,413,782

)

(5,608,038

)

(3,696,165

)

(3,196,488

)

(4,282,275

)

Licensing, patent and legal costs

 

(2,399,824

)

(1,267,838

)

(4,097,323

)

(3,923,102

)

(4,017,721

)

Laboratory, research and development costs

 

(3,462,466

)

(4,029,369

)

(4,380,866

)

(6,258,871

)

(6,116,450

)

Finance costs

 

(38,968

)

(45,217

)

(81,934

)

(100,422

)

(89,499

)

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

 

(437,185

)

(132,037

)

 

 

 

Non-operating income and expenses

 

235,490

 

177,684

 

(85,771

)

425,239

 

1,407,829

 

Profit/(loss) from continuing operations before income tax

 

(9,349,483

)

(5,296,828

)

879,779

 

(9,801,323

)

(8,632,535

)

Net profit from discontinued operation

 

 

 

21,562

 

446,114

 

774,214

 

Profit/(loss) before income tax

 

(9,349,483

)

(5,296,828

)

901,341

 

(9,355,209

)

(7,858,321

)

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) for the year

 

(9,349,483

)

(5,296,828

)

901,341

 

(9,355,209

)

(7,858,321

)

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gain on sale of available-for-sale investments transferred from reserve

 

 

 

 

(170,000

)

 

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments

 

 

 

 

 

170,000

 

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

 

9,347

 

(6,818

)

(85,079

)

(8,623

)

(13,408

)

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

 

17,073

 

(296

)

(11,585

)

3,404

 

6,133

 

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

 

26,420

 

(7,114

)

(96,664

)

(175,219

)

162,725

 

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the year

 

(9,323,063

)

(5,303,942

)

804,677

 

(9,530,428

)

(7,695,596

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

(9,298,367

)

(5,287,523

)

910,002

 

(9,343,766

)

(7,841,073

)

Non-controlling interests

 

(51,116

)

(9,305

)

(8,661

)

(11,443

)

(17,248

)

Total profit/(loss) for the year

 

(9,349,483

)

(5,296,828

)

901,341

 

(9,355,209

)

(7,858,321

)

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the year is attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

(9,289,020

)

(5,294,341

)

824,923

 

(9,522,389

)

(7,684,481

)

Non-controlling interests

 

(34,043

)

(9,601

)

(20,246

)

(8,039

)

(11,115

)

Total profit/(loss) for the year

 

(9,323,063

)

(5,303,942

)

804,677

 

(9,530,428

)

(7,695,596

)

 

4



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (cont.)

FOR 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 AND 2009

 

 

 

Year ended
June 30, 2013

 

Year ended
June 30, 2012

 

Year ended
June 30, 2011

 

Year ended
June 30, 2010

 

Year ended
June 30, 2009

 

 

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

Earnings/(loss) per share (cents per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net profit/(loss) per ordinary share

 

(1.97

)

(1.15

)

0.22

 

(2.46

)

(2.10

)

Weighted-average shares outstanding

 

472,084,970

 

460,402,869

 

404,605,152

 

380,965,204

 

373,906,149

 

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
FOR 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 AND 2009

 

 

 

As of
June 30, 2013

 

As of
June 30, 2012

 

As of
June 30, 2011

 

As of
June 30, 2010

 

As of
June 30, 2009

 

 

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

AUD

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

2,657,416

 

9,949,795

 

6,255,344

 

4,502,161

 

10,103,166

 

Non-current assets

 

5,662,111

 

6,491,956

 

2,667,010

 

3,777,411

 

7,874,565

 

Total assets

 

8,319,527

 

16,441,751

 

8,922,354

 

8,279,572

 

17,977,731

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

(2,465,016

)

(1,930,568

)

(2,025,629

)

(2,478,943

)

(3,779,385

)

Non-current liabilities

 

(96,224

)

(108,541

)

(82,730

)

(82,933

)

(86,301

)

Total liabilities

 

(2,561,240

)

(2,039,109

)

(2,108,359

)

(2,561,876

)

(3,865,686

)

Net assets

 

5,758,287

 

14,402,642

 

6,813,995

 

5,717,696

 

14,112,045

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributed equity

 

83,735,845

 

83,280,142

 

72,378,105

 

72,378,105

 

71,285,663

 

Reserves

 

3,951,771

 

3,719,419

 

1,697,914

 

1,529,142

 

1,701,899

 

Accumulated losses

 

(82,049,916

)

(72,751,549

)

(67,464,026

)

(68,374,028

)

(59,030,262

)

Non-controlling interests

 

120,587

 

154,630

 

202,002

 

184,477

 

154,745

 

Total equity

 

5,758,287

 

14,402,642

 

6,813,995

 

5,717,696

 

14,112,045

 

 

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Exchange rates

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods and dates indicated, certain information concerning the noon buying rate in New York City for Australian dollars expressed in U.S. dollars per $1.00 as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

Period ended

 

At period end

 

Average rate

 

High

 

Low

Yearly data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2009

 

0.8055

 

0.7513

 

0.9797

 

0.6073

June 2010

 

0.8480

 

0.8820

 

0.9369

 

0.7751

June 2011

 

1.0732

 

0.9905

 

1.0732

 

0.8380

June 2012

 

1.0236

 

1.0323

 

1.1026

 

0.9453

June 2013

 

0.9165

 

1.0272

 

1.0591

 

0.9165

Monthly data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2013

 

0.9165

 

0.9440

 

0.9770

 

0.9165

July 2013

 

0.8957

 

0.9155

 

0.9259

 

0.8957

August 2013

 

0.8901

 

0.9037

 

0.9193

 

0.8901

September 2013

 

0.9342

 

0.9303

 

0.9444

 

0.9055

October 2013 (note)

 

0.9671

 

0.9477

 

0.9671

 

0.9366

 

Note:        Data for the month of October 2013 covers the period from October 1, 2013 to October 18, 2013.

 

Item 3.B                        Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3.C                        Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3.D                        Risk Factors

 

Before you purchase our ADSs, you should be aware that there are risks, including those described below.  You should consider carefully these risk factors together with all of the other information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report before you decide to purchase our ADSs.

 

Risks Related to Us

 

Our stock price is volatile and can fluctuate significantly based on events not in our control and general industry conditions.  As a result, the value of your investment may decline significantly.

 

The biotechnology sector can be particularly vulnerable to abrupt changes in investor sentiment.  Stock prices of companies in the biotechnology industry, including ours, can swing dramatically, with little relationship to operating performance.  Our stock price may be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to:

 

·                       product development events;

·                       the outcome of litigation;

·                       decisions relating to intellectual property rights;

·                       the entrance of competitive products or technologies into our markets;

·                       new medical discoveries;

·                       the establishment of strategic partnerships and alliances;

·                       changes in reimbursement policies or other practices related to the pharmaceutical industry; or

·                       other industry and market changes or trends.

 

Since our listing on the Australian Securities Exchange in August 2000, the price of our Ordinary Shares has ranged from a low of $0.02 to a high of $1.05 per share.  Further fluctuations are likely to occur due to events which are not within our control and general market conditions affecting the biotechnology sector or the stock market generally.

 

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In addition, low trading volume may increase the volatility of the price of our ADSs.  A thin trading market could cause the price of our ADSs to fluctuate significantly more than the stock market as a whole.  For example, trades involving a relatively small number of our ADSs may have a greater impact on the trading price for our ADSs than would be the case if the trading volume were higher.

 

The following chart illustrates the fluctuation in the price of our shares (in Australian dollars) over the last five years:

 

 

The fact that we do not expect to pay cash dividends may lead to decreased prices for our stock.

 

We have never paid a cash dividend on our Ordinary Shares and we do not anticipate paying a cash dividend in the foreseeable future.  We intend to retain future cash earnings, if any, for reinvestment in the development and expansion of our business.  Whether we pay cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of directors and may be dependent on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and any other factors our Board of directors decides is relevant.  As a result, an investor may only recognize an economic gain on an investment in our stock from an appreciation in the price of our stock.

 

You may have difficulty in effecting service of legal process and enforcing judgments against us and our Management.

 

We are a public company limited by shares, registered and operating under the Australian Corporations Act 2001.  The majority of our directors and officers named in this Annual Report reside outside the U.S.  Substantially all, or a substantial portion of, the assets of those persons are also located outside the U.S.  As a result, it may not be possible to affect service on such persons in the U.S. or to enforce, in foreign courts, judgments against such persons obtained in U.S. courts and predicated on the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the U.S.  Furthermore, substantially all of our directly-owned assets are located outside the U.S., and, as such, any judgment obtained in the U.S. against us may not be collectible within the U.S.  There is doubt as to the enforceability in the Commonwealth of Australia, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of civil liabilities predicated solely upon federal or state securities laws of the U.S., especially in the case of enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts where the defendant has not been properly served in Australia.

 

Because we are not necessarily required to provide you with the same information as an issuer of securities based in the United States, you may not be afforded the same protection or information you would have if you had invested in a public corporation based in the United States.

 

We are exempt from certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, commonly referred to as the Exchange Act, that are applicable to U.S. public companies, including (i) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K; (ii) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; and (iii) the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time.  The exempt provisions would be available to you if you had invested in a U.S. corporation.

 

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However, in line with the Australian Securities Exchange regulations, we disclose our financial results on a semi-annual basis which are required to have a limited review semi-annually and to be fully audited annually.  The information, which may have an effect on our stock price on the Australian Securities Exchange, will also be disclosed to the Australian Securities Exchange and the Securities Exchange Commission.  Other relevant information pertaining to our Company will also be disclosed in line with the Australian Securities Exchange regulations and information dissemination requirements for listed companies.  We will provide our semi-annual results and other material information that we make public in Australia in the U.S. under the cover of an SEC Form 6-K.  Nevertheless, you may not be afforded the same protection or information, which would be made available to you, were you investing in a United States public corporation because the requirements of a Form 10-Q and Form 8-K are not applicable to us.

 

If significant liquidity does not eventuate for our ADSs on NASDAQ, your ability to resell your ADSs could be negatively affected because there would be limited buyers for your interests.

 

Historically, there was virtually no trading in our ADSs through the pink sheets after the establishment of our Level I ADR Program.  However, subsequent to the Level II listing of our ADSs on the NASDAQ Global Market on September 2, 2005, the trading volumes of our ADSs have increased.  The Company subsequently transferred the listing of its ADSs to the NASDAQ Capital Market effective as from June 30, 2010.  An active trading market for the ADSs, however, may not be maintained in the future.  If an active trading market is not maintained, the liquidity and trading prices of the ADSs could be negatively affected.

 

In certain circumstances, holders of ADRs may have limited rights relative to holders of Ordinary Shares.

 

The rights of holders of ADSs with respect to the voting of Ordinary Shares and the right to receive certain distributions may be limited in certain respects by the deposit agreement entered into by us and The Bank of New York Mellon.  For example, although ADS holders are entitled under the deposit agreement, subject to any applicable provisions of Australian law and of our Constitution, to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the Ordinary Shares represented by the American Depositary Shares, and the depositary has agreed that it will try, as far as practical, to vote the Ordinary Shares so represented in accordance with such instructions, ADS holders may not receive notices sent by the depositary in time to ensure that the depositary will vote the Ordinary Shares.  This means that, from a practical point of view, the holders of ADRs may not be able to exercise their right to vote.  In addition, under the deposit agreement, the depositary has the right to restrict distributions to holders of the ADSs in the event that it is unlawful or impractical to make such distributions.  We have no obligation to take any action to permit distributions to holders of our American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs.  As a result, holders of ADRs may not receive distributions made by us.

 

Our Company has a history of incurring losses.

 

The business now called Genetic Technologies Limited was founded in 1989.  Up until the year ended June 30, 2011, we have incurred operating losses in every year of our existence.  We incurred net losses of $7,841,073 for year ended June 30, 2009, net losses of $9,343,766 for year ended June 30, 2010, a net profit of $910,002 for year ended June 30, 2011, net losses of $5,287,523 for year ended June 30, 2012 and net losses of $9,298,367 for year ended June 30, 2013.  As of June 30, 2013, we have accumulated losses of $82,049,916 and the extent of any future losses and whether or not the Company can generate profits remains uncertain.

 

Risks Related to our Industry

 

Our sales cycle is typically lengthy.

 

The sales cycle for our testing products and license generation is typically lengthy.  As a result, we may expend substantial funds and management effort with no assurance of successfully selling our products or services or granting new licenses.  Our ability to obtain customers for our genetic testing services depends significantly on the perception that our services can help accelerate efforts in genomics.  Our sales effort requires the effective demonstration of the benefits of our services to, and significant training of, many different departments within a potential customer.  In addition, we sometimes are required to negotiate agreements containing terms unique to each customer.  With respect to license generation, it is common for negotiations with licensees to take many months before a license is eventually granted.  Our business could also be adversely affected if we expend money without any return.

 

If our competitors develop superior products, our operations and financial condition could be affected.

 

We are currently subject to limited competition from biotechnology and diagnostic companies, academic and research institutions and government or other publicly-funded agencies that are pursuing products and services which are substantially similar to our genetic testing services, or which otherwise address the needs of our customers and potential customers.  Our competitors in the testing market include private and public sector enterprises located in Australia, the U.S. and elsewhere.  Many of the organizations competing with us have greater experience in the areas of finance, research and development, manufacturing, marketing, sales, distribution, technical and regulatory matters than we do.  In addition, many current and potential competitors have greater name / brand recognition and more extensive collaborative relationships.  However, because of our patents, we have virtually no competition in the licensing area.

 

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Our competitive position in the genetic testing area is based upon, amongst other things, our ability to:

 

·                       create and maintain scientifically-advanced technology and offer proprietary products and services;

·                       attract and retain qualified personnel;

·                       obtain patent or other protection for our products and services;

·                       obtain required government approvals and other accreditations on a timely basis; and

·                       successfully market our products and services.

 

If we are not successful in meeting these goals, our business could be adversely affected.  Similarly, our competitors may succeed in developing technologies, products or services that are more effective than any that we are developing or that would render our technology and services obsolete, noncompetitive or uneconomical.

 

For a full discussion of competition see Item 4.B “Competition”.

 

We rely heavily upon our patents and proprietary technology and any future claims that our patents are invalid could seriously affect our licensing business and adversely affect our revenues and our financial condition.

 

We rely upon our portfolio of patent rights, patent applications and exclusive licenses to patents and patent applications relating to genetic technologies.  We expect to aggressively patent and protect our proprietary technologies.  However, we cannot be certain that any additional patents will be issued to us as a result of our domestic or foreign patent applications or that any of our patents will withstand challenges by others.  Patents issued to, or licensed by, us may be infringed or third parties may independently develop the same or similar technologies.  Similarly, our patents may not provide us with meaningful protection from competitors, including those who may pursue patents which may prevent, limit or interfere with our products or will require licensing and the payment of significant fees or royalties by us to such third parties in order to enable us to conduct our business.  We may sue or be sued by third parties regarding our patents and other intellectual property rights.  These suits are often costly and would divert valuable funds and technical resources from our operations and cause distraction to Management.

 

We have important relationships with external parties over whom we have limited control.

 

We have relationships with academic consultants and other advisers who are not employed by us.  Accordingly, we have limited control over their activities and can expect only limited amounts of their time to be dedicated to our activities.  These persons may have consulting, employment or advisory arrangements with other entities that may conflict with or compete with their obligations to us.  Our consultants typically sign agreements that provide for confidentiality of our proprietary information and results of studies.  However, in connection with every relationship, we may not be able to maintain the confidentiality of our technology, the dissemination of which could hurt our competitive position and results of operations.  To the extent that our scientific consultants develop inventions or processes independently that may be applicable to our proposed products, disputes may arise as to the ownership of the proprietary rights to such information, and we may not win those disputes.

 

If we are unable to protect our proprietary assets, we may not be able to commercialize products or services.

 

Our commercial success partially depends on our ability to obtain patent protection for many aspects of our business, including the products, methods and services we develop.  Patents issued to us may not provide us with substantial protection or be commercially beneficial to us.  The issuance of a patent is not conclusive as to its validity or its enforceability.  In addition, our patent applications or those we have licensed, may not result in issued patents.  If our patent applications do not result in issued patents, our competitors may obtain rights to commercialize our discoveries which could harm our competitive position.  We also may apply for patent protection on novel genetic variations in known genes and their uses, as well as novel uses for previously identified genetic variations discovered by third parties.  In the latter cases, we may need a license from the holder of the patent with respect to such genetic variations in order to make, use or sell any related products.  We may not be able to acquire such licenses on terms acceptable to us, if at all.

 

Certain parties are attempting to rapidly identify and characterize genes and genetic variations through the use of sequencing and other technologies.  To the extent that any patents are issued to other parties on such partial or full-length genes or genetic variations or uses for such genes or genetic variations, the risk increases that the sale of products or services developed by us or our collaborators may give rise to claims of patent infringement against us.  Others may have filed and, in the future, are likely to file patent applications covering many genetic variations and their uses.  Any such patent applications may have priority over our patent applications and could further require us to obtain rights to previously issued patents covering genetic variations.  Any license that we may require under any such patent may not be made available to us on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.

 

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We may be sued for infringing on the intellectual property rights of others.  We could also become involved in interference proceedings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office to determine the relative priority of our patents or patent applications and those of the other parties involved in the interference proceeding.  Intellectual property proceedings are costly, and could affect our results of operations.  These proceedings can also divert the attention of managerial and technical personnel.  If we do not prevail in any intellectual property proceeding, in addition to any damages we might have to pay, we could be required to stop the infringing activity, or obtain a license to or design around the intellectual property in question.  In interference proceedings, our patent rights could be invalidated and the scope of our patents could be limited.  If we are unable to obtain licenses to intellectual property rights that we need to conduct our business, or are unable to design around any third party patent, we may be unable to sell some of our products, which will result in reduced revenue.

 

We have in the past and may in the future become a party to litigation involving patents and intellectual property rights.  We have previously commenced litigation against a number of parties to protect our rights pertaining to our intellectual property.  We may in the future receive claims of infringement of intellectual property rights from other parties.  If we do not prevail in any future legal proceedings, we may be required to pay significant monetary damages.  In addition, we could also be prevented from using certain processes or prevented from selling certain configurations of our products or services that were found to be within the scope of the patent claims.  In the event we did not prevail in any future proceeding, we would either have to obtain licenses from the other party, avoid certain product configurations or modify some of our products, services and processes to design around the patents.  Licenses could be costly or unavailable on commercially reasonable terms.  Designing around patents or focusing efforts on different configurations could be time consuming, and we may have to remove some of our products or services from the market while we were completing redesigns.  Accordingly, if we are unable to settle future intellectual property disputes through licensing or similar arrangements, or if any such future disputes are determined adversely to us, our ability to market and sell our products and services could be harmed.  This would in turn reduce demands for our services and harm our financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition, in order to protect or enforce our patent rights or to protect our ability to operate our business, we may need to initiate other patent litigation against third parties.  These lawsuits could be expensive, take significant time to resolve, and could divert Management’s attention from other business concerns.  These lawsuits could result in the invalidation or limitation in the scope of our patents or forfeiture of the rights associated with our patents.  We may not prevail in any such proceedings and a court may find damages or award other remedies in favor of our opposing party in any of these suits.  During the course of any future proceedings, there may be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions and other interim proceedings or developments in the litigation.  Securities analysts or investors may perceive these announcements to be negative, which could cause the market price of our stock to decline.

 

We may be subject to professional liability suits and our insurance may not be sufficient to cover damages.  If this occurs, our business and financial condition may be adversely affected.

 

Our business exposes us to potential liability risks that are inherent in the testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of genetic tests.  The use of our products and product candidates, whether for clinical trials or commercial sale, may expose us to professional liability claims and possible adverse publicity.  We may be subject to claims resulting from incorrect results of analysis of genetic variations or other screening tests performed using our services.  Litigation of such claims could be costly.  We could expend significant funds during any litigation proceeding brought against us.  Further, if a court were to require us to pay damages to a plaintiff, the amount of such damages could significantly harm our financial condition.  Although we have public and product liability insurance coverage under broadform liability and professional indemnity policies, for an aggregate amount of $60,000,000, the level or breadth of our coverage may not be adequate to fully cover potential liability claims.  To date we have not been subject to any claims, or ultimately liability, in excess of the amount of our coverage.  In addition, we may not be able to obtain additional professional liability coverage in the future at an acceptable cost.  A successful claim or series of claims brought against us in excess of our insurance coverage and the effect of professional liability litigation upon the reputation and marketability of our technology and products, together with the diversion of the attention of key personnel, could negatively affect our business.

 

We use potentially hazardous materials, chemicals and patient samples in our business and any disputes relating to improper handling, storage or disposal of these materials could be time consuming and costly.

 

Our research and development, production and service activities involve the controlled use of hazardous laboratory materials and chemicals, including small quantities of acid and alcohol, and patient tissue and blood samples.  We do not knowingly deal with infectious samples.  We, our collaborators and service providers are subject to stringent Australian federal, state and local laws and regulations governing occupational health and safety standards, including those governing the use, storage, handling and disposal of these materials and certain waste products.  However, we could be liable for accidental contamination or discharge or any resultant injury from hazardous materials, and conveyance, processing, and storage of and data on patient samples.  If we, our collaborators or service providers fail to comply with applicable laws or regulations, we could be required to pay penalties or be held liable for any damages that result and this liability could exceed our financial resources.  Further, future changes to environmental health and safety laws could cause us to incur additional expense or restrict our operations.  We have never had a reportable serious injury through the date of this Annual Report.

 

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In addition, our collaborators and service providers may be working with these types of hazardous materials, including hazardous chemicals, in connection with our collaborations.  In the event of a lawsuit or investigation, we could be held responsible for any injury caused to persons or property by exposure to, or release of, these patient samples that may contain viruses and hazardous materials.  The cost of this liability could exceed our resources.  While we maintain broadform liability insurance coverage for these risks, in the amount of up to $40,000,000, the level or breadth of our coverage may not be adequate to fully cover potential liability claims.  To date, we have not been subject to claims, or ultimately liability, in excess of the amount of our coverage.  Our broadform insurance coverage also covers us against losses arising from an interruption of our business activities as a result of the mishandling of such materials.  We also maintain workers’ compensation insurance, which is mandatory in Australia, covering all of our workers in the event of injury.

 

We depend on the collaborative efforts of our academic and corporate partners for research, development and commercialization of some of our products.  A breach by our partners of their obligations, or the termination of the relationship, could deprive us of valuable resources and require additional investment of time and money.

 

Our strategy for research, development and commercialization of some of our products has historically involved entering into various arrangements with academic and corporate partners and others.  As a result, our strategy depends, in part, upon the success of these outside parties in performing their responsibilities.  Our collaborators may also be our competitors.  We cannot necessarily control the amount and timing of resources that our collaborators devote to performing their contractual obligations and we have no certainty that these parties will perform their obligations as expected or that any revenue will be derived from these arrangements.

 

If our collaborators breach or terminate their agreement with us or otherwise fail to conduct their collaborative activities in a timely manner, the development or commercialization of the product candidate or research program under such collaborative arrangement may be delayed.  If that is the case, we may be required to undertake unforeseen additional responsibilities or to devote unforeseen additional funds or other resources to such development or commercialization, or such development or commercialization could be terminated.  The termination or cancellation of collaborative arrangements could adversely affect our financial condition, intellectual property position and general operations.  In addition, disagreements between collaborators and us could lead to delays in the collaborative research, development, or commercialization of certain products or could require or result in formal legal process or arbitration for resolution.  These consequences could be time-consuming and expensive and could have material adverse effects on us.

 

Other than our contractual rights under our license agreements, we may be limited in our ability to convince our licensees to fulfill their obligations.  If our licensees fail to act promptly and effectively, or if a dispute arises, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the price of our Ordinary Shares and ADSs.

 

We rely upon scientific, technical and clinical data supplied by academic and corporate collaborators, licensors, licensees, independent contractors and others in the evaluation and development of potential therapeutic methods.  There may be errors or omissions in this data that would materially adversely affect the development of these methods.

 

We may seek additional collaborative arrangements to develop and commercialize our products in the future.  We may not be able to negotiate acceptable arrangements in the future and, if negotiated, we have no certainty that they will be on favorable terms or if they will be successful.  In addition, our partners may pursue alternative technologies independently or in collaboration with others as a means of developing treatments for the diseases targeted by their collaborative programs with us.  If any of these events occurs, the progress of the Company could be adversely affected and our results of operations and financial condition could suffer.

 

Problems associated with international business operations could affect our ability to license our technology and our results of operations.

 

We seek to license our intellectual property and to market our growing range of other products and services on a global scale, including in countries that are considered to provide significantly less protection to intellectual property than the United States and Australia.  In addition, a number of other risks are inherent in international transactions and commerce, including political and economic instability, foreign currency exchange fluctuations and changes in tax laws.

 

Government regulation of genetic research or testing may adversely affect the demand for our services and impair our business and operations.

 

Apart from accreditation requirements, we are generally not subject to regulation.  From time to time, federal, state and/or local governments adopt regulations relating to the conduct of genetic research and genetic testing.  In future, these regulations could limit or restrict genetic research activities as well as genetic testing for research or clinical purposes.  In addition, if such regulations are adopted, these regulations may be inconsistent with, or in conflict with, regulations adopted by other government bodies.  Regulations relating to genetic research activities could adversely affect our ability to conduct our research and development activities.  Regulations restricting genetic testing could adversely affect our ability to market and sell our products and services.  Accordingly, any regulations of this nature could increase the costs of our operations or restrict our ability to conduct our testing business and might adversely affect our operations and financial condition.

 

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Gene Patenting Debate in Australia

 

In 2008, the Australian Senate commenced an inquiry into the issues surrounding the patenting of genes.  The inquiry was due to report its findings in early 2009.  On September 30, 2010, the Senate re-referred the matter to the Senate Community Affairs Committee for inquiry and report.  Having extended the timeline on several occasions, the Senate inquiry was then interrupted by an Australian Federal election in October 2010.

 

On November 26, 2010, the report arising from the Senate’s inquiry into gene patents was released.  It tabled 16 recommendations primarily aimed at making amendments to existing provisions of the Patents Act, while minimizing unforeseen consequences of changes to biotechnology sector, including the potential prohibition on patenting biological materials.

 

The Senate Report also noted a number of events that may affect further decisions, such as the Private Member’s Bill that was introduced into the Federal Parliament.  The Private Member’s Bill was referred immediately to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs - Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by June 16, 2011.  The Report also said “… the Committee heard conflicting evidence as to whether a prohibition on the patenting of genes and other biological materials (a) would be effective, and (b) would not lead to unforeseen consequences in other fields of technology, particularly biotechnology, research and development.”

 

The Patent Amendment (Human Genes and Biological Materials) Bill 2010 (the “Bill”) was introduced in the Lower House of the Australian Parliament on October 18, 2010.  On November 26, 2010, the Senate referred the Bill to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs - Legislation Committee.  The Committee received 122 submissions and held two public hearings for inquiry where 31 witnesses appeared at the public hearings.  On September 22, 2011, the report arising from the Senate’s inquiry into the Bill was released.  It tabled only one recommendation: “The Committee recommends that the Senate should not pass the Bill.”

 

The Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Bill 2012 was passed into law on March 20,  2012.  This legislation does not ban or restrict patents on genetic material other than by “raising the bar” for the granting of any new patents.

 

Australian Federal Court Patent Proceeding

 

In June 2010, a group of Australian plaintiffs initiated litigation in the Australian Federal Court challenging the validity of certain claims of an Australian patent owned by Myriad Genetics Inc. (Australian patent 686004 - “‘004”).  Genetic Technologies was named as a respondent to this matter by virtue of the fact that Genetic Technologies is the exclusive licensee of the BRCA patents in Australia (which includes the ‘004 patent).

 

This matter bears a resemblance to the U.S. litigation filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against Myriad’s U.S. patent equivalent in which a U.S. Federal District Court ruled that isolated DNA sequences are not eligible for patent protection because of the fact that they are “products of nature”.  On July 29, 2011, Myriad successfully appealed this decision with the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals reversing the decision of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  On March 26, 2012 the U.S. Supreme Court remanded the case back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit for reconsideration.  On August 16, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled on the Myriad case in the U.S., upholding the patentability of gene patents.  In a further development in the case of the Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, on June 13, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled (1) that isolated genomic DNA (gDNA) is not patentable under section 101 of the Patent Act, but (2) cDNA (which the Court defined as “synthetically created DNA”) is patentable,  The decision was intended to provide some clarity around DNA patents, but appears to have had the opposite effect and caused further uncertainty which is likely to persist for the forseeable future.

 

On September 30, 2011, Genetic Technologies filed documents with the Australian Federal Court to the effect that the Company submits to the orders of the Court and takes no further part in the proceedings.  On February 15, 2013, the Australian Federal Court ruled in favor of Myriad Genetics in this matter.

 

Myriad Genetics argued that by virtue of the process of extracting the gene from the body, it had satisfied the requirements of an “invention” according to section 18(1)(a) of the Patents Act which states that an invention must be a “manner of manufacture”. Based on previous case law, the Court held that a “manner of manufacture” requires an “artificial state of affairs” of some discernible effect that is of economic significance.

 

That decision was subsequently appealed by one of the plaintiffs on March 4, 2013 and that appeal has been heard by the courts and a judgment is due in the near future, making the impact of the trial decision uncertain at this stage.

 

We rely on the services of individuals who possess special skills and experience.

 

Much of the future success of the Company depends on the continued service and availability of skilled personnel, including members of its senior executive team, and those in technical, marketing and staff positions.  While we actively recruit new employees with such skills and experience to reduce our reliance on these individuals, skilled personnel, with specific experience in the biotechnology industry, are in high demand and competition for their talents is intense.

 

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Ethical and other concerns surrounding the use of genetic information may reduce the demand for our services.

 

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.  Furthermore, adverse publicity or public opinion relating to genetic research and testing, even in the absence of any governmental regulation, could reduce the potential markets for our services, which could materially and adversely affect our revenues.

 

Although we are a leader in the field of genetics in Australia, we do not undertake any activities in the contentious areas of cloning, stem cell research or other gene-altering areas.  As such, many of the ethical issues that may be relevant to other participants in the genetics industry are not necessarily applicable to us.

 

Out-licensing of our intellectual property

 

The patenting of genes and issues surrounding access to genetic knowledge are the subjects of extensive and ongoing public debate in many countries.  By way of example, the Australian Law Reform Commission has previously conducted two inquiries into the social uses of genetic information.  The patents we hold over uses of “non-coding” DNA have broad scope and have also been the subject of debate and some criticism in the media.  A risk we face is that individuals or organizations in one or more of the countries in which these patents have issued could take legal action to seek their amendment, revocation or invalidation, something which has happened previously on several occasions in various jurisdictions, though we have prevailed in all such cases.

 

Furthermore, any time that we initiate legal action against parties that infringe our patents we face a risk that the infringer will defend itself through a counter-claim of patent invalidity or other such claims.  Subsequent legal action could potentially overturn, invalidate or limit the scope of our patents.

 

Under the relevant Patent Acts in most of the countries in which our non-coding patents have issued, the relevant judicial system has rights to impose compulsory licensing.  The relevant governments typically hold “march-in” rights by which they may unilaterally choose to exploit the technology.  To the extent that the Company’s non-coding technology is used in the conduct of research, we also face risks, uncertainty and controversy over the licensing of our technology to those conducting research.  Whether or not researchers should be exempted from obligations to take licenses to relevant patents was the subject of another government inquiry conducted by the Australian Council for Intellectual Property who recommended the creation of a research exemption.

 

For further information relevant to this subject, refer to the section entitled Gene Patenting Debate in Australia earlier in this section 3.D.

 

Our genetic testing activities

 

There is a view held by some elements of the medical and academic communities that the marketing of some of our cancer predisposition and risk assessment tests is done solely with a commercial objective in mind.  In essence, some parties have indicated that, in their view, the risk of inheriting certain types of cancer is too low to warrant the marketing of genetic testing services to the wider cancer community where such promotion may increase anxiety unnecessarily.  Guidelines laid down by the Australian National Health Medical Research Council also prevent us from promoting our testing in a manner which may “cause any unnecessary alarm”.

 

In recent years, health care payers as well as federal and state governments have focused on containing or reducing health care costs.  We cannot predict the effect that any of these initiatives may have on our business.  In particular, gene-based therapeutics, if successfully developed and commercialized, are likely to be costly compared to currently available drug therapies.  Health care cost containment initiatives focused either on gene-based therapeutics or on genetic testing could result in the growth in the clinical market for genetic testing being curtailed or slowed.  In addition, health care cost containment initiatives could also cause pharmaceutical companies to reduce research and development spending.  In either case, our business and our operating results could be adversely affected.  Further, genetic testing in clinical settings is often billed to third-party payers, including private insurers and governmental organizations.  If our current and future clinical products and services are not considered cost-effective by these payers, reimbursement may not be available to users of our services.  In this event, potential customers would be much less likely to use our services and our business and operating results could be harmed.  Further, the amounts we receive in respect of the tests we perform may fall.

 

In regards to other medical tests we offer, increased competition from countries such as China and India is likely to make inroads to our marketplaces, offering lower priced tests which may decrease our profitability.  Within Australia, the continued performance by public institutions of certain medical diagnostic tests also carries the risk that those institutions may acquire the latest generation of robotic test platforms which are able to perform tests at substantially lower costs.  In some cases, these institutions are heavily subsidized by the government and therefore do not have the same commercial and amortization cost bases of a publicly listed company such as Genetic Technologies.  As such, they may be able to offer tests at a lower price than we can offer them.

 

Launch of BREVAGenTM

 

With the acquisition of our BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk assessment test in 2010 and its subsequent launch 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 will take time for us to establish credibility and educate the potential customer groups we have identified.  This may result in a

 

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lag in establishing reasonable rates of sales which may be aggravated by any resistance associated with price sensitivity.  Despite various studies and review publications, clinician adoption of the test on a regular basis requires substantial resources and effort.

 

Establishing a new U.S. company, such as we have done with Phenogen Sciences Inc., requires staffing with qualified and experienced salespeople and the identification of territories in which to start selling the test.  These salespeople require time to establish customer contact and to convert sales.  Invariably, some new employees are not be able to adapt to the new sales environment and may need to be replaced after the first stage of selling, potentially hampering growth.  Even though the Company’s Australian laboratory has now been CLIA certified, U.S. government health care programs could potentially restrict our ability to offer the test in the U.S., thereby restricting our available market.

 

The U.S. healthcare reimbursement system with which we interact is highly complex, involving a series of independent insurers, together with the insured 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.

 

Item 4.                                 Information on the Company

 

Item 4.A                            History and Development of the Company

 

We were incorporated under the laws of Western Australia on January 5, 1987 as Concord Mining N.L. and operated as a mining company.  On August 13, 1991, we changed our name to Consolidated Victorian Gold Mines N.L.  On December 2, 1991, we changed our name to Consolidated Victorian Mines N.L.  On March 15, 1995, we changed our name to Duketon Goldfields N.L.

 

On October 15, 1999, the Company’s corporate status was changed from a No Liability Company to a company limited by shares.  On August 29, 2000, following the acquisition of Swiss company GeneType AG, we changed our name to Genetic Technologies Limited, which is our current name.  At that time, we phased out our mining activities and became a biotechnology company, following which our stock exchange listing was duly transferred from the mining board of the ASX to the industrial board and our shares were thereafter classified under the industry group “Health and Biotechnology”, completing our transformation from a mining company into a biotechnology company.  Our current activities in biotechnology primarily concentrate on three clearly defined areas of activity which are covered under Item 4.B “Business Overview”.

 

Our Australian Company Number (ACN) is 009 212 328.  Our Australian Business Number (ABN) is 17 009 212 328.  We operate pursuant to our constitution, the Australian Corporations Act 2001, the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange, the Marketplace Rules of NASDAQ and, where applicable, local, state and federal legislation in the countries in which we operate.

 

Our registered office, headquarters and laboratory are all located at 60-66 Hanover Street, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065 Australia.  Our telephone number is +61 3 8412 7000.  Our website address is www.gtglabs.com.  The offices of our U.S. subsidiary, Phenogen Sciences Inc., are located at 9115 Harris Corners Parkway, Suite 320, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28269 U.S.A.  The telephone number for the Phenogen Sciences office is +1 877 992 7382.  Information on our websites and websites linked to them do not constitute part of this Annual Report.

 

In July 2008, we acquired all of the issued shares of Frozen Puppies Dot Com Pty. Ltd. based in Calga, New South Wales, which was Australia’s leading provider of canine reproductive services for a total consideration of $1,550,097, comprising a combination of shares in the Company (with a value of $1,041,667) and cash.  During the year ended June 30, 2010, a decision was made by the Company to strategically realign its animal business and to focus on the provision of animal genetic tests, rather than the services that were acquired as part of the acquisition of the Frozen Puppies Dot Com business in 2008.  Following the disposal of assets related to the reproductive services business during the 2011 financial year, the associated business was discontinued and, as a result, Frozen Puppies Dot Com Pty. Ltd. was subsequently deregistered on June 1, 2011.

 

On April 14, 2010, we announced that we had acquired certain assets from Perlegen Sciences, Inc. in California, with the main asset being the BREVAGen™ breast cancer risk assessment test (“BREVAGen™”).  In addition to the BREVAGen™ test, we also acquired a suite of patents valid to 2022 which augment and extend our current non-coding patent portfolio.  On June 28, 2010, we incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary named Phenogen Sciences Inc. in the State of Delaware which commenced selling the BREVAGen™ test in the U.S. marketplace in June 2011.

 

It is a priority for the Company to continue to identify additional parties who would benefit from taking a license to the Company’s non-coding patents.  We are now pursuing negotiations with a number of companies and organizations in U.S.A. and Europe that would benefit from taking a license to our non-coding patents or from collaborations with our genetic testing business.

 

In order to increase the rate at which these licenses can be secured, the licensing team at the Company’s headquarters in Melbourne, Australia has been expanded in recent years by the appointment of additional staff to accelerate the preparation of dossiers on potential licensees.  Internationally, we have established an arrangement with Colorado-based law firm Sheridan Ross PC to assist

 

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the Company as its “assertion” partner in the U.S.A. and Europe.  Refer Item 4.B below for details.

 

Item 4.B                 Business Overview

 

We are a biotechnology company focused on expanding our genetic testing business in the Asia-Pacific region and, with the addition of the BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk assessment test, in the U.S.A. and later in Europe.  In addition, we are now pursuing commercial opportunities in other areas of activity:

 

(i)                     out-licensing our non-coding patents globally; and

 

(ii)                  supporting a late-stage research and development project in which we are already involved.

 

Industry background

 

The Human Genome Project announced (in April 2003) the completion of the first draft of the entire sequence of the human genome.  The biotechnology industry has since worked to build upon the vast amount of knowledge generated by that program in order to develop a better understanding of the genetic basis of human health and disease.  Increasingly, genetics is being shown to play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases in humans, as well as diseases in animals and plants.  This increasing understanding of genetics is providing new information for understanding such predisposing or causative factors in many diseases.

 

Prior to the Human Genome Project, the successful mapping of the Mouse Genome (published in December 2002) permitted, for the first time, a detailed comparison of human genes and mouse genes.  One of the key findings that has arisen from this work is the significant role that non-coding DNA plays in controlling gene function in both human genes and mouse genes.  For some scientists, but not for our Company, the discovery of the great significance of non-coding DNA to gene function were new, significant and totally unexpected.

 

A major focus in science is now the identification and analysis of genetic variations and disease-associated genes within the genome.  These genetic variations, or polymorphisms, in the DNA sequences vary between individuals.  The most common genetic variations are Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, or SNPs, which are merely a difference in a single nucleotide.  The first draft of the human genome identified over 1.4 million SNPs that can be useful as positional signposts for disease-associated DNA sequences in a gene or as markers to map genes along a chromosome.  A significant number of these SNPs (perhaps more than 97%) are now known to be non-coding.

 

Genomics

 

A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA and the study of that DNA is called genomics.  Genomes vary in size, with bacteria displaying the smallest known genome at 600,000 DNA base pairs, while human and mouse genomes have over 3 billion.  The DNA of the human genome is organized into 24 distinct chromosomes that contain from 50 million to 250 million base pairs on each chromosome.  The DNA on each chromosome contains genes that are specific sequences that encode proteins that actually perform the work within a cell and also make up the cell itself.  Surprisingly, only about 2% to 5% of the human genome is organized into coding DNA, with the remainder being considered to be non-coding DNA.  The global patent portfolio on which our out-licensing activities is based is centered on proprietary methods for utilizing the valuable information contained within these non-coding regions.

 

Genetic variability

 

Almost 99.9% of an individual’s genome is identical to that of every other individual’s genome.  However, even slight variations in sequence can drastically change how a gene functions.  Variations can lead to harmless changes, such as blue eyes instead of brown, or to major diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, or cardiovascular disease.  Genetic variations can also be responsible for many of the differences in the ways individuals respond to drug therapies.  As a result of this knowledge, routine analysis of SNPs and other genetic variations is expected to play an increasingly important role in the discovery and development of new drugs, as well as in a variety of diagnostic therapeutic and other medical and life science applications.  Industry sources estimate there are millions of genetic variations in the human genome, creating demand for products and technologies that can quickly and accurately detect and analyze these variations.  It is thought that the medicine of the future will be dispensed to a patient based on his or her own specific DNA variations.  This type of “personalized medicine” will require sophisticated genetic tests to determine the genetic composition of an individual, and it is now recognized that such genetic make-up depends not only on the form of the coding DNA, but also the form of the associated non-coding DNA.

 

Genetic tests

 

Most genes come in many different forms, called alleles.  One or more allele may be associated with a particular disease state.  Genetic testing involves the direct examination of an individual’s DNA for a DNA marker associated with the allele of interest.  The

 

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determination of the particular alleles an individual has within his or her DNA is called genotyping.

 

The most commonly tested marker of a particular allele is a SNP.  As much as 98% of the human genome is considered to be non-coding DNA, the majority of the identified 1.4 million SNPs are also located in non-coding regions of DNA.  We believe that a license to our proprietary methods of analyzing non-coding regions of DNA will be absolutely necessary for many of the genetic tests of the future.  Similarly, tests for genetic abnormalities or mutations may involve not just individual SNPs, but also groups of SNPs or even larger sequences of DNA, and such abnormal sequences - large or small - may be located either in the coding region alone, or in the non-coding region alone, or in both the coding and non-coding regions of the gene (or genes) under examination.  Clearly, the variations within genes that may be responsible for a disease are now known to be much more complicated than was previously understood, and the role of non-coding DNA is now being found to be highly relevant in a growing number of diseases.  This similarly applies to genetic disorders in animals and plants.  Accordingly, in future, more and more genetic testing will look not only at coding variations, but also at the non-coding variations within a particular gene.

 

Building the Genetic Testing Business

 

Background and history of the paternity testing business

 

In the early 1990’s, GeneType AG established a small service testing laboratory in Melbourne, Australia, initially to show-case its non-coding inventions, but also to generate revenue to help support and fund its ambitious research programs in those early days.  Following the acquisition of several other small DNA testing laboratories in Australia, GeneType AG consolidated its genetic testing business such that the Company is now the largest provider of paternity and related testing services in Australia.  Further, our service testing laboratory in Fitzroy (an inner suburb of Melbourne, Victoria) is the leading non-Government genetic testing service provider in Australia.  We now have extensive experience in providing DNA-based individuality testing for the resolution of disputed paternity and the determination of familial relationships for immigration purposes.

 

The most common type of DNA testing is paternity testing - where we determine the father of a given child.  In order to perform this test we take a sample from the mother, alleged father and child.  The test can also be performed without the mother’s sample but this makes the analysis somewhat more complex and the price for the test increases accordingly.

 

Other types of tests we can offer include:

 

·                       Y chromosome testing - determines if two males come from the same paternal line, i.e. have a common father or grandfather.

·                       Mitochondrial DNA testing - determines if two people come from the same maternal line.

·                       Sibship testing - determines if people are full siblings, i.e. have the same mother and father.

·                       Maternity testing - determines the mother of a given child.

·                       DNA typing - reveals the DNA makeup of an individual.

·                       Grandparent analysis - determines the grandparents of a given child.  This is mainly used when the father of a child is deceased and a will is being contested.

·                       Antenatal DNA testing - determines the father of an as-yet unborn child.

 

We issue reports for the Family Court in Australia and provide similar services internationally for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (“DIAC”).  We are one of only two DNA testing laboratories in Australia recognized by DIAC to provide DNA tests for immigration purposes.

 

Over time, we have gained a reputation as a leading genetic testing laboratory, and progressively, we have received specimens for testing from other countries, most of which are located in the Asia-Pacific region.  In addition, we have received requests to perform tests outside of the area of human paternity which has led to the expansion of our testing services, as summarized below.

 

Expansion of testing services beyond paternity testing

 

(1) Medical testing - the strategic alliance with Myriad Genetics Inc. delivered to the Company exclusive rights in Australia and New Zealand to perform DNA testing for susceptibility to a range of cancers.  In April 2003, we established our cancer susceptibility testing facility within our Australian laboratory.  In June 2003, this facility was granted provisional accreditation by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (“NATA”).  This important area of testing has since gained momentum, with the addition of new equipment and new employees joining the Company.

 

In November 2003, the Company joined the world-wide genetic testing network GENDIA as the sole reference laboratory for the network in Australia and New Zealand.  GENDIA consists of more than 50 laboratories from around the world, each contributing expertise in their respective disciplines to create a network capable of providing more than 2,000 different genetic tests.  This has provided the Company with the ability to offer comprehensive testing services to its customer base in the Asia-Pacific region

 

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as well as increasing our exposure to other markets.

 

In November 2004, the Company announced a strategic alliance with Australian biotechnology company Bionomics Limited for the commercialization of the diagnostic genetic test for the condition Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy in Infancy.  This test was the first to expand the Company’s human molecular diagnostics focus beyond cancer susceptibility testing.  In July 2006, we further cemented our position as Australia’s leading independent provider of complex genetic testing services with NATA granting further accreditation of our Melbourne laboratory to provide a wide range of complex genetic tests.  Genetic analysis for the predisposition and diagnosis of a wide range of disease states is increasingly being used by clinicians in standard medical practice.  We committed to providing the gold standard in testing technology, with superior turn-around times and a substantially more cost efficient service.  Attainment of the further accreditation by NATA in the area of complex gene sequencing testing services has enabled various government funded genetics services to utilize the Company’s testing service to improve patient care.

 

Having established an excellent laboratory service with significant excess capacity, the Company announced in July 2008 that a commercial decision had been made to enforce the rights granted to it under an exclusive license from Myriad to perform diagnostic testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in Australia and New Zealand.  However, following the removal of five Directors from the Board at the Company’s Annual General Meeting on November 19, 2008, the new Board undertook a formal review of the Company’s decision to enforce its BRCA testing rights and subsequently resolved to immediately revert to its original decision to allow other public laboratories in Australia to freely perform BRCA testing.

 

In October 2009, a new strategic direction was established to focus efforts in creating a portfolio of tests that would be aimed at assisting medical clinicians with cancer management.  This would comprise tests that were created by the Company and in-licensed from third parties which would then be marketed by Genetic Technologies in the Asia-Pacific region.  In November 2009, distribution agreements were executed with Trimgen and Rosetta Genomics of the U.S. to acquire distribution rights for their tests across Oceania.  In addition to the current test portfolio, GTG began introducing itself to the global oncology market via regular attendance at international medical conferences and direct to market selling activities.  An additional agreement to acquire local distribution rights from Response Genetics of the U.S. was then executed by the Company in January 2010.

 

In December 2009, Genetic Technologies negotiated an exclusive option to investigate the purchase of various assets from Perlegen Sciences, Inc. of Mountain View, California which included a breast cancer non-familial risk assessment test, BREVAGen™.  Those assets were subsequently purchased by the Company in April 2010.  Work then began on validating the test in GTG’s Australian laboratory as well as initiating the process for obtaining CLIA certification which would enable the Company to undertake the testing of samples received from the U.S. market.  By July 2010, a new U.S. subsidiary named Phenogen Sciences Inc. had been incorporated by the Company in Delaware to market and distribute the BREVAGen™ test across mainland U.S.A.  In April 2011, the Company announced that it had gained certification of its Australian laboratory under the U.S. Clinical Laboratories Improvements Amendments, as regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid in Baltimore, Maryland.  This certification, which enables the Company to accept and test samples from U.S. residents, was the culmination of preparations required for the U.S. launch of the Company’s BREVAGen™  test which occurred in June 2011.  Phenogen Sciences has since established an office in Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

During the first half of the 2013 financial year, the Company announced that it had received licensure to sell BREVAGen™ into the states of California and Florida, bringing the total number of U.S. states in which the BREVAGen™ test can be sold to 49 of the 50 U.S. states.  In July 2013, the Company was inspected by a representative of the New York State Department of Health, Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (“CLEP”).  The Company’s laboratory received an inspection result with no deficiencies reported and, on August 30, 2013, the Company announced that it had received the formal certificate of qualification from CLEP.  This approval allows the Company to test BREVAGenTM samples from residents of New York State (a densely populated state of nearly 20 million people) and completes the out of state licensures allowing the Company to provide testing services to all 50 U.S. states.  Genetic Technologies’ wholly-owned US subsidiary, Phenogen Sciences Inc., (“Phenogen”) has commenced appointing representatives to cover this state, with a particular emphasis on New York City.

 

In August 2012, the Company announced that it had received European CE Mark approval for BREVAGen™, which will allow BREVAGen™ to be sold in the EU and other countries that recognise the CE Mark.

 

(2) Animal testing - in May 2003, we acquired the assets of Genetic Science Services to expand the range of tests we can offer to include relevant genetic testing in animals - for example, progeny testing in horses, dogs, deer, sexing in birds, and animal disease identification and susceptibility testing for a range of animals, including exotic and zoo animals.  This acquisition also allowed the Company to support research projects involving other animals.

 

In addition to NATA accreditation for complex genetic analysis mentioned above, in 2006 GTG also received NATA accreditation for the provision of canine forensic analysis services.  We are the only laboratory in Australia to receive such accreditation.  This accreditation ensures that we will continue to be the laboratory of choice for all canine forensic analysis, especially where prosecutions are initiated for dog attacks.  In the state of Victoria alone, there are in excess of 7,000 dog incidents reported annually.  This accreditation, together with the recent announcement of a genetic test to determine the breed of dogs, places the Company in a strong position to provide genetic analysis services to local councils around Australia.  During 2008, the Company

 

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launched its Dog Attack Pack, a forensic tool enabling local government officers to collect samples from dog attacks and BITSA™, a breed identification test that uses DNA analysis to provide a history of a dog’s breed.

 

In July 2008, we acquired Frozen Puppies Dot Com Pty. Ltd., an Australian company specializing in canine reproductive services, following which the Company expanded its facilities into territories outside of Australia and developed relationships with breeders and associations in China, Japan, New Zealand and elsewhere.  Staff were employed to manage the Company’s activities in these territories and purpose-built facilities were established on the outskirts of Beijing, China and in several States of Australia.  However, during the year ended June 30, 2010, a decision was made by the Company to strategically realign its animal business and to focus on the provision of animal genetic tests, rather than the services that were acquired as part of the acquisition of the Frozen Puppies Dot Com business in 2008.  As a result, most of the centers and related assets were sold off and, following these disposals, Frozen Puppies Dot Com Pty. Ltd. was subsequently deregistered in June 2011.

 

In September 2009, GTG again won a tender for being the exclusive provider of genetic services to Greyhounds Australasia.  At this time, the Company’s animals business was re-launched through a new website; www.animalnetwork.com.au which provides information on genetic tests, a database of breeder dog results supplied from GTG tests, services and the ability to order tests online.

 

By late 2009, the new strategy for GTG of focusing on genetic health started to impact the way resources would be used in the animals business.  This change in strategic direction meant that many ad-hoc and small / infrequent volume animal tests were eliminated from the animal testing portfolio.  A decision to focus solely on canine genetic tests meant an increase in establishing relationship with new channel partners.  In the Veterinary market, Gribbles was appointed as the Company’s exclusive distribution partner for Australia and New Zealand.  In the animal welfare area, our relationship with Lort Smith Animal Hospital continued and additional relationships established with the Animal Welfare Leagues in New South Wales and South Australia and the New Zealand Kennel Club.  Outside the main cities, distribution agreements were set up with ART in Rockhampton, Queensland.(3) Forensic testing - recognizing the increasing use of DNA analysis in forensics and the demand this would place on existing government laboratories, in February 2004, the Company successfully gained forensics accreditation from the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (“NATA”).  We were the first non-government laboratory in Australia to be awarded this accreditation.  Since then, we have developed a highly efficient and technologically advanced forensics laboratory.  This capability was substantially advanced by our recent non-coding licensing deal with Applera Corporation under which we secured equipment and supplies essential to conducting forensics analysis.  Together with these resources and our experience in DNA analysis, the Company is becoming a major provider of DNA analysis services to the Australian forensics community.

 

In April 2006, we announced that we had been awarded a contract to supply the New South Wales (N.S.W.) Police Force with DNA analysis services, under which we provided services for an initial trial period of three months.  Following this successful trial, we executed a three year contract with the NSW Police Force in January 2008 for DNA analysis services for their volume crime samples, such as burglary and motor vehicle theft.  This contract represented a major breakthrough for the Company and was the first time in Australia that any Police Force had awarded a long-term contract to outsource the testing of their crime samples.  The initial term of the contract with the NSW Police Force ended in January 2011.  The contract has since expired in January 2013.

 

(4) Plant testing - in March 2002, we formed a joint venture with the Victorian State Government’s Department of Primary Industry, for the purpose of providing a high throughput genotyping service for plant testing - in order to help plant breeders identify the genes responsible for the detection of commercially relevant traits, such as resistance to disease, accelerated growth and the improvement of crop yields.  A new company, AgGenomics Pty. Ltd., was formed, with us as the majority shareholder and the State agency as the minority partner.  After a number of years in business, AgGenomics Pty. Ltd. was deregistered on June 20, 2012.

 

Our Patent Portfolio

 

The acquisition of GeneType AG in August 2000 gave our Company ownership rights to a potentially significant portfolio of issued patents.  During the intervening years, this portfolio has since been expanded by both organic growth and the acquisition of intellectual property assets from third parties.  The major families of patents in the portfolio as of the date of this Annual Report include:

 

(a)         Intron Sequence Analysis;

(b)         Genomic Mapping;

 

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(c)          Perlegen;

(d)         BREVAGenTM;

(e)          Laboratory Techniques;

(f)           Ancestral Haplotypes;

(g)          Athletic Performance;

(h)         Nematode Project; and

(i)             RareCellect Project.

 

(a)         The Intron Sequence Analysis patents allow for the detection of specific motifs within the genetic material in the non-coding regions of DNA which have been shown may be linked to certain alleles or haplotypes within the coding region of the gene.  In other words, whereas most geneticists previously looked at the genetic information located within the coding region alone, our inventions have provided a means of also looking at additional useful information which is located within the non-coding part of the gene, and which is now known to also be important in influencing gene function and, in particular, protein production.  It is also now known that more than 100 human diseases are associated with genetic changes in the non-coding part of a particular gene and which are linked to the function of the coding part of that gene.

 

(b)         The Genomic Mapping patents describe methods for analyzing genetic material collected from various selected populations to identify and locate genes and markers of interest, by identifying highly polymorphic sites throughout the genome and particular haplotypes associated with such sites, all based on a reading of sequence information in both the coding and the non-coding portions of the genome.

 

(c)          The Perlegen patents describe the family of patents that were acquired from Perlegen Sciences, Inc. that provide methods for discovering genetic associations to disease and which build on and augment the Genomic Mapping patents.

 

(d)         The BREVAGenTM patents describe a combination of method and product filings which describes a breast cancer risk assessment test based on both genetic and clinical factors to deliver an improved understanding of an individual’s risk of contracting breast cancer.

 

(e)          The Laboratory Techniques patents describe a method for identifying band positions in an electrophoretic separation by also including a control, which serves as an internal standard.

 

(f)           The Ancestral Haplotypes patents describe a method for determining ancestral haplotypes using haplospecific geometric elements within the major histocompatibility complex multi-gene cluster and methods of genetic analysis involving the amplification of complimentary duplicons.  These patents were acquired by the Company from the C.Y. O’Connor ERADE Village Foundation in Western Australia.

 

(g)         The Athletic Performance patents describe a method that enables aspects of athletic performance to be predicted based on detection of various forms of the alpha actinin 3 (ACTN3) gene.  These patents were acquired from the University of Sydney in New South Wales.

 

(h)         The Nematode Project patents describe means to identify and to control a variety of species of parasites.  The patent applications describe the use of modern genetic technologies to identify celluar targets for two novel classes of chemicals which can be used to control the major parasitic worms of sheep and cattle.  These nematodes are responsible for extensive economic losses to the sheep and cattle industries and are rapidly developing resistance to the existing chemicals.

 

(i)            The RareCellect Project patents comprise a suite of patents, the older ones of which describe a novel and safe method for the isolation and collection of fetal cells from the peripheral blood of a pregnant woman, utilizing various HLA or other markers plus flow cytometry - all without any invasive procedure that might endanger the mother or the child.  Together with more recent patents, these form the basis of the intellectual property associated with the RareCellect project.

 

The many issued, allowed and pending patents claimed by GeneType AG, and which are now owned by our Company, distinguish us from competitors by giving us the legal right to claim ownership of proprietary methods and compositions for analysis of DNA using information contained within non-coding regions and for the isolation of fetal cells.  The methods and compositions for analysis of DNA may be used to identify a particular form of a gene or to map the location of a disease-associated gene.

 

In total, we have 18 issued patents and 10 patent applications in the United States.  Reflecting our international business strategy, we have also sought and been granted foreign patents by many other major industrialized nations, corresponding to each of the major patents already issued in the United States.

 

Generally, United States patents filed with the United States Patent Office prior to June 8, 1995 have a term of 17 years from the date of issuance, and 20 years from the application filing date or earlier claimed priority date in the case of patents issued from applications filed on or after June 8, 1995.  For applications filed after May 29, 2000, the term is 20 years from the date of filing.  A

 

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minimum term of 17 years is assured, provided the applicant causes no delays during prosecution.  Patents in most other countries have a term of 20 years from the date of filing the patent application.  Our issued United States patents began to expire in 2009.  We intend to continue to file patent applications as we develop new products, technologies and patentable enhancements.  Prosecution practices have been implemented to avoid any applicant delays that could compromise the 17-year minimum term.  There can be no guarantee that such procedures will prevent the loss of a potential patent term.  This is particularly true in the short-term as the patent rules implementing the most recent patent term changes are relatively new and untested.

 

Complex legal and factual determinations and evolving law make patent protection uncertain.  As a result, we cannot be certain that patents will be issued from any of our pending patent applications or from applications licensed to us or that any issued patents will have sufficient breadth to offer meaningful protection.  In addition, our issued patents may be successfully challenged, invalidated, circumvented or rendered unenforceable so that our patent rights would not create an effective competitive barrier.  Moreover, the laws of some countries may not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do the United States patent laws.

 

In addition to patent protection, we rely on trade secret protection of our intellectual property.  We attempt to protect our trade secrets by entering into confidentiality agreements with third parties, employees and consultants.  Our employees and consultants are required to sign agreements to assign to us their interests in discoveries, inventions, patents, trademarks and copyrights arising from their work for us.  They are also required to maintain the confidentiality of our intellectual property, and refrain from unfair competition with us during their employment and for a certain period of time after their employment with us, which includes solicitation of our employees and customers.  We cannot be certain these agreements will not be breached or invalidated.  In addition, third parties may independently discover or invent competing technologies or reverse engineer our trade secrets or other technologies.

 

In the future, we may become involved in lawsuits in which third parties file claims asserting that our technologies or products infringe on their intellectual property.  We cannot predict whether third parties will assert such claims against us or against the licensors of technologies licensed to us, or our licensees, or whether those claims will hurt our business.  We may be forced to defend against such claims, whether they are with or without merit or whether they are resolved in favor of or against our licensors or us and may face costly litigation and diversion of Management’s attention and resources.  As a result of such disputes, we may have to develop costly non-infringing technologies or enter into licensing agreements.  These agreements may oblige us to accept costly terms, which could seriously limit the ability to conduct our operations and affect adversely our financial condition.

 

In addition, we may become involved in lawsuits in which third parties file claims asserting that one or more of our patents are invalid.  We cannot predict whether third parties will assert such claims against us or against the licensees of such patents, or whether those claims will have an adverse impact on our business.  We may be forced to defend against such claims, whether they are with or without merit or whether they are resolved in favor of or against our licensees or us and may face costly litigation and diversion of Management’s attention.

 

Historically, were have initiated legal proceedings against a number of companies, including Applera Corporation.  On December 12, 2005, we announced the final settlement of our patent dispute with Applera, further to a settlement conference held in San Francisco, California.  The parties executed a number of binding agreements, including a final Settlement Agreement plus license agreements and a supply agreement and, subsequently, they jointly applied to Northern California District Court requesting that all claims and counterclaims in the legal action be dismissed forthwith.  The total value of the consideration receivable by us is approximately $15 million, payable partly in cash and partly in kind, including agreements supplying the Company with certain Applera equipment, reagents and intellectual property rights.  As of June 30, 2013, the total value of these rights was $1,222,579.  Recognition of in-kind consideration as revenue is subject to us meeting certain revenue recognition criteria including, but not limited to, the measurement of fair value at the time of receipt.

 

Our current patent portfolio is described below.  “Numbers” refers to either provisional, application, publication or patent number.

 

 

 

Country / region

 

Numbers

 

Granted

 

Pending

INTRON SEQUENCE ANALYSIS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intron sequence analysis method for detection of adjacent and remote locus alleles as haplotypes

 

Australia

 

AU654111

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority August 25, 1989

 

 

 

AU672519

 

·

 

 

 

 

Austria

 

AT144797

 

·

 

 

 

20



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Belgium

 

EP414469

 

·

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

CA2023888

 

·

 

 

 

 

Denmark

 

DK414469

 

·

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

EP414469

 

·

 

 

 

 

France

 

EP414469

 

·

 

 

 

 

Germany

 

DE69029018

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

DD299319

 

·

 

 

 

 

Great Britain

 

EP414469

 

·

 

 

 

 

Greece

 

GR3022410

 

·

 

 

 

 

Hong Kong

 

HK1008053

 

·

 

 

 

 

Israel

 

IL95467

 

·

 

 

 

 

Italy

 

EP414469

 

·

 

 

 

 

Japan

 

JP3206812

 

·

 

 

 

 

Luxembourg

 

EP414469

 

·

 

 

 

 

Netherlands

 

EP414469

 

·

 

 

 

 

New Zealand

 

NZ235051

 

·

 

 

 

 

Singapore

 

SG47747

 

·

 

 

 

 

South Africa

 

ZA9006765

 

·

 

 

 

 

Spain

 

ES2095859

 

·

 

 

 

 

Sweden

 

EP414469

 

·

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

EP414469

 

·

 

 

 

 

United States

 

US5192659

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

US5612179

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

US5789568

 

·

 

 

 

21



Table of Contents

 

GENOMIC MAPPING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genomic mapping method by direct haplotyping using intron sequence analysis

 

Australia

 

AU647806

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority July 11, 1990

 

Austria

 

AT185377

 

·

 

 

 

 

Belgium

 

EP570371

 

·

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

CA2087042

 

·

 

 

 

 

Denmark

 

DK570371

 

·

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

EP570371

 

·

 

 

 

 

France

 

EP570371

 

·

 

 

 

 

Germany

 

DE69131691

 

·

 

 

 

 

Great Britain

 

EP570371

 

·

 

 

 

 

Ireland

 

IE912426

 

·

 

 

 

 

Israel

 

IL98793

 

·

 

 

 

 

Italy

 

EP570371

 

·

 

 

 

 

Japan

 

JP3409796

 

·

 

 

 

 

Luxembourg

 

EP570371

 

·

 

 

 

 

Netherlands

 

EP570371

 

·

 

 

 

 

New Zealand

 

NZ238926

 

·

 

 

 

 

South Africa

 

ZA9105422

 

·

 

 

 

 

Sweden

 

EP570371

 

·

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

EP570371

 

·

 

 

 

 

United States

 

US5851762

 

·

 

 

 

PERLEGEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods for genomic analysis

 

Australia

 

AU785425

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority March 30, 2001

 

Israel

 

IL148783

 

·

 

 

 

 

United States

 

US6969589

 

·

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

CA2380047

 

 

 

·

 

 

Europe

 

EP1246114

 

 

 

·

 

 

United States

 

US12/795361

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods for identifying matched groups

 

United States

 

US7124033

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority April 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genetic analysis systems and methods

 

Australia

 

AU2003202919

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority January 7, 2002

 

United States

 

US6897025

 

·

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

CA2472646

 

·

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

EP03702032.8

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life sciences business systems and methods

 

United States

 

US6955883

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority March 26, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life science business systems

 

United States

 

US7427480

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority March 26, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical and diagnostic business systems and methods

 

United States

 

US7135286

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority March 26, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haplotype structure of Chromosome 21 (LQTS)

 

United States

 

US7115726

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority March 30, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Country / region

 

Numbers

 

Granted

 

Pending

BREVAGenTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods for genetic analysis

 

United States

 

US7127355

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority March 5, 2004

 

Japan

 

JP2007502088

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods for genetic analysis

 

Australia

 

AU2008304485

 

 

 

·

Earliest priority September 27, 2007

 

Canada

 

CA2704152

 

 

 

·

 

 

Europe

 

08833114.5

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markers for breast cancer

 

Australia

 

AU2006320559

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority November 29, 2006

 

 

 

AU2012202265

 

 

 

·

 

 

Canada

 

CA2631621

 

 

 

·

 

 

China

 

CN20068005171.0

 

 

 

·

 

 

Europe

 

EP06838661.4

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

12156416.5

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

12156418.1

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

12156417.3

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

12156415.7

 

 

 

·

 

 

Hong Kong

 

HK09101235.4

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

12112875.1

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

12112368.5

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

12112874.2

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

12112873.3

 

 

 

·

 

 

Israel

 

IL191566

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

227562

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

227563

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

227564

 

 

 

·

 

 

Japan

 

JP2008543446

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

2013-112566

 

 

 

·

 

 

South Korea

 

KR1020087015808

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

10-2013-7020281

 

 

 

·

 

 

United States

 

US12/890272

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

US12/370972

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods for breast cancer risk assessment

 

Australia

 

2010/000675

 

 

 

·

Earliest priority June 1, 2009

 

Canada

 

2763500

 

 

 

·

 

 

China

 

201080033130.5

 

 

 

·

 

 

Europe

 

10782820.4

 

 

 

·

 

 

Hong Kong

 

12109000.5

 

 

 

·

 

 

Israel

 

216627

 

 

 

·

 

 

Japan

 

2012-513409

 

 

 

·

 

 

Mexico

 

MX/a/2011/012913

 

 

 

·

 

 

United States

 

US12/920815

 

 

 

·

 

LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internal standards for electrophoretic separations

 

Austria

 

AT159589

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority July 11, 1990

 

Europe

 

EP466479

 

·

 

 

 

 

France

 

EP466479

 

·

 

 

 

 

Germany

 

DE69127999

 

·

 

 

 

 

Great Britain

 

EP466479

 

·

 

 

 

 

Japan

 

JP4232850

 

·

 

 

 

 

Sweden

 

EP466479

 

·

 

 

 

 

United States

 

US5096557

 

·

 

 

 

23



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Country / region

 

Numbers

 

Granted

 

Pending

ANCESTRAL HAPLOTYPES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genetic analysis

 

Europe

 

EP660877

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority November 1, 1991

 

France

 

EP660877

 

·

 

 

 

 

Germany

 

DE69232726

 

·

 

 

 

 

Great Britain

 

EP660877

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Method for determining ancestral haplotypes using haplospecific geometric elements within the major histocompatability complex multigene cluster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earliest priority November 1, 1991

 

United States

 

US6383747

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods of genetic analysis involving the amplification of complementary duplicons

 

Australia

 

AU2006214800

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority February 16, 2005

 

Canada

 

CA2597947

 

 

 

·

 

 

Europe

 

EP1848819

 

 

 

·

 

 

United States

 

US2009150080

 

·

 

 

 

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACTN3 genotype screen for athletic performance

 

Australia

 

AU2003258390

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority September 16, 2002

 

India

 

IN216886

 

·

 

 

 

 

New Zealand

 

NZ538890

 

·

 

 

 

 

Russia

 

RU2388829

 

·

 

 

 

 

United States

 

US7615342

 

·

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

EP1546403

 

·

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

CA2499084

 

·

 

 

 

 

Germany

 

EP1546403

 

 

 

·

 

 

France

 

EP1546403

 

 

 

·

 

 

Great Britain

 

EP1546403

 

 

 

·

 

 

China

 

CN1732270

 

 

 

·

 

 

Japan

 

JP2005538710

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEMATODE PROJECT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High resolution analysis of genetic variation within Cryptosporidium parvum

 

Australia

 

AU2003250619

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority August 21, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Country / region

 

Numbers

 

Granted

 

Pending

RARECELLECT® PROJECT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fetal cell recovery method

 

Australia

 

AU649027

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority March 27, 1990

 

Austria

 

AT194166

 

·

 

 

 

 

Belgium

 

EP521909

 

·

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

CA2059554

 

·

 

 

 

 

Denmark

 

DK521909

 

·

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

EP521909

 

·

 

 

 

 

France

 

EP521909

 

·

 

 

 

 

Germany

 

DE69132269

 

·

 

 

 

 

Great Britain

 

EP521909

 

·

 

 

 

 

Greece

 

GR3034487

 

·

 

 

 

 

Ireland

 

IE910996

 

·

 

 

 

 

Israel

 

IL97677

 

·

 

 

 

 

Italy

 

EP521909

 

·

 

 

 

 

Japan

 

JP2965699

 

·

 

 

 

 

Luxembourg

 

EP521909

 

·

 

 

 

 

Netherlands

 

EP521909

 

·

 

 

 

 

New Zealand

 

NZ237589

 

·

 

 

 

 

Singapore

 

SG79188

 

·

 

 

 

 

South Africa

 

ZA9102317

 

·

 

 

 

 

Spain

 

ES2149760

 

·

 

 

 

 

Sweden

 

EP521909

 

·

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

EP521909

 

·

 

 

 

 

United States

 

US5447842

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maternal antibodies as fetal cell markers to identify and enrich fetal cells from maternal blood

 

New Zealand

 

NZ537328

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority May 31, 2002

 

Singapore

 

SG108133

 

·

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

AU2003229397

 

·

 

 

 

 

Japan

 

JP4589106

 

·

 

 

 

 

United States

 

US7785898

 

·

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

CA2492631

 

·

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

EP1532453

 

·

 

 

 

 

Hong Kong

 

HK1075699

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epigenetic DNA enrichment

 

Australia

 

2010306072

 

 

 

·

Earliest priority October 14, 2009

 

Europe

 

10822895.8

 

 

 

·

 

 

Israel

 

219172

 

 

 

·

 

 

United States

 

13/501799

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identification of fetal DNA and fetal cell markers in maternal plasma or serum

 

Australia

 

AU2004217872

 

·

 

 

Earliest priority March 5, 2003

 

United States

 

US10/547721

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

US13/757527

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods of enriching fetal cells

 

Europe

 

EP06721493

 

 

 

·

Earliest priority May 11, 2005

 

Japan

 

JP2008510361

 

 

 

·

 

 

Canada

 

CA2651367

 

 

 

·

 

 

United States

 

13/385775

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biological sampling device

 

Australia

 

2010207877

 

 

 

·

Earliest priority January 27, 2009

 

Canada

 

2787405

 

 

 

·

 

 

China

 

201080014151.2

 

 

 

·

 

 

Europe

 

10735423.5

 

 

 

·

 

 

Hong Kong

 

12105199.4

 

 

 

·

 

 

Israel

 

514310

 

 

 

·

 

 

Singapore

 

201105383.2

 

 

 

·

 

 

United States

 

13/146376

 

 

 

·

 

25



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Country / region

 

Numbers

 

Granted

 

Pending

RARECELLECT® PROJECT (cont.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cell processing and/or enrichment methods

 

Europe

 

EP09712569.4

 

 

 

·

Earliest priority February 18, 2008

 

United States

 

US12/918015

 

 

 

·

 

 

Canada

 

2752838

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods for obtaining fetal genetic material

 

Australia

 

2010239131

 

 

 

·

Earliest priority April 21, 2009

 

Canada

 

2795268

 

 

 

·

 

 

Europe

 

10766487.2

 

 

 

·

 

 

Israel

 

215808

 

 

 

·

 

 

Singapore

 

201107673.4

 

 

 

·

 

 

United States

 

13/265485

 

 

 

·

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods of enriching and detecting fetal nucleic acids

 

Australia

 

2010336017

 

 

 

·

Earliest priority December 23, 2009

 

Canada

 

2817990

 

 

 

·

 

 

Europe

 

10838414.0

 

 

 

·

 

 

Hong Kong

 

13103054.2

 

 

 

·

 

 

Israel

 

220560

 

 

 

·

 

 

United States

 

13/518454

 

 

 

·

 

Out-licensing our Non-coding Patents Globally

 

The Company is currently licensing its non-coding patents in the United States, Europe and elsewhere.  This strategy was initiated in late 2000, soon after GeneType AG and its non-coding DNA patents were acquired by the Company.  The first step in the process was to secure patent insurance, which we achieved in early 2001.  This policy has since expired.

 

Thereafter, we progressively made contact with many companies in the United States and elsewhere, bringing the patents to their attention and indicating how they might benefit from a license to the Company’s non-coding patents.  The plan initially was to grant a number of licenses focusing primarily on the up-front fee component, and then to progressively build recurring annuity or royalty component of subsequent licenses.  When we identified companies that appeared to be infringing our patents, while also indicating they would not take a license, we put them on formal notice under our patent insurance policy.  Overall, the strategy has unfolded as planned.

 

In recent years, this strategy had evolved further with the appointment of Colorado-based law firm Sheridan Ross PC as our “assertion” partner.  With their assistance, the Company has now filed three large patent infringement suits in the U.S. against a total of 25 separate parties. Further, 13 individual patent infringement suits have also been filed in the USA.  Settlement and license agreements have since been executed with a number of these parties.  As of the date of this Annual Report, negotiations continue with the remaining 10 parties and with other parties outside the U.S. lawsuits.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Our Licenses and Commercial Collaborations

 

Since commencing our licensing program back in 2002, we have granted commercial licenses to a total of 69 licensees and 6 research licenses to the following parties as of October 18, 2013, which are listed in reverse chronological order of the effective dates of the respective licenses:

 

Commercial licensees

 

69. Bio-Reference Laboratories / GenPath and Lenetix, USA

68. Genelex Corporation, USA

67. Genesis Genetics Institute, LLC, USA

66. Reproductive Genetics Institute Inc., USA

65. Bioscientia Institute for Medical Diagnostics and other Sonic Subsidiaries, Germany

64. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (‘LabCorp”)., USA

63. Genetics & IVF Institute Inc., USA

62. PreventionGenetics LLC, USA

61. 454 Life Sciences Corporation, USA

60. One Lambda Inc., USA

59. Conexio Genomics Pty. Ltd., Australia

58. GeneSeek Inc., USA

57. Sonic Group companies, USA

56. Eurofins STA Laboratories Inc., USA

55. AutoImmun Diagnostika GmbH, Germany

54. Hologic Inc., USA

53. Attomol GmbH, Germany

52. Navigenics Inc., USA

51. Orchid Cellmark Inc., USA

50. ViennaLab Diagnostics GmbH, Austria

49. Sunrise Medical Laboratories Inc., USA

48. Qiagen Sciences LLC, USA

47. Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., USA

46. Innogenetics NV (medical diagnostic products), Belgium

45. Laboratoires Réunis, Luxembourg

44. Interleukin Genetics Inc., USA

43. Beckman Coulter Inc. / Clinical Data Inc., USA

42. Monsanto Company (cattle genetics) USA

41. Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network Inc., USA

40. EraGen Inc., USA

39. Gen-Probe Inc., USA

38. TIB MOLBIOL Syntheselabor GmbH, Germany

37. Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA

36. GeneDx (Bio Reference Laboratories Inc.), USA

35. General Electric Company, USA

34. Prometheus Laboratories Inc. USA

33. Kimball Genetics Inc., USA

32. BioSearch Technologies Inc., USA

31. Syngenta Crop Protection AG, Switzerland

30. Monsanto Company (swine genetics), USA

29. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., USA

28. Monsanto Company (plant genetics) USA

27. Sciona Inc., USA

26. Genosense Diagnostics GmbH, Austria

25. Innogenetics NV (HLA products), Belgium

24. Bovigen LLC, USA

23. Optigen LLC, USA

22. Applera Corporation, USA

18 - 21. Four agriculture groups, New Zealand

17. Australian Genome Research Facility Limited, Australia

16. Bionomics Limited, Australia

15. C.Y. O’Connor ERADE Village Foundation, Australia

14. ViaLactia Biosciences Limited, New Zealand

13. MetaMorphix Inc., USA (license subsequently terminated)

12. Genzyme Corporation, USA

11. Ovita Limited, New Zealand

10. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, USA

9. TM Bioscience Corporation, Canada

8. Quest Diagnostics Inc., USA

7. ARUP, USA

6. Biotage AB, Sweden

5. Myriad Genetics Inc., USA

4. Perlegen Sciences Inc., USA

3. Nanogen Inc., USA

2. Sequenom Inc., USA

1. Genetic Solutions Pty. Ltd., Australia

 

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Research licensees

 

6. Texas A&M University (Merlogen Inc.), USA

5. Colorado State University, USA

4. University of Technology Sydney, Australia

3. King’s College London, England

2. University of Sydney, Australia

1. University of Utah, USA

 

On February 16, 2010, the Company announced it had filed a patent infringement suit in respect of its non-coding DNA technologies against a number of parties in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin.  The counter-parties included Beckman Coulter Inc., Monsanto Company, Interleukin Genetics Inc., Orchid Cellmark Inc., Gen-Probe Inc., Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network Inc., Sunrise Medical Laboratories and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.  In April 2011, the Company was pleased to announce the successful culmination of this suit, importantly with no counterparty proceeding to trial.  The various settlement and license agreements which were granted to the counterparties of this first suit generated gross fees in excess of $5.8 million and the suit was administratively closed by the Court.

 

On January 20, 2011, the Company announced it had filed a second patent infringement law suit in the U.S.A., this time in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division.  The seven counterparties to this action, each a company associated with Sonic Healthcare Limited, were: American Esoteric Laboratories, Clinical Pathology Laboratories Inc., Clinical Pathology Laboratories Southeast, East Side Clinical Laboratories, Clinical Pathology Laboratories Mid-Atlantic, Pathology Laboratories Inc. and Sonic Healthcare U.S.A. Inc.  This second suit followed the successful settlement between GTG and Sunrise Medical Laboratories (a counterparty to the first assertion suit, detailed above) which is also an entity associated with Sonic.  On February 21, 2012, the Company announced the successful conclusion of the second assertion suit having executed a Settlement with the companies associated with Sonic Healthcare Limited.

 

On May 26, 2011, the Company announced it had filed a third patent infringement law suit in the U.S.A., this time in the U.S.A. District Court, Western District of Colorado.  The ten counterparties to this suit are: Agilent Technologies Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eurofins STA Laboratories Inc., GlaxoSmithKline LLC, Hologic Inc., Merial LLC, Navigenics Inc., GeneSeek Inc., Pfizer Inc. and 454 Life Sciences Corporation.  Subsequent to filing this suit in Colorado, Settlement and License Agreements have been executed with Navigenics Inc., Hologic Inc., Eurofins STA Laboratories Inc., GeneSeek Inc. and 454 Life Sciences Corporation.

 

In addition to the formal U.S. assertion program, the Company is actively pursuing licenses external to these lawsuits, principally in Europe.  Since the time of filing the first U.S. assertion suit, the Company has successfully concluded licensing deals with a number of non-assertion program targets from both the U.S. and Europe which collectively generated gross fees in excess of $6.5 million for the Company.

 

Further, on July 9, 2012, the Company announced that it had expanded the scope and jurisdictional reach of its success fee based retention arrangement with Sheridan Ross P.C. (“Sheridan Ross”) of Denver, Colorado pursuant to which the existing U.S. assertion arrangement with Sheridan Ross was extended to cover all of GTG’s non-coding patents in all jurisdictions.  Under the expanded arrangement, Sheridan Ross will be available to assist the Company in asserting all international equivalents of the U.S. non-coding patents as well as the newer non-coding patents acquired by GTG along with the purchase of BREVAGen™ from Perlegen Sciences Inc. in 2010.  Importantly, Sheridan Ross will now be able to assist GTG with asserting its non-coding patents globally, effectively acting as lead counsel to GTG in these international efforts.

 

The following section describes our existing commercial and research licenses.  We announced our first license to the non-coding patents to the Australian livestock testing firm Genetic Solutions Pty. Ltd., in February 2002.  Since then, we have granted many additional licenses to parties located all over the world.

 

Commercial Licenses

 

Genetic Solutions License: In November 2001, we granted a license to Genetic Solutions Pty. Ltd. who paid us a non-refundable license fee in cash in return for a license to our non-coding analysis and mapping patents.  The license can be terminated by either party upon any material breach of any term or condition by the other party which has not been timely cured after notice.  We may also terminate the agreement in the event of the bankruptcy of the licensee or discontinuation of their business.

 

Sequenom License: In April 2002, we granted a license to bioinstrument maker Sequenom, Inc., who paid us a non-refundable license fee in cash and shares in return for a license to our non-coding analysis and mapping patents.  The license can be terminated by either party upon any material breach of any term or condition by the other party which has not been timely cured after notice.  We may also terminate the agreement in the event of the bankruptcy of the licensee or discontinuation of their business.

 

Nanogen License:  In April 2002 we granted a license to Nanogen, Inc, of San Diego, USA, who specializes in the development of biochip applications in genetics diagnostics.  Nanogen paid us a non-refundable license fee and unlisted warrants in return for a license limited to genetic research and human diagnostics.  Specifically, Nanogen receives no rights to the mapping patent

 

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nor any applications in animals or plants.  Since the date of the initial license, the warrants became “in the money” and we exercised them, acquiring Nanogen shares which we disposed of in market transactions generating further income.  The license can be terminated by either party upon any material breach of any term or condition of the agreement not timely cured.  We also can terminate the agreement in the event the licensee becomes involved in insolvency proceedings or if it discontinues its business for any reason.

 

Perlegen License:  In August 2002, we granted a license to US genome researcher, Perlegen Sciences, Inc. of Mountain View, California, which paid a non-refundable combination of cash and securities for an exclusive license limited to a specialized field known as “high resolution whole genome analysis”.  Either party can terminate the license agreement upon any material breach of any term or condition by the other party that is not timely cured after notice.  We also have the right to terminate the agreement in the event of insolvency of the licensee or if it discontinues its business for any reason.

 

Myriad Licenses:  In October 2002, we announced a licensing agreement with Myriad Genetics, Inc., under which we granted Myriad broad rights to utilize our non-coding patents, in return for which Myriad agreed to pay us a non-refundable license fee plus future fees on an annual basis in lieu of royalties, plus the rights to bring Myriad’s predictive tests to Australia and New Zealand.  These tests, which include genetic susceptibility tests for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bowel cancer, melanoma and cardiac risk are now being offered by the Company in Australia and have resulted in the expansion of our existing genetic testing facilities in Melbourne.  The license can be terminated by either party upon material breach by the other party that is not cured within 30 days of notice.  We also may terminate if the licensee fails to make any payment required by the agreement.  Under the second of two agreements, we are granted a license to use Myriad’s diagnostic services in Australia and New Zealand in exchange for an annual fee.  We are obligated to use reasonable efforts to commercialize the licensed diagnostic services in Australia and New Zealand.  Under the terms of this agreement, we have been granted an option in exchange for upfront payments and a continuing royalty, to expand the license in respect of full sequence testing, which has not been exercised.  The term of this agreement extends until 2012.  Either party can terminate the agreement upon a material breach not timely cured after notice.  In addition, Myriad can terminate if we fail to make any payment required under the agreement.

 

Pyrosequencing Licenses:  In March 2003, we announced a cross-licensing agreement with Pyrosequencing AB, of Sweden (now known as Biotage AB).  Pyrosequencing received a broad non-exclusive license to our non-coding DNA analysis and mapping patents but only when used in combination with Pyrosequencing’s “sequencing by synthesis” reagents.  In return, we received a non-refundable cash up front payment, plus royalties for the life of the non-coding patents, plus three state-of-the-art analytical instruments (Pyrosequencing systems), plus other IP rights and assays from Pyrosequencing.  Either party can terminate the agreement upon material breach that is not timely cured by the other party after notice.  In addition, either party can terminate the agreement if the other party becomes involved in insolvency proceedings, or if the other party discontinues its business for any reason.

 

ARUP License:  In April 2003, we announced a license to Associated Regional & University Pathologists (ARUP) of Salt Lake City, Utah.  ARUP is a laboratory system owned by the University of Utah, and the first service provider actually performing human genetic testing to take a license from the Company.  The license was granted in return for a one-time non-refundable license issue fee.  The license is terminable by a party upon material breach by the other party that is not timely cured after notice.  In addition, we have the right to terminate if the licensee becomes involved in an insolvency or discontinues its business for any reason.  In May, 2003, we had also granted the University of Utah a separate research license which is terminable upon material breach by the licensee not timely cured after notice.

 

Quest License:  In August 2003, we granted a license to our non-coding analysis patents to Quest Diagnostics Inc., based in New Jersey.  The terms included a non-refundable signing fee plus ongoing annual payments in lieu of royalties from Quest for services provided by it in genetic laboratory testing in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  In addition, the license is terminable by one party in the event of a material breach by the other party not cured after notice.  Either party may also terminate the license in the event of an insolvency event affecting the other party or the discontinuation of business by the other party.  Effective June 1, 2010, we amended the license which had been granted to Quest as part of a settlement with that company.  In return for agreeing to the amendment, Quest made a further payment to Genetic Technologies.

 

TM Bioscience License:  In December 2003, we granted a license to our non-coding analysis and mapping patents to TM Bioscience Corporation of Toronto, Canada.  The terms provide for a signing fee plus ongoing annual payments as a non-refundable license fee and an annual royalty on licensed products.  This was our first commercial license granted to a Canadian company.  TM Bioscience is a leading provider of diagnostic kits for human genetic testing, exported globally.  The agreement is terminable by a party upon material breach by the other party that is not timely cured, and may be terminated by us in the event of dissolution or sale of the business of the licensee.

 

LabCorp License:  In February 2004, we granted a license to our non-coding patents to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (known as “LabCorp”), a leading provider of human diagnostic services.  The consideration received for the license, which covers both the non-coding analysis and mapping patents, included a non-refundable signing fee plus annual license annuity payments for the life of the patents, through 2015.  LabCorp also withdrew a declaratory action in respect of our patents which had been initiated in New Jersey.  The license is terminable by either party upon material breach by the other party that is not timely cured.  In addition,

 

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we are entitled to terminate the agreement in the event that the licensee intentionally and knowingly promotes the licensee’s reference testing to third party clinical laboratories for the purpose of circumventing the need for such laboratories to license our patents.  The licensee is entitled to terminate the agreement at any time upon 30 days prior written notice and we can terminate in the event of an insolvency event involving the licensee or discontinuation of its business.

 

Ovita License:  In June 2004, we entered into a license agreement with Ovita Limited of New Zealand, granting them a license to our non-coding patents to the extent required in order to commercialize genetic marker tests and pedigree tests and to conduct research and development activities for new applications of our technology in connection with testing of sheep and cattle.  The agreement included the payment of an initial non-refundable research license fee, a non-refundable commercial license fee and a royalty on licensed products made using our patents, payable calculated on gross sales.  The license is terminable by a party for material breach that is not cured by the other party, by licensee upon 30 days’ written notice to us and by either party in the event of discontinuation of its business, an insolvency event or failure to pay amounts due and owing to the other.

 

Genzyme License:  Effective as of September 17, 2004, we granted a license to our non-coding patents to Genzyme Corporation, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in order for the licensee to perform preclinical and human research and human genetic testing.  The grant of the license was in exchange for a non-refundable license issue fee consisting of a cash component and an in-kind component.  The in-kind component consisted of a license agreement in respect of patents owned by Johns Hopkins University and licensed by the licensee.  In addition, Genzyme is obligated to pay to us license annuity fees in lieu of a royalty for each year of the term.  Either party can terminate the agreement upon material breach not timely cured, in the event of insolvency of the licensee, or by the licensee at any time upon 30 days written notice to us.

 

MetaMorphix Agreements:  In September 2004, we executed two agreements with MetaMorphix, Inc., based in Maryland and specializing in the genetics and genomics of certain animal species, particularly cattle and dogs.  Under the first such agreement, we granted a license to use our non-coding patents in order to commercialize applications of diagnostic assays for use in the livestock, aquaculture and companion animal industries.  The licensee is obligated to pay us annually increasing license annuity fees in lieu of a royalty, as well as a non-refundable license issue fee.  Either party can terminate the agreement upon a material breach not timely cured, or by us upon the licensee’s discontinuation of its business for any reason.  Under the second license, to which MMI Genomics, Inc. (a subsidiary of MetaMorphix) is also a party, we were granted a license to the licensor’s patents and associated know-how in order to perform internal DNA-based diagnostic assays for use in our cattle and canine identity and parentage verification services.  We have subsequently paid the licensor a non-refundable license fee.  The licensor’s obligations include ongoing support for the license and know-how.  The agreement is terminable by either party upon material default by the other party that is not timely cured, or by the licensor in the event we discontinue our cattle and canine identity and parentage verification genotyping services business for any reason.  The license to our non-coding patents that was previously granted to MetaMorphix was terminated in October 2009 as a result of a material unremedied breach by that company.

 

ViaLactia License:  In September 2003, we reached agreement with ViaLactia Biosciences (NZ) Limited of Auckland, New Zealand regarding the terms of a research and commercial license to the Company’s non-coding patents.  ViaLactia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fonterra, New Zealand’s largest dairy cooperative.  The license was formally concluded in December 2003.  The purpose of the license is to permit ViaLactia to conduct internal research activities and development of applications of our technology in the dairy industry, including new applications concerning dairy cattle, pasture grasses, mice as models for dairy cattle and yeast and bacteria as applied to the dairy industry.  The license is terminable by either party upon material default of the other party that is not timely cured, without other penalty.

 

C.Y. O’Connor ERADE Village Foundation:  In October 2003, we announced that we had signed heads of agreement to establish a broad strategic alliance with the C.Y. O’Connor ERADE Village Foundation, a leader in biotechnology innovation based in Perth, Western Australia.  Definitive documentation was concluded in June 2004.  Under the terms of the agreement, we acquired all of the Foundation’s patents and other intellectual property in the fields of genetics and genomics, including the Foundation’s issued U.S. patent 6383747 and foreign equivalents.  This extensive package of intellectual property has created additional opportunities for us in support of licensing and service testing.  As part of the arrangement, the Foundation acquired a license to our non-coding patents for a fee, such that the net purchase price for us was settled by the issuance of a total of 16,666,667 of our Ordinary Shares to the Foundation based on a market value of $0.39 per share.  The transaction closed in June 2004.  Under the arrangement, we support the ongoing genetics and genomics programs of the Foundation.  Initially, five projects were selected for priority attention and we will provide $4.5 million to the Foundation, spread over five years, to help fund such research and development of new intellectual property.  On July 7, 2004, the Company supplied a letter of credit for $450,000 for the term of the agreement.  Under the agreements, we are the primary commercialization vehicle for all new inventions, patents, intellectual property and business opportunities arising at the Foundation in the field of genetics or genomics.  We are also obligated to pay royalties to the Foundation on gross revenue derived from the Foundation IP.  We may terminate the license following any breach of the license by the licensee, either party can terminate following a material breach that is not timely cured or following an insolvency event of the other party.  On June 15, 2009, being the fifth anniversary of the Effective Dates of the various underlying agreements between the Company and the Foundation, the agreements terminated.  As a result, the letter of credit for $450,000 which had been supplied by the Company was withdrawn.

 

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Bionomics Licenses: Effective November 5, 2004, we entered into two agreements with Bionomics Limited, a public company based in Adelaide, South Australia.  Under the first such agreement, we granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to Bionomics to use our non-coding patents in order to (i) perform research and development activities relating to and arising from the identification of genetic factors that may influence epilepsy and (ii) commercialize the results of those research and development activities including, without limitation, epilepsy diagnostic assays.  Bionomics paid us a non-refundable license fee on signing.  Either party can terminate the agreement upon a material breach not timely cured.  Under the second agreement with Bionomics, we were granted a license to use certain intellectual property rights, including patent rights and associated know-how, relating to epilepsy gene discoveries and epilepsy diagnostic assays subject to minimum annual royalties.  We paid Bionomics a non-refundable license fee.  The agreement is terminable by either party upon material default by the other party that is not timely cured.

 

Australian Genome Research Facility License:  Effective December 31, 2004, we granted a license to the non-coding patents to Australian Genome Research Facility Ltd. (“AGRF”) pursuant to which AGRF can use the patents on a non-exclusive basis for the purpose of performing genotyping services.  The license requires an advance non-refundable license fee and an annual non-refundable annuity for the term of the license in lieu of a royalty, which continues until sooner terminated or the licensee no longer utilizes the patent.  The agreement is terminable by mutual agreement, or by us in the event of a breach of a term or condition by the licensee or if it is subject to an insolvency event.

 

New Zealand Licenses:  Effective June 30, 2005, we entered into a license agreement with four commercial parties in New Zealand: AgResearch Limited, The Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand Limited, New Zealand Forest Research Limited and Livestock Improvement Corporation Limited.  Under the terms of the agreement, the parties were granted licenses to our non-coding patents in consideration for which they paid us a non-refundable license issue fee.

 

Applera Licenses:  Effective December 8, 2005, we entered into various agreements with Applera Corporation of Norwalk, Connecticut as part of a settlement of a patent dispute.  The binding agreements include a final Settlement Agreement plus license agreements and a supply agreement.  The total consideration receivable by us was paid partly in cash and partly in kind - including agreements supplying the Company with certain Applera equipment, reagents and intellectual property rights.  Recognition of in-kind consideration as revenue is subject to us meeting certain revenue recognition criteria including, but not limited to, the measurement of fair value at the time of receipt.

 

Optigen Licenses:  Effective May 23, 2006, we executed an agreement with Optigen, LLC of Ithaca, New York.  Under the agreement, Genetic Technologies granted Optigen a non-exclusive license to our non-coding patents for applications in dogs, and Optigen granted the Company the exclusive right to offer and perform the complete range of Optigen genetic tests for diseases in dogs in the Asia-Pacific region.  The addition of the Optigen tests substantially expanded the range of genetic tests offered by us to the canine industry in our region.  The license granted by us to Optigen provides Optigen with access to our non-coding technology, covering all relevant genetic tests and research activities conducted by Optigen, in dogs.

 

Bovigen License:  Effective June 1, 2006, we granted a license to the non-coding patents to Bovigen, LLC of Harahan, Louisiana.  Under the agreement, Bovigen will use the Company’s non-coding technology to build its business of offering genetic tests to the American livestock industry to determine the presence or absence of certain desirable traits in individual cattle.  The rights that we licensed to Bovigen were granted non-exclusively, and are limited to applications in cattle in the USA, Canada and South America.  In consideration for granting the license, Bovigen paid us an up-front signing fee and will pay ongoing royalties on the future sales by Bovigen for the life of the non-coding patents.

 

Innogenetics Licenses:  Effective June 30, 2006, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Innogenetics NV of Ghent, Belgium.  Innogenetics is a significant supplier of genetic testing kits in Europe and is listed on the Belgium and German stock exchanges.  In consideration for granting the license, Innogenetics paid us an up-front signing fee and will pay ongoing annuities for the life of the non-coding patents.  The agreement is terminable by mutual agreement, or by us in the event of a breach of a term or condition by the licensee or if it is subject to an insolvency event.  Effective November 8, 2010, we granted a second license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Innogenetics as part of a settlement of a dispute which, this time, covers its work in molecular diagnostics products.

 

Genosense License:  Effective December 1, 2006, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Genosense Diagnostics GmbH, a leading anti-aging and preventive genetic diagnostics company based in Vienna, Austria.  In consideration for granting the license, Genosense paid us an up-front signing fee and will pay ongoing annuities for the life of the non-coding patents.  The agreement is terminable by mutual agreement, or by us in the event of a breach of a term or condition by the licensee or if it is subject to an insolvency event.

 

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Sciona License:  Effective February 16, 2007, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Sciona, Inc. based in Boulder, Colorado.  This license runs for nine years and is the first step in a progressive co-operation between us and Sciona in relation to the emerging lifestyle and life-extension markets.  We received a signing fee plus annual payments from Sciona, increasing with time.  We were also granted the right to market the Sciona range of products in the Asia-Pacific region, and to perform the relevant genetic tests at our laboratory in Melbourne.  Sciona is a leading provider of personalised genetic tests which focus primarily on lifestyle and nutritional adjustments to enhance health and longevity.  The agreement is terminable by mutual agreement, or by us in the event of a breach of a term or condition by the licensee or if it is subject to an insolvency event.  During 2009, Sciona was placed into receivership.

 

Monsanto Licenses:  Effective June 20, 2007, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Monsanto Company, based in St. Louis, Missouri.  As part of the license, which covers Monsanto’s work in plants, Monsanto made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the license, cannot be disclosed.  Effective August 22, 2007, we granted a second license to Monsanto which, this time, covers its work in swine.  In respect of this second license, Monsanto paid us a further up-front payment.  Effective July 30, 2010, we granted a third license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Monsanto which, this time, covers its work in cattle.  In respect of this third license, Monsanto paid us a third up-front payment.

 

Thermo Fisher Scientific License:  Effective June 29, 2007, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., based in Waltham, Massachusetts.  Thermo Fisher is the parent company of Athena Diagnostics, Inc., a genetic testing laboratory based in Worcester, Massachusetts, with whom we had been in discussions for some time.  As part of the license, Thermo Fisher made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the license, cannot be disclosed.

 

Syngenta License:  Effective September 28, 2007, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Syngenta Crop Protection AG, based in Basel, Switzerland.  Syngenta is a large plant and seed company, active in more than 90 countries, with more than 19,000 employees.  As part of the license, Syngenta made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the license, cannot be disclosed.

 

BioSearch License:  Effective September 30, 2007, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to BioSearch Technologies Inc., based in Novato, California.  As part of the license, pursuant to which BioSearch is permitted to distribute certain DNA structures, known as oligos or probes, to end users worldwide for research purposes only, BioSearch made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the license, cannot be disclosed.

 

Kimball License:  Effective November 16, 2007, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Kimball Genetics Inc., based in Denver, Colorado.  As part of the license, Kimball made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the license, cannot be disclosed.

 

Prometheus License:  Effective December 23, 2007, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Prometheus Laboratories Inc., based in San Diego, California.  As part of the license, Prometheus made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the license, cannot be disclosed.

 

GE License:  Effective January 14, 2008, we executed a Settlement and License Agreement with General Electric Company (and indirectly its subsidiary GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences Corp.), based in Piscataway, New Jersey.  The agreement between the Company and GE Healthcare involves a settlement of all disputes between the parties and the granting of a license to GTG’s non-coding patents.  As part of the agreement, GE Healthcare made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

GeneDx License:  Effective October 1, 2008, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to GeneDx, a subsidiary of Bio Reference Laboratories Inc., based in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  The license granted permits GeneDx to perform PTEN testing until the patent expires in March 2010.  As part of the license, GeneDx made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Millennium License:  Effective October 22, 2008, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  As part of the license, Millennium made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

TIB MOLBIOL License:  Effective December 8, 2008, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to TIB MOLBIOL Syntheselabor GmbH, based in Berlin, Germany.  As part of the license, TIB MOLBIOL made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

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Gen-Probe License:  Effective April 29, 2010, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents as part of a settlement agreement to Gen-Probe Inc., based in San Diego, California.  As part of the license, Gen-Probe made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

EraGen License:  Effective April 30, 2010, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents as part of a settlement agreement to EraGen Biosciences Inc., based in Madison, Wisconsin.  As part of the license, EraGen made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Molecular Pathology License:  Effective June 18, 2010, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents as part of a settlement agreement to Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network Inc., based in Maryville, Tennessee.  As part of the license, Molecular Pathology made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Beckman Coulter / Clinical Data License:  Effective August 24, 2010, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents as part of a settlement agreement to Beckman Coulter Inc. and Clinical Data Inc., based in Brea, California and Newton, Massachusetts, respectively.  As part of the license, both parties made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Interleukin License:  Effective October 1, 2010, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents as part of a settlement agreement to Interleukin Genetics Inc., based in Waltham, Massachusetts.  As part of the license, Interleukin made an up-front cash payment and one further cash payment in 2011 both of which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Laboratoires Réunis License:  Effective October 20, 2010, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents as part of a settlement agreement to Laboratoires Réunis, based in Junglinster, Luxembourg.  As part of the license, Laboratoires Réunis made an up-front cash payment together with subsequent instalment payments which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Pioneer Hi-Bred License:  Effective November 29, 2010, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.  Pioneer is a DuPont corporation based in Johnston, Iowa.  As part of the license, Pioneer made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Qiagen License:  Effective December 22, 2010, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Qiagen Sciences LLC as part of a settlement agreement.  Qiagen is a company based in Germantown, Maryland.  As part of the license, Qiagen made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Sunrise License:  Effective January 17, 2011, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Sunrise Medical Laboratories Inc. as part of a settlement agreement.  Sunrise is a company based in Hicksville, New York.  As part of the license, Sunrise made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

ViennaLab License:  Effective March 25, 2011, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to ViennaLab Diagnostics GmbH as part of a settlement agreement.  ViennaLab is a company based in Vienna, Austria.  As part of the license, ViennaLab made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Orchid Cellmark License:  Effective March 31, 2011, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Orchid Cellmark Inc. as part of a settlement agreement.  Orchid Cellmark is a company based in Princeton, New Jersey.  As part of the license, Orchid Cellmark made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Navigenics License:  Effective June 29, 2011, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Navigenics Inc. as part of a settlement agreement.  Navigenics is a company based in Foster City, California.  As part of the license, Navigenics made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Attomol License:  Effective August 15, 2011, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Attomol GmbH as part of a settlement agreement.  Attomol is a company based in Bronkow, Germany.  As part of the license, Attomol made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Hologic License:  Effective October 18, 2011, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Hologic Inc. as part of a settlement agreement.  Hologic is a company based in Bedford, Massachusetts.  As part of the license, Hologic made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

AutoImmun Diagnostika License:  Effective November 18, 2011, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to AutoImmun Diagnostika GmbH, a company based in Strassberg, Germany.  As part of the license, AutoImmun Diagnostika made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

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Eurofins STA Laboratories License:  Effective January 31, 2012, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Eurofins STA Laboratories Inc., a company based in Longmont, Colorado, as part of a settlement agreement.  As part of the license, Eurofins made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Sonic Group License:  Effective February 15, 2012, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to seven US-based companies associated with Sonic Healthcare Limited of Sydney, Australia, as part of a settlement agreement.  As part of the license, the various companies made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

GeneSeek License:  Effective May 4, 2012, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to GeneSeek Inc., a company based in Lincoln, Nebraska, as part of a settlement agreement.  As part of the license, GeneSeek made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Conexio Genomics License:  Effective August 31, 2012, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Conexio Genomics Pty. Ltd., a company based in Fremantle, Western Australia.  As part of the license, Conexio made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

One Lambda License:  Effective October 17, 2012, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to One Lambda, Inc. a company based in Canoga Park, California, as a part of settlement agreement.  As part of the license, One Lambda made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

454 Life Sciences License:  Effective November 16, 2012, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to 454 Life Sciences Corporation based in Branford, Connecticut, as a part of settlement agreement.  As part of the license, 454 Life Sciences made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Genetics & IVF Institute License:  Effective April 16, 2013, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Genetics & IVF Institute, Inc, based in Fairfax, Virginia, as a part of settlement agreement.  As part of the license, Genetics & IVF Institute made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Laboratory Corporation of America Settlement Agreement:  Effective April 23, 2013, we executed a Settlement Agreement with Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, based in Burlington, North Carolina.  As part of the Agreement, Laboratory Corporation of America made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

PreventionGenetics License:  Effective April 26, 2013, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to PreventionGenetics, LLC based in Marshfield, Wisconsin, as a part of settlement agreement.  As part of the license PreventionGenetics made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Bioscientia Institute for Medical Diagnostics and other Sonic Subsidiaries, Europe, License:  Effective May 28, 2013, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Sonic Healthcare — European Clinical Laboratory Entities, associated with Sonic Healthcare Limited of Sydney, Australia, as a part of settlement agreement. As part of the license various companies made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Reproductive Genetics Institute License:  Effective June 26, 2013, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Reproductive Genetics Institute, Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois, as a part of settlement agreement. As part of the license Reproductive Genetics Institute, made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Genelex License:  Effective August 15, 2013, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Genelex Corporation, based in Seattle, Washington, as a part of settlement agreement. As part of the license Genelex, made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Genesis Genetics License: Effective August 29, 2013, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Genesis Genetics Institute, LLC, based in Detroit, Michigan, as a part of settlement agreement. As part of the license Genesis Genetics, made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

Bio-Reference /Genpath / Lenetix License:  Effective October 1, 2013, we granted a license to the Company’s non-coding patents to Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc., Genpath Diagnostics based in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, and Lenetix Medical Screening Laboratory,  based in Mineola , New York, as a part of settlement agreement. As part of the license,  the parties made an up-front cash payment which, under the terms of the agreement, cannot be disclosed.

 

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Research Licenses

 

University of Utah License:  On April 30, 2003, we granted a research license to the University of Utah, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  This is a royalty-free license to permit the University to conduct research in exchange for a nominal fee.

 

University of Sydney License:  In July 2003, we granted a research license to the University of Sydney, in Australia.  We subsequently entered into a further agreement (dated September 4, 2003) with the University of Sydney pursuant to which we received the exclusive right to commercialize a new and potentially significant genetic invention made by a professor in the Neurogenetics Research Unit and the University’s Faculty of Medicine.  This Australian invention is intended to permit an improved understanding of the genetic factors underlying superior athletic and sports performance, based on the presence or absence of the ACTN3 gene.  Under the terms of this agreement, we made an upfront payment, agreed to pay a royalty on net sales of the invention by us and a fee on first grant of a patent for the invention or any patent rights in any country and a further payment of part of any consideration of whatever kind received by us under a license of the assigned intellectual property.

 

King’s College License:  In December 2003, we granted a license to our non-coding patents to King’s College, London, in the United Kingdom.  Under the terms of the license, King’s College will be able to apply the non-coding patents to its internal research programs.  The license is terminable by either party upon any material breach not timely cured, without penalty.  King’s College is considered a leader in the field of researching the genetic basis of various psychiatric and psychological disorders, including schizophrenia, anxiety / depression and certain attention deficit disorders.  Future commercial applications arising from research at King’s College would require an additional commercial license from us.  In March 2004, we initiated a joint research project in the United Kingdom to explore the functionality of certain non-coding DNA elements, initially with special focus on the genetics of breast cancer susceptibility and the genetics of certain neuro-psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia.  The project was funded by us for a further period of six months, in an amount of GBP53,000 that was paid in two instalments.  In May 2005, we extended the project for the period from June 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 and agreed to fund the costs incurred by King’s College during that period up to a maximum amount of GBP51,360.  In February 2006, the Company agreed to further extend its research agreement with King’s College for the period from February 1, 2006 to August 31, 2006 and agreed to fund the costs incurred by King’s College during that period up to a maximum amount of GBP63,700.  Following the conclusion of this funding round, the project was terminated.

 

University of Technology License:  Effective December 23, 2003, we granted a research license to the University of Technology, Sydney, to permit the University to conduct internal research activities to research, identify, map and develop tests for genetic markers and genes of interest.  Either party has the right to terminate the agreement upon the occurrence of a material breach that is not timely cured, without other penalty.

 

Colorado State University License:  Effective May 14, 2004, we granted a research license to the Colorado State University.  This is a royalty-free license to permit the University to conduct research in exchange for a nominal fee.

 

Texas A&M University License:  Effective February 7, 2007, we granted a research license to Merlogen LLC, a company associated with Texas A&M University.  As part of the license, we received a nominal fee and received rights to use certain technologies in the field of animal genetics.

 

In addition to the above agreements, we continue to negotiate licensing terms to grant licenses to our non-coding patents to many companies, large and small, and also to government and private institutes, in many countries.  Refer above for details of the Company’s current assertion program.

 

Our Support for Significant Research Projects

 

During the year ended June 30, 2013, Genetic Technologies supported one major research program (RareCellect), details of which have been provided below.  In previous years, other projects, which have since been terminated or otherwise commercialized, have also been supported by the Company.  Some projects have arisen from new inventions made by the Company while some have been made by others who have approached the Company seeking collaboration and support for their activities.

 

By its very nature, research is unpredictable and involves a considerable element of risk.  Such risks may relate to scientific concepts, the implementation of the science, the protection of any inventions made and the success or otherwise in persuading others to respect the intellectual property acquired or created by the Company.  Specifically, patents filed may not issue or may later be challenged by others.  Even if patents issue, the methods described may, with time, be superseded by alternative methods which may prove to be commercially more attractive.  Even if patents issue and the methods developed are successfully reduced to practice and can be shown to be commercially relevant, there is still no assurance that other parties will respect the patents or will take licenses to use the intellectual property.  In such circumstances, it is possible that legal action will be necessary to enforce the Company’s rights.  Such action, in turn, raises a new series of risks including potentially significant legal costs and uncertain outcomes.

 

To the extent that delays are encountered in concluding the research projects, additional costs may be incurred.  Further, the projected revenues from the projects may also be deferred, potentially impacting on the Company’s liquidity.  In such cases, the Company may seek to partner with outside parties, who will contribute to the costs of research in return for an interest in the project,

 

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or the Company may seek to raise additional working capital from the Market.  In a worst case scenario, the projects may well be closed down with no valuable intellectual property having been created for the Company.

 

RareCellectTM Project

 

In March 2001, the Company began to develop and commercialize patents held by GeneType AG, a subsidiary of Genetic Technologies, relating to the recovery of fetal cells circulating in the peripheral blood of a pregnant woman.  These patents, with an earliest priority date of March 27, 1990, have been granted or allowed in most countries where filed, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia and Japan.

 

It has long been recognized that a simple, universally applicable, non-invasive means of obtaining fetal genetic material for prenatal diagnostic testing would represent a major advance over existing practices such as the more invasive amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).  Both amniocentesis and CVS are invasive and carry a miscarriage rate of between 0.5% and 2% depending on the operator.  A safer, non-invasive means of obtaining fetal genetic material could be widely adopted throughout the developed world.  As part of the RareCellectTM project, the Company has designed and tested a proprietary sampling device that can safely and reliably collect fetal material from the cervix, and has combined this with a proprietary processing technology that delivers either fetal cellular and/or genetic material which is suitable for analysis to identify genetic disorders using currently available technologies.

 

The Company is now actively pursuing out-licensing/co-development partnering options for the RareCellect™ Project.

 

Background and unmet need

 

Genetic disorders account for a significant health burden across the world.  In the developed world, it is increasingly common for women to have babies later in life (25% of these births are born to women over 35 years of age), and this can significantly increase the risk of genetic disorders in their offspring.

 

Current pre-natal testing involves non-invasive screening and invasive diagnostic testing.  Screening uses ultrasound of the fetus and maternal serum testing and can be performed from 11 to 13 weeks of pregnancy.  Although safe, these tests are not reliable, with a detection rate of between 70% and 95% (between 5% and 30% of abnormalities are not detected), and a false positive rate of 5% (women with healthy babies being subjected to unnecessary invasive testing).  Diagnostic testing requires the removal of fetal material using chorionic villus sampling (from 10 to 12 weeks gestation) or amniocentesis (from 15 to 18 weeks gestation).  Each of these surgical procedures is invasive and carries a significant risk to both the fetus and the mother.  Miscarriage rates, which can be as high as 2%, are dependent on the skill of the operator and the gestation age.  As a direct result of the risky nature of these procedures, diagnostic testing tends to be limited to high-risk patients including women over the age of 35, and results may take as long as two weeks to obtain.

 

The RareCellect™ solution

 

The Company has developed a proprietary sampling device using materials and design features which will ensure safe, non-traumatic sampling of the optimal region of the cervix to yield fetal genetic material.  Prototypes of the device have been manufactured and tested on over 250 women to sample fetal material during early stages of pregnancy (6 to 12 weeks).  The device is protected by a U.S. provisional patent.  The Company has also developed processing methods that can deliver fetal cells or DNA in a form that is suitable for testing using any of the currently approved diagnostic methodologies.  These processing methods are also covered by provisional patents.

 

Commercial opportunity

 

The Company believes that RareCellect™ offers a unique opportunity to successfully penetrate the $2 billion global prenatal testing market, with the potential for market launch within three to five years.  By offering a safe sampling and processing methodology that provides sufficient fetal material for subsequent analysis, it has the potential to displace currently available invasive diagnostic procedures.  Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling represent an estimated $1 billion market per annum in the U.S. alone.  A non-invasive and safe alternative to amniocentesis / CVS could replace and even expand (to lower risk pregnancies) this market.

 

A comprehensive memorandum detailing technical aspects of the technology and the commercial potential of the project has been compiled, as has a virtual data room containing a full data package on the project.  As detailed above, a number of international parties who operate in the RareCellect™ space have now been identified with a view to partnering the project by way of out-license or co-development arrangement on acceptable commercial terms.

 

Markets and competition:  There are some four million pregnancies per year in the United States alone.  It is already the case that some form of antenatal screening is provided for most pregnancies in developed countries.  The trend towards increasing numbers of women becoming pregnant later in life is resulting in an increasing risk of chromosomal aberrations in these pregnancies.  Given the expense, inconvenience and inaccuracy of current screening strategies, and the risks associated with subsequent invasive diagnostic procedures, it seems probable that a reliable, accurate, non-invasive, and relatively inexpensive diagnostic test would be

 

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rapidly adopted and applied in all pregnancies early in the pregnancy which would substantially increase the current markets.  This conclusion has, of course, been reached by a number of other parties.  . Several commercial diagnostic tests based on circulating fetal DNA from maternal plasma are beginning to appear in this space.  However, the Company believes that cervical mucus samples may provide a better alternative to fetal DNA recovered from maternal circulation as they have the potential to yield higher quantities and higher quality fetal genetic material.

 

Government regulation:  The provision of clinical testing services and in vitro diagnostic medical devices is subject to extensive regulatory requirements in most developed countries.  In the United States, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulates all laboratory testing (except research) performed on humans in the United States through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates clinical trials and medical devices.  In Australia, the regulation of clinical trials and medical devices is performed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).  Accreditation of laboratories offering pathology services is granted by the Health Insurance Commission, based on a report of assessment by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA).  In addition, in the State of Victoria, where the Company has its headquarters, accreditation may also be obtained from the Pathology Services Accreditation Board, again subject to favorable assessment by NATA.

 

Competition

 

Licensing

 

Our out-licensing business principally covers two families of “non-coding DNA” patents.  As we are the sole owners of these patents there is, by definition, no direct competition in this activity.  However, to some degree, there are alternate technologies in the market place which can be used to perform genetic analysis and genomic mapping and so in this regard we do face indirect competition and a potential risk of technological obsolescence.  A risk of patent invalidation always exists with the possibility of the discovery of previously unknown prior art, as well as the risk of patent re-examination.  Apart from these risks, the inevitable expiry of our non-coding family of patents in future years remains, at which time our ability to generate future license revenues from these particular patents may be restricted.  It is anticipated that, over time however, licensing of additional patents filed by the Company in other areas of genetics and our other research projects may replace revenues currently generated from the licensing of these non-coding patents.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2009, we successfully prevailed in legal proceedings with respect to a Nullity Action in the German Patent Court regarding the equivalent to U.S. Patent No. 5,612,179 (the “‘179 patent”).  We subsequently responded to questions raised by the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office (“USPTO”) in relation to a Request for Re-examination of seven of the thirty six claims contained in ‘179 patent and, on May 10, 2010, we announced that we had received formal notification from the USPTO that it had upheld, without amendment, all of the claims which formed the basis of the re-examination action of the Company’s core non-coding DNA patent.

 

On July 9, 2012, the Company announced that it had received formal notification from the USPTO that it had received and granted a request for a second ex parte re-examination of claims 1-18 and 26-32 of the ‘179 patent brought by Merial LLC of Duluth, Georgia (“Merial”).  Requesting re-examination is a common strategy employed by defendants in patent infringement proceedings and, as such, it is not unexpected from Merial who is currently a defendant in the action originally brought by the Company in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado for infringement of the ‘179 patent.  On March 15, 2013, the Company announced that the USPTO had issued an action reaffirming the validity of certain claims contained in the Company’s ‘179 patent.  In its formal notification to the Company, the USPTO stated that “claims 1-18 and 26-32 of the ‘179 patent are confirmed and claims 19-25 and 33-36 are not reexamined”.

 

On April 19, 2013, the Company advised that the USPTO had received a third request for an ex parte re-examination of the ‘179 patent, again from Merial, and that the request had been granted.  As was the case in all previous challenges, GTG will actively defend this matter in order to have the patent upheld.  On September 30, 2013, the Company announced that it had received an Ex-Parte Re-examination Certificate once again confirming the patentability of claims 1-18 and 26-32 of the ‘179 patent.  However, the Company also announced that Merial filed yet another (its third) request with the USPTO for re-examination of the ‘179 patent. This request for re-examination is currently under review by the USPTO.

 

Once again, the Company will actively defend this matter to have the patent upheld.  The ‘179 patent is very robust, having successfully been through three re-examinations with the USPTO which resulted in the re-issuing of the patent in full with all claims upheld, as mentioned above.

 

Genetic testing - paternity

 

The size of the Australian DNA paternity testing market can only be estimated, as the tests fall outside of the Australian public health (Medicare) regime and hence no central records are kept.  Our best estimate is that the total size of the market is about 5,000 to 6,000 tests per year which, if correct, would give the Company approximately a 50 percent total market share.  There are presently a number of other laboratories that offer these tests in Australia, all of which are NATA accredited.  The Australian market for paternity testing is now saturated and, since the entry of two of the three major pathology companies in the later part of 2003, our

 

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ability to generate growing revenues from this market has reduced.  At present, our market share has stabilized.

 

Other competitors in this marketplace include: DNAlabs (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sydney IVF), Sonic Health Care (a division of Sonic, the second largest pathology provider in Australia), Healthscope - formerly Gribbles (the third largest pathology provider in Australia), Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (this is the Coroner’s laboratory in Victoria), John Tonge Centre (this is the Coroner’s laboratory in Queensland), Medvet Science (owned by the South Australian State Government), DNA Solutions (which sells its services over the internet) and DNA-Bioscience.

 

Genetic testing - diagnostics

 

As the sole licensee in Australia and New Zealand for the genetic test for the predisposition for familial breast cancer, we do not have any commercial competitors in this area but Healthscope also supply genetic tests to the healthcare market.  In the public arena, tests are provided by the pathology departments of certain public hospitals.  They are not true competitors in that the numbers of such tests that can be performed is restricted due to limited Government funding, but they do constitute the majority of tests conducted in this field.  State Health Departments fund tests for the public sector based on various criteria and skewed to the most at risk profiles.

 

Genetic testing - forensics

 

Forensic DNA testing is defined to include DNA tests, the results of which can be relied upon as evidence in a court of law.  To meet the strict standards of court evidence, forensic testing can only be conducted through NATA accredited laboratories that have been approved for such work.  We were the first non-government owned, NATA accredited forensics laboratory in Australia.  At the moment, virtually all forensic testing is conducted through state government owned laboratories.  In some cases, these laboratories have backlogs and do not generally undertake private DNA forensic tests.  As such, we are one of a few accredited laboratory currently providing forensic testing services to the public and private markets.  To resolve the backlog problem, various state governments have already suggested that they plan to investigate the possibility of outsourcing the testing of forensic samples to the private sector.  In January 2008, the Company announced that it had been awarded a three year contract to supply New South Wales Police with DNA analysis services, however this contract has since expired in January 2013.

 

Genetic testing - animals

 

GTG offers a DNA testing service across a number of animal species, particularly with respect to establishing an animal’s pedigree and parentage.  This test is common across animal species and is not proprietary.  Accordingly, any laboratory that can provide a DNA parentage / pedigree test is able to enter this market.  GTG has also developed a large portfolio of genetic tests for the canine area.

 

Some major pathology companies in Australia have already established vet pathology businesses and almost all have expertise in human DNA profiling and at least one such company has commenced offering canine genetic tests.  Currently, the major canine pathology company in Australia has a relationship with GTG whereby it sends all of its canine genetic testing to GTG.

 

Research

 

Whilst a number of companies around the world are active in the area of prenatal testing, there are currently no commercially available products that compete directly with the RareCellectTM cervical sampling technology.

 

Environmental Regulations

 

The Company’s operations are subject to environmental regulations under Australian State legislation.  In particular, the Company is subject to the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1993.  A license has been obtained under this Act to produce listed waste.

 

Item 4.C         Corporate Structure

 

The diagram below shows the corporate structure of the Genetic Technologies group as of the date of this Annual Report:

 

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Genetic Technologies is the holding company of the Group and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, under the code GTG and, via its ADRs, on the NASDAQ Capital Market, under the ticker symbol GENE.

 

Item 4.D         Property, Plant and Equipment

 

As of the date of this Report, the Company has executed two leases in respect of premises occupied by the Group.

 

Fitzroy, Victoria

 

Genetic Technologies Limited rents the offices and laboratory premises which are located at 60-66 Hanover Street, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia (an inner suburb of Melbourne) from Crude Pty. Ltd.  The lease is due to expire on August 31, 2015.  The anticipated total rental charge in respect of the year ending June 30, 2014 is approximately $347,500.  Genetic Technologies Limited does not have an option to purchase the leased premises at the expiry of the lease period.

 

Charlotte, North Carolina

 

Phenogen Sciences Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genetic Technologies Limited, rents office premises which are located at 9115 Harris Corners Parkway, Suite 320, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA from New Boston Harris Corners LLC.  The lease is due to expire on October 31, 2013 and is currently being re-negotiated for a further 12 months.  The anticipated total rental charge in respect of the year ending June 30, 2014 is approximately USD 32,940.  Phenogen Sciences Inc. does not have an option to purchase the leased premises at the expiry of the lease period.

 

Item 4.E         Unresolved Staff comments

 

There are no unresolved comments from the Commission staff regarding our periodic reports under the Exchange Act.

 

Item 5.            Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with Item 3.A “Selected Financial Data” and our financial statements, the notes to the financial statements and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.  In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this Annual Report contain forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, intentions, expectations and beliefs.  Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.  See the “Risk Factors” section of Item 3 and other forward-looking statements in this Annual Report for a discussion of some, but not all, factors that could cause or contribute to such differences.

 

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Item 5.A         Operating Results

 

Overview

 

Our Formation

 

GeneType AG was incorporated in Zug, Switzerland on February 13, 1989 to exploit the commercialization of the hypothesis that the non-coding region of the human HLA gene complex of chromosome 6 is a valuable and highly ordered reservoir of useful genetic information, largely overlooked by the rest of the world at that time.

 

Genetic Technologies Limited was incorporated on January 5, 1987 as Concord Mining NL in Western Australia.  On August 13, 1991, we changed our name to Consolidated Victorian Gold Mines NL to better reflect the operations of the Company at the time.  On December 2, 1991, we again changed our name to Consolidated Victorian Mines NL.  On March 5, 1995, we again changed our name to Duketon Goldfields NL.  On October 15, 1995, we changed our status from a “No Liability” company to a company limited by shares and the name became Duketon Goldfields Limited.  On August 29, 2000, we changed our name to Genetic Technologies Limited, which is the current name of the Company.

 

On August 29, 2000, Duketon Goldfields Limited received shareholder approval to change its activities from a mining company to a biotechnology and genetics company on the acquisition of all the issued capital of GeneType AG of Switzerland.  Following the acquisition of GeneType AG, the new combination has been engaged in the researching, developing and commercialization of genetic concepts primarily related to our intron sequence patents and genomic mapping patents.  We are also the largest accredited paternity testing laboratory in Australia which GeneType has been operating since 1990.  Over the past seven years, the Company has granted licenses to its patents and expects to derive revenue from further licensing of its patents.  Prior to the merger with GeneType AG, the mining exploration activities had ceased and were being progressively disposed of by August 2000.  The Company was basically an investment shell and following the completion of the merger the old shareholders of GeneType AG were in control of the company which formed the basis for treating the acquisition of GeneType AG as a reverse acquisition.

 

Formerly a Development Stage Enterprise

 

Until 2002, we were a development stage enterprise.  We had been developing our technology that resulted in the granting of seven families of patents in the U.S.A. which we have now actively started to commercialize and enforce.  Since inception up to June 30, 2013, we have incurred $82,049,916 in accumulated losses.  Our losses have resulted principally from costs incurred in research and development, general and administrative and sales and marketing costs associated with our operations.  Refer to the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Item 18.

 

The research and development costs incurred prior to August 2000 were funded by the shareholders of GeneType AG.  On completion of the merger of Duketon Goldfields Limited and GeneType AG in August 2000, to form Genetic Technologies Limited, existing funds of approximately $6 million within Genetic Technologies Limited were applied towards the Group’s research and development and general and administrative expenses.  The Company has since completed several placements of shares, including one in August 2003 and one in July 2011, and there have been other amounts raised from the exercise of unlisted options, principally in April 2005.  We have primarily depended on these sources of funds to meet our financing needs.  However, we now license our non-coding technology and provide a series of genetic tests, both of which generate revenue to fund our expenses.

 

In 2011, we generated our first net profit after tax.  However, the extent to which we continue to generate profits will, amongst other things, depend on the quantum of license fees received from the licensing of our patents, the amount of annuities and royalties we receive from past licenses, the success we have with respect to the commercialization of our research projects, the rate at which our new genetic tests are taken up by our customers, and in particular the BREVAGenTM test in the U.S. market, and generally the number of genetic tests we conduct.

 

Where we derive our revenues

 

Our major source of revenues up to June 30, 2002 were grants received from the Australian Government under the START Program licensing, fees from licensing the non-coding patents, DNA paternity testing services income in Australia and interest income from our cash on deposit and other cash equivalents.  Since 2002, our revenues have been derived principally from the sale of genetic tests and the granting of licenses to our non-coding technology.  During that period, our licensing program has been successful in securing licenses from a total of 69 commercial licensees and 6 research licensees (see Item 4.A for a complete list).  In June 2011, we launched the BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk assessment test in the U.S. marketplace and, as we are now accredited to offer the test in all 50 U.S. States, we anticipate that the revenues from the sale of this test will increase.

 

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Fiscal year

 

As an Australian company, our fiscal, or financial, year ends on June 30 each year.  We produce audited consolidated accounts at the end of June each year and provide reviewed half-yearly accounts for the periods ending on December 31 each year, both of which are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In respect of the year ended June 30, 2013, the Group has assessed all new accounting standards mandatory for adoption during the current year, noting no new standards which would have a material effect on the disclosure in these financial statements.  There has been no affect 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 June 30, 2013 reporting periods.  The Group’s and the parent entity’s assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out in Note 2(b) of the attached financial statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The accounting policies which are applicable to the Group and the parent entity are set out in Notes 2(c) to 2(ab) of the attached financial statements.

 

Comparison of the year ended June 30, 2013 to the year ended June 30, 2012

 

Revenues from operations

 

Our revenues from continuing operations (which include fees from the sale of genetic testing services) decreased by 9%, or $314,032, as compared to the 2012 financial year. Declines in revenues from BRCA breast cancer risk testing ($555,145), together with canine disease testing ($213,085), contributed to the decrease, both of which were due to increased price competition from our competitors.  Revenues received from paternity testing grew by $134,915 as compared to the 2012 financial year.  The launch of the Company’s new BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk assessment test in July 2011 contributed $332,501 to total genetic testing revenues.  Looking forward, we anticipate growth in the number of these new breast cancer risk tests being sold in the U.S. marketplace as we expand the local sales force into new and larger territories such as New York State during the 2014 financial year.  During the 2013 financial year, revenues from continuing operations principally formed part of the Australian geographic segment, with the exception of sales of the BREVAGenTM test which were U.S. based.

 

Cost of sales

 

Our cost of sales from continuing operations (which include direct costs incurred in performing our genetic testing services) decreased slightly by $3,158, from the 2012 financial year.  While there was an expected decrease in the cost of sales due to the reduction in the number of tests performed, there was an offsetting increase in stock write-offs during the year of $168,523. During the previous financial year, there was a small stock write-back.

 

Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

 

In April 2012, the Company announced that its former subsidiary, ImmunAid Pty. Ltd. (“ImmunAid”), had successfully raised $1,000,000 in a private placement from U.S., European and Australian sophisticated investors.  As a result of this issue, the equity interest in ImmunAid held by the Company fell below 50% and, due to the resulting loss of control, ImmunAid was deconsolidated from the Genetic Technologies Group on that date.  After allowing for certain capital restructuring and the payment of capital raising expenses, the pricing of this financing round, which was participated in by independent, arm’s-length parties, placed a value on GTG’s stake in ImmunAid of in excess of $4.5 million.  In turn, this transaction created a one-off gain on deconsolidation of $5,113,175 in the prior year which did not occur in the 2013 year.

 

Other revenue

 

Other revenue includes the total revenues generated from our licensing activities as well as interest income.  For the 2013 financial year, the Company’s licensing revenues were $4,784,913 which represented an increase of 89% as compared to the result from the previous year of $2,526,599.  During the 2013 financial year, we executed Settlement and License Agreements with eight parties: Conexio Genomics Pty. Ltd., Genetics & IVF Institute Inc., One Lambda Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (“LabCorp”), PreventionGenetics LLC, Reproductive Genetics Institute Inc., 454 Life Sciences Corporation and Bioscientia Institute for Medical Diagnostics and other Sonic Subsidiaries, Europe, under which those companies have been granted non-exclusive rights to a number of GTG patents, including non-coding analysis and gene mapping.  As with the 2012 financial year, we continued to receive income from the Applera settlement.  Revenues received during 2013 from that settlement, which totaled $449,189, came in the form of equipment and reagent credits and represented an increase of $12,077 over the previous year.  Included in the total licensing revenues is royalty and annuity income of $1,205,236, which decreased by $131,704 during the 2013 year.  Licensing revenues form part of the Australian geographic segment.

 

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The 2013 financial year has presented some new challenges for the Company’s licensing program, including the below mentioned re-examination proceedings for the `179 patent, and also certain changes to US legislation and new interpretations of US case law, all of which have contributed to some delay in reaching various settlements.

 

As previously stated, one of the Company’s non-coding patents has been the subject of several re-examinations. Genetic Technologies will actively defend such re-examinations and will also continue to vigorously pursue entities infringing the Company’s proprietary non-coding DNA technology. The Company intends to maintain the momentum of its U.S. assertion program and also its activities in Europe, to continue generating licensing revenues during the 2014 financial year.

 

In addition to the formal U.S. patent assertion program, the Company continues to independently pursue additional licenses external to these lawsuits, principally in Europe. Sheridan Ross continues to assist GTG with its licensing and intellectual property activities.

 

Selling and marketing expenses

 

Selling and marketing expenses increased by $882,634 (20%) to $5,266,818 during the 2013 financial year.  Considerable expenses ($3,608,635) were incurred this financial year as part of the expansion of the Company’s U.S. activities with respect to the sale of BREVAGenTM as compared with $3,048,099 incurred during the preceding financial year.  This was an increase of $560,537 over the previous financial year. There were also increases in selling and marketing expenses incurred in Australia due to increased personnel related costs of $133,479 and increased consultancy costs of $135,885 due mainly from changes in the reimbursement regime in the U.S.A.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses decreased by $1,194,256 (21%) to $4,413,782 during the financial year.  In the previous financial year, a significant one-off share based payment expense of $1,759,980 associated with transactions concerning shares in ImmunAid Pty. Ltd., accounted for the majority of this decrease.  This decrease was offset by one off capital raising expenses which were not allowed to be offset against equity of $292,081. Transaction costs of $175,341 relating to the Scheme Merger Agreement between the company’s Canadian subsidiary pursuant to which it would, subject to shareholder approval, acquire all of the outstanding shares of Sydney-based company Simavita Holdings Limited also added to the expenses incurred during the current year.

 

Licensing, patent and legal costs

 

Licensing, patent and legal costs increased significantly by $1,131,986 (89%) to $2,399,824 during the 2013 financial year. The increase in revenues from the new licenses granted during the financial year resulted in material increase in the quantum of commissions payable of $999,387, together with an increase in associated legal fees of $173,915.

 

Laboratory, research and development costs

 

Laboratory, research and development costs decreased by $566,903 (14%) to $3,462,466 during the 2013 financial year. During the 2012 financial year, the Company recognized an impairment charge in respect of certain intangible assets of $104,338. Also, in the prior financial year the Company spent $173,897 on patent costs for its subsidiary ImmunAid Pty. Ltd. This subsidiary has now deconsolidated from the Group. There were no comparable expenses for these two items in the current financial year.  There was also a reduction in employee costs by $130,932 and royalties payable by $77,763 during the 2013 financial year as one of the Company’s license agreements has expired. These reductions in current year expenses were partially offset by the one-off expense of a cost effectiveness study of the BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk assessment test of $153,020.

 

Finance costs

 

Finance costs decreased by $6,249 (14%) during the 2013 the financial year due to a reduction in the liabilities associated with plant and equipment that had been financed under hire purchase agreements and a reduction in the bank fees associated with credit card processing.

 

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Other income and expenses

 

Other income and expenses included the following movements:

 

·                      Receipt during the 2013 financial year of a research and development tax credit of $181,036. Previously, research and development tax reduction amounts claimable were added to the Company’s carry forward tax losses and were not payable in cash by the Australian Taxation Office.

 

·                      Foreign exchange gains incurred during financial year of $46,264 compared with foreign exchange gains in the prior year of $141,364.  This represented a net decrease in overall exchange gains of $95,100 or 67% which was partly attributable to the fact that in the prior financial year roughly half of the cash received from the issue of shares in the Company was received in U.S. dollars and converted to Australian dollars shortly after being received at a favorable AUD to USD exchange rate.  Most of the Company’s total foreign exchange gains for that year arose from this single conversion.

 

·                      The loss arising from the disposal of fixed assets of $1,416 during the 2013 financial year compared to a profit of $31,455 in the prior year.  The gain on sale last financial year arose from the sale of an item of plant and equipment that had previously been fully written down.

 

Comparison of the year ended June 30, 2012 to the year ended June 30, 2011

 

Revenues from operations

 

Our revenues from continuing operations (which include fees from the sale of genetic testing services) decreased by 20%, or $903,745, as compared to the 2011 financial year.  More than 80% of this decline ($729,658) was attributable to a sharp fall in the number of forensics samples received as part of changes with our contract with the New South Wales Police Force.  Declines in revenues from breast cancer risk testing ($124,440), together with other paternity testing ($72,993), also contributed to the decrease, both of which were due to increased price competition from our competitors.  Revenues received from canine disease testing grew by $30,551 as compared to the 2011 financial year.  The launch of the Company’s new BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk assessment test in July 2011 contributed $42,292 to total genetic testing revenues.  Looking forward, we anticipate growth in the number of these new breast cancer risk tests being sold in the U.S. marketplace as we expand the local sales force into new and larger territories such as California and Florida during the 2013 financial year.  During the 2012 financial year, revenues from continuing operations principally formed part of the Australian geographic segment.

 

Cost of sales

 

Our cost of sales from continuing operations (which include direct costs incurred in performing our genetic testing services) decreased by 4%, or $86,291, from the 2011 financial year.  While there was an expected decrease in the forensics cost of sales of $249,004 due to the reduction in the number of tests performed, there was an offsetting increase in the negative labour variance of $240,000.  While there was an overall increase in the cost of sales relating to reagents and labour, there was an offsetting decrease due to a significant reduction in stock write-offs during the 2012 financial year.

 

Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

 

In April 2012, the Company announced that its former subsidiary, ImmunAid Pty. Ltd. (“ImmunAid”), had successfully raised $1,000,000 in a private placement from U.S., European and Australian sophisticated investors.  As a result of this issue, the equity interest in ImmunAid held by the Company fell below 50% and, due to the resulting loss of control, ImmunAid was deconsolidated from the Genetic Technologies Group on that date.  After allowing for certain capital restructuring and the payment of capital raising expenses, the pricing of this financing round, which was participated in by independent, arm’s-length parties, placed a value on GTG’s stake in ImmunAid of in excess of $4.5 million.  In turn, this transaction created a one-off gain on deconsolidation of $5,113,175.

 

Other revenue

 

Other revenue includes the total revenues generated from our licensing activities.  For the 2012 financial year, the Company’s licensing revenues were $2,526,599 which represented a decrease of 82% as compared to the result from the previous year of $13,680,741.  During the 2012 financial year, we executed Settlement and License Agreements with six parties: Attomol GmbH, Hologic Inc., AutoImmun Diagnostika GmbH, Eurofins STA Laboratories Inc., companies associated with Sonic Healthcare Limited and GeneSeek Inc., under which those companies have been granted non-exclusive rights to a number of GTG patents, including non-coding analysis and gene mapping.  As with the 2011 financial year, we continued to receive income from the Applera settlement.  Revenues received during 2012 from that settlement, which totaled $185,339, came in the form of equipment and reagent credits and represented a decrease of $341,030 over the previous year.  Included in the total licensing revenues is royalty and annuity income of $1,774,541, which increased by $408,860 during the 2012 year.  Licensing revenues form part of the Australian geographic segment.

 

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The 2012 financial year presented some challenges for the Company’s licensing program, including an ex parte re-examination proceeding for the “`179 patent” (the patent’s second re-examination), certain changes to U.S. legislation and developments in U.S. case law, all of which have contributed to delays in reaching settlements with infringing parties.  The re-examination request is a common strategy employed by defendants in patent infringement proceedings and the Company is confident that, as in first re-examination, the `179 patent will again be re-issued in full with all claims upheld.  Genetic Technologies will actively defend the re-examination and will continue to vigorously pursue U.S. entities which use the Company’s proprietary non-coding DNA technology.  As a result, the Company expects to regain momentum in its U.S. assertion program during the 2013 financial year.

 

Outside the United States, the Company has taken active steps to expand the reach of the success fee based assertion arrangement with its Colorado-based lawyers, Sheridan Ross P.C.  Originally limited to actions brought only in the U.S., and limited in scope to cover only the Company’s 5,612,179, 5,851,762, 5,192,659 and 5,789,568 U.S. patents, the expanded assertion arrangement now covers all of GTG’s non-coding patents in all jurisdictions.  Sheridan Ross is now able to assist Genetic Technologies with asserting its non-coding patents globally, effectively acting as lead counsel to GTG in these international efforts.  Europe in particular is a jurisdiction where the Company has secured substantial licensing revenues in the past, but there remain numerous large infringers who have not as yet taken licenses.  These efforts may include litigation, and the Company expects the global assertion program to begin to regularize the activities of selected European targets in the 2013 financial year.

 

Selling and marketing expenses

 

Selling and marketing expenses increased by $1,365,237 (45%) to $4,384,184 during the 2012 financial year.  Considerable expenses ($3,048,099) were incurred this financial year as part of the establishment and expansion of the Company’s U.S. subsidiary Phenogen Sciences Inc., as compared with $1,457,300 incurred during the preceding financial year.  While this was an increase of $1,590,799 over the previous financial year, there were offsetting reductions in Australia due to personnel reductions and falls in other salary related costs of $152,221.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses increased by $1,911,873 (52%) to $5,608,038 during the financial year.  A significant one-off share based payment expense of $1,759,980 associated with transactions concerning shares in ImmunAid Pty. Ltd. (refer Note 30 of the attached financial statements for details), together with modest salary increases, accounted for the majority of this increase.  These increases were offset by a reduction in legal fees during the 2012 financial year of $182,402.

 

Licensing, patent and legal costs

 

Licensing, patent and legal costs decreased significantly by $2,829,485 (69%) to $1,267,838 during the 2012 financial year.  This reduction was attributable to the reduction in the value of new licenses granted during the financial year which resulted in material reduction in the quantum of commissions payable of $2,565,969, together with a reduction in associated legal fees of $278,715.

 

Laboratory, research and development costs

 

Laboratory, research and development costs decreased by $351,497 (8%) to $4,029,369 during the 2012 financial year.  Occupancy costs decreased by $135,774 due to the closure of sales offices previously occupied by the Company’s reproductive services business, which were closed following a decision by the Company to strategically realign its overall testing business and to focus on the provision of animal genetic tests, rather than the services that were acquired as part of the acquisition of the Frozen Puppies Dot Com business during the 2009 financial year.  In the 2011financial year, impairment charges relating to the plant and equipment ($115,413) and inventories ($6,232) used in the Frozen Puppies business were incurred that were not incurred during the 2012 financial year.  In addition, the prior financial year figure included $377,648 of plant and equipment which was acquired from Applera that was impaired following a decision to exchange surplus laboratory equipment with an Australian-based subsidiary of that company.  During the 2012 financial year, the Company recognized an impairment charge in respect of certain intangible assets of $104,338.  This expense was offset by a reduction in depreciation expense of $115,774 as more equipment became fully written down.

 

Finance costs

 

Finance costs decreased by $36,717 (45%) during the 2012 the financial year due to a reduction in the liabilities associated with plant and equipment that had been financed under hire purchase agreements.

 

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Other income and expenses

 

Other income and expenses included the following movements:

 

·                      Interest income increased by $409,784 (205%) during the financial year due to the increase in cash and cash equivalents held by the Company which themselves had increased significantly during the year due to the issue of 60,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company that raised a total of $11,700,000, before the payment of $805,463 in associated costs.

 

·                      Foreign exchange gains incurred during financial year of $141,364 compared with foreign exchange losses in the prior year of $68,057.  This represented a net increase in overall exchange gains of $209,421, or 308%, which was partly attributable to the fact that roughly half of the cash received from the above issue of shares in the Company was received in U.S. dollars and converted to Australian dollars shortly after being received at a favorable AUD to USD exchange rate.  Most of the Company’s total foreign exchange gains for the year arose from this single conversion.

 

·                      The profit arising from the disposal of fixed assets of $31,455 during the 2012 financial year compared to a loss of $217,737 in the prior year.  The gain on sale this financial year arose from the sale of an item of plant and equipment that had previously been fully written down.  The loss in the prior financial year comprised items of equipment acquired under the Supply Agreement with Applera ($373,677), offset by write-backs of charges associated with items of equipment used in the Company’s reproductive services business ($105,413).

 

Net profit from discontinued operations

 

During the 2010 financial year, the Company’s reproductive services business was terminated following a decision to realign the business and to focus on the provision of animal genetic tests, rather than the services that were acquired as part of the acquisition of the Frozen Puppies business in 2008.  Due to this decision, the net profit was $21,562 for this area of the business during the prior financial year.  As the business had previously been terminated, there was no similar amount incurred during the 2012 financial year.

 

Item 5.B                        Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Summary

 

Our overall cash position depends on numerous factors, including the success of licensing our non-coding patents, the numbers of genetic tests processed by our laboratory, completion of our product research and development activities, ability to commercialize our products, market acceptance of our products and services and how we choose to commercially exploit our technology.  We expect to devote additional capital resources to the expansion of our licensing program on a worldwide basis, deploy further resources to expand our U.S. operations and the marketing of our BREVAGenTM test, continue our research and development programs with a view to commercializing our technology in our target markets, hire and train additional staff, and to generally expand our global business operations.  Each of these activities will inevitably involve the outflow of cash reserves.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2013, we incurred comprehensive losses of $9,323,063. During the year ended June 30, 2012, we incurred comprehensive losses of $5,303,942. During the year ended June 30, 2011, we generated a comprehensive profit of $804,677. We anticipate incurring additional costs during the next twelve months as we further expand the Company’s BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk assessment test in the U.S. market and elsewhere and generally broaden the range of products we offer and increase the number of the markets in which they are sold, and commercialize our last remaining research and development project.  The extent to which we will generate profits in future years will depend largely on the success of the licensing of our non-coding technologies and the expansion of our genetic testing business in the various global markets in which we operate now and in the future.

 

Since inception, our operations have been financed primarily from capital contributions by our stockholders, proceeds from our licensing activities and revenues from operations, grants, and interest earned on the Company’s cash and cash equivalents.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2013, the Company’s net cash flows used in continuing operations were $7,516,779.  During the year ended June 30, 2012, the Company’s net cash flows used in continuing operations of $7,674,174, whilst during the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company generated net cash flows from continuing operations were $2,217,725.  The Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $1,721,293 as of June 30, 2013.

 

Subsequent to balance date, the Company raised a further $6,500,000 from the issue of ordinary shares as part of a private placement and its Share Purchase Plan, with a commitment to raise a further $500,000.  As disclosed in Note 2(a) of the attached financial statements, the Directors have undertaken an assessment of the Company’s ability to pay its debts as and when they fall due.  As part of this assessment, the Directors have had regard to the Company’s cash flow forecasts for the twelve month period from the date of the attached Financial Report and the cash balance on hand as at that date.  The Directors recognize that there is uncertainty in the consolidated entity’s cash flow forecasts which result in a substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.  As disclosed in Note 2(a), the Company will seek approval to raise additional funds via the issue of a US$5,000,000 convertible note (subject to a shareholder vote which will be sought at an Extraordinary General Meeting on November 29, 2013).  Further, as the Company’s operations continue to expand, we anticipate that the revenues generated should assist the Company to once again achieve a cash positive result from operations.

 

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Our net cash from / (used in) operating activities was $(7,516,779), $(7,674,174), and $2,233,279 for the years ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Cash from / (used in) operating activities for each period consisted primarily of losses incurred in operations reduced by depreciation and amortization expenses, share based payments expenses, foreign exchange movements and unrealized profits and losses relating to investments.  In approximate order of magnitude, cash outflows typically consist of staff-related costs, selling and marketing expenses, service testing expenses, general and administrative expenses, legal/patent fees and research and development costs.

 

Our net cash from / (used in) investing activities was $(178,652), $492,177 and $5,030 for the years ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Typically, cash used in investing activities related to the acquisition of laboratory equipment.  In addition, the agreement reached with Applera Corporation in December 2005 has provided us with significant credits for laboratory equipment and reagents produced by that company.  As of June 30, 2013, the balance of credits due under the various agreements with Applera Corporation was $1,222,579.

 

Our net cash from / (used in) financing activities was $437,955, $10,851,070, and $(314,762) for the years ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  In respect of the year ended June 30, 2013, the Company generated net cash flows of $481,500 from the issue of 10,700,000 ordinary shares.  In respect of the year ended June 30, 2012, the Company generated net cash flows of $10,902,037 from the issue of 60,000,000 ordinary shares.  In all three years, outflows from financing activities included the repayment of hire purchase principal in respect of various items of laboratory equipment.

 

Apart from the purchase of plant and equipment of $53,611 in 2013, $76,314 in 2012 and $139,678 in 2011, we had no material capital expenditures for the years ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

Future cash requirements

 

We expect that operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, capital expenditures will be a material use of our cash resources in future.  As of June 30, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents totalling $1,721,293. Subsequent to this date, the Company raised a further $6,500,000 from the issue of ordinary shares as part of a private placement and its Share Purchase Plan, with a commitment to raise a further $500,000.  As disclosed above, the Directors have undertaken an assessment of the Company’s ability to pay its debts as and when they fall due.  As part of this assessment, the Directors have had regard to the Company’s cash flow forecasts for the twelve month period from the date of the attached Financial Report as current cash on hand is not sufficient to sustain operations for one year. In light of its financial position, the Company is evaluating strategic financial opportunities through a range of available options including raising additional funds via the issue of a US$5,000,000 convertible note as disclosed in Note 2(a) of the attached financial statements to maintain liquidity for the twelve month period through October 31, 2014 and beyond.  If the Company cannot raise such funds, the Company will not be able to develop or enhance products, take advantage of future opportunities, or respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated requirements, which would have a material adverse impact on the business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of these matters, there is a substantial doubt about 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 as disclosed in Note 2(a) of the attached financial statements.

 

Operating leases

 

We are obligated under two operating leases for periods expiring through August 31, 2015.  These leases relate to the premises occupied by the Company in Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia and by its U.S. subsidiary, Phenogen Sciences Inc., in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A.  The following table summarises the future minimum lease payments in respect of the two operating leases that had remaining non-cancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of June 30, 2013:

 

Year ending June 30,

 

 

 

2014

 

359,497

 

2015

 

347,493

 

2016

 

28,957

 

Total minimum lease payments

 

$

735,947

 

 

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Item 5.C         Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

Our principal business is biotechnology, with the emphasis on genomics and genetics, the licensing of our non-coding patents, reduction to practice of our fetal cell patents and expansion of the related service testing business.

 

The following table details historic R&D expenditure by project.

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

RareCellect

 

313,791

 

289,208

 

223,717

 

ImmunAid (refer note)

 

 

188,525

 

305,775

 

Nematode project

 

1,053

 

906

 

52,523

 

Research at C.Y. O’Connor (refer note)

 

12,662

 

182,184

 

67,444

 

Other general R&D

 

245,871

 

231,451

 

392,002

 

Total R&D expense

 

573,377

 

892,274

 

1,041,461

 

Other expenditure

 

17,391,133

 

16,523,044

 

16,295,690

 

Total expenditure

 

17,964,510

 

17,415,308

 

17,310,151

 

R&D as a % of total expenditure

 

3

%

5

%

6

%

 

Note:                  Research by the C.Y. O’Connor ERADE Village Foundation was terminated during the 2009 financial year.  The costs incurred since that time relate to impairment charges and legal fees associated with the patent portfolio that was acquired as part of that project.

 

ImmunAid research is carried out by former subsidiary ImmunAid Limited. As this subsidiary was deconsolidated from the Group during 2012 there was no expense incurred by the Group in 2013.

 

Due to the nature of the Company’s business, it is important that any intellectual property in the form of new discoveries be protected.  The table described in Item 4.B hereinabove provides the status of all patent applications the Company has filed.

 

Item 5.D         Trend Information

 

The direction of genetic research

 

Following upon the original non-coding inventions made by GeneType AG and the publication and dissemination of this work in the early 1990’s, research groups world-wide have increasingly sought to investigate and, if possible, establish non-coding associations in a great number of diseases which were hitherto unexplained.

 

In 2002, Nature Publishing Group produced a summary of some 284 separate research projects which sought to establish non-coding associations in relation to either the cause or the outcome of many human diseases.  Within that group, more than 100 human conditions have since been shown to be linked to non-coding genetic variations.  In 1999, an international collaboration, known as the “SNP Consortium” was established to identify all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of relevance to a complete understanding of human genetics.  More recently, the international “HapMap” project was launched to identify relevant human haplotypes.

 

All of these projects depend significantly on the basic inventions owned by our Company.  It remains our corporate objective to encourage all such research which we expect will, in time, lead to a great number of new commercial licensing opportunities for Genetic Technologies.  Such opportunities are also not limited to human applications, given the recent expansion of interest in the genetics of animals, plants and lower forms of life, including parasites and many organisms that contribute to either disease or to recuperative environmental systems of our planet.  Such research is likely to expand significantly in the coming years.  Our ability to secure licensing agreements from these areas of research as they develop into commercial operations will determine the level of revenue in the future.

 

The direction of genetic testing

 

Further to the completed first phase of the Human Genome Project in mid-2001, and then the Mouse Genome Project in December 2002, there is now a greatly improved general understanding of gene structure, gene function and gene expression.  This is likely to lead to new genetic tests and new genetic treatments - perhaps even tailored to an individual’s unique genetic code.  DNA testing for forensic purposes has already been shown to be extremely reliable in matters of criminal justice, disputed paternity and family relationships.  Genetic testing will also be increasingly relied upon to assist with disease diagnosis, and also in the improved assessment disease risk factors.  In addition, genetic testing will be applied more and more to help identify specific animal and plant traits that are either desirable or undesirable, in order to help breeders better select their future seed stock.  We believe the demand for

 

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an expansion of genetic testing will continue to grow in the coming years.

 

Item 5E.      Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

We are not a party to any material off-balance sheet arrangements.  In addition, we have no unconsolidated special purpose financing or partnership entities that are likely to create any material contingent obligations.

 

Item 5F.      Information about contractual obligations

 

The table below shows the contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of June 30, 2013:

 

 

 

0-1 year

 

>1-<3 years

 

>3-<5 years

 

>5 years

 

Operating lease commitments

 

$

359,497

 

$

376,450

 

$

 

$

 

 

The above financial obligations are in respect of leases over office and laboratory premises.

 

Item 6.           Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

Item 6.A        Directors and Senior Management

 

The Directors of the Company as of the date of this Annual Report are:

 

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

 

In office from July 1,2012 up to the date of this Report

 

Dr. Brandon, 66, was appointed to the Board on October 5, 2009 and as its Chairman on November 28, 2012.  He also serves as Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee.  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. Brandon also serves as Chairman of the Company’s Canadian-listed subsidiary, Gtech International Resources Limited.

 

Tommaso Bonvino, FAICD (Non-Executive)

 

In office from July 1, 2012 up to the date of this Report

 

Mr. Bonvino, 52, was appointed to the Board on November 25, 2009 and also serves as Chairman of the Company’s Corporate Governance Committee.  He has over 29 years experience in marketing and product development and has managed companies for various Italian, Spanish and French firms, distributing and marketing goods throughout South-East Asia.  He has established bilateral trade relationships between Australian and European companies in the technology and consumer goods sectors.  Most recently, Mr. Bonvino served as CEO of Private Branded Beverages Limited, and is a non-executive Director of the Melbourne Recital Centre and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass, MBBS (Non-Executive)

 

In office from July 1, 2012 up to the date of this Report

 

Dr. Cass, 72, was appointed to the Board on September 30, 2011 and also serves as a member of the Company’s Audit and Corporate Governance Committees.  He 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.

 

Benjamin Silluzio, DipFM, GradDipAppFin, MAICD (Non-Executive)

 

In office from December 10, 2012 up to the date of this Report

 

Mr. Silluzio, 37, was appointed to the Board on December 10, 2012 and also serves as a member of the Company’s Audit and Corporate Governance Committees.  He specializes in the provision of advice for sophisticated investors, institutional clients and high net worth families in Melbourne, nationally and abroad.  Currently, he serves as the managing partner and desk head of RBS Morgans Family Office, and is also a director of Private Branded Beverages Ltd., a public unlisted company, and is a former President and Chairman of the Italian Chamber of Commerce.  Previously, Mr. Silluzio has held several senior positions in the stockbroking and funds management industries, including: Director of UBS Wealth Management Australia, Senior Vice President of Credit Suisse First Boston in Melbourne, Vice President and member of the “Smith Barney Century Council” at Citigroup Smith Barney in Melbourne

 

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and as an institutional client advisor at Colonial Institutional Stockbroking in Sydney and Melbourne.

 

Also during the financial year, Dr. Melvyn J. Bridges served as a Director of the Company and Chairman of the Board from the beginning of the year until he was not re-elected on November 27, 2012.  Mr. Huw D. Jones served as a Director of the Company from the beginning of the year until he was not re-elected November 27, 2012.  Mr. Gregory W. Brown served as a Director of the Company from July 24, 2012 until his resignation on November 27, 2012.

 

Senior Management

 

We have a professional team of qualified and experienced personnel, including a number of research and development scientists and technicians.  The Group currently has 64 full-time-equivalent employees in addition to the four Directors listed above.  Of the total number of personnel, eight have Doctorate qualifications.  The members of the Company’s Senior Leadership Team as at the date of this Report, and a brief summary of their relevant experience, is as follows:

 

Alison J. Mew, (Chief Executive Officer)

 

Ms. Mew, 55, was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in August 2009 and subsequently as Chief Executive Officer in December 2012.  She has a diverse background in leadership and operations management in the biopharmaceutical industry, in both Australia and overseas, covering animal and human heath, including more than 13 years with CSL Ltd. in various senior positions. As from October 15, 2013, Ms. Mew has stepped aside from her day to day responsibilities for a period of three months for personal health-related reasons.

 

Thomas G. Howitt, (Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary)

 

Mr. Howitt, 49, was appointed as CFO in June 2004 and Company Secretary in June 2005.  He has wide financial experience and has played key roles in the raising of bank debt and equity capital for various listed companies operating in a variety of industries, both domestically and internationally. He also serves as President of the Company’s Canadian-listed subsidiary, Gtech International Resources Limited, and is a current member of the Victorian Branch Committee of AusBiotech Ltd.  As from October 15, 2013, Mr. Howitt has also assumed the role of Acting CEO alongside his current duties as the Company’s CFO and Company Secretary.

 

Mark J. Ostrowski, (Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing — Phenogen Sciences Inc.)

 

Mr. Ostrowski, 50, was appointed as Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing — Phenogen Sciences Inc. in September 2012.  He brings more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience in molecular diagnostics, having served in senior managerial positions at market-leading companies focused on women’s health and oncology, including as Director of Sales Operations at Myriad Genetics and DIANON Systems.

 

Dr. Richard Allman, PhD (Scientific Director)

 

Dr. Allman, 53,  joined the Company in 2004 and was appointed as Scientific Director in December 2012. He has over 20 years of scientific and research experience in both the academic arena in the UK and the commercial sector in Australia. He has wide experience in research leadership, innovation management, and intellectual property strategy, covering oncology, diagnostics, and product development. Prior to entering the biotech sector, Dr. Allman’s academic career encompassed oncology research, drug development, and assay design.

 

Diana Newport(Quality and Business Operations Director)

 

Ms. Newport, 56,  was appointed as Quality and Business Operations Director in September 2013. She comes to the Company with extensive international Quality Systems and operational experience in the highly regulated industries of food and pharmaceutical. The Company will benefit from her experience gained from recent senior roles within the CSL quality control laboratories.

 

M. Luisa Ashdown(Director of Global Licensing and Intellectual Property)

 

Ms. Ashdown, 57, has expertise in the area of genetics and immunology and has been with the Company since it started in 1989 during which time she was instrumental in the establishment of the Company’s laboratory capability and DNA testing services. She has since served in various roles including as Director of several of GTG’s subsidiaries. For over a decade, she has been involved in Licensing and Property defence and management.

 

Also during the financial year, Mr. Lewis J. Stuart served as President and General Manager of Phenogen Sciences Inc. from the beginning of the year until he ceased employment with that company on August 24, 2012. Dr. Paul MacLeman resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on November 27, 2012. Dr. David Sparling resigned as VP Legal and Corporate Development on November 27, 2012. Since the end of the financial year, Mr. Greg McPherson,  VP Sales and Marketing ceased to be an employee of the Company on July 12, 2013. Mr. Ivan Jasenko,  Operations Director ceased to be an employee of the Company on August 16, 2013.

 

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Ms. Luisa Ashdown and Ms. Diana Newport became members of KMP on August 23, 2013 and September 26, 2013, respectively.

 

Item 6.B      Compensation

 

Details of the nature and amount of each major element of the compensation of each director of the Company and each of the named officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, for services in all capacities during the financial year ended June 30, 2013 are listed below.  All figures are stated in Australian dollars (AUD).

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

Post-employment

 

Long-term

 

Share-based

 

 

 

Name and title of

 

 

 

Salary/fees

 

Other

 

Superannuation

 

Long service leave

 

Options

 

Totals

 

Directors

 

Year

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon (1) 

 

2013

 

51,759

 

 

26,458

 

 

 

78,217

 

Non-Executive Chairman

 

2012

 

31,800

 

 

24,662

 

 

 

56,462

 

Tommaso Bonvino

 

2013

 

52,318

 

 

4,708

 

 

 

57,026

 

Non-Executive Director

 

2012

 

51,800

 

 

4,662

 

 

 

56,462

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass

 

2013

 

52,318

 

 

4,708

 

 

 

57,026

 

Non-Executive Director

 

2012

 

38,850

 

 

3,496

 

 

 

42,346

 

Benjamin Silluzio (2)

 

2013

 

29,344

 

 

2,641

 

 

 

31,985

 

Non-Executive Director

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Melvyn J. Bridges (3)

 

2013

 

32,683

 

 

9,754

 

 

 

42,437

 

Ex-Non-Exec. Chairman

 

2012

 

43,333

 

 

12,756

 

 

 

56,089

 

Gregory W. Brown (4)

 

2013

 

18,016

 

 

1,621

 

 

 

19,637

 

Ex-Non-Executive Director

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huw D. Jones (5)

 

2013

 

21,229

 

 

1,910

 

 

 

23,139

 

Ex-Non-Executive Director

 

2012

 

51,800

 

 

4,662

 

 

 

56,462

 

Sidney C. Hack (6)

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-Non-Executive Chairman

 

2012

 

12,384

 

 

23,845

 

 

 

36,229

 

Sub-totals for Directors

 

2013

 

257,667

 

 

51,800

 

 

 

309,467

 

 

 

2012

 

229,967

 

 

74,083

 

 

 

304,050

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Executives

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

Post-employment

 

Long-term

 

Share-based

 

 

 

Name and title of

 

 

 

Salary/fees

 

Other

 

Superannuation

 

Long service leave

 

Options

 

Totals

 

Directors

 

Year

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Alison J. Mew (7), (16)

 

2013

 

223,133

 

 

24,999

 

7,201

 

 

255,333

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2012

 

176,335

 

10,000

 

18,951

 

2,843

 

8,063

 

216,192

 

Thomas G. Howitt (16)

 

2013

 

222,624

 

20,000

 

22,286

 

4,598

 

 

269,508

 

Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary

 

2012

 

220,204

 

5,000

 

22,726

 

5,111

 

8,063

 

261,104

 

Mark J. Ostrowski (8)

 

2013

 

221,953

 

10,778

 

 

 

63,549

 

296,280

 

US Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Richard Allman (9)

 

2013

 

114,076

 

 

13,782

 

5,553

 

 

133,411

 

Scientific Director

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Paul D.R. MacLeman (10)

 

2013

 

122,949

 

161,297

 

11,064

 

 

 

295,310

 

Ex-Chief Executive Officer

 

2012

 

300,000

 

 

29,160

 

5,659

 

19,350

 

354,169

 

Lewis J. Stuart (11)

 

2013

 

52,843

 

107,752

 

 

 

 

160,595

 

Ex-General Manager US ops.

 

2012

 

267,894

 

 

 

 

12,900

 

280,794

 

Gregory J. McPherson (12)

 

2013

 

182,157

 

77,775

 

16,844

 

 

 

276,776

 

Ex-VP Sales and Marketing

 

2012

 

177,646

 

5,000

 

19,385

 

2,984

 

8,063

 

213,078

 

Dr. David J. Sparling (13)

 

2013

 

79,781

 

102,248

 

8,080

 

 

 

190,109

 

Ex-VP Legal / Corp. Develop.

 

2012

 

194,670

 

10,000

 

21,691

 

3,078

 

8,063

 

237,502

 

Ivan Jasenko (14)

 

2013

 

148,607

 

 

13,374

 

2,276

 

12,624

 

176,881

 

Ex-Operations Director

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sub-totals for Executives

 

2013

 

1,368,123

 

479,850

 

110,429

 

19,628

 

76,173

 

2,054,203

 

 

 

2012

 

1,336,749

 

30,000

 

111,913

 

19,675

 

64,502

 

1,562,839

 

Total remuneration of

 

2013

 

1,625,790

 

479,850

 

162,229

 

19,628

 

76,173

 

2,363,670

 

Key Management Personnel

 

2012

 

1,566,716

 

30,000

 

185,996

 

19,675

 

64,502

 

1,866,889

 

 


Notes:

 

The following changes to KMP occurred during the period from July 1, 2012 to the date of this Report:

 

(1)          Dr. Malcolm Brandon was appointed as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board on November 28, 2012.

 

(2)          Mr. Benjamin Silluzio was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Company on December 10, 2012.

 

(3)          Dr. Melvyn Bridges ceased to be a Director of the Company and Chairman of its Board on November 27, 2012.

 

(4)          Mr. Gregory Brown resigned as a Director of the Company on November 27, 2012.

 

(5)          Mr. Huw Jones ceased to be a Director of the Company on November 27, 2012.

 

(6)          Mr. Sidney Hack resigned as a Director of the Company and Chairman of its Board on December 16, 2011.

 

(7)          Ms. Alison Mew was appointed as acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company on November 28, 2012 and as permanent Chief Executive Officer of the Company on December 10,  2012.

 

(8)          Mr. Mark Ostrowski was appointed US Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing on September 7, 2012.

 

(9)          Dr. Richard Allman was appointed as Scientific Director of the Company on December 10, 2012.

 

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

 

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

 

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(12)    Mr. Greg McPherson ceased to be an employee of the Company on July 12,  2013.  Included in his payments under the heading “other” is a termination payment of $77,775 (2012: $nil) that was accrued as at 30 June 2013.

 

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

 

(14)    Mr. Ivan Jasenko was appointed as Operations Director of the Company on December 10, 2012.  He subsequently resigned as Operations Director of the Company on August 16,  2013, i.e. after balance date.

 

(15)    Ms. Luisa Ashdown and Ms. Diana Newport became members of KMP on August 23, 2013 and September 26, 2013, respectively.

 

(16)    As from October 15, 2013, Ms. Mew stepped aside from her day to day responsibilities as CEO for a period of three months for personal, health-related reasons.  As from that date, Mr. Howitt assumed the role of Acting CEO in addition to his usual roles of CFO and Company Secretary.

 

(17)    The column above entitled “other” of $479,850 (2012: $30,000) comprised termination payments of $449,072 (2102: $nil) and STI payments of $30,778 (2012: $30,000).

 

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.

 

Executive officers are those officers who were involved during the year in the strategic direction, general management or control of the business at a company or operating division level.  The remuneration paid to Executives is set with reference to prevailing market levels and comprises a fixed salary, various short term incentives (which are linked to agreed key performance indicators), and an option component.  Options are granted to Executives in line with their respective levels of experience and responsibility.

 

Options

 

We introduced a Staff Share Plan on November 30, 2001.  On November 19, 2008, the shareholders of the Company approved the introduction of a new Employee Option Plan.  Collectively, these Plans establish the eligibility of our employees and those of any subsidiaries, and of consultants and independent contractors to a participating company who are declared by the Board to be eligible, to participate.  Broadly speaking, the respective Plans permits us, at the discretion of the Board, to issue traditional options (with an exercise price).  The Plans conform with the IFSA Executive Share and Option Scheme Guidelines and, where participation is to be made available to staff who reside outside Australia, there may have to be modifications to the terms of grant to meet or better comply with local laws or practice.

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, there were three executives and 18 employees who have been granted options under the Plans.  Options issued under the Plan carry no rights to dividends and no voting rights.

 

Options issued under the Plans during the following financial years are as follows:

 

Year ended June 30, 2011:

 

During the year ended June 30, 2011, a total of 17,300,000 options over the Company’s ordinary shares were issued to executives and certain employees of the Group.  Each option, which was issued at no charge, entitles the holder to acquire one ordinary share in the Company at exercise prices ranging from $0.045 to $0.19 cents each up to, and including, March 31, 2016, unless exercised before that date.  The majority of the options vest in three equal tranches after 12 months, 24 months and 36 months from the date of grant, respectively.

 

Also during the 2011 financial year, a total of 950,000 options that had previously been issued to employees lapsed.  Of this number, a total of 200,000 options were forfeited, whilst the remaining 750,000 options expired.  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.

 

Year ended June 30, 2012:

 

During the year ended June 30, 2012, a total of 3,250,000 options over the Company’s ordinary shares were issued to certain employees of the Group.  Each option, which was issued at no charge, entitles the holder to acquire one ordinary share in the Company at exercise prices ranging from $0.12 to $0.20 cents each up to, and including, February 20, 2017, unless exercised before that date.  The options vest in three equal tranches after 12 months, 24 months and 36 months from the date of grant, respectively.

 

Also during the 2012 financial year, a total of 166,667 options were exercised at a price of $0.045 each, generating total funds of $7,500 for the Company.  Further, 2,608,333 options that had previously been issued to employees lapsed.  Of this number, a total of 1,958,333 options were forfeited, whilst the remaining 650,000 options expired.  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.

 

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Year ended June 30, 2013:

 

During the year ended June 30, 2013, a total of 3,650,000 options over the Company’s ordinary shares were issued to certain employees of the Group.  Each option, which was issued at no charge, entitles the holder to acquire one ordinary share in the Company at exercise prices ranging from $0.10 to $0.14 cents each up to, and including, January 25, 2018, unless exercised before that date.  The options vest in three equal tranches after 12 months, 24 months and 36 months from the date of grant, respectively

 

During the 2013 financial year, a total of 10,700,000 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 2013 financial year, a total of 3,550,000 options that had been issued to employees lapsed.  Of this number, a total of 1,550,000 options were forfeited, while the remaining 2,000,000 options expired.  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

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, there was a total of 9,525,000 options outstanding.

 

Options granted under the Plans carry no rights to dividends and no voting rights.  In accordance with the terms of the Plans, options granted prior to June 2007 generally vest on the basis of 25% per annum and can be exercised at any time after vesting to the date of their expiry.  The options generally have an expiry date of six years from the date of grant.  Options granted after July 2007, generally vest in three equal tranches after 12 months, 24 months and 36 months from the date of grant, respectively.  These later options generally have an expiry date of nearly five years from the date of grant.

 

During the years ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded a share-based payments expense in respect of the options granted of $223,005, $268,343 and $253,851, respectively.

 

The following is additional information relating to the options granted under the respective Plans as of June 30, 2013:

 

 

 

Options outstanding

 

Options exercisable

 

Range of
exercise
prices

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted
average exercise
price

 

Remaining weighted
average contractual
life (years)

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted average
exercise price

 

$0.01 - $0.10

 

1,500,000

 

$

0.082

 

3.64

 

500,000

 

$

0.045

 

$0.11 - $0.20

 

8,025,000

 

$

0.159

 

3.45

 

2,666,667

 

$

0.176

 

 

 

9,525,000

 

$

0.147

 

3.48

 

3,166,667

 

$

0.155

 

 

The following is additional information relating to the options granted under the respective Plans as of June 30, 2012:

 

 

 

Options outstanding

 

Options exercisable

 

Range of
exercise
prices

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted
average exercise
price

 

Remaining weighted
average contractual
life (years)

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted average
exercise price

 

$0.01 - $0.10

 

12,000,000

 

$

0.045

 

2.85

 

12,000,000

 

$

0.045

 

$0.11 - $0.20

 

6,425,000

 

$

0.167

 

3.99

 

1,258,333

 

$

0.190

 

$0.21 - $0.30

 

1,700,000

 

$

0.220

 

0.32

 

1,700,000

 

$

0.220

 

 

 

20,125,000

 

$

0.099

 

3.00

 

14,958,333

 

$

0.077

 

 

The following is additional information relating to the options granted under the respective Plans as of June 30, 2011:

 

 

 

Options outstanding

 

Options exercisable

 

Range of
exercise
prices

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted
average exercise
price

 

Remaining weighted
average contractual
life (years)

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted average
exercise price

 

$0.01 - $0.10

 

12,500,000

 

$

0.045

 

3.85

 

 

$

0.045

 

$0.11 - $0.20

 

4,800,000

 

$

0.190

 

4.75

 

 

$

0.190

 

$0.21 - $0.30

 

1,700,000

 

$

0.220

 

1.32

 

1,700,000

 

$

0.220

 

$0.31 - $0.40

 

150,000

 

$

0.400

 

0.92

 

150,000

 

$

0.400

 

$0.41 - $0.50

 

250,000

 

$

0.430

 

0.12

 

250,000

 

$

0.430

 

$0.51 - $0.60

 

250,000

 

$

0.530

 

0.12

 

250,000

 

$

0.530

 

 

 

19,650,000

 

$

0.110

 

3.73

 

2,350,000

 

$

0.290

 

 

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The fair value for the options issued to employees was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following range of assumptions for June 30:

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

Risk Free Interest Rate

 

3.24% to 3.66%

 

3.23% to 3.65%

 

4.60% to 5.04%

 

Expected Dividend Yield

 

 

 

 

Historic and Expected Volatility

 

95% to 100%

 

83% to 100%

 

84% to 95%

 

Option Exercise Prices

 

$0.045 to $0.22

 

$0.12 to $0.2

 

$0.045 to $0.19

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

$ 0.129

 

$0.145

 

$0.085

 

Expected Lives

 

3.48 years

 

3.83 years

 

3.94 years

 

 

A total of 3,650,000 options were granted during the year ended June 30, 2013.  A total of 3,250,000 options were granted during the year ended June 30, 2012.  A total of 17,300,000 options were granted during the year ended June 30, 2011.

 

Indemnification and Insurance with respect to Directors

 

We are obligated pursuant to an indemnity agreement, to indemnify the current Directors and executive officers and former Directors against all liabilities to third parties that may arise from their position as Directors or officers of the Company and our controlled entities, except where to do so would be prohibited by law.  In addition, we currently carry insurance in respect of Directors’ and officers’ liabilities for current and former Directors, Company Secretary and executive officers or employees.

 

Item 6.C                        Board Practices

 

The Board of Directors

 

Under our Constitution, our Board of Directors is required to comprise at least three Directors.  As of the date of this Annual Report, our Board comprised four Directors.

 

The role of the Board includes:

 

(a)                 Reviewing and making recommendations in remuneration packages and policies applicable to directors, senior executives and consultants.

 

(b)                 Nomination of external auditors and reviewing the adequacy of external audit arrangements.

 

(c)                  Establishing the overall internal control framework over financial reporting, quality and integrity of personnel and investment appraisal.  In establishing an appropriate framework, the board recognized that no cost effective internal control systems will preclude all errors and irregularities.

 

(d)                 Establishing and maintaining appropriate ethical standards in dealings with business associates, suppliers, advisers and regulators, competitors, the community and other employees.

 

(e)                  Identifying areas of significant business risk and implementing corrective action as soon as practicable after a risk is identified.

 

(f)                   Nominating of audit and nomination and remuneration committee members.

 

The Board meets to discuss business regularly throughout the year, with additional meetings being held when circumstances warrant.  Included in the table below are details of the meetings of the Board and the two sub-committees of the Board that were held during the 2013 financial year.

 

 

 

 

 

Sub-Committees of the Board

 

 

 

Directors’ meetings

 

Audit

 

Corporate Governance

 

Name of Director

 

Eligible

 

Attended

 

Eligible

 

Attended

 

Eligible

 

Attended

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon (1)

 

11

 

11

 

2

 

2

 

 

 

Tommaso Bonvino (2)

 

11

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass

 

11

 

10

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

Benjamin Silluzio

 

6

 

6

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

Dr. Melvyn J. Bridges (3)

 

3

 

3

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

Gregory W. Brown

 

3

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Huw D. Jones

 

3

 

3

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

 

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Committees of the Board

 

The Board has established an Audit Committee which operates under a specific Charter approved by the Board.  It is the Board’s responsibility to ensure that an effective internal control framework exists within the entity.  This includes internal controls to deal with both the effectiveness and efficiency of significant business processes, the safeguarding of assets, the maintenance of proper accounting records, and the reliability of financial information as well as non-financial considerations such as the benchmarking of operational key performance indicators.

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of a framework of internal control and ethical standards for the management of the Group to the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee also provides the Board with assurance regarding the reliability of financial information for inclusion in the financial reports.  All members of the Audit Committee are independent Non-Executive Directors.

 

Committee membership

 

As at the date of this Report, the Company had an Audit Committee and a Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors (the latter being formerly known as the Nomination and Remuneration Committee).  The individuals who served as members of these Committees during the financial year were:

 

The various individuals who served as members of the Sub-Committees during the 2013 financial year were:

 

 

 

Audit Committee

 

Corporate Governance Committee

 

Name of Member

 

Period served

 

Period served

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon

 

July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013

 

Not applicable

 

Tommaso Bonvino

 

Not applicable

 

July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass

 

January 30, 2013 to June 30, 2013

 

January 30, 2013 to June 30, 2013

 

Benjamin Silluzio

 

January 30, 2013 to June 30, 2013

 

January 30, 2013 to June 30, 2013

 

Dr. Melvyn J. Bridges

 

July 1, 2012 to November 27, 2012

 

July 1, 2012 to November 27, 2012

 

Huw D. Jones

 

July 1, 2012 to November 27, 2012

 

July 1, 2012 to November 27, 2012

 

 


Notes:

 

(1)    Dr. Brandon served as the Chairman of the Audit Sub-Committee from November 28, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

 

(2)    Mr. Bonvino served as the Chairman of the Corporate Governance Sub-Committee from November 28, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

 

(3)    Dr. Bridges served as the Chairman of both Sub-Committees from July 1, 2012 to November 27, 2012.

 

(4)    In accordance with the Charter, the auditor attended two meetings of the Audit Committee at the request of the Committee.

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, the members of the Audit Committee, all of whom are independent, were:

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon (Chairman)

Dr. Mervyn Cass

Benjamin Silluzio

 

During the 2005 financial year, the Board established a Nomination and Remuneration Committee, which meets to ensure that the Board continues to operate within the established guidelines including selecting candidates for the position of Director.  During the 2006 financial year, the role of the Committee was expanded to include matters related to the Company’s Corporate Governance affairs and its name changed to the Corporate Governance Committee to reflect that additional role.  The members of the Committee have the right to appoint an independent consultant to attend meetings of the Committee, as appropriate.

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, the members of the Corporate Governance Committee, all of whom are independent, were:

 

Tommaso Bonvino (Chairman)

Dr. Mervyn Cass

Benjamin Silluzio

 

Compliance with NASDAQ Rules

 

NASDAQ listing rules require that we disclose the home country practices that we will follow in lieu of compliance with NASDAQ corporate governance rules.  The following describes the home country practices and the related NASDAQ rule:

 

Majority of Independent Directors:  We follow home country practice rather than NASDAQ’s requirement in Marketplace

 

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Rule 4350(c)(1) that the majority of the Board of each issuer be comprised of independent directors as defined in Marketplace Rule 4200.  As of the date of this Annual Report, our Board of Directors comprises of a majority of independent directors.

 

Compensation of Officers:  We follow home country practice rather than NASDAQ’s requirement in Marketplace Rule 4350(c)(3) that chief executive compensation be determined or recommended to the Board by the majority of independent directors or a compensation committee of independent directors.  Similarly, compensation of other officers is not determined or recommended to the Board by a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors.  These decisions are made by our corporate governance committee which is comprised of a majority of independent directors.  The ASX does not have a requirement that each listed issuer have a remuneration committee or otherwise follow the procedures embodied in NASDAQ’s Marketplace Rule.  Furthermore, no law, rule or regulation of the ASIC has such a requirement nor does the applicable corporate law legislation.  Such home country practices are not prohibited by the laws of Australia.

 

Nomination:  We follow home country practice rather than NASDAQ’s requirement in Marketplace Rule 4350(c)(4) that director nominees be selected or recommended by a majority of the independent directors or by a nominations committee (in our case, the Corporate Governance Committee) comprised of independent directors.  These decisions are made by our corporate governance committee which is comprised of a majority of independent directors.  The ASX does not have a requirement that each listed issuer have a nominations committee or otherwise follow the procedures embodied in NASDAQ’s Marketplace Rule.  Furthermore, no law, rule or regulation of the ASIC has such a requirement nor does the applicable corporate law legislation.  Accordingly, selections or recommendations of director nominees by a committee that is not comprised of a majority of directors that are not independent is not prohibited by the laws of Australia.

 

Quorum:  We follow home country practice rather than NASDAQ’s requirement in Marketplace Rule 4350(f) that each issuer provide for a quorum of at least 33 1/3 percent of the outstanding shares of the issuer’s ordinary stock (voting stock).  Pursuant to our Constitution we are currently required to have a quorum for a general meeting of three persons holding at least 10% of our Ordinary Shares.  The practice followed by us is not prohibited by Australian law.

 

Item 6.D                        Employees

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, the Group comprising the Company and its subsidiaries, employed 64 full-time equivalent employees.  The number of full-time equivalent employees as of the end of each respective financial year ended June 30 are as follows:

 

2013

 

64

 

2012

 

56

 

2011

 

60

 

 

Item 6.E                        Share Ownership

 

The relevant interest of the directors in the share capital of the Company as notified by them to the Australian Securities Exchange in accordance with section 205G(1) of the Corporations Act 2001 as of the date of this Annual Report is as follows:

 

Director

 

Ordinary shares

 

Percentage of Capital held

 

Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon

 

 

N/A

 

Tommaso Bonvino

 

 

N/A

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass

 

473,667

 

0.084

%

Benjamin Silluzio

 

 

N/A

 

 

Notes:             As of the date of this Annual Report, no options over Ordinary Shares are held by the Directors.

 

Item 7.                                     Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

Item 7.A                        Major Shareholders

 

The table below sets forth the name of the only beneficial owner of 5% or more of our voting securities as of the date of this Annual Report:

 

Name

 

Number of Ordinary Shares held

 

Percentage of Capital held

 

Dr. Mervyn Jacobson

 

136,473,684 (refer note)

 

24.12

%

 

Note:  Includes shares held by Mervyn Jacobson ApS and JGT ApS.

 

The number of Ordinary Shares on issue in Genetic Technologies as of the date of this Annual Report was 565,749,677.  The number of holders of Ordinary Shares in Genetic Technologies as of the date of this Annual Report was approximately 2,850.

 

The Company is not aware of any direct or indirect ownership or control of it by another corporation(s), by any

 

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foreign government or by any other natural or legal person(s) severally or jointly.  Principal shareholders do not enjoy any special or different voting rights from those to which other holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled.  The Company does not know of any arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.

 

Item 7.B                        Related Party Transactions

 

During the year ended June 30, 2013, 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 subsidiary of Genetic Technologies Limited (the “Company”) in which the Company holds a total of 4,500,000 ordinary shares, representing a 45% direct equity interest in ImmunAid.  Transactions between the Company and ImmunAid, and those involving shares in ImmunAid, that were undertaken during the year have been summarised as follows:

 

·             On August 7, 2012, the Company sold a total of 46,951 ordinary shares in ImmunAid at a price of $1.00 per share, generating total consideration of $46,951.  In respect of this sale, the Company paid commissions of $2,817 to Dr. Mervyn Jacobson, a former Director and current substantial shareholder of the Company.

 

·             During the 2013 financial year, the Company rendered twelve invoices to ImmunAid totaling $52,800 (inclusive of GST) in respect management services provided to ImmunAid by the Company.  As at balance date, a total of $8,800 had been paid whilst the remaining $44,000 was recorded in the Company’s balance sheet as a receivable, against which a full provision was raised.  The remaining balance of $44,000 was recorded in the ImmunAid’s balance sheet as a payable.  During the 2012 financial year, ImmunAid paid management fees to the Company amounting to $22,500.

 

·             During the 2013 financial year, the Company paid various expenses to third parties on behalf of ImmunAid totalling $173,300.  This amount was recorded in the Company’s balance sheet as a receivable, against which a full provision was raised.

 

·             Dr. Jacobson served as Chief Executive Officer of ImmunAid throughout the entire 2013 financial year.  He rendered twelve invoices to ImmunAid totalling $200,004 (2012 $nil) in respect of services performed by him.  As at balance date he had received $33,334 from ImmunAid.  The remaining balance of $166,670 was recorded in the ImmunAid’s balance sheet as a payable.

 

Licensing services

 

During the year ended June 30, 2013, the Company paid a total of $50,000 (2012: $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.  Also during the year, Genetic Technologies Limited paid a total of $293,981 (2012: $59,813) 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 $34,518 (2012: $115,084).

 

Phenogen Sciences Inc.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2013, Phenogen Sciences Inc, a subsidiary, purchased testing services from Genetic Technologies Corporation Pty. Ltd., another subsidiary at a cost of $49,136 (2012: $11,572).

 

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.

 

Item 7.C                       Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8.           Financial Information

 

Item 8.A        Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

The information included in Item 18 of this Annual Report is referred to and incorporated by reference into this Item 8.A.

 

Litigation and other legal proceedings

 

Australian Federal Court Patent Proceeding

 

In June 2010, a group of Australian plaintiffs initiated litigation in the Australian Federal Court challenging the validity of certain claims of an Australian patent owned by Myriad Genetics Inc. (Australian patent 686004 - “‘004”).  Genetic Technologies was named as a respondent to this matter by virtue of the fact that Genetic Technologies is the exclusive licensee of the BRCA patents in Australia (which includes the ‘004 patent).

 

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This matter bears a striking resemblance to the US litigation filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against Myriad’s US patent equivalent in which a US Federal District Court ruled that isolated DNA sequences are not eligible for patent protection because of the fact that they are “products of nature”.  On July 29, 2011, Myriad successfully appealed this decision with the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals reversing the decision of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  On March 26, 2012 the U.S. Supreme Court remanded the case back to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit for reconsideration.  On August 16, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled on the Myriad in the U.S., upholding the patentability of gene patents.

 

On September 30, 2011, Genetic Technologies filed documents with the Australian Federal Court to the effect that Genetic Technologies submits to the orders of the Court and takes no further part in the proceedings.

 

On September 30, 2011, Genetic Technologies filed documents with the Australian Federal Court to the effect that the Company submits to the orders of the Court and takes no further part in the proceedings.  On February 15, 2013, the Australian Federal Court ruled in favor of Myriad Genetics in this matter.

 

Myriad Genetics argued that by virtue of the process of extracting the gene from the body, it had satisfied the requirements of an “invention” according to section 18(1)(a) of the Patents Act which states that an invention must be a “manner of manufacture”. Based on previous case law, the Court held that a “manner of manufacture” requires an “artificial state of affairs” of some discernible effect that is of economic significance. That decision was subsequently appealed by one of the plaintiffs on March 4, 2013 and that appeal has been heard by the courts and a judgment is due in the near future, making the impact of the trial decision uncertain at this stage.

 

We do not express an opinion as to the probable outcome of any of the pending or threatened litigation or disputes referred to above or to estimate the potential amount or range of any loss, but do not believe any amounts to be material to the Company.

 

With the exception of the above proceedings, the U.S. patent infringement suits currently on file that were initiated by us as part of our licensing assertion program (refer Item 4.B for details) and other similar actions brought by us as part of our ongoing licensing activities, we are unaware of any other material proceedings involving us.

 

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Dividends

 

Until our businesses are profitable beyond our expected research and development needs, our Directors are unlikely to be able to recommend that any dividend be paid to our shareholders.  Our Directors will not resolve a formal dividend policy until we generate profits.  Our current intention is to reinvest our income in the continued development and expansion of our businesses.

 

Item 8.B                 Significant Changes to Financial Information

 

Our consolidated financial statements are set out on pages F1 to F40 of this Annual Report (refer to Item 18).

 

Significant other changes

 

On July 24, 2012, Mr. Gregory W. Brown was appointed as a Director of the Company.

 

On October 18, 2012, the Company released its Notice for the 2012 Annual General Meeting of shareholders which was held at 11.00 am on November 27, 2012 in the “Treetops” Room at Melbourne Museum.  Resolution 1 (the election of Dr. Melvyn J. Bridges) and Resolution 4 (the election of Mr. Huw D. Jones) were put to a poll and were not passed.  As a result, they ceased to be Directors of the Company on that date.  Resolutions 2, 3 and 5 were all passed on a show of hands.  Shortly after the AGM, Mr. Gregory W. Brown resigned as a Director of the Company and Dr. Paul D.R. MacLeman resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

 

On November 28, 2012, Dr. Malcolm R. Brandon was appointed as Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

On December 10, 2012, Ms. Alison J. Mew was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  Also on that date, Mr. Ben Silluzio was appointed as a Director of the Company.

 

On July 30, 2013, the Company announced that its Canadian-listed subsidiary, Gtech International Resources Limited, had executed a Scheme Merger Agreement pursuant to which it would, subject to shareholder approval, acquire all of the outstanding shares of Sydney-based company Simavita Holdings Limited. A meeting of Gtech shareholders to consider this transaction will be held on November 20, 2013.

 

On August 1, 2013, the Company announced a three-stage fund raising program involving a placement, a Share Purchase Plan (“SPP”) and, subject to shareholder approval, the issue of a convertible note to an institutional investor.

 

On August 14, 2013, the Company completed the placement of 30,555,556 ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.072 per share which raised a total of $2,200,000, prior to the payment of associated costs.  On 30 August 2013, the Company completed the placement of a further 11,111,111 ordinary shares at the same issue price which raised a total of $800,000, prior to the payment of associated costs.

 

On September 11, 2013, the Company granted a total of 1,250,000 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 $0.105 at any time up to, and including July 18, 2018, subject to certain vesting conditions.

 

Subsequent to balance date, a total of $3,500,000 had been received by the Company under its Share Purchase Plan (“SPP”), before the payment of associated costs.  At the issue price of $0.072 per share, this resulted in the issue of 48,611,111 further ordinary shares in the Company.  As of the date of this Report, the Company had received a written commitment from one of the Underwriters of the SPP to subscribe for a further 6,944,444 shares at the same issue price of $0.072 per share to raise a further $500,000, before the payment of associated costs.

 

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

 

Since June 30, 2013, there has not been any other matter or circumstance, other than as referred to elsewhere in this Annual Report, that has arisen that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect our operations, results of those operations or the state of our affairs in future years.

 

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Item 9.                                     The Offer and Listing

 

Item 9.A                        Offer and Listing Details

 

The Company’s Ordinary Shares were listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (the “ASX”) in July 1987.  Set out below is the highest and lowest market quotations for the Ordinary Shares reported on the Daily Official List of the ASX since July 1, 2007.

 

Financial Year

 

Period Covered

 

High

 

Low

 

 

 

 

 

(in $0.00)

 

Yearly data 2009

 

Year ended June 30, 2009

 

0.100

 

0.030

 

2010

 

Year ended June 30, 2010

 

0.063

 

0.033

 

2011

 

Year ended June 30, 2011

 

0.285

 

0.020

 

2012

 

Year ended June 30, 2012

 

0.350

 

0.080

 

2013

 

Year ended June 30, 2013

 

0.150

 

0.060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarterly data 2012

 

Quarter ended September 30, 2011

 

0.350

 

0.145

 

 

 

Quarter ended December 31, 2011

 

0.175

 

0.105

 

 

 

Quarter ended March 31, 2012

 

0.155

 

0.092

 

 

 

Quarter ended June 30, 2012

 

0.190

 

0.080

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

Quarter ended September 30, 2012

 

0.150

 

0.090

 

 

 

Quarter ended December 31, 2012

 

0.120

 

0.060

 

 

 

Quarter ended March 31, 2013

 

0.092

 

0.070

 

 

 

Quarter ended June 30, 2013

 

0.115

 

0.065

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly data 2013

 

Month ended June 30, 2013

 

0.105

 

0.082

 

 

 

Month ended July 31, 2013

 

0.100

 

0.082

 

 

 

Month ended August 31, 2013

 

0.105

 

0.075

 

 

 

Month ended September 30, 2013

 

0.090

 

0.078

 

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, we had 565,749,677 Ordinary Shares on issue, without par value.  See Item 10B “Our Constitution” for a detailed description of the rights attaching to our shares and Item 12D “American Depositary Receipts” for a description of the rights attaching to the American Depositary Shares.

 

The Company’s securities are also listed on NASDAQ Capital Market (under the ticker GENE) in the form of American Depositary Shares.  Each American Depositary Share evidences thirty Ordinary Shares.  Since listing on the NASDAQ Global Market on September 2, 2005, the ADRs have traded in a range from a low of USD 0.35 to a high of USD 13.85.  The most recent sale of the Company’s ADRs, as recorded on October 21, 2013, occurred at a price of USD 2.10.

 

Following the listing of the Company’s ADRs in September 2005, our Ordinary Shares are registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and we file an Annual Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 20-F.  As a foreign private issuer, we are not be subject to the proxy rules under Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and our officers, Directors and principal stockholders are not subject to the insider short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of that Act.

 

Starting in January 14, 2002, the ADSs traded in the USA over-the-counter market under the symbol “GNTLY” and dealers’ prices for the ADSs have been quoted in the “pink sheets” published by the National Quotations Bureau, Inc.  Commencing on September 2, 2005, our ADSs were listed on the NASDAQ Global Market and, subsequently, the NASDAQ Capital Market, under the ticker “GENE”.

 

The Company has registered one class of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) on Form F-6 pursuant to the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  One ADS represents thirty Ordinary Shares without par value.  As of June 30, 2013, there was a total of 3,524,723 ADSs outstanding, representing approximately 22.24% of the Company’s total issued capital as of that date.

 

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The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices in United States dollars for the ADSs during the periods indicated:

 

Financial Year

 

Period Covered

 

High

 

Low

 

 

 

 

 

(in USD)

 

Yearly data 2009

 

Year ended June 30, 2009

 

4.99

 

0.35

 

2010

 

Year ended June 30, 2010

 

1.99

 

0.90

 

2011

 

Year ended June 30, 2011

 

9.80

 

0.65

 

2012

 

Year ended June 30, 2012

 

11.06

 

2.29

 

2013

 

Year ended June 30, 2013

 

4.79

 

2.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarterly data 2012

 

Quarter ended September 30, 2011

 

11.06

 

4.32

 

 

 

Quarter ended December 31, 2011

 

5.20

 

3.03

 

 

 

Quarter ended March 31, 2012

 

4.98

 

2.67

 

 

 

Quarter ended June 30, 2012

 

6.20

 

2.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

Quarter ended September 30, 2012

 

4.79

 

3.05

 

 

 

Quarter ended December 31, 2012

 

3.95

 

2.00

 

 

 

Quarter ended March 31, 2013

 

2.90

 

2.22

 

 

 

Quarter ended June 30, 2013

 

3.35

 

2.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly data 2013

 

Month ended June 30, 2013

 

3.25

 

2.32

 

 

 

Month ended July 31, 2013

 

2.56

 

2.21

 

 

 

Month ended August 31, 2013

 

3.00

 

2.16

 

 

 

Month ended September 30, 2013

 

2.54

 

2.22

 

 

Item 9.B                        Plan of Distribution

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9.C                        Markets

 

Effective September 2, 2005, our ADSs were listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the ticker “GENE”.  Effective July 1, 2010, the ADSs were transferred to the NASDAQ Capital Market.  The ticker remained unchanged.  Our Ordinary Shares are listed and trade on the Australian Securities Exchange under the code “GTG”.

 

Item 9.D                        Selling Shareholders

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9.E                 Dilution

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9.F                         Expenses of the Issue

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10.                                  Additional Information

 

Item 10.A                 Share Capital

 

As of June 30, 2013, we had a total of 475,471,819 Ordinary Shares on issue.  None of these shares were subject to any form of escrow as of that date and, as such, all of the shares were listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and were freely tradable.

 

Based on our review of shareholder records (based solely on the addresses), as of June 30, 2013 there were 39 U.S. resident shareholders of our Ordinary Shares holding 12,693,681 shares representing 2.67% of the total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares.  Our Ordinary Shares do not have a par value.  These figures do not include any Ordinary Shares which may held by U.S. residents in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).

 

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During the last five years, the number of Ordinary Shares on issue has increased as follows:

 

Date

 

Nature of issue

 

Number of Ordinary
Shares issued / outstanding

 

Movement in share
capital / balance

$

 

As of June 30, 2007

 

 

 

362,389,899

 

70,243,996

 

 

 

There were no Ordinary Shares issued in 2008

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2008

 

 

 

362,389,899

 

70,243,996

 

July 22, 2008

 

Acquisition of Frozen Puppies Dot Com Pty. Ltd.

 

12,254,902

 

1,041,667

 

As of June 30, 2009

 

 

 

374,644,801

 

71,285,663

 

April 14, 2010

 

Acquisition of assets from Perlegen Sciences Inc.

 

29,960,351

 

1,092,442

 

As of June 30, 2010

 

 

 

404,605,152

 

72,378,105

 

 

 

There were no Ordinary Shares issued in 2011

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2011

 

 

 

404,605,152

 

72,378,105

 

July 27, 2011

 

Placement of Ordinary Shares as part of capital raising

 

60,000,000

 

10,894,537

 

January 25, 2012

 

Exercise of 166,667 options @ $0.045 each

 

166,667

 

7,500

 

As of June 30, 2012

 

 

 

464,771,819

 

83,280,142

 

October 19, 2012

 

Exercise of 10,200,000 options @ $0.045 each

 

10,200,000

 

459,000

 

January 24, 2013

 

Exercise of 500,000 options @ $0.045 each

 

500,000

 

22,500

 

April 10, 2013

 

Other transaction costs

 

 

(25,797

)

As of June 30, 2013

 

 

 

475,471,819

 

83,735,845

 

 

On July 22, 2008, we issued 12,254,902 Ordinary Shares to the five former owners of Frozen Puppies Dot Com Pty. Ltd. in part consideration for the acquisition of that company by Genetic Technologies Limited (refer to the Company’s 2009 Annual Report).

 

On April 14, 2010, we issued 29,960,351 Ordinary Shares by way of private placement.  The placement involved the issue of 27,940,530 shares to an institutional investor group in the USA at a price of $0.039 each, which raised a total of $1,089,681 in cash, before the payment of associated expenses.  The remaining 2,019,821 shares, which were issued at a price of $0.040 each, were issued as partial consideration for the acquisition of assets from Perlegen, as detailed above.  All of the shares were issued in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 7.1 and, as such, shareholder approval for the placement was not required.  The majority of the net cash proceeds raised from the placement were used by the Company to purchase assets from Perlegen, including BREVAGen™ breast cancer risk assessment test.

 

On July 27, 2011, the Company announced that it had issued by way of private placement a total of 60,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company to institutional and sophisticated investors in the USA and Australia.  The placement, in which the shares were issued at a price of $0.195 each, raised a total of $11,700,000 in cash, before the payment of associated expenses of $805,463.  All of the shares were issued in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 7.1 and, as such, shareholder approval for the placement was not required.  Proceeds from the placement will be used to fund acquisition growth in the molecular diagnostics field focusing on women’s cancer and management, and to accelerate the roll-out of the Company’s lead cancer risk test BREVAGenTM in the U.S.A.

 

As of June 30, 2013 and 2012, the following outstanding unlisted options, together with their respective ASX codes and expiry dates, were convertible into Ordinary Shares.  The exercise prices are quoted in Australian dollars.

 

Option description

 

2013

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

2012

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

GTGAI (expiring May 8, 2015)

 

500,000

 

$

0.045

 

12,000,000

 

$

0.045

 

GTGAK (expiring February 20, 2017)

 

1,750,000

 

$

0.120

 

2,250,000

 

$

0.120

 

GTGAM (expiring July 31, 2016)

 

1,000,000

 

$

0.200

 

1,000,000

 

$

0.200

 

GTGAO (expiring August 29, 2017)

 

2,650,000

 

$

0.140

 

 

 

GTGAQ (expiring December 1, 2017)

 

250,000

 

$

0.100

 

 

 

GTGAS (expiring January 25, 2018)

 

750,000

 

$

0.100

 

 

 

GTGAW (expiring March 31, 2016)

 

2,625,000

 

$

0.190

 

2,875,000

 

$

0.190

 

GTGAW (expiring May31, 2013)

 

 

 

300,000

 

$

0.190

 

GTGAY (expiring October 23, 2012)

 

 

 

1,700,000

 

$

0.220

 

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

9,525,000

 

$

0.147

 

20,125,000

 

$

0.099

 

 

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Item 10.B                 Our Constitution

 

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on November 23, 2005, the shareholders resolved to replace the existing Constitution with a revised version.  A copy of the Constitution has been posted on the Company’s website: www.gtglabs.com.  The principal changes which have been implemented in the new Constitution may be summarized as follows:

 

·                  General changes — general changes are proposed to make the Constitution consistent with best practice, update legal matters under the existing Constitution consistent with legislative and regulatory developments and to address certain content and language aspects.

 

·                  ASX Listing Rules — it provides that the Listing Rules prevail in the event of any inconsistency.

 

·                  Shares — it allows the Directors to issue shares subject to the Corporations Act 2001 and the Listing Rules.

 

·                  Proportionate takeover power — the existing Constitution has a clause in it requiring shareholder approval to be obtained before any proportionate takeover is made.  However, that clause is ineffective because it needs to have been renewed at least every three years in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act.  The new Constitution does not include this clause on the basis that it offers no real benefit.

 

·                  Unmarketable parcels — the new Constitution permits the Company to sell holdings of less than a marketable parcel in accordance with the procedural and timing requirements of the Listing Rules.  This only applies if a shareholder has an opportunity to opt out of any proposed sale arrangement and does not do so.

 

·                  Notice of shareholders’ meetings — the new Constitution enables notice of shareholders’ meetings to be given by electronic means.

 

·                  Changes to general meetings — the new Constitution enables the Directors to change the venue for, and postpone or cancel a general meeting if such meeting is unnecessary, in the interests of shareholders, if the venue would be unreasonable or impractical, or for reasons of efficiency.  This does not apply in the event of a meeting requisitioned by shareholders.

 

·                  Quorum for shareholders’ meetings — a quorum of three shareholders represents a quorum for shareholders’ meetings, whether by way of being personally present, attorney, proxy or corporate representative.

 

·                  Casting vote — the Chairman of a shareholders’ meeting does not have a casting vote.

 

·                  Number of Directors — it contemplates that the number of Directors need to be not less than three nor more than the number determined by the Directors which, until otherwise determined, is ten.

 

·                  Share qualification — a Director need not hold any shares in the Company in order to be a Director.

 

·                  Alternate directors — there are no provisions entitling the Directors to appoint alternate directors, on the basis that this is an outdated and undesirable approach.

 

·                  Directors’ tenure of office — a Director must retire from office or seek re-election by no later than the third Annual General Meeting following his or her appointment or re-election or three years, whichever is longer (other than the Managing Director).

 

·                  Vacation of office — the office of a Director is automatically vacated if the Director is an Executive Director under an employment agreement and that agreement terminates, unless the Board otherwise determines.

 

·                  Powers of Directors — the Directors have a general power to manage the Company’s business.

 

·                  Meetings of Directors — the Directors may meet in person or by electronic means.

 

·                  Quorum for Directors’ meetings — the quorum for Directors’ meetings is three, unless otherwise determined.

 

·                  Casting vote — the Chairman has a casting vote at Directors’ meetings.

 

·                  Indemnity — the new Constitution contains an updated indemnity clause in favor of the current and former Directors, Secretaries indemnifying them from liability consistent with the Corporations Act provisions and to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

·                  Insurance — the Company must maintain and pay insurance premiums with respect to its current and former Directors, Secretaries and other officers to the extent permitted by law.

 

·                  Access — current and former Directors may access the financial and other records of the Company for the purposes of legal proceedings involving the person.

 

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Item 10.C                     Material Contracts

 

There were no material contracts entered into during the year preceding the date of this Annual Report which were outside the ordinary course of business.  See also Item 4.B “Our Licenses and Commercial Collaborations”.

 

Item 10.D                 Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Security Holders

 

Under existing Australian legislation, the Reserve Bank of Australia does not inhibit the import and export of funds, and, generally, no permission is required to be given to Genetic Technologies for the movement of funds in and out of Australia.  However, payments to or from (or relating to) Iraq, its agencies or nationals, the government or a public authority of Libya, or certain Libyan undertakings, the authorities in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) or their agencies, the Taliban (also referred to as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan), or the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (also known as UNITA), its senior officials or the adult members of their immediate families, may not be made without the specific approval of the Reserve Bank of Australia.

 

Accordingly, at the present time, remittances of any dividends, interest or other payment by Genetic Technologies to non-resident holders of Genetic Technologies’ securities in the U.S. are not, subject to the above, restricted by exchange controls or other limitations.

 

Takeovers Act

 

There are no limitations, either under the laws of Australia or under the Company’s Constitution, to the right of non-residents to hold or vote Genetic Technologies Ordinary Shares other than the Commonwealth Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the “Takeovers Act”).  The Takeovers Act may affect the right of non-Australian residents, including U.S. residents, to hold Ordinary Shares but does not affect the right to vote, or any other rights associated with, any Ordinary Shares held in compliance with its provisions.  Acquisitions of shares in Australian companies by foreign interests are subject to review and approval by the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia under the Takeovers Act.  The Takeovers Act applies to any acquisition of outstanding shares of an Australian company that exceeds, or results in a foreign person or persons controlling the voting power of more than a certain percentage of those shares.  The thresholds are 15% where the shares are acquired by a foreign person, or group of associated foreign persons, or 40% in aggregate in the case of foreign persons who are not associated.  Any proposed acquisition that would result in an individual foreign person (with associates) holding more than 15% must be notified to the Treasurer in advance of the acquisition.  There are statutory limitations in Australia on foreign ownership of certain businesses, such as banks and airlines, not relevant to the Company.  However, there are no other statutory or regulatory provisions of Australian law or Australian Securities Exchange requirements that restrict foreign ownership or control of Genetic Technologies.

 

Corporations Act 2001

 

As applied to Genetic Technologies Limited, the Corporations Act 2001 (the “Corporations Act 2001”) prohibits any legal person (including a corporation) from acquiring a relevant interest in Ordinary Shares if after the acquisition that person or any other person’s voting power in Genetic Technologies Limited increases from 20% or below to more than 20%, or from a starting point that is above 20% and below 90%.

 

This prohibition is subject to a number of specific exceptions set out in section 611 of the Corporations Act 2001 which must be strictly complied with to be applicable.

 

In general terms, a person is considered to have a “relevant interest” in a share in Genetic Technologies if that person is the holder of that share, has the power to exercise, or control the exercise of, a right to vote attached to that share, or has the power to dispose of, or to control the exercise of a power to dispose of that share.

 

It does not matter how remote the relevant interest is or how it arises.  The concepts of “power” and “control” are given wide and extended meanings in this context in order to deem certain persons to hold a relevant interest.  For example, each person who has voting power above 20% in a company or a managed investment scheme which in turn holds shares in Genetic Technologies is deemed to have a relevant interest in those Genetic Technologies shares.  Certain situations (set out in section 609 of the Corporations Act 2001) which would otherwise constitute the holding of a relevant interest are excluded from the definition.

 

A person’s voting power in Genetic Technologies Limited is that percentage of the total votes attached to Ordinary Shares in which that person and its associates (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001) holds a relevant interest.

 

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Item 10.E                     Taxation

 

This summary of material tax consequences is based on the tax laws of the United States (including the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations thereunder, published rulings and court decisions) and on the Australian tax law and practice as in effect on the date hereof.  In addition, this summary is based on the income tax convention between the United States and Australia (the “Treaty”).  The foregoing laws and legal authorities as well as the Treaty are subject to change (or changes in interpretation), possibly with retroactive effect.  Finally, this summary is based in part upon the representations of our ADR Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

 

The discussion does not address any aspects of U.S. taxation other than federal income taxation or any aspects of Australian taxation other than federal income taxation, stamp duty and goods and services tax.  This discussion does not necessarily address all aspects of U.S. or Australian federal tax considerations that may be important to particular investors in light of their individual investment circumstances or investors subject to special tax regimes, like broker-dealers, insurance companies, banks or other financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts or financial asset securitization investment trusts, persons who actually or constructively own 10% or more of our ADRs or Ordinary Shares, persons who hold ADRs or Ordinary Shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion or constructive sale transaction or other integrated transaction, persons who have elected mark-to-market accounting, U.S. holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, U.S. expatriates, investors liable for the alternative minimum tax, partnerships and other pass-through entities, or persons who acquired their ADRs or Ordinary Shares through the exercise of options or similar derivative securities or otherwise as compensation.  Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. and Australian federal, state and local tax consequences and any other tax consequences of owning and disposing of ADRs and shares.

 

Australian Tax Consequences

 

In this section, we discuss Australian tax considerations that apply to non-Australian tax residents who are residents of the United States with respect to the ownership and disposal by the absolute beneficial owners of ADRs.  This summary does not discuss any foreign or state tax considerations, other than stamp duty.

 

Nature of ADRs for Australian Taxation Purposes

 

ADRs held by a U.S. holder will be treated for Australian taxation purposes as being held under a “bare trust” for that holder.  Consequently, the underlying Ordinary Shares will be regarded as owned by the ADR holder for Australian income tax and capital gains tax purposes.  Dividends paid on the underlying Ordinary Shares will also be treated as dividends paid to the ADR holder, as the person beneficially entitled to those dividends.  Therefore, in the following analysis, we discuss the tax consequences to non-Australian resident holders of Ordinary Shares which, for Australian taxation purposes, will be the same as to U.S. holders of ADRs.

 

Taxation of Dividends

 

Australia operates a dividend imputation system under which dividends may be declared to be “franked” to the extent of tax paid on company profits.  Fully franked dividends are not subject to dividend withholding tax.  Dividends payable by our company to non-Australian resident stockholders will be subject to dividend withholding tax, to the extent the dividends are unfranked.  Dividend withholding tax will be imposed at 30%, unless a stockholder is a resident of a country with which Australia has a double taxation agreement.  Under the provisions of the Treaty, the Australian tax withheld on unfranked dividends paid by us to which a resident of the United States is beneficially entitled is generally limited to 15% if the U.S. resident holds less than 10% of the voting rights of our company, unless the shares are effectively connected to a permanent establishment or fixed base in Australia through which the stockholder carries on business or provides independent personal services, respectively.  Where a U.S. corporate resident holds 10% or more of the voting rights of our company, the withholding tax rate is reduced to 5%.

 

Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of Shares - Capital Gains Tax

 

Non-Australian resident stockholders who hold their shares in us on capital account will not be subject to Australian capital gains tax on any gain made on a sale or other disposal of our shares, unless they hold 10% or more of our issued capital and the Company holds real property situated in Australia, the market value of which is 50% or more of the market value of the Company.  The Australian Taxation Office maintains the view that the Treaty does not limit Australian capital gains tax.  Australian capital gains tax applies to net capital gains charged at a taxpayer’s marginal tax rate but, for certain stockholders, a discount of the capital gain may apply if the shares have been held for 12 months or more.  For individuals, this discount is 50%.  For superannuation funds, the discount is 33%.  There is no discount for a company that derives a net capital gain.  Net capital gains are calculated after deducting capital losses, which may only be offset against such gains.

 

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Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of Shares - Stockholders Holding Shares on Revenue Account

 

Some non-Australian resident stockholders may hold shares on revenue rather than on capital account, for example, share traders.  These stockholders may have the gains made on the sale or other disposal of the shares included in their assessable income under the ordinary income provisions of the income tax law, if the gains are sourced in Australia.  Non-Australian resident stockholders assessable under these ordinary income provisions in respect of gains made on shares held on revenue account would be assessed for those gains at the Australian tax rates for non-Australian residents, which start at a marginal rate of 29%.  Some relief from the Australian income tax may be available to non-Australian resident stockholders under the Treaty, for example, because the stockholder derives business profits not through a permanent establishment in Australia.  To the extent an amount would be included in a non-Australian resident stockholder’s assessable income under both the capital gains tax provisions and the ordinary income provisions, the capital gain amount would generally be reduced, so that the stockholder would not be subject to double tax on any part of the income gain or capital gain.

 

Dual Residency

 

If a stockholder were a resident of both Australia and the United States under the respective domestic taxation laws of those countries, that stockholder may be subject to tax as an Australian resident.  If, however, the stockholder is determined to be a U.S. resident for the purposes of the Treaty, the Australian tax would be subject to limitation by the Treaty.  Stockholders should obtain specialist taxation advice in these circumstances.

 

Stamp Duty

 

Any transfer of shares through trading on the Australian Securities Exchange, whether by Australian residents or foreign residents, is not subject to stamp duty within Australia.

 

Australian Death Duty

 

Australia does not have estate or death duties.  Further, no capital gains tax liability is realized upon the inheritance of a deceased person’s shares.  However, the subsequent disposal of the shares by beneficiaries may give rise to a capital gains tax liability.

 

Goods and Services Tax

 

The issue or transfer of shares will not incur Australian goods and services tax and does not require a stockholder to register for Australian goods and services tax purposes.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation

 

As used below, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of an ADR that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or resident alien individual of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or an entity treated as a corporation) created or organized under the law of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax without regard to its source or (iv) a trust if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust, and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as a United States person.  For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of an ADR that is (i) a nonresident alien individual, (ii) a corporation (or an entity treated as a corporation) created or organized in or under the law of a country other than the United States or a political subdivision thereof or (iii) an estate or trust that is not a U.S. Holder.  If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of an ADR, the U.S. federal tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.  A holder of an ADR that is a partnership and partners in that partnership should consult their own tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of ADRs.  We have not sought a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or an opinion of counsel as to any U.S. federal income tax consequence described herein.  The IRS may disagree with the description herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court.

 

This discussion does not address U.S. federal tax laws other than those pertaining to U.S. federal income taxation (such as estate or gift tax laws or the recently enacted Medicare tax on investment income), nor ideas it address any aspects of U.S. state or local or non-U.S. taxation.

 

GIVEN THE COMPLEXITY OF THE TAX LAWS AND BECAUSE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO ANY PARTICULAR INVESTOR MAY BE AFFECTED BY MATTERS NOT DISCUSSED HEREIN, PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF ADRs, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX LAWS, AS WELL AS U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS.

 

TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY THE IRS UNDER TREASURY CIRCULAR 230, WE INFORM YOU THAT (1) ANY DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX ISSUES CONTAINED HEREIN (INCLUDING ANY ATTACHMENTS), UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY STATED, WAS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING PENALTIES UNDER THE UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AND (2) EACH U.S. HOLDER SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED UPON THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.

 

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Nature of ADRs for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes

 

In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a holder of an ADR will be treated as the owner of the underlying shares.  Accordingly, except as specifically noted below, the tax consequences discussed below with respect to ADRs will be the same as for shares in the Company, and exchanges of shares for ADRs, and ADRs for shares, generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

Taxation of Dividends

 

U.S. holders.  In general, subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, a distribution on an ADR will constitute a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent that it is made from our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles.  If a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will be treated as a non-taxable reduction of basis to the extent of the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the ADR on which it is paid, and to the extent it exceeds that basis it will be treated as capital gain.  For purposes of this discussion, the term “dividend” means a distribution that constitutes a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

The gross amount of any dividend on an ADR (which will include the amount of any Australian taxes withheld) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as foreign source dividend income, and will not be eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction.  The amount of a dividend paid in Australian dollars will be its value in U.S. dollars based on the prevailing spot market exchange rate in effect on the day the U.S. holder receives the dividend or, in the case of a dividend received in respect of an ADR, on the date the Depositary receives it, whether or not the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars.  A U.S. holder will have a tax basis in any distributed Australian dollars equal to its U.S. dollar amount on the date of receipt, and any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of Australian dollars generally will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss.  If dividends paid in Australian dollars are converted into U.S. dollars on the date they are received by a U.S. holder, the U.S. holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income.

 

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, a dividend that a non-corporate holder receives on an ADR will be subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20% if the dividend is a “qualified dividend.”  A dividend on an ADR will be a qualified dividend if (i) either (a) the ADRs are readily tradable on an established market in the United States or (b) we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Secretary of the Treasury determines is satisfactory for purposes of these rules and that includes an exchange of information program, and (ii) we were not, in the year prior to the year the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”).  The ADRs are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, which should qualify them as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States.  In any event, the Treaty satisfies the requirements of clause (i)(b), and we are a resident of Australia entitled to the benefits of the Treaty.  Based on our audited financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, we believe we were not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our taxable years ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively, but we may be classified as a PFIC in the current taxable year.  Given that the determination of PFIC status involves the application of complex tax rules, and that it is based on the nature of our income and assets from time to time, no assurances can be provided that we will not be considered a PFIC for the current (or any past or future) taxable year.  In addition, as described in the section below entitled “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” if we were a PFIC in a year while a U.S. holder held an ADR, and if the U.S. holder has not made a qualified electing fund election effective for the first year the U.S. holder held the ADR, the ordinary share underlying the ADR remains an interest in a PFIC for all future years or until such an election is made. The IRS takes the position that such rule will apply for purposes of determining whether an ADR is an interest in a PFIC in the year a dividend is paid or in the prior year, even if we do not satisfy the tests to be a PFIC in either of those years.  Even if dividends on the ADRs would otherwise be eligible for qualified dividend treatment, in order to qualify for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates, a non-corporate holder must hold the ordinary share on which a dividend is paid for more than 60 days during the 120-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date, disregarding for this purpose any period during which the non-corporate holder has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell or has made (and not closed) a short sale of substantially identical stock or securities, is the grantor of an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities or, pursuant to Treasury regulations, has diminished their risk of loss by holding one or more other positions with respect to substantially similar or related property.  In addition, to qualify for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates, the non-corporate holder must not be obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property.  Payments in lieu of dividends from short sales or other similar transactions will not qualify for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates.

 

A non-corporate holder that receives an extraordinary dividend eligible for the reduced qualified dividend rates must treat any loss on the sale of the stock as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the dividend.  For purposes of determining the amount of a non-corporate holder’s deductible investment interest expense, a dividend is treated as investment income only if the non-corporate holder elects to treat the dividend as not eligible for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates.  Special limitations on foreign tax credits with respect to dividends subject to the reduced qualified dividend tax rates apply to reflect the reduced rates of tax.

 

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The U.S. Treasury has announced its intention to promulgate rules pursuant to which non-corporate holders of stock of non-U.S. corporations, and intermediaries through whom the stock is held, will be permitted to rely on certifications from issuers to establish that dividends are treated as qualified dividends.  Because those procedures have not yet been issued, it is not clear whether we will be able to comply with them.

 

Non-corporate holders of ordinary shares are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced qualified dividend tax rates with respect to dividends received on the ADRs in the light of their own particular circumstances.

 

Any Australian withholding tax imposed on dividends received with respect to the ADRs will be treated as a foreign income tax eligible for credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. federal income tax law.  For purposes of computing those limitations separately under current law for specific categories of income, a dividend generally will constitute foreign source “passive category income” or, in the case of certain holders, “general category income.”  A U.S. holder will be denied a foreign tax credit with respect to Australian income tax withheld from dividends received with respect to the ADRs to the extent the U.S. holder has not held the ADRs for at least 16 days of the 30-day period beginning on the date which is 15 days before the ex-dividend date or to the extent the U.S. holder is under an obligation to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property.  Any days during which a U.S. holder has substantially diminished its risk of loss on the ADRs are not counted toward meeting the 16-day holding period required by the statute. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex, and U.S. holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisers to determine whether and to what extent they will be entitled to foreign tax credits as well as with respect to the determination of the foreign tax credit limitation.  Alternatively, any Australian withholding tax may be taken as a deduction against taxable income, provided the U.S. holder takes a deduction and not a credit for all foreign income taxes paid or accrued in the same taxable year.  In general, special rules will apply to the calculation of foreign tax credits in respect of dividend income that is subject to preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax.

 

Non-U.S. holders.  A dividend paid to a non-U.S. holder of an ADR will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless the dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base the non-U.S. holder maintains in the United States if an applicable income tax treaty so requires as a condition for the non-U.S. holder to be subject to U.S. taxation on a net income basis on income from the ADR).  A non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to tax on an effectively connected dividend in the same manner as a U.S. holder.  A corporate non-U.S. holder under certain circumstances may also be subject to an additional “branch profits tax,” the rate of which may be reduced pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

U.S. holders.  Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, on a sale or other taxable disposition of an ADR, a U.S. holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in the ADR and the amount realized on the sale or other disposition, each determined in U.S. dollars.  Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the sale or other taxable disposition the ADR has been held for more than one year.  In general, any adjusted net capital gain of an individual is subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%.  Capital gains recognized by corporate U.S. holders generally are subject to U.S. federal income tax at the same rate as ordinary income.  The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Any gain a U.S. holder recognizes generally will be U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, and, subject to certain exceptions, any loss will generally be a U.S. source loss.  If an Australian tax is paid on a sale or other disposition of an ADR, the amount realized will include the gross amount of the proceeds of that sale or disposition before deduction of the Australian tax.  The generally applicable limitations under U.S. federal income tax law on crediting foreign income taxes may preclude a U.S. holder from obtaining a foreign tax credit for any Australian tax paid on a sale or other disposition of an ADR.  The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex, and U.S. holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisers regarding the application of such rules.  Alternatively, any Australian tax paid on the sale or other disposition of an ADR may be taken as a deduction against taxable income, provided the U.S. holder takes a deduction and not a credit for all foreign income taxes paid or accrued in the same taxable year.

 

Non-U.S. holders.  A non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of an ADR unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base the non-U.S. holder maintains in the United States if an applicable income tax treaty so requires as a condition for the non-U.S. holder to be subject to U.S. taxation on a net income basis on income from the ADR), or (ii) in the case of a non-U.S. holder who is an individual, the holder is present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and certain other conditions apply.  Any effectively connected gain of a corporate non-U.S. holder may also be subject under certain circumstances to an additional “branch profits tax,” the rate of which may be reduced pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty.

 

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Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

 

A special set of U.S. federal income tax rules applies to a foreign corporation that is a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  As noted above, based on our audited financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, we believe that we were not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our taxable years ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively, but we may be classified as a PFIC in the current taxable year.  In addition, given that the determination of PFIC status involves the application of complex tax rules, and that it is based on the nature of our income and assets from time to time, no assurances can be provided that we will not be considered a PFIC for any past or future taxable years.

 

In general, a foreign corporation is a PFIC if at least 75% of its gross income for the taxable year is passive income or if at least 50% of its assets for the taxable year produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income.  In general, passive income for this purpose means, with certain designated exceptions, dividends, interest, rents, royalties (other than certain rents and royalties derived in the active conduct of trade or business), annuities, net gains from dispositions of certain assets, net foreign currency gains, income equivalent to interest, income from notional principal contracts and payments in lieu of dividends.  The determination of whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is a factual determination made annually and is therefore subject to change.  Subject to exceptions pursuant to certain elections that generally require the payment of tax, once stock in a foreign corporation is stock in a PFIC in the hands of a particular shareholder that is a United States person, it remains stock in a PFIC in the hands of that shareholder.

 

If we are treated as a PFIC, contrary to the tax consequences described in “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Dividends” and “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Capital Gains” above, a U.S. holder that does not make an election described in the succeeding two paragraphs would be subject to special rules with respect to (i) any gain realized on a sale or other disposition of an ADR (for purposes of these rules, a disposition of an ADR includes many transactions on which gain or loss is not realized under general U.S. federal income tax rules) and (ii) any “excess distribution” by the Company to the U.S. holder (generally, any distribution during a taxable year in which distributions to the U.S. holder on the ADR exceed 125% of the average annual taxable distributions (whether actual or constructive and whether or not out of earnings and profits) the U.S. holder received on the ADR during the preceding three taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. holder’s holding period for the ADR).  Under those rules, (i) the gain or excess distribution would be allocated ratably over the U.S. holder’s holding period for the ADR, (ii) the amount allocated to the taxable year in which the gain or excess distribution is realized would be taxable as ordinary income in its entirety and not as capital gain, would be ineligible for the reduced qualified dividend rates, and could not be offset by any deductions or losses, and (iii) the amount allocated to each prior year, with certain exceptions, would be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that year, and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax would be imposed in respect of the tax attributable to each of those years.  A U.S. holder who owns an ADR during any year we are a PFIC may have to file IRS Form 8621.

 

The special PFIC rules described above will not apply to a U.S. holder if the U.S. holder makes a timely election, which remains in effect, to treat the Company as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”) in the first taxable year in which the U.S. holder owns an ADR and the Company is a PFIC and if the Company complies with certain reporting requirements.  Instead, a shareholder of a QEF generally is currently taxable on a pro rata share of the Company’s ordinary earnings and net capital gain as ordinary income and long-term capital gain, respectively.  Neither that ordinary income nor any actual dividend from the Company would qualify for the 20% maximum federal income tax rate on dividends described above if the Company is a PFIC in the taxable year the ordinary income is realized or the dividend is paid or in the preceding taxable year.  We have not yet determined whether, if we are a PFIC, we would make the computations necessary to supply U.S. holders with the information needed to report income and gain pursuant to a QEF election.  It is, therefore, possible that U.S. holders would not be able to make or retain that election in any year we are a PFIC.  Although a QEF election generally cannot be revoked, if a U.S. holder made a timely QEF election for the first taxable year it owned an ADR and the Company is a PFIC (or is treated as having done so pursuant to any of certain elections), the QEF election will not apply during any later taxable year in which the Company does not satisfy the tests to be a PFIC.  If a QEF election is not made in that first taxable year, an election in a later year generally will require the payment of tax and interest.

 

In lieu of a QEF election, a U.S. holder of stock in a PFIC that is considered marketable stock could elect to mark the stock to market annually, recognizing as ordinary income or loss each year an amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the fair market value of the stock and the U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in the stock.  Losses would be allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market gain previously included in income by the U.S. holder under the election for prior taxable years.  A U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in the ADRs will be adjusted to reflect the amounts included or deducted with respect to the mark-to-market election.  If the mark-to-market election were made, the rules set forth in the second preceding paragraph would not apply for periods covered by the election.  A mark-to-market election will not apply during any later taxable year in which the Company does not satisfy the tests to be a PFIC.  In general, the ADRs will be marketable stock if the ADRs are traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter on a national securities exchange that is registered with the SEC or on a designated national market system or on any exchange or market that the Treasury Department determines to have rules sufficient to ensure that the market price accurately represents the fair market value of the stock.  Under current law, the mark-to-market election may be available to U.S. holders of ADRs because the ADRs are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, which constitutes a qualified exchange, although there can be no assurance that the ADRs will be “regularly traded” for purposes of the mark-to-market election.

 

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Given the complexities of the PFIC rules and their potentially adverse tax consequences, U.S. holders of ADRs are urged to consult their tax advisers about the PFIC rules, including the consequences to them of making a QEF election or a mark-to-market election with respect to the ordinary shares in the event that the Company is classified as a PFIC for any taxable year.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Dividends paid on, and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, an ADR to a U.S. holder generally may be subject to information reporting requirements and may be subject to backup withholding unless the U.S. holder provides an accurate taxpayer identification number or otherwise establishes an exemption.  The amount of any backup withholding collected from a payment to a U.S. holder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. holder to a refund, provided certain required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.  A non-U.S. holder generally will be exempt from these information reporting requirements and backup withholding tax but may be required to comply with certain certification and identification procedures in order to establish its eligibility for exemption.

 

Under U.S. federal income tax law and U.S. Treasury Regulations, certain categories of U.S. holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation.  U.S. holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors concerning such reporting requirements.

 

Reporting obligations of Individual Owners of Foreign Financial Assets

 

Section 6038D of the Code generally requires U.S. individuals (and possibly certain entities that have U.S. individual owners) to file IRS Form 8938 if they hold certain “specified foreign financial assets,” the aggregate value of which exceeds $50,000. The definition of specified foreign financial assets includes not only financial accounts maintained in foreign financial institutions, but also, unless held in accounts maintained by a financial institution, any stock or security issued by a non-U.S. person, any financial instrument or contract held for investment that has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person and any interest in a foreign entity.

 

THE DISCUSSION ABOVE IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO AN INVESTMENT IN ADRs.  HOLDERS AND POTENTIAL HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS CONCERNING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES RELEVANT TO THEM IN THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATION.

 

Item 10.F                      Dividends and Paying Agents

 

No dividends have been paid by the Company or recommended by the directors since the end of the previous financial year.

 

Item 10.G                    Statement by Experts

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10.H                    Documents on Display

 

The documents concerning the Company which are referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at the offices of the Company at 60-66 Hanover Street, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Australia.  Following our listing on NASDAQ Global Market in September 2005, we are now subject to the information requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, in accordance therewith, we are required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in electronic form.  These materials, including this Annual Report and the exhibits thereto, may be inspected and copied at the Commission’s public reference room in Washington, D.C.  Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information regarding the public reference rooms.  As a foreign private issuer, we are required to make filings with the Commission by electronic means.  Any filings we make electronically will be available to the public over the Internet at the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.  We also maintain a website at www.gtglabs.com.  Information on our website and websites linked to it do not constitute a part of this Annual Report.

 

Item 10.I                     Subsidiary Information

 

The following is a list of the Company’s subsidiaries as of the date of this Annual Report:

 

Name of subsidiary

 

Place of incorporation

 

Interest held

GeneType AG

 

Zug, Switzerland

 

100%

GeneType Corporation

 

California, U.S.A.

 

100%

GeneType Pty. Ltd.

 

Victoria, Australia

 

100%

Genetic Technologies Corporation Pty. Ltd.

 

New South Wales, Australia

 

100%

RareCellect Pty. Ltd.

 

New South Wales, Australia

 

100%

Genetic Technologies (Beijing) Limited

 

Beijing Municipality, China

 

100%

Phenogen Sciences Inc.

 

Delaware, U.S.A.

 

100%

Gtech International Resources Limited

 

Yukon Territory, Canada

 

75.8%

 

Item 11.                          Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Genetic Technologies Limited has exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  Refer Note 37

 

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of the attached financial statements for further analysis surrounding market risk.

 

We invest excess cash in interest-bearing, investment-grade securities and time deposits in high-quality institutions.  We do not utilize derivative financial instruments, derivative commodity instruments, positions or transactions in any material matter.  Accordingly, we believe that, while the investment-grade securities and time-deposits we hold are subject to changes in financial standing of the issuer of such securities, the principal is not subject to any material risks arising from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices or other market changes that affect market risk sensitive instruments.  Since we hold cash and cash equivalents in Banks which are located outside Australia, we are subject to certain cross-border risks, though due to the size of the holdings these risks are not generally significant.

 

We operate in Australia, and we will be subject to certain foreign currency exposure.  Historically, currency translation gains and losses have been reflected as adjustments to stockholders’ equity, while transaction gains and losses have been reflected as components of income and loss.  Transaction gains and losses could be material depending upon changes in the exchange rates between the Australian dollar and the U.S. dollar.  A significant amount of our license revenue has historically been denominated in U.S. dollars which provides us with a significant natural hedge against exchange rate movements.

 

Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if counterparties failed completely to perform as contracted.  Concentrations of credit risk (whether on or off-balance sheet) that arise from financial instruments exist for groups of customers or counterparties when they have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions.  Financial instruments on the balance sheet that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable.  The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with quality institutions holding superior credit ratings in order to limit the degree of credit exposure.  The Company has established guidelines relative to credit ratings, diversification and maturities that seek to maintain safety and liquidity.  The Company does not require collateral to provide credit.  In addition, the majority of the Company’s licensing customers are large, reputable organizations, which also reduces the risk of credit exposure.  The Company has not entered into any transactions that would qualify as a financial derivative instrument.

 

At June 30, 2013, two customers accounted for 39% ($128,023) and 22% ($70,916), respectively, of trade accounts receivable.  At June 30, 2012, two customers accounted for 22% ($111,400), and 18% ($89,456), respectively, of trade accounts receivable.

 

At June 30, 2013, one supplier accounted for 19% ($117,098) of trade accounts payable.  At June 30, 2012, one supplier accounted for 15% ($49,837) of trade accounts payable.

 

In 2013, there were no customers from whom the Group generated revenues representing 10% or more of the total consolidated revenue from continuing operations (excluding licensing).  In 2012, there was one customer from whom the Group generated revenues representing 17% ($635,579) of the total consolidated revenue from continuing operations (excluding licensing).

 

Export and other sales, mainly to the U.S.A., which included licensing revenue, were $5,630,945, $3,229,394 and $14,308,304 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Item 12.                          Description Of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

 

Item 12.A                 Debt Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 12.B                 Warrants and Rights

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 12.C                 Other Securities

 

Not applicable

 

Item 12.D                 American Depositary Shares

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

Item 13.                          Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 14.                          Material Modifications to The Rights Of Security Holders and Use Of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 15.                              Controls and Procedures

 

Item 15.A                     Disclosure controls and procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rules 13(a) - 15(e) and 15(d) - 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

 

Our Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will provide absolute assurance that all appropriate information will, in fact, be communicated to Management to allow timely decisions to be made or prevent all error and fraud.  A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Additionally, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefit of controls must be considered relative to their costs.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected or that our control system will operate effectively under all circumstances.  Moreover, the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

 

Our Management has carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2013.  Based on that evaluation, including the material weakness noted below in Item 15.B, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of June 30, 2013.

 

Item 15.B                     Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting

 

Our Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 defines internal control over financial reporting in Rules 13(a) -15(f) and Rules 15(d) - 15(f) as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, Management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

·                       Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

·                       Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Management and directors of the Company; and

 

·                       Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

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A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

Our Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2013.  In making this assessment, Management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, or COSO, in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.  As a result of that assessment, Management identified the following control deficiency as of June 30, 2013 that constituted a material weakness.

 

·                       The Company did not maintain an adequate segregation of duties with respect to internal control over financial reporting. We have limited accounting personnel with sufficient expertise in generally accepted accounting principles to enable effective segregation of duties to allow for appropriate monitoring of financial reporting matters and internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, the Chief Financial Officer has involvement in preparation of the financial statements and note disclosures with limited independent review. This control deficiency is pervasive in nature and impacts all significant accounts and critical accounting estimates. This control deficiency did not result in material adjustments to the financial statements, however there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual financial statements would not have been prevented or detected on a timely basis due to the failure to design and implement appropriate segregation of duty controls.

 

Based upon its assessment, because of the material weakness described above our Management has concluded that, as of June 30, 2013, our internal control over financial reporting is not effective based upon the abovementioned criteria.

 

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only Management’s report in this Annual Report.

 

Item 15.C                     Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 15.D                     Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

During the 2013 financial year, there were changes in Management which resulted in a reduction in the number of key management personnel. There has also been a reduction in the number of independent board members and the Company no longer has an audit committee financial expert within the Audit Committee. These changes have limited the Company’s ability to establish adequate segregation of duties and independent review of the financial statement close process.

 

Remediation plan

 

Segregation of duties.  The Company plans to remediate the identified segregation of duties weakness by implementing additional review and oversight responsibilities to individuals who are independent of the financial statement preparation process.

 

Item 16.A                     Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

The prior chairman of the Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert, Dr. Melvyn Bridges, ceased to be a Director of the Company on November 27, 2012.  On November 28, 2012, Dr. Malcolm Brandon was appointed as Audit Committee Chairman. We believe Dr. Brandon does not qualify as a financial expert within the meaning of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related regulations. The Company has not been able to identify a board member who meets the criteria of a financial expert and continues to seek this attribute in future board members.

 

Item 16.B                 Code Of Ethics

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics (styled “Code of Conduct”) that applies to all of our Directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller.  The Code can be downloaded at our website (www.gtglabs.com).  Additionally, any person, upon request, can ask for a hard copy or electronic file of the Code.  If we make any substantive amendment to the Code or grant any waivers, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website.  During the year ended June 30, 2013, no such amendment was made or waiver granted.

 

Our Board of Directors is responsible for the corporate governance of the consolidated entity and guides and monitors the business and affairs of Genetic Technologies on behalf of the shareholders by whom they are elected and to whom they are accountable.  We are required to publish a Corporate Governance Statement annually that accords with the Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council’s (the “Council’s”) “Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice

 

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Recommendations”.  This Statement appears in the Company’s Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2013 that was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 27, 2013.

 

In accordance with the Council’s recommendations, the Corporate Governance Statement must now contain certain specific information and must disclose the extent to which we have followed the guidelines during the period.  Where a recommendation has not been followed, that fact must be disclosed, together with the reasons for the departure.  The Company’s Corporate Governance Statement is now structured with reference to the Corporate Governance Council’s principles and recommendations.  Below is an extract from the Company’s most recent Corporate Governance Statement:As at the date of this Annual Report, 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.

 

Item 16.C                 Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The following table sets forth the fees billed to us by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, during the financial years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Audit services

 

 

 

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Audit of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Report

 

275,167

 

267,880

 

Other audit firms in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Audit of the Financial Reports of subsidiaries

 

16,425

 

16,360

 

Total remuneration in respect of audit services

 

291,592

 

284,240

 

Non-audit services

 

 

 

 

 

Other audit firms in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Tax advice and compliance, accounting and other services

 

5,676

 

18,390

 

Total remuneration in respect of non-audit services

 

5,676

 

18,390

 

Total auditors’ remuneration

 

297,268

 

302,630

 

 

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

Our Board of Directors has established pre-approval and procedures for the engagement of its Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for audit and non-audit services.  The Board of Directors reviews the scope of the services to be provided, before their commencement, in order to ensure that there are no independence issues and the services are not prohibited services, as defined by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Item 16.D                 Exemptions From The Listing Standards For Audit Committees

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 16.E                 Purchases Of Equity Securities By The Issuer And Affiliated Purchasers

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 16.F                  Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 16.G                Corporate Governance

 

Refer to Item 6C regarding the Company’s Corporate Governance practices and the key differences between the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange and the Marketplace Rules of NASDAQ as they apply to us.

 

Item 16.H                Mine Safety Disclosure

 

Not applicable.

 

PART III

 

Item 17.                          Financial Statements

 

The Company has responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this Item.

 

Item 18.                          Financial Statements

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

Genetic Technologies Limited - Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

F1

 

 

Genetic Technologies Limited - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

F2

 

 

Genetic Technologies Limited - Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 and 2012.

F3

 

 

Genetic Technologies Limited - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

F5

 

 

Genetic Technologies Limited - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

F4

 

 

Genetic Technologies Limited - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F6

 

Item 19.                          Exhibits

 

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 20-F:

 

1.1

 

Constitution of the Registrant.++

 

 

 

2.1

 

Deposit Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2002, by and among Genetic Technologies Limited, The Bank of New York Mellon, as Depositary, and the Owners and Holders of American Depositary Receipts (such agreement is incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 relating to the ADSs (File No. 333-14270) filed with the Commission on January 14, 2002).

 

 

 

2.2.

 

The total indebtedness authorized under any instrument relating to long term debt of the Company does not exceed 10% of our total consolidated assets. Any instrument relating to indebtedness will be supplied to the Commission upon its request.

 

 

 

4(A).1

 

Staff Share Plan 2001 dated November 30, 2001. +

 

 

 

4(A).2

 

Employment contract with Alison Mew dated December 13, 2012.

 

 

 

4(B).1

 

Lease over premises in Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia with an effective date of August 31, 2012. +++

 

 

 

4(B).2

 

Amendment to lease over premises in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA with an effective date of August 17, 2012. +++

 

 

 

12.01

 

Section 302 Certification

 

 

 

12.02

 

Section 302 Certification

 

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13.01

 

Section 1350 Certification

 

 

 

13.02

 

Section 1350 Certification

 

 

 

23.01

 

Consent of Pricewaterhouse

 


+  Previously filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F (File No. 0-51504), filed with the Commission on August 19, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

++  Previously filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F (File No. 0-51504) filed with the Commission on December 21, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

+++  Previously filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F (File No. 0-51504) filed with the Commission on October 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

77



Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.

 

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:  October 30, 2013

By:

/s/ Alison J. Mew

 

 

Name:

Alison J. Mew

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

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Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of cash flow, and consolidated statement of changes in equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Genetic Technologies Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries at June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2013 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Our audit of the consolidated financial statements of Genetic Technologies Limited and its subsidiaries was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The Company has included parent entity only information in the notes to the financial statements. Such parent entity only information is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a requirement of the consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the consolidated financial statements, and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2.  The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers

Melbourne, Australia

October 30, 2013

 

F1



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended June 30

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

Notes

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Revenue from continuing operations — genetic testing services

 

 

 

3,377,183

 

3,691,215

 

4,594,960

 

Less: cost of sales

 

4

 

(1,945,467

)

(1,948,625

)

(2,034,916

)

Gross profit from continuing operations — genetic testing services

 

 

 

1,431,716

 

1,742,590

 

2,560,044

 

Other revenue

 

5

 

5,002,354

 

3,136,406

 

13,880,764

 

Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

 

6

 

 

5,113,175

 

 

Selling and marketing expenses

 

 

 

(5,266,818

)

(4,384,184

)

(3,018,947

)

General and administrative expenses

 

 

 

(4,413,782

)

(5,608,038

)

(3,696,165

)

Licensing, patent and legal costs

 

 

 

(2,399,824

)

(1,267,838

)

(4,097,323

)

Laboratory and research and development costs

 

 

 

(3,462,466

)

(4,029,369

)

(4,380,866

)

Finance costs

 

 

 

(38,968

)

(45,217

)

(81,934

)

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

 

34

 

(437,185

)

(132,037

)

 

Other income and expenses

 

8

 

235,490

 

177,684

 

(285,794

)

Profit / (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense

 

 

 

(9,349,483

)

(5,296,828

)

879,779

 

Net profit from discontinued operation

 

9

 

 

 

21,562

 

Profit / (loss) before income tax expense

 

 

 

(9,349,483

)

(5,296,828

)

901,341

 

Income tax expense

 

11

 

 

 

 

Profit / (loss) for the year

 

 

 

(9,349,483

)

(5,296,828

)

901,341

 

Other comprehensive profit / (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

24

 

9,347

 

(6,818

)

(85,079

)

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

 

26

 

17,073

 

(296

)

(11,585

)

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

 

 

 

26,420

 

(7,114

)

(96,664

)

Total comprehensive profit / (loss) for the year

 

 

 

(9,323,063

)

(5,303,942

)

804,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

 

 

(9,298,367

)

(5,287,523

)

910,002

 

Non-controlling interests

 

26

 

(51,116

)

(9,305

)

(8,661

)

Total profit / (loss) for the year

 

 

 

(9,349,483

)

(5,296,828

)

901,341

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive profit /(loss) for the year is attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

 

 

(9,289,020

)

(5,294,341

)

824,923

 

Non-controlling interests

 

26

 

(34,043

)

(9,601

)

(20,246

)

Total comprehensive profit / (loss) for the year

 

 

 

(9,323,063

)

(5,303,942

)

804,677

 

Earnings / (loss) per share attributable to owners of the Company and from continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

10

 

(1.97

)

(1.15

)

0.22

 

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

 

10

 

(1.97

)

(1.15

)

0.22

 

 

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

 

F2



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As at June 30

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

Notes

 

$

 

$

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

12

 

1,721,293

 

8,900,235

 

Trade and other receivables

 

13

 

328,642

 

495,975

 

Prepayments and other assets

 

14

 

398,185

 

536,125

 

Performance bond and deposits

 

15

 

209,296

 

17,460

 

Total current assets

 

 

 

2,657,416

 

9,949,795

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments accounted for using the equity method

 

16

 

3,932,384

 

4,414,914

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

17

 

423,168

 

642,918

 

Intangible assets and goodwill

 

18

 

1,306,559

 

1,434,124

 

Total non-current assets

 

 

 

5,662,111

 

6,491,956

 

Total assets

 

 

 

8,319,527

 

16,441,751

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

19

 

1,375,536

 

905,772

 

Interest-bearing liabilities

 

20

 

 

17,748

 

Deferred revenue

 

21

 

320,781

 

266,646

 

Provisions

 

22

 

768,699

 

740,402

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

 

2,465,016

 

1,930,568

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisions

 

22

 

96,224

 

108,541

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

 

 

96,224

 

108,541

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

2,561,240

 

2,039,109

 

Net assets

 

 

 

5,758,287

 

14,402,642

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributed equity

 

23

 

83,735,845

 

83,280,142

 

Reserves

 

24

 

3,951,771

 

3,719,419

 

Accumulated losses

 

25

 

(82,049,916

)

(72,751,549

)

Parent entity interest

 

 

 

5,637,700

 

14,248,012

 

Non-controlling interests

 

26

 

120,587

 

154,630

 

Total equity

 

 

 

5,758,287

 

14,402,642

 

 

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

 

F3



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended June 30

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

Notes

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Cash flows from / (used in) operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receipts from customers

 

 

 

8,460,774

 

6,300,410

 

18,009,739

 

Payments to suppliers and employees

 

 

 

(16,213,984

)

(14,481,226

)

(15,910,103

)

Interest received

 

 

 

275,399

 

551,859

 

200,023

 

Interest and finance charges paid

 

 

 

(38,968

)

(45,217

)

(81,934

)

Net cash flows from / (used in) operating activities in continuing operations

 

12

 

(7,516,779

)

(7,674,174

)

2,217,725

 

Net cash flows from / (used in) operating activities in discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

15,554

 

Net cash flows from / (used in) operating activities

 

12

 

(7,516,779

)

(7,674,174

)

2,233,279

 

Cash flows from / (used in) investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from the sale of plant and equipment

 

 

 

1,201

 

31,455

 

144,708

 

Purchases of plant and equipment

 

 

 

(53,611

)

(76,314

)

(139,678

)

Proceeds from the sale of shares in associate

 

 

 

46,951

 

20

 

 

Purchase of shares in subsidiary

 

 

 

 

(10

)

 

Advance to associate

 

 

 

(173,193

)

 

 

Loans repaid by associate

 

 

 

 

537,026

 

 

Net cash flows from / (used in) investing activities

 

 

 

(178,652

)

492,177

 

5,030

 

Cash flows from / (used in) financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net proceeds from the issue of shares

 

 

 

481,500

 

10,902,037

 

 

Equity transaction costs

 

 

 

(25,797

)

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings

 

 

 

 

1,000,000

 

 

Repayment of borrowings

 

 

 

 

(1,000,837

)

 

Repayment of hire purchase principal

 

 

 

(17,748

)

(50,130

)

(314,762

)

Net cash flows from / (used in) financing activities

 

 

 

437,955

 

10,851,070

 

(314,762

)

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

(7,257,476

)

3,669,073

 

1,923,547

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

 

 

8,900,235

 

5,104,667

 

3,306,311

 

Net foreign exchange difference

 

 

 

78,534

 

126,495

 

(125,191

)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

12

 

1,721,293

 

8,900,235

 

5,104,667

 

 

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

 

F4



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended June 30, 2013

 

 

 

Attributable to Members of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

Non-

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

Contributed
equity

 

Reserves

 

Accumulated
losses

 

Parent
interests

 

controlling
interests

 

Total
equity

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2010

 

72,378,105

 

1,529,142

 

(68,374,028

)

5,533,219

 

184,477

 

5,717,696

 

Profit for the year

 

 

 

910,002

 

910,002

 

(20,246

)

889,756

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

(85,079

)

 

(85,079

)

 

(85,079

)

Total comprehensive income / (loss)

 

 

(85,079

)

910,002

 

824,923

 

(20,246

)

804,677

 

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based payments

 

 

253,851

 

 

253,851

 

 

253,851

 

Share of issued capital

 

 

 

 

 

37,771

 

37,771

 

 

 

 

253,851

 

 

253,851

 

37,771

 

291,622

 

Balance at June 30, 2011

 

72,378,105

 

1,697,914

 

(67,464,026

)

6,611,993

 

202,002

 

6,813,995

 

Loss for the year

 

 

 

(5,287,523

)

(5,287,523

)

(9,601

)

(5,297,124

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

(6,818

)

 

(6,818

)

 

(6,818

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

(6,818

)

(5,287,523

)

(5,294,341

)

(9,601

)

(5,303,942

)

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions of equity (net)

 

10,902,037

 

 

 

10,902,037

 

 

10,902,037

 

Share-based payments

 

 

2,028,323

 

 

2,028,323

 

 

2,028,323

 

Reversal of share of issued capital

 

 

 

 

 

(37,771

)

(37,771

)

 

 

10,902,037

 

2,028,323

 

 

12,930,360

 

(37,771

)

12,892,589

 

Balance at June 30, 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 loss

 

 

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 June 30, 2013

 

83,735,845

 

3,951,771

 

(82,049,916

)

5,637,700

 

120,587

 

5,758,287

 

 

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

 

F5



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended June 30, 2013

 

1.                  CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

The Financial Report of Genetic Technologies Limited (the “Company”) for the year ended June 30, 2013 was authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors dated October 30, 2013.  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.

 

Revenue from the sale of the BREVAGen™ test

 

During the financial year ended 30 June 2012, the Company generated the first sales of its BREVAGen™ test.  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 January 1, 2013, significant changes in the US reimbursement system have impacted (positively) on the amounts the Company has since received for the BREVAGen™ tests it performs.  However, given the relatively short period of time since this change, a reliable estimate of the amount of revenue expected to be received in respect of each BREVAGen™ test cannot yet be made in accordance with AASB 118 Revenue (IAS 18).  Accordingly, the sales received during the financial year ended June 30, 2013 were also recorded on a cash basis.

 

Going concern

 

During the 2013 financial year, the Company incurred a total comprehensive loss after income tax of $9,323,063 (2012: $5,303,942) and net cash outflows from operations of $7,516,779 (2012: $7,674,714).  As at June 30, 2013, the Company held cash reserves of $1,721,293 and had net current assets of $192,400.

 

Subsequent to balance date, the Company raised a total of $3,000,000 via the placement of 41,666,667 ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.072 per share.  Also subsequent to balance date, a total of $3,500,000 was received by the Company under its Share Purchase Plan (“SPP”), before the payment of associated costs.  At the issue price of $0.072 per share, this resulted in the issue of 48,611,111 further ordinary shares in the Company.  As at the date of this Report, the Company held cash reserves of approximately $4,640,000.

 

As of the date of this Report, the Company had received a written commitment from one of the Underwriters of the SPP to subscribe for a further 6,944,444 shares at the same issue price of $0.072 per share to raise a further $500,000, before the payment of associated costs.

 

The Company proposes to seek approval to raise additional funds via the issue of a US$5,000,000 convertible note (subject to shareholder vote which will be sought at an Extraordinary General Meeting on November 29, 2013).

 

F6



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

 

(a)             Basis of preparation (cont.)

 

Going concern (cont.)

 

The continuing viability of the Company and its ability to continue as a going concern and meet its debts and commitments as they fall due are dependent upon the consolidated entity being successful in one or more of the following events:

 

·             Fundraising from the issue of further new shares in the Company and/or the sale of non-core or surplus assets;

 

·             Obtaining shareholder approval for, and successfully completing the proposed raising of, debt funds via the issue of the US$5,000,000 convertible note;

 

·             Increasing sales of genetic tests, including the BREVAGenTM test in the USA and potentially Europe;

 

·             Generating additional funds from the granting of further “non-coding” licenses as part of the Company’s out-licensing and assertion programs, and;

 

·             Cost containment strategies which are currently in progress.

 

As a result of these matters, there is a substantial doubt about 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 the above matters and, accordingly, have prepared the financial report on a going concern basis.

 

(b)             New accounting standards and interpretations

 

In respect of the year ended June 30, 2013, 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 June 30, 2013 reporting periods.

 

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

 

·             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) and AASB 2012-6 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Mandatory Effective Date of AASB 9 and Transition Disclosures (effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or afterJanuary 1, 2015)

 

IFRS 9 / (AASB 9) Financial Instruments addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities.  The standard is not applicable until January 1, 2015 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 IFRS 9 / (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 will therefore have to be recognised directly in profit or loss.  There will be no impact on the Group’s accounting for financial liabilities, as the new requirements only affect the accounting for financial liabilities that are designated as at fair value through profit or loss and the Group does not have any such liabilities.  The derecognition rules have been transferred from IAS 39 / (AASB 139) Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and have not been changed.  The Group has not yet decided when to adopt IFRS 9 / (AASB 9).

 

·             IFRS 10 / (AASB 10) Consolidated Financial Statements, IFRS 11 / (AASB 11) Joint Arrangements, IFRS 12 / (AASB 12) Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, revised IAS 27 / (AASB) 127 Separate Financial Statements and IAS 28 / (AASB 128) Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, AASB 2011-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Consolidation and Joint Arrangements Standards and AASB 2012-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Transition guidance and other Amendments (effective January 1, 2013)

 

In August 2011, the AASB issued a suite of five new and amended standards which address the accounting for joint arrangements, consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.

 

AASB 10 replaces all of the guidance on control and consolidation in IAS7 / AASB 127 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements, and Interpretation 12 Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities.  The core principle that a consolidated entity presents a parent and its subsidiaries as if they are a single economic entity remains unchanged, as do the mechanics of consolidation.  However, the standard introduces a single definition of control that applies to all entities.  It focuses on the need to have both power and rights or exposure to variable returns before control is present.  Power is the current ability to direct the activities that significantly influence returns.  Returns must vary and can be positive, negative or both.  There is also new guidance on participating and protective rights and on agent/principal relationships.  The Group is still evaluating the effect the new standard will have on its composition.

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

 

(b)             New accounting standards and interpretations (cont.)

 

IFRS 12 / (AASB 12) sets out the required disclosures for entities reporting under the two new standards, IFRS 10 / (AASB 10) and IFRS 11 / (AASB 11), and replaces the disclosure requirements currently found in IAS 28 / (AASB 128).  Application of this standard by the Group will not affect any of the amounts recognised in the financial statements, but will impact the type of information disclosed in relation to the Group’s investments.

 

Amendments to IAS 28 / (AASB 128) provide clarification that an entity continues to apply the equity method and does not remeasure its retained interest as part of ownership changes where a joint venture becomes an associate, and vice versa.  The amendments also introduce a “partial disposal” concept.  As the Group is not party to any joint arrangements, this standard will not have any impact on its financial statements.  The Group will adopt the new standards before their operative date and would therefore be applied in the financial statements for the reporting period ending June 30, 2014.

 

·             IFRS 13 / (AASB 13) Fair Value Measurement and AASB 2011-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 13(effective January 1, 2013)

 

IFRS 13 / (AASB 13) was released in September 2011.  It explains how to measure fair value and aims to enhance fair value disclosures.  The Group does not use fair value measurements extensively.  It is therefore unlikely that the new rules will have a significant impact on any of the amounts recognised in the financial statements.  However, application of the new standard will impact the type of information disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.  The Group will adopt the new standard before its operative date, which means that it would be first applied in the annual reporting period ending June 30, 2014.

 

·             AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards to Remove Individual Key Management Personnel Disclosure Requirements (effective July 1, 2013)

 

In July 2011, the AASB decided to remove the individual key management personnel (KMP) disclosure requirements from AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures, to achieve consistency with the international equivalent standard and remove a duplication of the requirements with the Corporations Act 2001.  While this will reduce the disclosures that are currently required in the notes to the financial statements, it will not affect any of the amounts recognised in the financial statements.  The amendments apply from July 1, 2013 and cannot be adopted early.  The Corporations Act requirements in relation to remuneration reports will remain unchanged for now, but these requirements are currently subject to review and may also be revised in the near future.

 

·             Improvements to IFRS (2009-2011 project cycle) / (AASB 2012-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standard arising from Annual Improvements 2009-2011 cycle) (effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013)

 

In June 2012, the AASB approved a number of amendments to Australian Accounting Standards as a result of the 2009-2011 annual improvements project.  The Group will apply the amendments from July 1, 2013.  The Group does not expect that any adjustments will be necessary as the result of applying the revised rules.

 

·             Revised IAS 19 / (AASB 119) Employee Benefits, AASB 2011-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 119 (September 2011) and AASB 2011-11  Amendments to AASB 119 (September 2011) arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements (effective January 1, 2013)

 

In June 2011 (AASB: September 2011), the IAS / (AASB) released a revised standard on accounting for employee benefits.  It requires the recognition of all remeasurements of defined benefit liabilities/assets immediately in other comprehensive income (removal of the so-called “corridor” method) and the calculation of a net interest expense or income by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset.  This replaces the expected return on plan assets that is currently included in profit or loss.  The standard also introduces a number of additional disclosures for defined benefit liabilities/assets and could affect the timing of the recognition of termination benefits.  The amendments will have to be implemented retrospectively.  The Group is still evaluating the impact of the new standard on its financial statements.  The Group will adopt the new standard when it becomes operative, being from July 1, 2013.

 

·             AASB 2012-3 Amendments to AASB 136 Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets (effective January 1, 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 July 1, 2014.

 

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.

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

 

(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 June 30, 2013 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”.

 

Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purpose entities) over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies, generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one-half of the voting rights.  The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Group controls another entity.  Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group.  They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

 

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 fair market value.  The Group’s investment in associates is detailed in Note 35.

 

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, jointly controlled entity 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 jointly-controlled entity 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)             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.

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

 

(d)             Foreign currency translation (cont.)

 

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 — 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.  The exchange differences arising on the retranslation are 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.

 

(e)              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.

 

(f)               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.

 

(g)             Parent entity financial information

 

The financial information for the parent entity, Genetic Technologies Limited, as disclosed in Note 36, 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.

 

(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:

 

Revenue from the sale of the BREVAGen™ test

 

Refer Note 2(a) for details of the policy being adopted by the Group in relation to the recognition of revenue from the sale of the Company’s BREVAGen™ test.

 

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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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

 

(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 the Company, using a Black-Scholes option pricing model.  In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any non-market performance conditions.  The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, 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.

 

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.

 

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 11.  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.

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

 

(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 six 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 37.

 

(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.

 

(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.

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

 

(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 and development 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.

 

(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.

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

 

(v)             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.

 

(w)           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.

 

(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)             Employee benefits

 

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, annual leave and any other employee benefits 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.  All other employee benefit liabilities are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method.  Expenses for non-accumulating sick leave are recognised when the leave is taken during the year and are measured at rates paid or payable.

 

In determining the present value of future cash outflows, the market yield as at the reporting date on national government bonds, which have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related liability, are used.  Employee benefits expenses and revenues arising in respect of wages and salaries, non-monetary benefits, annual leave, long service leave and other leave benefits and other types of employee benefits are recognised against profits on a net basis in their respective categories.

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2.                  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

 

(z)              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.

 

(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 30).

 

(ab)      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 a bi-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.

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

3.                  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS (cont.)

 

(a)             Critical accounting estimates and assumptions (cont.)

 

Carrying value of investment in ImmunAid Limited

 

As at June 30, 2013, the Company’s investment in its associate ImmunAid Limited (“ImmunAid”) had a carrying value in its balance sheet of $3,932,384.  This investment is carried at the lower of its carrying amount and its recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell.  As at June 30, 2013, the Company considered the net trading loss of the investment to be indicative of an impairment trigger and has tested its carrying value for impairment.

 

The Company has not recognised any impairment in the investment based of its assessment that, as at June 30, 2013, its fair value less costs to sell exceeds its carrying value.  In April 2012, ImmunAid issued shares to new investors at a price in excess of the current per share carrying value of the investment.  In addition, the Company noted that ImmunAid was recently allowed an exclusive US patent, which was positively received by the Market.  Taking these events in aggregate, the Company has concluded that there is no impairment in the investment for the year ended June 30, 2013.

 

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 11).

 

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.

 

(b)             Critical judgements in applying the entity’s accounting policies

 

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.

 

4.      COST OF SALES

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Inventories used

 

823,139

 

859,206

 

860,078

 

Direct labour costs

 

785,722

 

864,286

 

782,875

 

Depreciation expense

 

173,300

 

230,349

 

252,090

 

Inventories written off / (back)

 

163,306

 

(5,216

)

139,873

 

Total cost of sales

 

1,945,467

 

1,948,625

 

2,034,916

 

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

5.                  OTHER REVENUE

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

License fees received

 

3,579,677

 

1,189,170

 

12,315,060

 

Royalties and annuities received

 

1,205,236

 

1,337,429

 

1,365,681

 

Interest revenue

 

217,441

 

609,807

 

200,023

 

Total other revenue

 

5,002,354

 

3,136,406

 

13,880,764

 

 

6.                  GAIN ON DECONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY

 

Recognition of investment in associate (Note 35)

 

 

4,546,951

 

 

Removal of net assets of associate on loss of control of a subsidiary

 

 

528,433

 

 

Removal of non-controlling interests (Note 26)

 

 

37,771

 

 

Profit received from sale of shares in associate

 

 

20

 

 

Total gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

 

 

5,113,175

 

 

 

Note:        During the year ended 30 June 2012, the Group deconsolidated its former subsidiary, ImmunAid Limited (refer Note 28).  As a result, the net assets 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 investment in associate in accordance with Note 2(c) at its fair value, as described in Note 3(a).

 

7.                  EXPENSES

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

127,565

 

181,048

 

77,575

 

Depreciation of fixed assets

 

97,444

 

150,547

 

287,205

 

Employee benefits expenses

 

6,938,342

 

8,194,251

 

5,435,053

 

Research and development costs

 

573,377

 

892,274

 

1,041,461

 

Payments for operating leases

 

369,254

 

354,958

 

369,555

 

Net impairment of intangible assets

 

 

104,338

 

741

 

Net impairment of plant and equipment

 

 

 

268,264

 

 

8.                  OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES

 

Net foreign exchange gains / (losses)

 

46,264

 

141,364

 

(68,057

)

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

 

(1,416

)

31,455

 

(217,737

)

Management fees received

 

8,000

 

4,875

 

 

Loss on disposal of shares in subsidiary (Notes 28 and 29)

 

 

(10

)

 

Research and development tax credit

 

181,036

 

 

 

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

 

1,606

 

 

 

Total other income and expenses

 

235,490

 

177,684

 

(285,794

)

 

9.                  NET PROFIT FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATION

 

Revenue from reproductive services

 

 

 

66,054

 

Less: cost of sales

 

 

 

(44,492

)

Total net profit from discontinued operation

 

 

 

21,562

 

 

Note:        During the 2010 financial year, the Company’s reproductive services business was terminated following a decision to realign the business and to focus on the provision of animal genetic tests, rather than the services that were acquired as part of the acquisition of the Frozen Puppies business in 2008.  As a result, Frozen Puppies Dot Com Pty. Ltd. was deregistered on June 1, 2011.

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

10.           LOSS PER SHARE

 

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

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

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

 

(9,298,367

)

(5,287,523

)

910,002

 

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

 

472,084,970

 

460,402,869

 

404,605,152

 

 

Note:        None of the 9,525,000 (2012: 20,125,000; 2011: 19,650,000) 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.

 

11.    INCOME TAX

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit / (loss) before income tax expense

 

(9,349,483

)

(5,296,828

)

901,341

 

Tax at the Australian tax rate of 30% (2012: 30%)

 

(2,804,845

)

(1,589,048

)

270,402

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net impairment losses and other write-downs

 

54,883

 

31,301

 

81,229

 

Share-based payments expense

 

66,902

 

608,497

 

76,155

 

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

 

131,156

 

39,611

 

 

Capital raising expenses

 

(48,328

)

(48,328

)

 

Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

 

 

(1,533,953

)

 

Research and development tax incentive

 

(54,311

)

 

(312,438

)

Withholding tax expense

 

20,330

 

19,753

 

18,000

 

Other non-deductible items

 

6,869

 

4,980

 

2,930

 

 

 

(2,627,344

)

(2,467,187

)

136,278

 

Tax effect of adjustments relating to temporary differences

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization and depreciation expenses

 

46,701

 

25,557

 

185,061

 

Net movements in provisions

 

4,794

 

26,111

 

(8,164

)

Settlement proceeds from Applera Corporation

 

(134,757

)

(131,134

)

(157,911

)

Adjustment for amended tax returns of prior periods

 

1,159,185

 

1,264,668

 

 

Tax losses utilized

 

 

 

(155,264

)

Tax losses not recognized

 

1,551,421

 

1,281,985

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

96,234

 

79,994

 

49,064

 

Applera settlement

 

350,002

 

484,759

 

560,290

 

Intangible assets

 

2,404,695

 

2,099,763

 

515,853

 

Doubtful debts

 

64,286

 

26,635

 

17,010

 

Provisions

 

259,477

 

254,683

 

228,572

 

Other

 

52,553

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

3,227,247

 

2,945,834

 

1,370,789

 

Deferred tax assets on temporary differences not brought to account

 

(3,227,247

)

(2,945,834

)

(1,370,789

)

Total net deferred tax assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

41,135,676

 

35,964,273

 

31,690,991

 

Potential tax benefit @ 30%

 

12,340,703

 

10,789,282

 

9,507,297

 

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

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 $12,340,703 (2012: $10,789,282; 2011:$9,507,297) 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 July 1, 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 June 30, 2013, 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 (2012: $nil; 2011: $nil ).

 

12. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash at bank and on hand

 

1,721,293

 

2,380,114

 

1,985,257

 

Short-term deposits

 

 

6,520,121

 

3,119,410

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

1,721,293

 

8,900,235

 

5,104,667

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of profit / (loss) for the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of profit / (loss) for the year after income tax to net cash flows from / (used in) operating activities is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit / (loss) for the year after income tax

 

(9,349,483

)

(5,296,828

)

901,341

 

Adjust for non-cash items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization and depreciation expenses

 

398,309

 

561,944

 

616,870

 

Share-based payments expense

 

223,005

 

2,028,323

 

253,851

 

Net impairment losses and other write-downs

 

 

104,338

 

269,005

 

Share of loss of associate

 

437,185

 

132,037

 

 

Loss on disposal of shares in subsidiary

 

 

10

 

 

Fair value gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

 

 

(5,113,175

)

 

Provision for advance to associate

 

173,193

 

 

 

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

 

1,416

 

(31,455

)

217,737

 

Net foreign exchange (gains) / losses

 

(52,114

)

(141,365

)

68,057

 

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

 

167,333

 

178,394

 

80,288

 

(Increase) / decrease in prepayments and other assets

 

137,940

 

(62,466

)

(104,124

)

(Increase) / decrease in performance bonds and deposits

 

(191,836

)

(14,811

)

69,009

 

Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables

 

469,764

 

(209,256

)

(80,645

)

Increase / (decrease) in deferred revenue

 

54,135

 

103,100

 

(30,895

)

Increase / (decrease) in provisions

 

15,980

 

87,036

 

(27,215

)

Net cash flows from / (used in) operating activities

 

(7,516,779

)

(7,674,174

)

2,233,279

 

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

Non-cash activities

 

There were no non-cash investing or financing activities during the 2013, 2012 and 2011 financial years.

 

Financing facilities available

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As at June 30, 2013, the following financing facilities had been negotiated and were available:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hire purchase facility

 

 

2,500,000

 

2,500,000

 

Credit cards

 

215,603

 

199,208

 

145,000

 

Facilities used as at reporting date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hire purchase facility

 

 

(17,748

)

(67,878

)

Credit cards

 

(60,918

)

(15,861

)

(18,786

)

Facilities unused as at reporting date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hire purchase facility

 

 

2,482,252

 

2,432,122

 

Credit cards

 

154,685

 

183,347

 

126,214

 

 

13.          TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (CURRENT)

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Trade receivables

 

513,633

 

474,843

 

Less: provision for doubtful debts

 

(214,285

)

(88,783

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net trade receivables

 

299,348

 

386,060

 

Accrued interest

 

 

57,948

 

Other receivables

 

29,294

 

51,967

 

Total net current trade and other receivables

 

328,642

 

495,975

 

 

Note:        Trade and other receivables for the Group include amounts due in US dollars of USD 42,140 (2012: USD 61,336) and European euros of EUR 90,000 (2012: EUR 90,000).

 

Refer Note 37 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.

 

14.           PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS (CURRENT)

 

Prepayments

 

184,394

 

219,409

 

Inventories at the lower of cost and net realisable value

 

213,791

 

316,716

 

Total current prepayments and other assets

 

398,185

 

536,125

 

 

15.           PERFORMANCE BONDS AND DEPOSITS (CURRENT)

 

Performance bonds

 

206,259

 

15,260

 

Deposits

 

3,037

 

2,200

 

Total current performance bonds and deposits

 

209,296

 

17,460

 

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

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

 

Shares in associate (Note 35)

 

3,932,384

 

4,414,914

 

Total non-current investments accounted for using the equity method

 

3,932,384

 

4,414,914

 

 

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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

17.           PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Laboratory equipment, at cost

 

3,880,330

 

3,953,756

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(2,824,044

)

(2,706,111

)

Less: impairment loss

 

(751,325

)

(751,325

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net laboratory equipment

 

304,961

 

496,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer equipment, at cost

 

695,288

 

657,337

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(617,439

)

(571,706

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net computer equipment

 

77,849

 

85,631

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office equipment, at cost

 

224,949

 

219,500

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(190,301

)

(168,116

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net office equipment

 

34,648

 

51,384

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment under hire purchase, at cost

 

1,282,389

 

1,282,389

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(1,272,389

)

(1,271,014

)

Less: impairment loss

 

(10,000

)

(10,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net equipment under hire purchase

 

 

1,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leasehold improvements, at cost

 

111,873

 

109,748

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(106,163

)

(101,540

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net leasehold improvements

 

5,710

 

8,208

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net property, plant and equipment

 

423,168

 

642,918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Opening gross carrying amount

 

6,222,730

 

6,518,757

 

Add: additions purchased during the year

 

53,611

 

76,314

 

Less: disposals made during the year

 

(81,512

)

(372,341

)

Closing gross carrying amount

 

6,194,829

 

6,222,730

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening accumulated depreciation and impairment losses

 

(5,579,812

)

(5,571,257

)

Add: disposals made during the year

 

78,895

 

372,341

 

Less: depreciation expense charged

 

(270,744

)

(380,896

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closing accumulated depreciation and impairment losses

 

(5,771,661

)

(5,579,812

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net property, plant and equipment

 

423,168

 

642,918

 

 

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

 

496,320

 

609

 

 

(191,968

)

304,961

 

Computer equipment

 

85,631

 

45,428

 

(2,617

)

(50,593

)

77,849

 

Office equipment

 

51,384

 

5,449

 

 

(22,185

)

34,648

 

Equipment under hire purchase

 

1,375

 

 

 

(1,375

)

 

Leasehold improvements

 

8,208

 

2,125

 

 

(4,623

)

5,710

 

Totals

 

642,918

 

53,611

 

(2,617

)

(270,744

)

423,168

 

 

F22



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

18.           INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Patents

 

 

 

 

 

Patents, at cost

 

36,594,310

 

36,322,585

 

Less: accumulated amortisation

 

(32,797,420

)

(32,501,457

)

Less: impairment losses

 

(3,632,338

)

(3,632,338

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net patents

 

164,552

 

188,790

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

Assets associated with BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk test, at cost

 

1,033,273

 

1,033,273

 

Less: accumulated amortisation

 

(206,654

)

(103,327

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net other intangible assets

 

826,619

 

929,946

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

1,306,559

 

1,434,124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of patents

 

 

 

 

 

Opening gross carrying amount

 

36,322,585

 

36,538,523

 

Adjust for exchange rate movements

 

271,725

 

(215,938

)

Closing gross carrying amount

 

36,594,310

 

36,322,585

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening accumulated amortisation and impairment losses

 

(36,133,795

)

(36,167,674

)

Add: amortisation expense charged (refer below)

 

(24,238

)

(77,721

)

Add: impairment losses (refer below)

 

 

(104,338

)

Adjust for exchange rate movements

 

(271,725

)

215,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closing accumulated amortisation and impairment losses

 

(36,429,758

)

(36,133,795

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net patents

 

164,552

 

188,790

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of other intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

Opening net carrying amount

 

929,946

 

1,033,273

 

Add: amortisation expense charged (refer below)

 

(103,327

)

(103,327

)

Total net other intangible assets

 

826,619

 

929,946

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

F23



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

18.           INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (cont.)

 

Remaining useful lives

 

The assets associated with the BREVAGenTM breast cancer risk test have a remaining useful life of 8 years as at June 30, 2013.

 

Disclosure of expenses

 

The total amortisation expense charged during the year in respect of intangible assets of $127,565 is disclosed in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under the headings of laboratory and research and development costs ($103,327) and licensing, patent and legal costs ($24,238).

 

19.           TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES (CURRENT)

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Trade payables

 

622,216

 

332,636

 

Other payables

 

377,829

 

342,539

 

Accrued expenses

 

375,491

 

230,597

 

Total current trade and other payables

 

1,375,536

 

905,772

 

 

Note:        Trade payables and other payables for the Group include amounts due in US dollars of USD 307,332 (2012: USD 210,304), Chinese yuan of CNY 41,291 (2012: CNY 49,128), Canadian dollars of CAD 171,900 (2012: CAD 7,886), European euros of EUR 20,804 (2012: EUR 1,652), Swiss francs of CHF 3,090 (2012: CHF 3,090), New Zealand dollars of NZD 839 (2012: NZD 1,817) and Japanese yen of JPY 62,928 (2012: JPY 69,677).

 

Refer Note 37 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.           INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES (CURRENT)

 

Hire purchase liability (Notes 31 and 37)

 

 

17,748

 

Total current interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

17,748

 

 

Note:        The carrying values of the hire purchase liabilities approximate their fair values.

 

21.           DEFERRED REVENUE (CURRENT)

 

Genetic testing fees received in advance

 

320,781

 

266,646

 

Total current deferred revenue

 

320,781

 

266,646

 

 

22.           PROVISIONS (CURRENT AND NON-CURRENT)

 

Current provisions

 

 

 

 

 

Annual leave

 

415,511

 

439,186

 

Long service leave

 

353,188

 

301,216

 

Total current provisions

 

768,699

 

740,402

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current provisions

 

 

 

 

 

Long service leave

 

96,224

 

108,541

 

Total non-current provisions

 

96,224

 

108,541

 

Total provisions

 

864,923

 

848,943

 

 

F24



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

22.           PROVISIONS (CURRENT AND NON-CURRENT)

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Reconciliation of annual leave provision

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

439,186

 

417,603

 

Add: obligation accrued during the year

 

382,655

 

452,638

 

Less: utilised during the year

 

(406,330

)

(431,055

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the end of the financial year (note)

 

415,511

 

439,186

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of long service leave provision

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

409,757

 

344,304

 

Add: obligation accrued during the year

 

50,995

 

65,453

 

Less: utilised during the year

 

(11,340

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the end of the financial year (note)

 

449,412

 

409,757

 

 

Note:        The current provisions for annual leave and long service leave include a total amount of $353,188 (2012: $439,186) in respect of obligations which, based on historical evidence, the Company estimates will be settled more than 12 months from balance date.

 

23.           CONTRIBUTED EQUITY

 

Issued and paid-up capital

 

 

 

 

 

Fully paid ordinary shares

 

83,735,845

 

83,280,142

 

Total contributed equity

 

83,735,845

 

83,280,142

 

 

Movements in shares on issue

 

 

 

Shares

 

$

 

Year ended June 30, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

$

 

Year ended June 30, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

404,605,152

 

72,378,105

 

Add: shares issued during the year as part of private placement

 

60,000,000

 

10,894,537

 

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

 

166,667

 

7,500

 

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

464,771,819

 

83,280,142

 

 

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.

 

F25



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

24.           RESERVES

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Foreign currency translation

 

(152,511

)

(161,858

)

Share-based payments

 

4,104,282

 

3,881,277

 

Total reserves

 

3,951,771

 

3,719,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of foreign currency translation reserve

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

(161,858

)

(155,040

)

Add: net currency translation gain / (loss)

 

9,347

 

(6,818

)

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

(152,511

)

(161,858

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of share-based payments reserve

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

3,881,277

 

1,852,954

 

Add: share-based payments expense

 

223,005

 

2,028,323

 

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

4,104,282

 

3,881,277

 

 

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.

 

25.           ACCUMULATED LOSSES

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

(72,751,549

)

(67,464,026

)

Add: net loss attributable to owners of Genetic Technologies Limited

 

(9,298,367

)

(5,287,523

)

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

(82,049,916

)

(72,751,549

)

 

26.           NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

Reconciliation of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

154,630

 

202,002

 

Add: movements during the year

 

 

 

 

 

Less: share of operating losses

 

(51,116

)

(9,305

)

Less: share of movement in reserves

 

17,073

 

(296

)

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

 

(34,043

)

(9,601

)

Add / (less): share / (reversal) of issued capital

 

 

(37,771

)

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

120,587

 

154,630

 

 

F26



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

27.           OPTIONS

 

As at June 30, 2013, the following options over ordinary shares in the Company were outstanding.

 

 

 

2013

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

2012

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

Unlisted employee options (refer below)

 

9,525,000

 

$

0.147

 

20,125,000

 

$

0.099

 

 

On November 30, 2001, the Directors of the Company established a Staff Share Plan.  On November 19, 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 atJune 30, 2013, there were 3 executives and 18 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:

 

 

 

2013

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

2012

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

 

20,125,000

 

$

0.099

 

19,650,000

 

$

0.109

 

Add: options granted during the year

 

3,650,000

 

$

0.129

 

3,250,000

 

$

0.145

 

Less: options exercised during the year

 

(10,700,000

)

$

0.045

 

(166,667

)

$

0.045

 

Less: options forfeited during the year

 

(1,550,000

)

$

0.093

 

(1,958,333

)

$

0.165

 

Less: options expired during the year

 

(2,000,000

)

$

0.216

 

(650,000

)

$

0.462

 

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

9,525,000

 

$

0.147

 

20,125,000

 

$

0.099

 

Exercisable at the end of the financial year

 

3,166,667

 

$

0.155

 

14,958,333

 

$

0.077

 

 

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 June 30, 2013 (2012: $7,500).  The weighted average share price at the dates on which the options were exercised during the year ended June 30, 2013 was $0.106 (2012: $0.128).

 

The numbers of options outstanding as at  June 30, 2013 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

 

2013

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

2012

 

Weighted ave.
exercise price

 

GTGAI (expiring May 8, 2015)

 

500,000

 

$

0.045

 

12,000,000

 

$

0.045

 

GTGAK (expiring February 20, 2017)

 

1,750,000

 

$

0.120

 

2,250,000

 

$

0.120

 

GTGAM (expiring July 31, 2016)

 

1,000,000

 

$

0.200

 

1,000,000

 

$

0.200

 

GTGAO (expiring August 29, 2017)

 

2,650,000

 

$

0.140

 

 

 

GTGAQ (expiring December 1, 2017)

 

250,000

 

$

0.100

 

 

 

GTGAS (expiring January 25, 2018)

 

750,000

 

$

0.100

 

 

 

GTGAW (expiring March 31, 2016)

 

2,625,000

 

$

0.190

 

2,875,000

 

$

0.190

 

GTGAW (expiring May 31, 2013)

 

 

 

300,000

 

$

0.190

 

GTGAY (expiring October 23, 2012)

 

 

 

1,700,000

 

$

0.220

 

Balance at the end of the financial year

 

9,525,000

 

$

0.147

 

20,125,000

 

$

0.099

 

 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding as at June 30, 2013 was 3.48 years (2012: 3.00 years).

 

28.           CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OF THE ENTITY

 

Sale of shares in ImmunAid Limited

 

On August 7, 2012, the Company sold a total of 46,951 ordinary shares in former subsidiary ImmunAid Limited for a total consideration of $46,951, prior to the payment of associated costs.  As a result, the Company’s equity interest in the shares of ImmunAid Limited was reduced from 45.5% to 45.0%.

 

F27



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

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 separate groups of products and services are then divided into operating businesses, the performances of which are reported to the Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Directors on a monthly basis.  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

 

2013

 

3,377,183

 

(1,419

)

3,375,764

 

(6,725,608

)

 

 

2012

 

3,691,215

 

31,455

 

3,722,670

 

(5,747,234

)

 

 

2011

 

4,594,960

 

 

4,594,960

 

(4,017,757

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licensing

 

2013

 

 

4,784,913

 

4,784,913

 

2,385,088

 

 

 

2012

 

 

2,526,599

 

2,526,599

 

1,258,761

 

 

 

2011

 

 

13,680,741

 

13,680,741

 

9,583,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research

 

2013

 

 

181,036

 

181,036

 

(392,341

)

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

(892,274

)

 

 

2011

 

 

 

 

(1,041,461

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sub-total

 

2013

 

3,377,183

 

4,964,530

 

8,341,713

 

(4,732,861

)

 

 

2012

 

3,691,215

 

2,558,054

 

6,249,269

 

(5,380,747

)

 

 

2011

 

4,594,960

 

13,680,741

 

18,275,701

 

4,524,201

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

2013

 

 

273,314

 

273,314

 

(4,616,622

)

 

 

2012

 

 

5,869,211

 

5,869,211

 

83,919

 

 

 

2011

 

 

(85,771

)

(85,771

)

(3,644,422

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

2013

 

3,377,183

 

5,237,844

 

8,615,027

 

(9,349,483

)

 

 

2012

 

3,691,215

 

8,427,265

 

12,118,480

 

(5,296,828

)

 

 

2011

 

4,594,960

 

13,594,970

 

18,189,930

 

879,779

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortisation

 

Impairment

 

Purchases of

 

Segment

 

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

/depreciation

 

losses/write downs

 

equipment

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Operations

 

2013

 

1,960,237

 

(1,477,080

)

(333,058

)

 

42,469

 

 

 

2012

 

2,578,637

 

(1,210,360

)

(433,124

)

 

66,162

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licensing

 

2013

 

551,293

 

(168,593

)

(26,894

)

 

712

 

 

 

2012

 

184,103

 

(100,458

)

(28,195

)

 

1,050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research

 

2013

 

35,224

 

(119,767

)

(19,192

)

 

990

 

 

 

2012

 

62,403

 

(48,865

)

(79,707

)

(104,338

)

2,443

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sub-total

 

2013

 

2,546,754

 

(1,765,440

)

(379,144

)

 

44,171

 

 

 

2012

 

2,825,143

 

(1,359,683

)

(541,026

)

(104,338

)

69,655

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

2013

 

5,772,773

 

(795,800

)

(19,165

)

 

9,440

 

 

 

2012

 

13,616,608

 

(679,426

)

(20,918

)

 

6,659

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

2013

 

8,319,527

 

(2,561,240

)

(398,309

)

 

53,611

 

 

 

2012

 

16,441,751

 

(2,039,109

)

(561,944

)

(104,338

)

76,314

 

 

F28



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

29.           SEGMENT INFORMATION (cont.)

 

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

 

2013

 

3,047,672

 

6,144,771

 

9,192,443

 

(4,782,247

)

 

 

2012

 

3,649,522

 

8,536,940

 

12,186,462

 

(2,055,144

)

 

 

2011

 

4,591,389

 

13,583,021

 

18,174,410

 

2,473,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USA

 

2013

 

329,511

 

(906,929

)

(577,418

)

(4,330,769

)

 

 

2012

 

41,693

 

(109,678

)

(67,985

)

(3,161,898

)

 

 

2011

 

 

66,595

 

66,595

 

(1,412,164

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

China

 

2013

 

 

 

 

(10,258

)

 

 

2012

 

 

1

 

1

 

(29,384

)

 

 

2011

 

3,571

 

(54,646

)

(51,075

)

(132,774

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

2013

 

 

 

 

(211,397

)

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

(38,484

)

 

 

2011

 

 

 

 

(35,819

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

2013

 

 

2

 

2

 

(14,812

)

 

 

2012

 

 

3

 

3

 

(11,918

)

 

 

2011

 

 

3

 

3

 

(13,250

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

2013

 

3,377,183

 

5,237,844

 

8,615,027

 

(9,349,483

)

 

 

2012

 

3,691,215

 

8,427,265

 

12,118,480

 

(5,296,828

)

 

 

2011

 

4,594,960

 

13,594,970

 

18,189,930

 

879,779

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortisation

 

Impairment

 

Purchases of

 

Segment

 

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

/depreciation

 

losses /write downs

 

equipment

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

2013

 

7,809,210

 

7,698,493

 

(376,424

)

 

45,164

 

 

 

2012

 

15,768,900

 

3,842,342

 

(540,381

)

(104,338

)

68,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USA

 

2013

 

279,137

 

(9,584,715

)

(21,885

)

 

8,447

 

 

 

2012

 

413,203

 

(5,398,129

)

(21,563

)

 

7,364

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

China

 

2013

 

 

(364,005

)

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

3

 

(352,357

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

2013

 

219,380

 

(172,219

)

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

249,056

 

(7,571

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

2013

 

11,800

 

(138,794

)

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

10,589

 

(123,394

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

2013

 

8,319,527

 

(2,561,240

)

(398,309

)

 

53,611

 

 

 

2012

 

16,441,751

 

(2,039,109

)

(561,944

)

(104,338

)

76,314

 

 

Additional segment disclosures

 

Other revenues and income - corporate includes interest received of $217,441 (2012: $609,807).

Expenses - corporate includes employee benefits expenses of $1,756,159 (2012: $3,495,637) and a share of loss in associate of $437,185 (2012: $132,037).

Assets - corporate includes cash of $1,721,293 (2012: $8,900,235).

Liabilities - corporate includes trade and other payables of $579,570 (2012: $449,034) and provisions of $216,231 (2012: $228,990).

The Corporate business and the Australian geographic segments include a share of loss in associate of $437,185 (2012: $132,037).

There were no intersegment sales.

 

F29



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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

29.           SEGMENT INFORMATION (cont.)

 

Additional segment disclosures (cont.)

 

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

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Loan payable (USA) and loan receivable (Australia)

 

9,313,022

 

5,223,612

 

Loan payable (China) and loan receivable (Australia)

 

633

 

633

 

Loan payable (Switzerland) and loan receivable (Australia)

 

135,210

 

120,210

 

Accounts payable (China) and accounts receivable (Australia)

 

351,712

 

344,074

 

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

 

905,700

 

109,678

 

Cost of sales (USA) and sales (Australia)

 

49,136

 

11,572

 

 

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 2013, there were no customers from whom the Group generated revenues representing more than 10% of the total consolidated revenue from operations.  During the year ended June 30, 2012, there was one such customer.

 

30.           EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

Employee options

 

OnNovember 30, 2001, the Directors of the Company established a Staff Share Plan.  On November 19, 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 formerly Non-Executive Directors, of the Group (refer Notes 27 and 33).

 

During the period from October 2012 to March 2013, a total of 3,650,000 options over ordinary shares (expiring August 29, 2017 to January 25, 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 $0.10 and $0.14 (refer Note 27), settled in cash.

 

The above options granted during the 2013 financial year vest in three equal tranches after 12 months, 24 months and 36 months from the date of grant, respectively.  As at June 30, 2013, there were 3 executives and 18 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 June 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

Dividend yield

 

 

Historic volatility and expected volatility

 

95%

 

83%

Option exercises prices

 

$0.10 to $0.14

 

$0.12 to $0.20

Weighted average exercise price

 

$0.129

 

$0.145

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.24% to 3.66%

 

3.23% to 3.65%

Expected life of an option

 

4 years to 5 years

 

4 years to 5 years

 

F30



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

30.           EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (cont.)

 

Superannuation commitments

 

The Group does not have any defined benefit funds.  In respect of the year ended June 30, 2013, the Group made statutory contributions to various superannuation funds on behalf of all employees in Australia at a rate of 9% 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 July 1, 2013, the rate increased to 9.25%.  Contributions made by the Group of up to 9% per annum of employees’ wages and salaries are legally enforceable in Australia.

 

Other employee benefits

 

During the year ended June 30, 2012, the Company disposed of shares in former subsidiary ImmunAid Limited to parties related to the Company at a price below their fair market value.  As a result, a share-based payments expense of $1,759,980 was reflected in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended June 30, 2012.

 

31.           COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Hire purchase expenditure commitments

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum hire purchase payments

 

 

 

 

 

- not later than one year

 

 

17,981

 

- later than one year but not later than five years

 

 

 

- later than five years

 

 

 

Total minimum hire purchase payments

 

 

17,981

 

Less: future finance charges

 

 

(233

)

Present value of hire purchase payments (Note 19)

 

 

17,748

 

Operating lease expenditure commitments

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum operating lease payments

 

 

 

 

 

- not later than one year

 

359,497

 

370,837

 

- later than one year but not later than five years

 

376,450

 

790,087

 

- later than five years

 

 

 

Total minimum operating lease payments

 

735,947

 

1,160,924

 

 

As at June 30, 2013, 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

 

723,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9115 Harris Corners Parkway, Suite 320

Charlotte, North Carolina 28269 USA

 

New Boston Harris Corners LLC

 

Office

 

31 October 2013

 

12,005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total 

 

735,947

 

 

Apart from the above, there were no other commitments or contingencies as at June 30, 2013.

 

F31



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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

32.           AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Audit services

 

 

 

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Audit of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Report

 

275,167

 

267,880

 

Other audit firms in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Audit of the Financial Reports of subsidiaries

 

16,425

 

16,360

 

Total remuneration in respect of audit services

 

291,592

 

284,240

 

Non-audit services

 

 

 

 

 

Other audit firms in respect of:

 

 

 

 

 

Tax advice and compliance, accounting and other services

 

5,676

 

18,390

 

Total remuneration in respect of non-audit services

 

5,676

 

18,390

 

Total auditors’ remuneration

 

297,268

 

302,630

 

 

33.           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 June 30, 2013, 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 subsidiary of Genetic Technologies Limited (the “Company”) in which the Company holds a total of 4,500,000 ordinary shares, representing a 45% direct equity interest in ImmunAid.  Transactions between the Company and ImmunAid, and those involving shares in ImmunAid, that were undertaken during the year have been summarised as follows:

 

·             On August 7, 2012, the Company sold a total of 46,951 ordinary shares in ImmunAid at a price of $1.00 per share, generating total consideration of $46,951.  In respect of this sale, the Company paid commissions of $2,817 to Dr. Mervyn Jacobson, a former Director and current substantial shareholder of the Company.

 

·             During the 2013 financial year, the Company rendered twelve invoices to ImmunAid totaling $52,800 (inclusive of GST) in respect management services provided to ImmunAid by the Company.  As at balance date, a total of $8,800 had been paid whilst the remaining $44,000 was recorded in the Company’s balance sheet as a receivable, against which a full provision was raised.  The remaining balance of $44,000 was recorded in the ImmunAid’s balance sheet as a payable.  During the 2012 financial year, ImmunAid paid management fees to the Company amounting to $22,500.

 

·             During the 2013 financial year, the Company paid various expenses to third parties on behalf of ImmunAid totalling $173,300.  This amount was recorded in the Company’s balance sheet as a receivable, against which a full provision was raised.

 

·             Dr. Jacobson served as Chief Executive Officer of ImmunAid throughout the entire 2013 financial year.  He rendered twelve invoices to ImmunAid totalling $200,004 (2012 $nil) in respect of services performed by him.  As at balance date he had received $33,334 from ImmunAid.  The remaining balance of $166,670 was recorded in the ImmunAid’s balance sheet as a payable.

 

Licensing services

 

During the year ended June 30, 2013, the Company paid a total of $50,000 (2012: $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.  Also during the year, Genetic Technologies Limited paid a total of $293,981 (2012: $59,813) 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 $34,518 (2012: $115,084).

 

F32



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GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

33.           RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES (cont.)

 

Phenogen Sciences Inc.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2013, Phenogen Sciences Inc, a subsidiary, purchased testing services from Genetic Technologies Corporation Pty. Ltd., another subsidiary at a cost of $49,136 (2012: $11,572).

 

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)

Tommaso Bonvino (Non-Executive)

 

Thomas G. Howitt (Chief Financial Officer / Company Secretary)

Dr. Mervyn Cass (Non-Executive)

 

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

Benjamin Silluzio (Non-Executive)

 

Gregory J. McPherson (VP Sales and Marketing)

 

 

Dr. Richard Allman (Scientific Director)

 

 

Ivan Jasenko (Operations Director)

 

The following changes to Key Management Personnel occurred during the period from July 1, 2012 to the date of this Report:

 

1.                  Dr. Malcolm Brandon was appointed as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board on November 28, 2012.

 

2.                  Mr. Benjamin Silluzio was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Company on December 10, 2012.

 

3.                  Dr. Melvyn Bridges ceased to be a Director of the Company and Chairman of its Board on November 27, 2012.

 

4.                  Mr. Greg Brown resigned as a Director of the Company on November 27, 2012.

 

5.                  Mr. Huw Jones ceased to be a Director of the Company on November 27, 2012.

 

6.                  Mr. Sidney Hack resigned as a Director of the Company and Chairman of its Board on December 16, 2011.

 

7.                  Ms. Alison Mew was appointed as acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company on November 28, 2012 and as permanent Chief Executive Officer of the Company on December 10, 2012.

 

8.                  Mr. Mark Ostrowski was appointed US Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing on September 7, 2012.

 

9.                  Dr. Richard Allman was appointed as Scientific Director of the Company on December 10, 2012.

 

10.           Dr. Paul MacLeman resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on November 27, 2012.

 

11.           Mr. Lewis Stuart ceased to be an employee of the Company on August 24, 2012.

 

12.           Mr. Greg McPherson ceased to be an employee of the Company on July 12, 2013, i.e. after balance date.

 

13.           Dr. David Sparling resigned as VP Legal and Corporate Development on November 27, 2012.

 

14.           Mr. Ivan Jasenko was appointed as Operations Director of the Company on December 10, 2012.  He subsequently resigned as Operations Director of the Company on August 16, 2013, i.e. after balance date.

 

15.           Ms. Luisa Ashdown and Ms. Diana Newport became members of Key Management Personnel on August 23, 2013 and September 26, 2013, respectively.

 

16.           As from October 15, 2013, Ms. Mew stepped aside from her day to day responsibilities as CEO for a period of three months for personal, health-related reasons.  As from that date, Mr. Howitt assumed the role of Acting CEO in addition to his usual roles of CFO and Company Secretary.

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Remuneration of Key Management Personnel

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term employee benefits

 

2,105,640

 

1,596,716

 

Post-employment benefits

 

162,229

 

185,996

 

Share-based payments

 

76,173

 

64,502

 

Long-term benefits

 

19,628

 

19,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total remuneration of Key Management Personnel

 

2,363,670

 

1,866,889

 

 

F33



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

33.           RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES (cont.)

 

Optionholdings of Key Management Personnel

 

June 30, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting as at year end

 

 

 

Opening

 

Number of options

 

Closing

 

 

 

Not

 

Name of optionholder

 

balance

 

Granted

 

Exercised

 

Lapsed

 

balance

 

Exercisable

 

exercisable

 

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

 

Richard Allman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ivan Jasenko

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

500,000

 

333,333

 

166,667

 

Totals

 

13,500,000

 

2,400,000

 

(10,700,000

)

(1,800,000

)

3,400,000

 

833,333

 

2,566,667

 

 

June 30, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting as at year end

 

 

 

Opening

 

Number of options

 

Closing

 

 

 

Not

 

Name of optionholder

 

balance

 

Granted

 

Exercised

 

Lapsed

 

balance

 

Exercisable

 

exercisable

 

Executive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Paul DR MacLeman

 

3,600,000

 

 

 

 

3,600,000

 

3,600,000

 

 

Thomas G. Howitt

 

2,750,000

 

 

 

(250,000

)

2,500,000

 

2,500,000

 

 

Alison J. Mew

 

1,500,000

 

 

 

 

1,500,000

 

1,500,000

 

 

Lewis J. Stuart

 

2,400,000

 

 

 

 

2,400,000

 

800,000

 

1,600,000

 

Gregory J. McPherson

 

1,500,000

 

 

 

 

1,500,000

 

1,500,000

 

 

Dr. David J. Sparling

 

1,500,000

 

 

 

 

1,500,000

 

1,500,000

 

 

Richard Allman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ivan Jasenko

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

500,000

 

166,667

 

333,333

 

Totals

 

13,750,000

 

 

 

(250,000

)

13,500,000

 

11,566,667

 

1,933,333

 

 

Shareholdings of Key Management Personnel

 

June 30, 2013

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tommaso Bonvino

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mervyn Cass

 

473,667

 

 

 

 

473,667

 

Benjamin Silluzio

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Paul D.R. MacLeman

 

 

 

(3,600,000

)

3,600,000

 

 

Thomas G. Howitt

 

 

 

(1,000,000

)

1,000,000

 

 

Alison J. Mew

 

 

 

(1,500,000

)

1,500,000

 

 

Lewis J. Stuart

 

 

 

(1,600,000

)

1,600,000

 

 

Gregory J. McPherson

 

 

 

(1,500,000

)

1,500,000

 

 

Dr. David J. Sparling

 

 

 

(1,500,000

)

1,500,000

 

 

Mark J. Ostrowski

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Richard Allman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ivan Jasenko

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

473,667

 

 

(10,700,000

)

10,700,000

 

473,667

 

 

F34



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

33.           RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES (cont.)

 

Notes:             Mr. Silluzio, Mr. Ostrowski, Dr. Allman and Mr. Jasenko became members of Key Management Personnel during the year ended June 30, 2013.

 

Mr. Bridges, Mr. Jones, Dr. MacLeman, Mr. Stuart and Dr. Sparling all ceased to be members of Key Management Personnel during the year ended June 30, 2013.

 

Mr. McPherson and Mr. Jasenko ceased to be members of Key Management Personnel after the year ended June 30, 2013, i.e. after balance date.

 

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.

 

34.           SUBSIDIARIES

 

The following diagram is a depiction of the Group structure as at June 30, 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group interest (%)

 

Net carrying value ($)

 

Name of Group company

 

Incorporation details

 

2013

 

2012

 

2013

 

2012

 

Entities held directly by parent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GeneType Pty. Ltd.

 

September 5, 1990

Victoria, Australia

 

100

%

100

%

 

 

Genetic Technologies Corporation Pty. Ltd.

 

October 11, 1996

N.S.W., Australia

 

100

%

100

%

2

 

2

 

RareCellect Pty. Ltd.

 

March 7, 2001

N.S.W., Australia

 

100

%

100

%

10

 

10

 

GeneType AG

 

February 13, 1989

Zug, Switzerland

 

100

%

100

%

8,217

 

7,405

 

GeneType Corporation

 

December 18, 1989

California, U.S.A.

 

100

%

100

%

 

 

Phenogen Sciences Inc.

 

June 28, 2010

Delaware, U.S.A.

 

100

%

100

%

11,006

 

11,006

 

Gtech International Resources Limited

 

November 19, 1968

Yukon Territory, Canada

 

75.8

%

75.8

%

47,161

 

241,485

 

ImmunAid Limited (refer note below)

 

March 21, 2001

Victoria, Australia

 

45.0

%

45.5

%

 

 

Total carrying value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

66,396

 

259,908

 

Entities held by other subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genetic Technologies (Beijing) Limited

 

December 25, 2008

Beijing Municipality, China

 

100

%

100

%

 

 

 

F35



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

34.           SUBSIDIARIES (cont.)

 

Note:        On April12, 2012, the Company’s equity interest in former subsidiary ImmunAid Limited (“ImmunAid”) fell below 50%.  Due to the resulting loss of control, ImmunAid was deconsolidated from the Genetic Technologies Group on that date.  On August 7, 2012, the Company sold a total of 46,951 shares in ImmunAid, reducing the Company’s equity interest to 45.0% of that company’s total issued capital.

 

As at June 30, 2013, the Company held a total of 4,500,000 shares in ImmunAid representing 45.0% of that Company’s total issued capital.

 

35.           INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Opening gross carrying amount

 

4,414,914

 

 

Add: recognition of investment in associate recorded at fair value in accordance with AASB 127 due to loss of control (Notes 3 and 28)

 

 

4,546,951

 

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

 

(437,185

)

(132,037

)

Closing gross carrying amount

 

3,932,384

 

4,414,914

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 June 30, 2013 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Ownership interest (Note 28)

 

45.00

%

45.47

%

Assets

 

29,906

 

161,429

 

Liabilities

 

(324,621

)

(17,717

)

Revenues

 

 

 

Profit / (loss)

 

(437,185

)

(132,037

)

 

36.          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

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Balance sheet

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

1,865,349

 

8,479,614

 

Total assets

 

7,892,261

 

16,408,747

 

Current liabilities

 

1,564,682

 

1,411,194

 

Total liabilities

 

13,109,489

 

11,030,310

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Contributed equity

 

83,735,845

 

83,280,142

 

Reserves (share-based payments)

 

2,289,605

 

2,066,600

 

Accumulated losses

 

(91,242,678

)

(79,968,305

)

 

 

(5,217,228

)

5,378,437

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

(11,274,372

)

(5,395,618

)

 

F36



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

36.           PARENT ENTITY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (cont.)

 

Related party information

 

As at June 30, 2013, an amount of $41,331,482 (2012: $36,604,690) was receivable by the Company from its various subsidiaries and associates.  As at the same date, an amount of $11,448,582 (2012: $9,510,575) 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.

 

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.

 

37.           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

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash at bank / on hand

 

1,721,293

 

2,380,114

 

Short-term deposits

 

 

6,520,121

 

Trade and other receivables

 

328,642

 

495,975

 

Performance bond and deposits

 

209,296

 

17,460

 

Total financial assets

 

2,259,231

 

9,413,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

1,375,536

 

905,772

 

Hire purchase liabilities

 

 

17,748

 

Total financial liabilities

 

1,375,536

 

923,520

 

 

F37



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

37.           FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (cont.)

 

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 June 30, 2013 in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the carrying amount of those assets, as indicated in the balance sheet.

 

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 June 30, 2013, the balance of the Group’s provision for doubtful debts was $214,285 (2012: $88,783), out of a total net receivables balance as at that date of $328,642 (2012: $495,975) (refer Note 13).  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

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

Net trade and other receivables

 

 

 

 

 

Current (less than 30 days)

 

265,578

 

489,893

 

31 days to 60 days

 

35,638

 

2,152

 

61 days to 90 days (note)

 

1,788

 

3,435

 

Greater than 90 days (note)

 

25,638

 

495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net trade and other receivables (Note 13)

 

328,642

 

495,975

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net trade and other payables

 

 

 

 

 

Current (less than 30 days)

 

1,364,891

 

894,817

 

31 days to 60 days

 

1,007

 

703

 

61 days to 90 days

 

6,091

 

9,397

 

Greater than 90 days

 

3,547

 

855

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net trade and other payables (Note 19)

 

1,375,536

 

905,772

 

 

Note:        A total of $27,426 in net trade and other receivables greater than 60 days is past due, of which a total of $27,426 had been received prior to the date of this Report.

 

F38



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

37.           FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (cont.)

 

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 June 30, 2013, 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

 

2013

 

326,255

 

210,432

 

71,631

 

 

86

 

6,718

 

87,046

 

 

 

2012

 

396,454

 

259,451

 

4,670

 

19

 

154

 

7,776

 

123,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

 

2013

 

42,140

 

 

90,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

61,336

 

 

90,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets

 

2013

 

368,395

 

210,432

 

161,631

 

 

86

 

6,718

 

87,046

 

 

 

2012

 

457,790

 

259,451

 

94,670

 

19

 

154

 

7,776

 

123,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

2013

 

307,332

 

171,900

 

20,804

 

41,291

 

839

 

3,090

 

62,928

 

 

 

2012

 

210,304

 

7,886

 

1,652

 

49,128

 

1,817

 

3,090

 

69,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

 

2013

 

307,332

 

171,900

 

20,804

 

41,291

 

839

 

3,090

 

62,928

 

 

 

2012

 

210,304

 

7,886

 

1,652

 

49,128

 

1,817

 

3,090

 

69,677

 

 

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 June 30, 2013, the Australian dollar / US dollar exchange rate fell by 10.0%, from 1.0161 at the beginning of the year to 0.9146 at the end of the year.  During the same period, Australian dollar / Canadian dollar exchange rate fell by 7.6%, from 1.0416 at the beginning of the year to 0.9627 at the end of the year.

 

Based on the financial instruments held at June 30, 2013, 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 $45,000 lower / $37,000 higher (2012: loss $50,000 lower / loss $41,000 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.

 

Based on the financial instruments held at June 30, 2013, had the Australian dollar weakened / strengthened by 10% against the Canadian dollar with all other variables held constant, the Group’s loss for the year would have been $24,000 lower / $20,000 higher (2012: loss $28,000 lower / loss $23,000 higher), due to changes in the values of cash and cash equivalents which are denominated in Canadian dollars, as detailed in the above tables.

 

F39



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

37.           FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (cont.)

 

Market risk (cont.)

 

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 June 30, 2013, 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 $6,000 lower / higher (2012: loss $42,000 lower / higher), as a result of higher / lower interest income from cash and cash equivalents.  Consolidated equity for the Group would have been $6,000 higher / lower (2012: $42,000 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

 

2013

 

1,721,293

 

 

1,721,293

 

1.50

%

At call

 

 

 

2012

 

2,380,114

 

 

2,380,114

 

2.31

%

At call

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term deposits

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

 

6,520,121

 

6,520,121

 

5.23

%

61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance bond / deposits

 

2013

 

 

209,296

 

209,296

 

 

At call

 

 

 

2012

 

 

17,460

 

17,460

 

 

At call

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

2013

 

1,721,293

 

209,296

 

1,930,589

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

2,380,114

 

6,537,581

 

8,917,695

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hire purchase liabilities (Note 30)

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

 

17,981

 

17,748

 

6.84

%

79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

 

17,981

 

17,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:   All periods in respect of financial assets are for less than one year.

 

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.

 

F40



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

37.           FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (cont.)

 

Liquidity risk (cont.)

 

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

 

2013

 

1,721,293

 

 

 

 

1,721,293

 

 

 

2012

 

2,380,114

 

 

 

 

2,380,114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term deposits

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

6,520,121

 

 

 

 

6,520,121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

 

2013

 

328,642

 

 

 

 

328,642

 

 

 

2012

 

495,975

 

 

 

 

495,975

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance bond and deposits

 

2013

 

209,296

 

 

 

 

209,296

 

 

 

2012

 

17,460

 

 

 

 

17,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets

 

2013

 

2,259,231

 

 

 

 

2,259,231

 

 

 

2012

 

9,413,670

 

 

 

 

9,413,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

2013

 

1,375,536

 

 

 

 

1,375,536

 

 

 

2012

 

905,772

 

 

 

 

905,772

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hire purchase liabilities

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

17,981

 

 

 

 

17,981

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

 

2013

 

1,375,536

 

 

 

 

1,375,536

 

 

 

2012

 

923,753

 

 

 

 

923,753

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net maturity

 

2013

 

883,695

 

 

 

 

883,695

 

 

 

2012

 

8,489,917

 

 

 

 

8,489,917

 

 

The Group had access to the following undrawn borrowing facility as at June 30, 2013:

 

 

 

Facility limit

 

Amount used

 

Amount available

 

Nature of facility

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Credit card facility

 

215,603

 

(60,918

)

154,685

 

 

38.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On July 30, 2013, the Company announced that its Canadian-listed subsidiary, Gtech International Resources Limited, had executed a Scheme Merger Agreement pursuant to which it would, subject to shareholder approval, acquire all of the outstanding shares of Sydney-based company Simavita Holdings Limited.

 

On August 1, 2013, the Company announced a three-stage fund raising program involving a placement, a Share Purchase Plan (“SPP”) and, subject to shareholder approval, the issue of a convertible note to an institutional investor.

 

On August 14, 2013, the Company completed the placement of 30,555,556 shares at an issue price of $0.072 per share which raised a total of $2,200,000, prior to the payment of associated costs.  On 30 August 2013, the Company completed the placement of a further 11,111,111 shares at the same issue price which raised a total of $800,000, prior to the payment of associated costs.

 

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

 

Subsequent to balance date, the Company raised a total of $3,000,000 via the placement of 41,666,667 ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.072 per share.  Also subsequent to balance date, a total of $3,500,000 was received by the Company under its Share Purchase Plan (“SPP”), before the payment of associated costs.  At the issue price of $0.072 per share, this resulted in the issue of 48,611,111 further ordinary shares in the Company.  As at the date of this Report, the Company held cash reserves of approximately $4,640,000.

 

As of the date of this Report, the Company had received a written commitment from one of the Underwriters of the SPP to subscribe for a further 6,944,444 shares at the same issue price of $0.072 per share to raise a further $500,000, before the payment of associated costs.

 

F41



Table of Contents

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

As from October 15, 2013, Ms, Alison Mew stepped aside from her day to day responsibilities as CEO for a period of three months for personal, health-related reasons.  As from that date, Mr. Thomas Howitt assumed the role of Acting CEO in addition to his usual roles of CFO and Company Secretary.

 

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

 

F42