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ASTRON LIMITED — Interim / Quarterly Report 2017
Feb 28, 2017
64449_rns_2017-02-28_dfc757cc-ce5c-477e-b9b0-1bed524b8857.pdf
Interim / Quarterly Report
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Astron Corporation Limited
Incorporated in Hong Kong, Company Number: 1687414 ARBN 154 924 553
Half Year Report
ended 31 December 2016
Contents
-
Corporate Directory
-
Appendix 4D
-
Consolidated Financial Statements
Astron Corporation Limited – Half Year Report
CORPORATE DIRECTORY
Astron Corporation Limited ARBN 154 924 553: Incorporated in Hong Kong, Company Number: 1687414
Directors
Mr Gerard King (Chairman, Non-executive Director) Mr Alexander Brown (Managing Director) Mdm Kang Rong (Executive Director)
Company Secretary and Registered Office
McCabe Secretarial Service Limited 16th Floor, Wing-On-Centre, 111 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Australian Corporate Offices
73 Main Street, Minyip, VIC 3392 Telephone: 61 3 5385 7088
China Business Office
c/ Yingkou Astron Mineral Resources Co Ltd Room 5612, Building No. 5, Hua Fu Tian Di, No. 128, Ha’erbin Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, China Zip code: 110013 Tel./ Fax: 86 24 22595960
Bankers
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 48 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Share Registrar
Computershare Investor Services Limited Level 3, 60 Carrington Street Sydney NSW 2001, Australia
Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited Hopewell Centre, 46th Floor 183 Queen’s Road East Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Auditors
Grant Thornton Audit Pty Limited Level 17, 383 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Grant Thornton Jingdu Tianhua 20th Floor Sunning Plaza 10 Hysan Avenue Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Internet Address
www.astronlimited.com
2
Astron Corporation Limited – Half Year Report Appendix 4D
HALF YEAR INFORMATION GIVEN TO THE ASX UNDER LISTING RULE 4.2A
| ASTRON CORPORATION LIMITED | |||||||||||||
| Company Number | |||||||||||||
| 1687414 | |||||||||||||
| Reporting period | Previous corresponding period | ||||||||||||
| Half Year ended 31 December 2015 |
The information contained in this report should be read in conjunction with the most recent annual financial report.
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| 1. | RESULTS FOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE MARKET | ||||||||
| Total revenue from operations | Up |
78.5% | to | $1,016,911 | |||||
| Revenue from trading operations | Down | 43.5% | to | $126,885 | |||||
| By | |||||||||
| Net loss before tax attributable to members | Down |
$136,380 |
to | $2,121,811 | |||||
| Net asset value per share | Down |
3.3% | to | $0.83 | |||||
| 2. | REVIEW OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||
| A review of operations is included in the Directors’ Report. | |||||||||
| 3. | DETAILS OF CONTROLLED ENTITIES | ||||||||
| During the period the Group did not gain or lose control of any entities. | |||||||||
| 4. | DETAILS OF ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURE ENTITIES | ||||||||
| The group has no associates or joint venture entities. | |||||||||
| 5. | DIVIDENDS | ||||||||
| No dividend was paid or proposed for the period to 31 December 2016 or the comparative period. | |||||||||
| 6. | REVIEW DISPUTES OR QUALIFICATIONS | ||||||||
| There are no review disputes or qualifications. | |||||||||
| 7. | ACCOUNTING STANDARDS | ||||||||
| International Financial Reporting Standards have been used in complying the information contained in | Appendix 4D. | ||||||||
4
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries ARBN 154 924 553, Incorporated in Hong Kong, Company Number: 1687414
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Half Year Ended 31 December 2016
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Hong Kong Company Number: 1687414, ARBN 154 924 553
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
| CONTENTS | Page |
|---|---|
| Directors' Report | 1 |
| Auditor's Independence Declaration | 4 |
| Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income | 5 |
| Consolidated Statement of Financial Position | 7 |
| Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity | 8 |
| Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows | 9 |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | 10 |
| Declaration by Directors | 19 |
| Independent Auditor’s Review Report | 20 |
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Directors' Report
31 December 2016
Your directors present their report on the consolidated entity consisting of Astron Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries (the Group) at the end of, or during, the half-year ended 31 December 2016.
1. DIRECTORS
The directors in office at any time during, or since the end of, the period are:
Mr Gerard King Mr Alexander Brown Mdm Kang Rong
2. BUSINESS REVIEW
Overview
Astron Corporation Limited (Company) is the Group’s holding company. The Company has two wholly owned Australian operating subsidiaries, Astron Limited and Donald Mineral Sands Pty Limited (DMS) and two operating Chinese subsidiaries, Yingkou Mineral Resources Company Limited (Resources) and Astron Titanium Yingkou Company Limited (Titanium). DMS holds the Donald Mineral Sands mining project (Donald).
Review of financials
Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income
Total revenue increased by 78.5% to $1,016,911. The increase in revenue is primarily attributable the sale of available for sale assets during the period.
Trading revenue for the period decreased by 43.5% to $126,885. The trading results reflect the general market in trading activities in China however there are encouraging price signs. The financial report includes a write back of stock of $88,551 and an impairment expense of $197,956.
The further reduction in non-trading related operating expenses reflected the ongoing overhead rationalisation. While general overheads have decreased, non-capitalised exploration and evaluation costs have increased showing the improvements obtained through rationalisation.
Income tax expense comprises a movement in the deferred tax liability. There is an expected tax refund due in the second half for research & development undertaken in 2016. The increase in deferred tax provided corresponds with the increase in Donald’s capitalised development expenditure.
Statement of Financial Position
Cash
Cash and term deposits decreased by $1,644,595 from 30 June 2016 to the end of the current period. The largest individual items were the expenditure incurred in connection with the Donald and Niafarang projects. These costs, together with other overheads, were offset by the receipt of $983,468 due to the Group from the sale of land in China.
Current assets
Inventory decreased by $19,911 to $710,653 impacted by an increase in realisable value and reduced by ongoing trade operations.
The increase in intangible assets from 30 June 2016 arises from Donald and Niafarang (Senegal) project exploration and evaluation expenditure capitalised in accordance with IAS6.
1
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Directors' Report
31 December 2016
The decrease in the foreign currency translation reserve arises from mainly the impact of appreciation of the Australian Dollar relative to the Hong Kong Dollar and Yuan on the translation of the foreign operations.
The net asset value per share has decreased by 3.3% to $0.83. This movement can mainly be attributed to the capitalisation of expenditure in relation to the Donald and Niafarang projects.
Review of operations
Astron has achieved significant progress in the last year on both the Donald and the Niafarang, Senegal project.
In relation to the Senegal project, Astron obtained environmental approval in August 2016. Regarding the mining licence, the Minister of Mines has signed the authorization documents. The authorization document is in the process for administrative registration.
There have been a number of key developments in the Donald project during the last year.
Firstly, the technical risk aspects of the Donald project has been significantly de-risked. Donald has completed metallurgical basic design and the detailed mining plan for the first 5 years. This has allowed Donald to continue its process towards funding the Project.
Secondly, it has been confirmed that capital expenditure should be significantly improved from previous valuation models.
Each of these matters should transform the Donald Project to be a significant, long life project with strong cash flows through Astron's long-established China team once production starts.
An important factor regarding timing is that all of the hard work during the last 3 years preparing and developing the building blocks of the Donald Project is now coming at a time where the business cycle for zircon and titanium industry appears to be improving after around 5 years of lows and this industry cycle should allow Astron to benefit from favourable industry dynamics.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Certain sections of this report contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors associated with, among others, the economic and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries and sectors in which the Astron Group operates. It is believed that the expectations reflected in these statements are reasonable but they may be affected by a wide range of variables which could cause results to differ materially from those currently projected.
2
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Directors' Report
31 December 2016 Going forward
In respect to the Donald Project, the group will continue to refine the definitive feasibility study and together with its financial advisers work towards fund raising activities. In China, the research and development programme work will continue. Astron is also working to finalise the mining licence in Senegal and commence production.
The forward funding position for Astron is dependent on a number of factors. The short term needs of the company to meet its ongoing administration costs and committed project expenditure are forecast to be covered by the existing resources on hand for the forthcoming calendar year. There are several sources of additional funds being pursued or in the course of being worked through. These include receipt of proceeds from the sale of land and buildings in China (refer Note 6) and the award of compensation from the proceedings relating to the Gambian project which have been found in our favour (however note The Gambia has lodged an application for annulment of the decision – refer Note 5). The timing of these sources of funds are not able to be precisely predicted, but represent near term realisable assets.
As part of operational and funding reviews, Astron is considering any potential to deal with its water rights, including potential environmental flow opportunities or opportunities to trade in part those rights. No formal agreement has been obtained at this point in time.
With regard to funding for the Senegal project, discussions are advanced for a joint venture and a letter of credit arrangement. The timing of the need and source of the funding is dependent on the issue of the mining licence.
Funding for the Donald project is by the EPC contract with CMEC, subject to satisfaction of the conditions precedent to that contract (which the parties are working towards satisfying).
There will a need for additional funding over and above the EPC contract, which will be pursued when the timing of the Chinese funding becomes clearer. Options include a mixture of equity and debt funding.
3. AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
The lead auditor’s independence declaration for the half year ended 31 December 2016 has been received and can be found on page 4 of the half-year financial statements.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors and is signed for and on behalf of the Directors by:
Chairman:
==> picture [197 x 42] intentionally omitted <==
Mr Gerard King
Dated this 28[th] day of February 2017
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==> picture [466 x 65] intentionally omitted <==
Level 17, 383 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000
Correspondence to: Locked Bag Q800 QVB Post Office Sydney NSW 1230
T +61 2 8297 2400 F +61 2 9299 4445 E [email protected] W www.grantthornton.com.au
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION TO THE DIRECTORS OF ASTRON CORPORATION LIMITED
As lead auditor for the audit of Astron Corporation Limited for the half-year ended 31 December 2016, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board.
GRANT THORNTON AUDIT PTY LTD Chartered Accountants
I S Kemp Partner – Audit & Assurance
Adelaide, 28 February 2017
Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd ACN 130 913 594 a subsidiary or related entity of Grant Thornton Australia Ltd ABN 41 127 556 389
‘Grant Thornton’ refers to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms provide assurance, tax and advisory services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton Australia Ltd is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. GTIL and each member firm is a separate legal entity. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL does not provide services to clients. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. In the Australian context only, the use of the term ‘Grant Thornton’ may refer to Grant Thornton Australia Limited ABN 41 127 556 389 and its Australian subsidiaries and related entities. GTIL is not an Australian related entity to Grant Thornton Australia Limited.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
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Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income
For the Half Year Ended 31 December 2016
| Half-Year Ended Half-Year Ended |
|
|---|---|
| 31 December 31 December |
|
| 2016 2015 |
|
| Note | |
| $ $ |
|
| Sales revenue Cost of sales Gross (loss)/profit Interest income Gain on sale of investments Other revenue Distribution expenses Marketing expenses Occupancy expenses Administrative expenses Write up/(down) of inventory Impairment of receivables Other expenses Loss before income tax expense Income tax (expense)/benefit Net loss for the half year 2 Other comprehensive income Foreign currency translation differences (Decrease)/ increase in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets Other comprehensive income for the half year, net of tax Total comprehensive income for the half year (Loss) / profit for the half year attributable to: Owners of Astron Corporation Limited Total comprehensive (loss)/profit for the half year attributable to: Owners of Astron Corporation Limited |
126,885 224,522 (146,798) (215,122) |
| (19,913) 9,400 40,522 41,463 466,602 - 382,902 303,672 (1,255) - (1,527) (6,132) (3,907) (4,411) (2,689,887) (2,334,929) 88,551 (192,044) (197,956) - (185,943) (75,210) |
|
| (2,121,811) (2,258,191) (310,549) 239,276 |
|
| (2,432,360) (2,018,915) |
|
| (774,946) (621,681) (268,866) (172,308) |
|
| (1,043,812) (793,989) |
|
| (3,476,172) (2,812,904) |
|
| (2,432,360) (2,018,915) |
|
| (3,476,172) (2,812,904) |
The above Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
5
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income
For the Half Year Ended 31 December 2016
| Half-Year Ended | Half-Year Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 December | 31 December | ||
| Note | 2016 | 2015 | |
| For (loss)/ profit for the half year | |||
| Basic (loss)/ earnings per share (cents per share) | 10 | (1.99) | (1.65) |
| Diluted (loss)/ earnings per share (cents per share) | 10 | (1.99) | (1.65) |
The above Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
6
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2016
| Note | As at As at |
|---|---|
| 31 December 2016 30 June 2016 |
|
| $ $ |
|
| ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Term deposits greater than 90-days Trade and other receivables 6 Inventories 11 Available-for-sale financial assets Current tax assets |
3,459,862 5,104,594 60,822 60,685 12,650,762 14,143,379 710,653 730,564 271,369 540,237 - 460,380 |
| Total current assets | 17,153,468 21,039,839 |
| Non current assets Property, plant and equipment 12 Intangible assets 13 Land use rights 14 |
20,553,429 21,046,191 70,701,889 69,118,158 3,156,260 3,255,981 |
| Total non current assets | 94,411,578 93,420,330 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 111,565,046 114,460,169 |
| LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables Provisions |
3,837,340 3,548,955 49,897 67,783 |
| Total current liabilities | 3,887,237 3,616,738 |
| Non current liabilities Deferred Tax liabilities Long-termprovisions |
5,390,029 5,079,479 40,000 40,000 |
| Total non current liabilities | 5,430,029 5,119,479 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 9,317,266 8,736,217 |
| NET ASSETS | 102,247,780 105,723,952 |
| EQUITY Contributed equity 8 Reserves Retained earnings |
1,605,048 1,605,048 9,666,758 11,061,760 90,975,974 93,057,144 |
| TOTAL EQUITY | 102,247,780 105,723,952 |
The above Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
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Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
As at 31 December 2016
| Contributed Equity $ Retained Earnings $ Financial Assets Available-For Sale-Reserve $ Foreign Currency Translation Reserve $ Total Equity $ |
|
|---|---|
| Period Ended 31 December 2016 Equity as at 1 July 2016 Loss for the half year Other comprehensive income/(loss) - Increase/ (decrease) in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets - Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations Total comprehensive profit for the half year |
1,605,048 93,057,144 709,332 10,352,428 105,723,952 |
| - (2,432,360) - - (2,432,360) - 351,190 (620,056) - (268,866) - - - (774,946) (774,946) |
|
| - (2,081,170) (620,056) (774,946) (3,476,172) |
|
| Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners |
- - - - - |
| Equity as at 31 December 2016 | 1,605,048 90,975,974 89,276 9,577,482 102,247,780 |
| Contributed Equity $ Retained Earnings $ Financial Assets Available-For Sale-Reserve $ Foreign Currency Translation Reserve $ Total Equity $ |
|
|---|---|
| Period Ended 31 December 2015 Equity as at 1 July 2015 Loss for the half year Other comprehensive income/(loss) - Increase/ (decrease) in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets - Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations Total comprehensive profit for the half year |
1,605,048 97,465,340 861,305 12,493,707 112,425,400 |
| - (2,018,915) - - (2,018,915) - - (172,308) - (172,308) - - - (621,681) (621,681) |
|
| - (2,018,915) (172,308) (621,681) (2,812,904) |
|
| Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners |
- - - - - |
| Equity as at 31 December 2015 | 1,605,048 95,446,425 688,997 11,872,026 109,612,496 |
The above Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
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Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the Half Year Ended 31 December 2016
| Half-Year Ended Half-Year Ended |
|
|---|---|
| 31 December 31 December |
|
| 2016 2015 |
|
| $ $ |
|
| Cash flows from operating activities: Receipts from customers Payments to suppliers and employees Interest received Interest paid Income taxes received |
583,462 431,670 (2,233,965) (2,364,832) 40,522 42,659 (5,312) (5,404) 449,101 1,093,983 |
| Net cash(outflow)/inflow from operating activities | (1,166,192) (801,924) |
| Cash flows from investing activities (Increase)/Decrease of short term deposits Receipts from disposal of land receivable Receipts from disposal of investments Acquisition of property, plant and equipment Capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure |
(138) (142) 983,468 4,443,279 466,602 - (82,643) (6,121) (1,431,056) (2,077,274) |
| Net cash outflow from investing activities | (63,767) 2,359,742 |
| Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of borrowings |
- (1,000,000) |
| Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities | - (1,000,000) |
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash held Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year Net foreign exchange differences |
(1,229,959) 557,818 5,104,594 5,796,027 (414,773) (271,096) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the halfyear | 3,459,862 6,082,749 |
The above Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
9
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
1 Statement of significant accounting policies
The interim consolidated financial statements of Astron Corporation Limited are for the six months ended 31 December 2016 and relate to the consolidated entity consisting of Astron Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries (the Group). These financial statements are presented in Australian dollars ($), which is the functional currency of the Group. These general purpose interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting”.
These half-year financial statements do not include all the notes of the type normally included in annual financial statements and therefore cannot be expected to provide as full an understanding of the financial performance, financial position and financing and investing activities of the consolidated entity as the full financial statements. Accordingly, these half-year financial statements are to be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016 and any public announcements made by Astron Corporation Limited during the half-year reporting period in accordance with the continuous disclosure requirements arising under the Australian Securities Exchange Listing Rules.
The historical cost basis has been used, except for available for sale financial assets which have been measured at fair value.
The same accounting policies and methods of computation have been followed in these half-year financial statements as compared with the most recent annual financial statements.
There are no differences between the Astron Corporation Limited’s and Astron Limited’s accounting policies under AAS and IFRS. All accounting policies have been consistently applied from the prior period.
Significant accounting policies
The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies adopted in the Group’s last annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016.
Standards and Interpretations adopted in the current year:
The Group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board that are relevant to their operations and are effective for the current financial reporting period, being the half year ended 31 December 2016. In adopting these new and revised pronouncements, the Group has determined that there has been no material impact to the Group’s reported position or performance.
Standards and Interpretations in issue not yet adopted:
Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations that have recently been issued or amended but are not yet effective and have not been adopted by the Group for the half year ending 31 December 2016. The Group does not believe these standards will have a material impact on the financial statements in the period in which they were adopted.
2 Loss for the half year
| 31 December | 31 December | |
|---|---|---|
| The following significant revenue and expense items are relevant to explaining | 2016 | 2015 |
| the financial performance | $ | $ |
| Interest revenue | 40,522 | 41,463 |
| Rental and other income | 382,902 | 303,672 |
| Gain on sale of investments | 466,602 | - |
| Foreign exchange (loss)/gain | 6,265 | (24,542) |
| Interest paid | (5,388) | (5,399) |
| Inventory provision gain/(loss) | 88,551 | (192,044) |
| USA development costs | (68,435) | (140,888) |
| Research and development expenditure | (722,319) | (141,718) |
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Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
3 Dividends
Dividends paid for during the half year:
| 31 December | 31 December | |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Final unfranked dividend of NIL (2015: NIL) per share | - | - |
4 Seasonality and irregular trends
No seasonal or irregular trends were noted during the review period.
5 Commitments and Contingencies
The Group commitments and contingencies are consistent with the disclosures in the 30 June 2016 Annual Report.
Litigation
Astron continues to work towards a legal settlement with the Gambia Government, where the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) had determined the award including damages in favour of Astron/Carnegie in Astron’s claim against The Gambia for approximately $31 million.
The Gambia has submitted an application for annulment to ICSID, on the grounds of the constitution of the arbitral tribunal, and arguments about admissibility and jurisdiction. Astron is opposing the application submitted by The Gambia and anticipates having a timetable set for dealing with this application by the ICSID in 2017.
6 Current Receivables
During the year ended 30 June 2014, management entered into an agreement to transfer 1,065,384 sqm of land held in Yingkou province China to a state-owned entity. As the under-development of this land resulted from a change of government development plans and restructure, this land transfer has been subsidised by the Chinese Government. Final contracts over the land sale have been exchanged and the disposal was brought to account in the year ended 30 June 2015. The net proceeds, amounting to $20,356,248, were to be received in instalments up to October 2016. The land contract is unconditional and payment is binding on the buyer being the Yingkou Government, but the payments expected have been delayed. During the half year ended 31 December 2016 there were receipts of $983,468 with a balance receivable of $11,306,457. During January 2017, additional payments of $597,335 have been received. While the receivable is currently outside terms the Group is confident that the receivable will be received in instalments during 2017.
7 Subsidiaries
During the current or the prior half year periods the Group did not acquire or dispose of any subsidiary companies.
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Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
8 Issued share capital
| 31 December | 30 June | |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2016 | |
| $ | $ | |
| 122,479,784 (30 June 2016: 122,479,784) Fully Paid Ordinary Shares @ 0.1 HK $ | 1,605,048 | 1,605,048 |
| Total | 1,605,048 | 1,605,048 |
| 31 December | 30 June | |
| 2016 | 2016 | |
| No. | No. | |
| At the beginning of reporting period | 122,479,784 | 122,479,784 |
| At reporting date | 122,479,784 | 122,479,784 |
9 Segment Information
- (a) Description of Segments
The Group has adopted IFRS 8 Operating Segments from whereby segment information is presented using a 'management approach', i.e. segment information is provided on the same basis as information used for internal reporting purposes by the managing Director (chief operating decision maker) who monitors the segment performance based on the net profit before tax for the period. Operating segments have been determined on the basis of reports reviewed by the managing Director/President who is considered to be the chief operating decision maker of the Group. The reportable segments are as follows:
-
Donald Mineral Sands: Development of the Donald Mineral Sands Mine
-
Titanium: Development of mineral processing plant and mineral trading
-
Mineral Resources: Mineral trading and construction of the mineral separation plant
-
Senegal: Development of Niafarang mine
-
Other: Astron Corporate: Group treasury and head office activities
12
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
9 Segment information (cont’d)
- (b) Segment information
Information provided to the managing Director/President
| 31 December | Donald Mineral Sands | Donald Mineral Sands | Titanium | Titanium | Mineral Resources | Mineral Resources | Senegal | Senegal | Other | Other | Consolidated | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
| Revenue from external customers Sales Interest revenue Rent/Other income |
- 276 167,985 |
- 295 31,409 |
54,957 34,468 214,916 |
- 3,480 233,419 |
71,928 - - |
224,522 - 38,845 |
- - - |
- - - |
- 5,778 466,603 |
- 37,688 - |
126,885 40,522 849,504 |
224,522 41,463 303,673 |
| Total revenue | 168,261 | 31,704 | 304,341 | 236,899 | 71,928 | 263,367 | - | - | 472,381 | 37,688 | 1,016,911 | 569,658 |
| Segment result Segment (loss)/profit |
(157,432) | (59,626) | (1,278,152) | (674,490) | (705,413) | (519,858) | 12,179 | 422,558 | 7,007 | (1,426,775) | (2,121,811) | (2,258,191) |
| Net (loss)/ profit for the period |
- | - | (2,121,811) | (2,258,191) | ||||||||
| Impairment losses | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Acquisition of PPE, Intangibles assets and other non-current segment assets |
1,266,096 | 1,663,858 | 67,735 | 4,222 | 323 | - | 179,545 | 415,315 | - | - | 1,513,699 | 2,083,395 |
| Depreciation and amortisation |
2,289 | - | 220,242 | 237,351 | 71,957 | 113,412 | - | - | 327 | 79,332 | 294,815 | 430,095 |
13
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
9 Segment information (cont’d)
b) Segment information (cont’d)
| 2016 | Donald Mineral Sands | Donald Mineral Sands | Titanium | Titanium | Mineral Resources | Mineral Resources | Senegal | Senegal | Other | Other | Consolidated | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Dec | 30 Jun | 31 Dec | 30 Jun | 31 Dec | 30 Jun | 31 Dec | 30 Jun | 31 Dec | 30 Jun | 31 Dec | 30 Jun | |
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
| Assets Segment assets |
71,090,866 | 69,831,943 | 23,885,753 | 26,942,637 | 11,099,618 | 11,227,071 | 4,911,060 | 4,698,568 | 577,749 | 1,759,950 | 111,565,046 | 114,460,169 |
| Totalsegmentassets | 71,090,866 | 69,831,943 | 23,885,753 | 26,942,637 | 11,099,618 | 11,227,071 | 4,911,060 | 4,698,568 | 577,749 | 1,759,950 | 111,565,046 | 114,460,169 |
| Liabilities Segment liabilities |
9,957,270 | 9,351,269 | 138,220 | 175,193 | 227,069 | 245,584 | 116,169 | 79,997 | (1,121,462) # | (1,115,826) # | 9,317,266 | 8,736,217 |
| Total segment liabilities | 9,957,270 | 9,351,269 | 138,220 | 175,193 | 227,069 | 245,584 | 116,169 | 79,997 | (1,121,462) | (1,115,826) | 9,317,266 | 8,736,217 |
Other liabilities include a future tax benefit resulting in the disclosure of a negative liability for Segment information purposes only.
14
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
10 Earnings Per Share
(a) Reconciliation of earnings used in the calculation of earnings per share to loss/(profit):
| Consolidated | Consolidated | |
|---|---|---|
| 31 December | 31 December | |
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Loss attributable to owners | (2,432,360) | (2,018,915) |
| Loss used to calculate basic EPS | (2,432,360) | (2,018,915) |
| Loss used in calculation of dilutive EPS | (2,432,360) | (2,018,915) |
(b) Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted):
| Consolidated | Consolidated | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 December | 31 | December | ||
| 2016 | 2015 | |||
| No. | No. | |||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the | ||||
| year | ||||
| - | used in calculating basic EPS | 122,479,784 | 122,479,784 |
(c) Dilutive shares
There were no shares issued under escrow at or post year end. There were no rights or options for shares outstanding at year-end.
11 Inventories
| Consolidated | |
|---|---|
| 31 December 30 June |
|
| 2016 $ 2016 $ |
|
| Raw materials – at net realisable value Finished goods – at net realisable value Goods in transit Total |
637,789 602,786 72,740 125,193 124 2,585 |
| 710,653 730,564 |
There is a provision for realisable value of $743,579 at period end ($849,194 as at 30 June 2016).
15
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
12 Property Plant & Equipment
| Consolidated | |
| Note | 31 December 30 June |
| 2016 2016 |
|
| $ $ |
|
| Land & Buildings Land at cost Total land 12(a) Leasehold buildings Accumulated impairment loss Net carrying value 12(a) Plant and equipment and works in progress Capital works in progress Less accumulated impairment loss Total capital works in progress 12(a) Plant and equipment Less accumulated depreciation Total plant and equipment 12(a) Totalproperty, plant and equipment |
5,254,000 5,254,000 |
| 5,254,000 5,254,000 |
|
| 10,326,675 10,524,633 (1,241,960) (1,053,025) |
|
| 9,084,715 9,471,608 |
|
| 9,449,910 9,625,008 (3,651,201) (3,721,206) |
|
| 5,798,709 5,903,802 |
|
| 2,488,763 2,460,578 (2,072,758) (2,043,797) |
|
| 416,005 416,781 |
|
| 20,553,429 21,046,191 |
(a) Movement in net carrying value
| Consolidated | |
| Capital works in progress $ Land $ Buildings $ Plant and Equipment $ Total $ |
|
| Half-Year ended 31 December 2016 Opening balance Additions Depreciation Disposals Foreign exchange movements Balance at 31 December 2016 Year ended 30 June 2016 Opening balance Additions Depreciation Disposals Foreign exchange movements |
5,903,802 5,254,000 9,471,608 416,781 21,046,191 |
| 5,973 - - 76,669 82,642 - - (206,210) (50,936) (257,146) - - - (9,183) (9,183) (111,066) - (180,683) (17,326) (309,075) |
|
| 5,798,709 5,254,000 9,082,815 417,904 20,553,429 |
|
| 6,126,818 5,254,000 10,461,226 521,273 22,363,317 |
|
| 108,487 - 1,900 72,517 182,904 - - (446,912) (157,516) (604,428) - - - - - (331,503) - (544,606) (19,493) (895,602) |
|
| Balance at 30 June 2016 | 5,903,802 5,254,000 9,471,608 416,781 21,046,191 |
16
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
13 Intangible Assets
| Consolidated | |
| Note | 31 December 30 June |
| 2016 2016 |
|
| $ $ |
|
| Evaluation costs Cost 13(b) Accumulated impairment loss 13(b) Net carrying value 13(d) Exploration expenditure capitalized Exploration and evaluation phases 13(a)(c) Net carrying value Water rights Net carrying value 13(a)(d) Total Intangibles 13(e) |
13,088,655 12,982,274 (7,945,901) (7,991,712) |
| 5,142,754 4,990,562 |
|
| 51,226,686 49,435,974 |
|
| 51,226,686 49,435,974 |
|
| 14,332,449 14,691,622 |
|
| 70,701,889 69,118,158 |
(a) Intangible assets
Movements during the half year ended 31 December 2016 in intangible assets represent additions, movements in foreign exchange and amortisation. For capital expenditure commitments refer to note 5.
(b) Development costs and impairment losses
The development costs of $13,088,655 (FY 2016: $12,982,274) and the accumulated impairment of $7,945,901 (FY 2016: $7,991,712) as at 31 December 2016 relates to the following:
-
TiO2 project cost of $7,519,780 (FY 2016: $7,565,591) was fully impaired in 2009. The current year movement represents the movement in foreign exchange.
-
The Senegal project of $5,274,190 (FY 2016: $4,690,227) represents development costs incurred in Senegal. This was netted off by an impairment of $426,121 (FY 2016: $426,121) which was carried forward from prior years and shifted due to the movement in foreign exchange. That costs incurred in the prior years were fully impaired due to doubt as to whether the project will continue at that time. The current year additions represented the resumption of activities following the grant of the exploration license in June 2011.
-
The remaining balance of $294,685 (FY 2016: $300,335) relates to capitalised testing and design fees and shifted due to the movement in foreign exchange.
(c) Exploration and evaluation expenditure
This expenditure relates to the Group's investment in the Donald Mineral Sands Project. As at 31 December 2016 the Group has complied with the conditions of the granting EL5186, EL5255, EL5472, ML5532, RL2002, RL2003 and RL2006. As such the Directors believe that the tenements are in good standing with the Department of Primary Industries in Victoria, who administers the Mineral Resources Development Act 1990.
The recoverability of the carrying amount of the exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the successful development and commercial exploitation or alternatively sale of the area of interest.
17
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
13 Intangible Assets (cont’d)
(d) Movement in net carrying value
| Consolidated | |
|---|---|
| Exploration and Evaluation Phase $ Development costs $ Water Rights $ Software $ Total $ |
|
| Half-Year ended 31 December 2016 Opening balance Additions Amortisation Foreign exchange movements Balance at 31 December 2016 Year ended 30 June 2016 Opening balance Additions Amortisation Foreign exchange movements Balance at 30 June 2016 |
49,435,974 4,990,562 14,691,622 - 69,118,158 |
| 1,790,712 179,545 - - 1,970,257 - - (359,172) - (359,172) - (27,354) - - (27,354) |
|
| 51,226,686 5,142,753 14,332,450 - 70,701,889 |
|
| 45,066,696 4,371,150 15,409,966 79,003 64,926,815 |
|
| 4,369,278 619,626 - - 4,988,904 - - (718,344) (79,003) (797,347) - (214) - - (214) |
|
| 49,435,974 4,990,562 14,691,622 - 69,118,158 |
(e) Finite lives
Intangible assets, other than goodwill have finite useful lives. To date no amortisation has been charged in respect of intangible assets due to the stage of development for each project.
(f) Water rights
In 2012 the Group acquired rights to the supply of water for the Donald Project. The water rights are currently being amortised over 25 years in line with the entitlements.
14 Land use rights
During the year ended 30 June 2014, management entered into an agreement to transfer 1,065,384 sqm of land held in Yingkou province China to a state-owned entity. As the under-development of this land resulted from a change of government development plans and restructure, this land transfer has been subsidised by the Chinese Government. Final contracts over the land sale have been exchanged and the disposal was brought to account in the year ended 30 June 2015. The net proceeds, amounting to $20,356,248, were to be received in instalments up to October 2016. The land contract is unconditional and payment is binding on the buyer being the Yingkou Government, but the payments expected have been delayed. During the half year ended 31 December 2016 there were receipts of $983,468 with a balance receivable of $11,306,457. During January 2017, additional payments of $597,335 have been received. While the receivable is currently outside terms the Group is confident that the receivable will be received in instalments during 2017.
15 Subsequent events
There were no subsequent events to 31 December 2016.
18
Astron Corporation Limited and its Subsidiaries
Company Number: 1687414
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Period Ended 31 December 2016
The directors of the Company declare that:
-
The consolidated financial statements, comprising the consolidated statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income, consolidated statement of financial position, consolidated statement of cash flows, consolidated statement of changes in equity, accompanying notes, as set out on pages 5 to 18,
-
(a) comply with Accounting Standard IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting ; and
-
(b) give a true and fair view of the financial position of the consolidated entity as at 31 December 2016 and of its performance for the half year ended on that date.
-
In the Directors’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors and is signed for and on behalf of the Directors by:
Chairman
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Mr Gerard King
Dated 28[th] February 2017
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Level 17, 383 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000
Correspondence to: Locked Bag Q800 QVB Post Office Sydney NSW 1230
T +61 2 8297 2400 F +61 2 9299 4445 E [email protected] W www.grantthornton.com.au
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REVIEW REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ASTRON CORPORATION LIMITED
We have reviewed the accompanying half-year financial report of Astron Corporation Limited (the Company), which comprises the consolidated financial statements being the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2016, and the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the half-year ended on that date, notes comprising description of accounting policies, other explanatory information and the directors’ declaration of the consolidated entity, comprising both the Company and the entities it controlled at the half-year’s end or from time to time during the half-year.
Directors’ Responsibility for the Half-year Financial Report
The Directors of Astron Corporation Limited are responsible for the preparation of the half-year financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards board (IASB) and other authoritative pronouncements of the IASB for such controls as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the half-year financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the consolidated half-year financial report based on our review. We conducted our review in accordance with the Auditing Standard on Review Engagements ASRE 2410 Review of a Financial Report Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity , in order to state whether, on the basis of the procedures described, we have become aware of any matter that makes us believe that the half-year financial report is not in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and other authoritative pronouncements of the IASB including: giving a true and fair view of the Astron Corporation Limited consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2016 and its performance for the half-year ended on that date; and complying with Accounting Standard IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting . As the auditor of Astron Corporation Limited, ASRE 2410
Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd ACN 130 913 594
a subsidiary or related entity of Grant Thornton Australia Ltd ABN 41 127 556 389
‘Grant Thornton’ refers to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms provide assurance, tax and advisory services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton Australia Ltd is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. GTIL and each member firm is a separate legal entity. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL does not provide services to clients. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. In the Australian context only, the use of the term ‘Grant Thornton’ may refer to Grant Thornton Australia Limited ABN 41 127 556 389 and its Australian subsidiaries and related entities. GTIL is not an Australian related entity to Grant Thornton Australia Limited.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
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requires that we comply with the ethical requirements relevant to the audit of the annual financial report.
A review of a half-year financial report consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Independence
In conducting our review, we complied with the independence requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board.
Conclusion
Based on our review, which is not an audit, we have not become aware of any matter that makes us believe that the half-year financial report of Astron Corporation Limited is not:
-
a giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2016 and of its performance for the half-year ended on that date; and
-
b complying with Accounting Standard IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, International Financial Reporting Standards and other authoritative pronouncements of the IASB.
GRANT THORNTON AUDIT PTY LTD Chartered Accountants
I S Kemp Partner – Audit & Assurance
Adelaide, 28 February 2017
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