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DIGITALX LIMITED Annual Report 2009

Sep 29, 2009

64762_rns_2009-09-29_99f1e27f-7a69-4ade-a657-cea1272edd6e.pdf

Annual Report

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A.B.N. 59 009 575 035

A.B.N. 59 009 575 035

ANNUAL REPORT

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FOR

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THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED

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30 JUNE 2009

Verus Investments Ltd Contents

CORPORATE DIRECTORY
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION
INCOME STATEMENT
BALANCE SHEET
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT
AUSTRALIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE INFORMATION
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Verus Investments Ltd Corporate Directory

Directors

Andrew McIlwain Gregory Lee David Calcei Michael Montgomery

Secretary Paul Jurman

ABN 59 009 575 035

Share Registry

Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd Level 2 Reserve Bank Building 45 St George’s Terrace Perth WA 6000

GPO Box D182 Perth WA 6840

Telephone: +61(8) 9323 2000 Facsimile: +61(8) 9323 2096 Email: [email protected]

Bankers

Registered and Administrative Office

30 Ledgar Road Balcatta WA 6021 Tel: (08) 9240 2836 Fax: (08) 9240 2406

National Australia Bank Limited 50 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Tel: (08) 9441 9379

Website www.verusinvestments.com.au

Auditor

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Woodside Plaza Level 14, 240 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Tel: (08) 9365 7000 Fax (08) 9365 7001

Solicitor

Steinepreis Paganin Level 4, The Read Buildings, 16 Milligan Street Perth WA 6000

FFA Legal & Support Mine Companies Av Americas 700, Bloco 8 Lja 215A Shopping Citta Americas, Barra da Tijuca, RJ Brazil-Cep 22640-10

Stock Exchange Listing

Verus Investments Limited shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. ASX Code: VIL – ordinary shares VILO – options expiring 30 June 2010 exercisable at 10cents.

1

Verus Investments Ltd Letter from the Chairman

Dear Verus Shareholder,

The past year has been one of various and significant challenges for all, particularly for those focussed on commodities and equity investments.

Whilst much has been written – and no doubt will continue to be – in relation to the global financial crisis, Verus has managed to weather the storm and now finds itself poised to participate in the upsurge of an improving investment market, direct project participation and cautious enthusiasm.

As was reported earlier in the year, your Board reviewed its position with respect to the early stage commodity investments that it had entered into in Brazil. Whilst the project’s technical fundamentals remained robust, the collapse of the equity markets required critical review of these options and the company’s ability to continue to fund the necessary exploration.

In January, it was deemed appropriate to allow the options to lapse, ceasing all financial obligations in an effort to conserve cash reserves. All possible expenditure was curtailed and fixed costs and expenses minimised. This cash conservation approach saw Verus conclude the financial year in a reasonable financial position.

That said, the Board continued to seek and review investment opportunities knowing that early movers when the market improved would be well rewarded.

This saw Verus securing the right to participate in a highly sought after oil and gas investment in Fausse Point, Louisiana. Subsequent to year end, Verus executed the necessary documentation to enter into a 50% interest in the first well development at Fausse Point. The leverage available from this investment is significant and a successful well will quickly see strong cash flows generated. Verus’ participation at this early stage is consistent with the philosophy described in last year’s report in that early investment, whilst having a lower probability of success, provides opportunity for significantly higher investment returns.

Also subsequent to year end, the Board were encouraged by the continued strong shareholder support through both the Rights Issue and recent share placement. Conscious of the effect of dilution on individual shareholdings, this combined approach to securing the funds needed for well drilling and development was deemed to be the most appropriate.

With an exciting year in front of us, I look forward to the initial drill results from Fausse Point and sincerely hope that with your continued interest and support we can enjoy the Company’s success together.

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Yours sincerely, Andrew McIlwain Chairman

2

Verus Investments Ltd Corporate Governance Statement

Introduction

The ASX Listing Rule 4.10.3 requires listed companies to disclose in their Annual Report the extent to which they have complied with the ASX Best Practice Recommendations of the ASX Corporate Governance Council in the reporting period.

This statement summarises the corporate governance practices in place for the year ended 30 June 2009. It is structured along the same lines as the August 2007 ASX Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations , with sections dealing in turn with each of the Council’s 8 corporate governance principles. The various codes, policies and charters referred to in this statement can be found on the Company website www.verusinvestments.com.au.

1. Lay solid foundations for management and oversight

The ASX Corporate Governance Council states that a company should “Recognise and publish the respective roles and responsibilities of board and management.” Throughout the period, Verus had in place a formal Board Charter that sets out the functions reserved to the board.

Specifically the board is responsible for:

  • Oversight of the Company, including its control and accountability systems;

  • Appointing, monitoring, managing the performance of, and if necessary terminating (the employment of) the Chief Executive Officer;

  • Ratifying the appointment and, if necessary, terminating (the employment) of the Chief Financial Officer and the Company Secretary;

  • Input, assessment, appraisal and final approval of management’s development of corporate strategy and performance objectives;

  • Reviewing and ratifying systems of risk management and internal compliance and control, codes of conduct, and legal compliance;

  • Monitoring senior management’s performance and implementation of strategy, and ensuring appropriate resources are available to undertake those strategies;

  • Approving and monitoring the progress of major capital expenditure, capital management, and acquisitions and divestitures;

  • Approving and monitoring financial and other reporting (including audit matters);

  • Recruitment, remuneration, performance review and succession plans for the Company board;

  • Approving significant changes to the organisational structure;

  • Approving the issue of any shares, options, equity instruments or other securities in the Company, including a Company Share Purchase Plan (if any);

  • Ensuring a high standard of corporate governance practice and regulatory compliance and promoting ethical and responsible decision making, including maintaining an appropriately documented and disseminated Corporate Code of Conduct;

  • Recommending to shareholders the appointment of the external auditor as and when their appointment or reappointment is required to be approved by them; and

  • Meeting with the external auditor, at their request, without management

The board delegated responsibilities and authorities to management to enable management to conduct the Company’s day to day activities. Matters which exceed certain defined authority limits require board approval. The functions reserved to the board and those delegated to senior executives is disclosed in the Board Charter which can be found on the Company website.

Due to the size of the Board and the nature of its business, it has not been deemed necessary to institute a formal documented performance review program of individuals. In June 2009, the Chairman has conducted a more informal review process whereby he has discussed with individual directors and executives their attitude, performance and approach toward meeting the short and long term objectives of the Company. The board considers that at this stage of the company’s development an informal process is appropriate.

3

Verus Investments Ltd Corporate Governance Statement

2. Structure the Board to add Value

The ASX Corporate Governance Council states that a company should “Have a board of an effective composition, size and commitment to adequately discharge its responsibilities and duties.” Verus’ board is so structured, and its directors have adequately discharged their responsibilities and duties to the benefit of shareholders.

For the period to February 2009, the board comprised three non-executive directors and one executive director Mr Michael Montgomery, the Managing Director/CEO. On this date, Mr Montgomery became a non-executive director. A fundamental requirement for the Verus board is a deep understanding of investment, managing businesses and financial markets. All board members throughout the year met this requirement, and brought a diverse range of skills, and backgrounds to the board. The experience and qualifications of each board member and their terms of office are set out in the Directors’ Report.

Verus directors may seek external professional advice at the expense of the Company on matters relating to their role as directors of Verus. However, they must first request approval from the Chairman, which must not reasonably be withheld. If withheld then it becomes a matter for the whole board.

Directors must keep the board advised, on an ongoing basis, of any interests which could potentially conflict with any of those of the Company. Where the board believes that a significant conflict exists for a director on a board matter, the director concerned is not present at the meeting while the matter is being considered.

Independence and the Chairperson (Recommendations 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3)

The board considers an independent director to be a non-executive director who meets the criteria for independence included in the ASX Best Practice Recommendations. Materiality for these purposes is determined on both quantitative and qualitative bases. An amount of over 5% of annual turnover of the Company or 5% of the individual directors’ net worth is considered material for these purposes. In addition, a transaction of any amount or a relationship is deemed material if knowledge of it may impact the shareholders’ understanding of the director’s performance.

The board considers that three of the four directors, Andrew McIlwain (Chairman), David Calcei and Greg Lee are independent directors. All these directors have completed a checklist to document this independence. Given his position as Managing Director of the Company up to February 2009, Michael Montgomery, although meeting other criteria and bringing independent judgement to bear in his role, is not defined as an independent director.

For the period up until February 2009 the Company was in compliance with Recommendation 2.3 with Andrew McIlwain as the Chairman and Michael Montgomery the CEO of the Company. From this date, with the relinquishing of an option over three early stage Brasilian exploration projects, Mr Montgomery’s role was varied such that he would act solely as a non-executive director. In this transitory phase, the Board as a whole have on the duties normally associated with a Managing Director of the Company.

Nomination Committee & Board Performance Review (Recommendation 2.4, 2.5)

A Nomination Committee comprising David Calcei, Greg Lee and Andrew McIlwain was formed in August 2008. The Nomination Committee Charter can be found on the Company website.

Details of each directors’ attendance at committee meetings are set out in the directors’ report.

When a new director is to be appointed the Nomination Committee reviews the range of skills, experience and expertise on the board, identifies its needs and prepares a short-list of candidates with appropriate skills and experience. Where necessary, advice is sought from independent search consultants. The Board then appoints the most suitable candidate who must stand for election at the next annual general meeting of the Company.

4

Verus Investments Ltd Corporate Governance Statement

Retirement and rotation of Directors are governed by the Corporations Act 2001 and the Constitution of the Company. Each year one third Directors must retire and offer themselves for re-election. This selection, nomination and appointment process is detailed on the company website in the Nomination Committee Charter.

The Nomination Committee conducts a performance evaluation of the Board, its Committees and its individual Directors on an annual basis. To assist in this process an independent advisor may be used. This process for evaluating the Board, its Committees and its individual Directors is contained in the Disclosure – Performance Evaluation section on the Company website.

3. Promote ethical and responsible decision making

The ASX Corporate Governance Council states that a company should, “Actively promote ethical and responsible decision making”. Verus has a formally adopted Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct was based on respect for the law and acting accordingly, dealing with conflicts of interest appropriately, and ethical matters such as acting with integrity, exercising due care and diligence in fulfilling duties, acting in the best interests of the Company and respecting the confidentiality of all confidential information.

Verus also has a documented Share Trading Policy for directors and executives. The policy prohibits short term trading in the Company’s securities and directors and employees are prohibited from dealing in the Company’s securities whilst in possession of price sensitive information. It specifies periods for transactions which broadly include within one month of results announcements, reports and general meetings and any period where a prospectus has been issued.

The Code of Conduct and Share Trading Policy are available on the Company website.

4. Safeguard integrity in financial reporting

The ASX Corporate Governance Council states that a company should, “Have a structure to independently verify and safeguard the integrity of the company’s financial reporting.” Verus believes that it has appropriate measures in place which includes the Managing Director, Company Secretary and Finance Manager providing letters of assurance to the board for the accounts, engagement of an external auditor, rotation of the engagement audit partner, and a risk management plan in place.

Audit and Risk Committee (Recommendations 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3)

An Audit and Risk Committee comprising of three independent directors, David Calcei, Greg Lee and Andrew McIlwain was established in August 2008. The Audit and Risk Committee Charter is available on the Company website. Details of each directors’ qualifications and attendance at committee meetings are set out in the directors’ report on pages.

The company is not one of the S&P All Ordinaries Top 300 Companies and as such is exempt under ASX Listing Rule 12.7 from maintaining an Audit Committee and thus compliance with Recommendation 4.1. The Company however continues to have an Audit Committee as a principle of best practice.

External Auditors

The Company requires external auditors to demonstrate quality and independence. The performance of the external auditor is reviewed and applications for tender of external audit services requested as deemed appropriate, taking into consideration assessment of performance, existing value and tender costs.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu are the appointed external auditors. It is Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu’s policy to rotate audit engagement partners on listed companies at least every 5 years, and in accordance with that policy a new audit engagement partner was introduced for the year ended 30 June 2008.

5

Verus Investments Ltd Corporate Governance Statement

5. Make timely and balanced disclosure

The ASX Corporate Governance Council states that a company should, “Promote timely and balanced disclosure of all material matters concerning the company.” Verus is committed to the promotion of investor confidence by ensuring that trading in the Company’s securities takes place in an informed market. In accordance with continuous disclosure requirements under the ASX Listing Rules, the Company has documented procedures in place to ensure that all price sensitive information is identified, reviewed by management and disclosed to the ASX in a timely manner, including changes in directors’ interests in the Company.

The Continuous Disclosure Policy is available on the Company website.

6. Respect the rights of shareholders

The ASX Corporate Governance Council states that a company should, “Respect the rights of shareholders and facilitate the effective exercise of those rights”. In addition to a documented procedure for continuous disclosure, Verus maintained a website throughout the year which provided access to all recent ASX announcements, recent disclosure documents (e.g. prospectuses, notice of meeting explanatory memorandums, annual reports) and key contact details. A Shareholders Communications Strategy to promote effective communication with shareholders and encourage shareholder participation at AGM’s has also been adopted and is available on the Company website.

Shareholders meetings represent a good opportunity for shareholders to meet with the board of Verus and the external auditor. The external auditor is requested to attend each Annual General Meeting and be available to answer shareholder questions about the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content of the auditor’s report.

7. Recognise and manage risk

The ASX Corporate Governance Council states that a company should, “Establish a sound system of risk oversight and management and internal control”. Management is responsible for designing, implementing and reporting on the adequacy of the Company’s risk management and internal control system. Verus maintains documented policies for identifying, assessing and monitoring risk. The Company utilises measures including formal authority limits for management to operate within. The risks for the Company continue to be regularly monitored and management has regularly appraised the Board as to the effectiveness of the Company’s management of its material business risks. All proposals reviewed by the Board include a consideration of the issues and risks of the proposal. The potential exposures associated with running the Company have been managed by the Directors and Company Secretary who combined have significant broad-ranging industry experience.

The Managing Director (or Chairman in lieu of the position being vacated), Company Secretary and Finance Manager provide a written declaration to the Audit Committee in relation to each six-month reporting period that the Company’s financial reports are founded on a sound system of risk management and internal compliance and control which implements the policies adopted by the Board. Given the size of the company and the level of its investment activities, it has outsourced it Finance function. The board as a whole closely monitor and review all aspects of the finance function to gain assurance as to the integrity of the financial reporting process and ensure the maintaining of sound internal control systems.

6

Verus Investments Ltd Corporate Governance Statement

In the course of its formal and informal discussions, the Board as a whole will review and comment upon the company’s existing investments as well as new investment opportunities that may be presented to the Company.

The Audit and Risk Committee Charter and a Risk Management Policy are available on the Company website.

The Company’s main areas of risk include:

  • new project acquisitions;

  • exploration, security of tenure and environment for mining acquisitions;

  • government policy changes and political risk;

  • occupational health and safety;

  • financial reporting; and

  • continuous disclosure obligations.

8. Remunerate fairly and responsibly

The ASX Corporate Governance Council states that a company should, “Ensure that the level and composition of remuneration is sufficient and reasonable and that its relationship to corporate and individual performance is defined”. A discussion about the Verus policy, along with all remuneration for directors and executives can be found in the Directors’ Report.

Remuneration Committee (Recommendation 8.1)

A Remuneration Committee comprising of David Calcei, Greg Lee and Andrew McIlwain was established in August 2008. The Remuneration Committee Charter is available on the Company website.

Details of each directors’ attendance at committee meetings are set out in the directors’ report.

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining and reviewing compensation arrangements for the directors and senior executives. The committee assesses the appropriateness of the nature and amount of emoluments of such officers on a periodic basis by reference to relevant employment market conditions with the overall objective of ensuring maximum shareholder benefit from the retention of a high quality team.

Remuneration Policy (Recommendation 8.2)

Non-Executive Directors

Non-executive directors receive fees which are determined by the Board within the aggregate limit set by the shareholders at a General Meeting. All Non-Executive Directors will receive remuneration by way of fees and receive no retirement benefits.

Non-executive directors may receive options. The issue of options to non-executive directors is considered an appropriate method of providing sufficient incentive and reward whilst maintaining cash reserves.

Executive Directors and Senior Executives

Executive directors’ and senior executives’ remuneration is considered to properly reflect the person’s duties and responsibilities, and takes account of remuneration levels across the sector.

Mr McIlwain and Mr Lee have in place consultancy agreements for the provision of services outside the scope of duties as a director. Remuneration by way of consulting fees is calculated on the basis of a daily rate. The term of the consultancy agreement is not fixed, and has an allowance for either party to terminate the agreed arrangements by the giving of 30 days notice.

7

Verus Investments Ltd Directors’ Report

Your directors present their report on the consolidated entity (referred to hereafter as the Group or Consolidated entity) consisting of Verus Investments Limited and the entities it controlled at the end of, or during, the year ended 30 June 2009.

Directors

The following persons were directors of Verus Investments Limited during the whole of the financial year and up to the date of this report:

Mr. A McIlwain BE (Mining)

Chairman and Non-Executive Director

Appointed 23 April 2008

Mr McIlwain has over 20 years experience in the mining industry. He is a qualified mining engineer and has held technical, senior management and executive roles within Mount Isa Mines Limited, Central Norseman Gold Corporation Limited, WMC Resources Limited and Lafayette Mining Limited.

He is a current member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

During the last three years, Mr McIlwain has also served as a director of the following listed companies: Emerson Resources Ltd (Appointed 1 February 2007) Windy Knob Resources Limited (Resigned 30 June 2009)

Interests in shares and options Nil

Mr Greg Lee CPEng

Non-Executive Director

Appointed 25 May 2007

Mr Lee is a qualified chartered professional engineer with more than 28 years experience in the petroleum industry focussing on oil and gas field development, management and operations, petroleum/production engineering and drilling operations.

A member of the Institute of Engineers (Australia) (MIE Aust) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Mr Lee assisted in the development of Grove Energy Ltd and as General Manager, actively assisted in the listing of the company on the Alternative Investment Market in London. Mr Lee has significant international experience.

During the last three years, Mr Lee has also served as a director of the following listed companies: Quest Petroleum NL (formerly Nuenco NL) (Appointed 1 November 2005)

Interests in shares and options 2,000,000 ordinary shares in Verus Investments Limited 666,667 listed options (exercise price of $0.10 and expiry 30 June 2010)

8

Verus Investments Ltd Directors’ Report

Mr. David Calcei CA Non-Executive Director

Appointed 18 June 2007

Mr Calcei is a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years experience. He is a director of Icon Financial Management, an accounting and tax practice providing taxation, corporate and consultancy services to small to medium sized entities and public companies, principally in the resource sector.

Interests in shares and options Nil

Mr. Michael Montgomery B App Sc (Geology)

Non-Executive Director

Appointed 23 April 2008

Mr Montgomery is a Geologist with more than 15 years experience in the minerals sector. He has held senior exploration and operational positions with companies such as Consolidated Minerals, Goldfields Australia and KCGM (joint venture between Barrick Gold of Australia Ltd and Newmont Australia Limited).

Mr Montgomery has worked with a diverse range of commodities including gold, copper, diamonds, nickel, manganese, chromite and iron ore. He has undertaken post-graduate studies in mineral economics as well as mine planning and is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Interests in shares and options Nil

Mr Paul Jurman CPA

Company Secretary

Mr Jurman is a CPA with over 10 years experience and has been involved with a diverse range of Australian public listed companies in company secretarial and financial roles. He is also company secretary of Lindian Resources Limited, Erongo Energy Limited, Carnavale Resources Limited and SA Metals Limited (all of which are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange).

Mr Jurman was appointed Company Secretary on 2 June 2009.

Principal activities

Within the context of the Company’s Investment Policy, the principal activities of the Company can be summarised as:

  • (i) the identification, evaluation and execution of investment opportunities thought to be worthwhile for any short, medium or long term purpose, to whatever degree or magnitude deemed appropriate whether or not such opportunities relate to securities listed on a Securities Exchange or directly owned assets of any type; and/or

  • (ii) the review of existing investments for determination of the preferred strategy in relation to each investment; and/or

  • (iii) consideration of the financing alternatives for the matters set out in items (i) and (ii) above and the implications thereof.

9

Verus Investments Ltd Directors’ Report

Operating results

The consolidated loss after tax for the year was $1,318,155 (2008: $6,278,952). This loss was impacted by the write off of expenditure amounting to $716,908 associated with the Company’s decision to cease further investment in its Brazilian projects and relinquish its rights to the tenements.

Dividends

The directors have not recommended the payment of a dividend in the current financial year. No dividends have been paid or declared up to the date of this report.

Financial Position

The net assets of the consolidated group decreased from $1,860,617 as at 30 June 2008 to $550,837 as at 30 June 2009.

Review of Investments and significant changes in the state of affairs

Significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group during the financial year were as follows;

Brazilian Investment Options

Following a critical review of the investment options entered into in Brazil, the Company concluded that, in light of the current financial climate, it was prudent to relinquish the options held over the 3 early stage exploration projects. Each option agreement was structured such that there is no restriction on Verus withdrawing and no continuing liability.

Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year

The following significant events have occurred subsequent to the end of the financial year:

  • Confirmation that the divesture of its investment in Verus do Brasil Mineracao Ltd had been completed.

  • Completion of a non-renounceable pro rata entitlement issue of one share for every one ordinary share held, at a price of 0.3 cents, raising approximately $682,000 after costs.

  • On 15 September 2009, the Company announced that it made an Investment in the Fausse Point Oil and Gas Project, via an agreement entered into with Pass Petroleum LLC (“Pass”). In consideration for the assignment of a 50% working interest, the Company:

  • (i) Has reimbursed Pass acquisition costs and expenses to date to develop the prospect and hold the leases of US $400,000; and

  • (ii) Will pay 66% of the costs to drill and complete the first well for a 50% working interest in the project. This is expected to commence in November 2009 and the Company expects its share of costs will total approximately US $720,000.

  • Completion of a private placement of 71.5 million shares (within the Company’s 15% placement capacity) raising approximately $528,000 after costs.

Likely developments and expected results of operations

The Company’s focus for the next financial year is to seek and assess new investment opportunities, as well as oversee its new investment as outlined in the “Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year.

Environmental issues

The Group is aware of its environmental obligations with regards to its exploration activities and ensures that it complies with all regulation when carrying out exploration work. The directors are not aware of any breaches of environmental legislation in any of the jurisdictions in which the Group operated during the period of this report.

10

Verus Investments Ltd Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report

The remuneration report is set out under the following main headings:

Director and senior management details Compensation policy Relationship between the remuneration policy and Company performance Key terms of employment contracts Components of compensation Share based payments granted

The information provided in this remuneration report has been audited as required by section 308(3C) of the Corporations Act 2001

(a) Directors and senior management details

Details of the remuneration of the directors, other key management personnel of the Group and specified executives of Verus Investments Limited and the Verus Investment Group are set out in the following tables.

The key management personnel of the Group consist of the directors and Company Secretary. Except as noted, the named persons held their current position for the whole of the financial year and since the end of the financial year.

  • A McIlwain – Chairman and Non-Executive Director

  • G Lee – Non-Executive Director

  • D Calcei - Non-Executive Director

  • M Montgomery – Non-Executive Director

  • N Schmidt – Company Secretary (resigned 2 June 2009)

  • P Jurman – Company Secretary (appointed 2 June 2009)

(b) Compensation policy

The Remuneration Committee has taken on the responsibility for determining and reviewing compensation arrangements for the executive directors and where applicable the executive team. This committee assesses the appropriateness of the nature and amount of emoluments of such officers on a periodic basis by reference to relevant employment market conditions with the overall objective of ensuring maximum shareholder benefit from the retention of a high quality team.

(c) Relationship between the remuneration policy and Company performance

The Remuneration Committee reviews the remuneration packages to the executive directors and nonexecutive directors on at least an annual basis.

There is currently no component within the remuneration packages that is dependent upon Company performance.

The Remuneration Committee will align the interests of the executive team with those of the shareholders when setting future short and long-term benefits. This will from time to time require management to seek shareholder approval to provide compensation to executive and non-executive directors in the form of share options (via the Directors and Employee Option Plan “DEOP”), exercisable to shares, given the achievement of pre-specified objectives.

11

Verus Investments Ltd Directors’ Report

In February 2009, the Company announced that all Director fees would be reduced by 30%, with compensation by way of issuing share options to the Directors and key consultants from a pool of 13 million under the existing DEOP. A total of 1,000,000 options were issued under the DEOP during the current financial year. The issue of the remaining 12 million options is subject to shareholder approval.

The table below sets out summary information about the Consolidated entity’s/Company’s earnings and movements in shareholder wealth for the five years to June 2009:

June June June June June June
2009 (ii) 2008 (ii) 2007 2006 2005
$ $ $ $ $
Revenue and other 56,241 166,285 606,059 727,208 637,692
income
Net (Loss)/profit (1,318,155) (6,278,952) (182,414) 233,041 340,580
after tax
Share Price at start of $0.02 $0.09 $0.05 $0.04 $0.07
year
Share price at end of $0.006 $0.02 $0.09 $0.05 $0.04
year
Final dividend (i) - - - - 1.22cps
Basic earnings per (0.55) cps (2.62)cps (0.08)cps 0.21cps 0.30cps
share
Diluted earnings per (0.55) cps (2.63)cps (0.08)cps 0.21cps 0.28cps
share
  • (i) Franked to 100% at 30% corporate income tax rate.

(ii) Consolidated entity amounts disclosed for 30 June 2008 and 2009. For preceding years, only parent entity amounts disclosed as the consolidated entity only started on 14 March 2008.

(d) Key terms of employment contracts

Executives

The Employment agreements in place for the executive directors are outlined in the following table;

Salary and Fees
$
Michael Montgomery (i) –July 2008 to January 2009 120,000pa
Michael Montgomery (i)- February 2009 to June 2009 Nil
  • (i) Mr Montgomery has entered into a management agreement with the Company, which provides for the annual review of the remuneration arrangements on the basis of the scope of responsibilities undertaken. There are no leave entitlement provisions and no specific clause relating to termination payments within this agreement.

The term of the management agreement is not fixed and has allowance for either party to terminate the agreed arrangements by giving of 30 days notice. In February 2009, with the relinquishing of an option over three early stage Brasilian exploration projects, Mr Montgomery’s management agreement was varied such that he would be remunerated solely as a Non-Executive Director.

12

Verus Investments Ltd Directors’ Report

Non-executives

The remuneration arrangements for the non-executive directors include the following annual compensation in the form of directors’ fees;

July 2008 to Jan 2009 Feb 2009 to Jun 2009
$ $
Andrew McIlwain – Chairman (ii) 54,500pa 38,150pa
Greg Lee (ii) 35,000pa 24,500pa
David Calcei 35,000pa 24,500pa
Michael Montgomery (i) - 24,500pa
  • (ii) Mr McIlwain and Mr Lee have in place consultancy agreements for the provision of services outside the scope of duties as a director. Remuneration by way of consulting fees is calculated on the basis of a daily rate. The term of the consultancy agreement is not fixed, and has an allowance for either party to terminate the agreed arrangements by the giving of 30 days notice.

Remuneration includes amounts payable to director controlled entities for services provided by directors.

(e) Components of compensation

The compensation for each director and member of senior management for the year is contained in the following table. The directors did not receive any share based remuneration, under the DEOP, for the years ended 30 June 2009 and 30 June 2008.

2009
2008
Name
Andrew McIlwain
Michael
Montgomery
Gregory Lee
David Calcei
Dean Gallegos
Simon Fyfe
Nerida Schmidt (ii)
Paul Jurman (i)
Short-term employee
benefits
Share-
based
payment
Short-term employee
benefits
Salary
and Fees
Consulting
DEOP
Options
Total
Salary
and Fees
Consulting
Termination
Benefits
Total
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
46,325
73,619
-
119,944
6,245
7,500
-
13,745
24,917
39,968
-
64,885
22,333
-
-
22,333
29,750
16,900
-
46,650
25,633
-
-
25,633
29,750
-
-
29,750
26,283
-
-
26,283
-
-
-
-
96,667
-
60,000
156,667
-
-
-
-
13,600
-
40,000
53,600
-
16,500
2,400
20,100
-
3,000
-
3,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total 130,742
146,987
2,400
280,129
190,761
10,500
100,000
301,261
  • (i) Fees for accounting, secretarial and corporate services of $55,500 were paid or payable to Corporate Consultants Pty Ltd, a company in which the Company Secretary Mr Paul Jurman is an employee.

  • (ii)Ms Schmidt was granted 500,000 options (under the DEOP) over unissued ordinary shares, which expire on 1 March 2012, have an exercise price of 1.5 cents, immediately vesting. The fair value per option at grant date was calculated as 0.96 cents. This share based payment represented 11.9% of total remuneration for the year (2008:0%).

(f) Share-based payments granted

During the year there were no options granted to directors (2008: Nil). On 6 February 2009, the Company granted (under the DEOP) 1,000,000 options over unissued ordinary shares, expiring 1 March 2012 at an exercise price of 1.5 cents to key management and consultants. The options all vested at allotment and the fair value per option at grant date was calculated as 0.96 cents.

13

Verus Investments Ltd Directors’ Report

Directors’ Meetings

During the year there were nine Directors meetings held. The following table sets out both the number held and the number of meetings attended by each director

Directors Number Number eligible to attend
Attended
Andrew McIlwain 9 9
Michael Montgomery 6 9
Gregory Lee 7 9
David Calcei 9 9

Audit and Risk Committee

The Audit and Risk Committee consists of the following Directors: David Calcei (Chairman) Andrew McIlwain Gregory Lee.

During the year there were two meetings held and all members of the Committee were in attendance.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee consists of the following Directors: David Calcei (Chairman) Andrew McIlwain Gregory Lee.

During the year there was one meeting held and all members of the Committee were in attendance.

Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee consists of the following Directors: David Calcei (Chairman) Andrew McIlwain Gregory Lee.

During the year there was one meeting held and all members of the Committee were in attendance.

Shares under option

Details of un-issued ordinary shares for which options are outstanding at the date of this report:

Issuing Entity Number of Exercise price
Expiry date of
shares under Class of of options options
option shares
Verus Investments Ltd 164,196,107 ordinary $0.10 30 June 2010
Verus Investments Ltd 1,000,000 ordinary $0.015 1 March 2012

The holders of these options do not have the right, by virtue of the option, to participate in any share issue or interest issue of the Company or any other body corporate or registered scheme.

14

Verus Investments Ltd Directors’ Report

Indemnification of officers and auditors

During the financial year, the Company has paid premiums with respect to a contract insuring any person who is or has been an officer or auditor of any company in the Group against liabilities incurred whilst acting as directors and officers. The contract prohibits the disclosure of the amount of premium paid in respect of the contract.

The liabilities insured are legal costs that may be incurred in defending civil or criminal proceedings that may be brought against the officers in their capacity as officers of entities in the Group, and any other payments arising from liabilities incurred by the officers in connection with such proceedings. This does not include such liabilities that arise from conduct involving a wilful breach of duty by the officers or the improper use of their position or of information to gain advantage for themselves or someone else or to cause detriment to the Company. It is not possible to apportion the premium between amounts relating to the insurance against legal costs and those relating to other liabilities.

The Company has executed a Deed of Protection for each of the directors. The Company has not otherwise, during or since the financial year, indemnified or agreed to indemnify an officer or auditor of the Company or of any related body corporate against a liability incurred as such an officer or auditor.

Non-audit services

Details of amounts paid or payable to the auditor for non-audit services provided during the year by the auditor are outlined in note 5 to the financial statements.

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

Auditor’s Independence declaration

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 16.

Auditor

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu continues in office in accordance with section 327 of the Corporations Act 2001.

The directors’ report is signed in accordance with a resolution of directors made pursuant to s. 298(2) of the Corporations Act 2001.

On behalf of the Directors

==> picture [145 x 60] intentionally omitted <==

Andrew McIlwain Director

Perth, 30 September 2009

15

==> picture [128 x 25] intentionally omitted <==

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu ABN 74 490 121 060

Woodside Plaza Level 14 240 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 GPO Box A46 Perth WA 6837 Australia

The Board of Directors Verus Investments Limited 30 Ledger Road, Balcatta, WA, 6021

DX 206 Tel: +61 (0) 8 9365 7000 Fax: +61 (0) 8 9365 7001 www.deloitte.com.au

30 September 2009

Dear Board Members

Verus Investments Limited

In accordance with section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001, I am pleased to provide the following declaration of independence to the directors of Verus Investments Limited.

As lead audit partner for the audit of the financial statements of Verus Investments Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2009, I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions of:

  • (i) the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and

  • (ii) any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

Yours sincerely

==> picture [205 x 26] intentionally omitted <==

DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU

Leanne Karamfiles Partner Chartered Accountants

16

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Member Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu ABN 74 490 121 060

Woodside Plaza Level 14 240 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 GPO Box A46 Perth WA 6837 Australia

==> picture [129 x 26] intentionally omitted <==

DX 206 Tel: +61 (0) 8 9365 7000 Fax: +61 (0) 8 9365 7001 www.deloitte.com.au

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Verus Investments Limited

We have audited the accompanying financial report of Verus Investments Limited, which comprises the balance sheet as at 30 June 2009, and the income statement, cash flow statement and statement of changes in equity for the year ended on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory notes and the directors’ declaration of the consolidated entity comprising the company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or from time to time during the financial year as set out on pages 19 to 47.

Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report

The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001 . This responsibility includes establishing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances. In Note 1, the directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements , that compliance with the Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards ensures that the financial report, comprising the consolidated financial statements, complies with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.

17

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Member Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

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

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

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

Auditor’s Opinion

In our opinion, the financial report of Verus Investments Limited is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 , including:

  • (a) giving a true and fair view of the company and consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2009 and of their performance for the year ended on that date; and

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

Material Uncertainty Regarding Continuation as a Going Concern

Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1 in the financial report which indicates that the consolidated entity incurred a net loss of $1,318,155 (company: loss of $1,338,365) and net cash outflows of $1,222,840 (company: net outflow of $1,206,628) for the year ended 30 June 2009. These conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 1, indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the ability of the consolidated entity and the company to continue as going concerns and whether they will realise their assets and extinguish their liabilities in the normal course of business and at the amounts stated in the financial report.

==> picture [205 x 27] intentionally omitted <==

DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU

Leanne Karamfiles Partner Chartered Accountants Perth, 30 September 2009

18

Verus Investments Ltd Directors’ declaration For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

The directors declare that:

  • (a) 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;

  • (b) in the directors’ opinion, the attached financial statement and notes thereto are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including compliance with accounting standards and giving a true and fair view of the financial position and performance of the Company and the consolidated entity; and

  • (c) the directors have been given the declarations required by s.295A of the Corporation Act 2001.

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

On behalf of the directors

==> picture [163 x 60] intentionally omitted <==

Andrew McIlwain Director

Perth, 30 September 2009

19

Verus Investments Ltd Income Statement For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

Note
Revenue - other income
3
Occupancy expenses
3
Administration expenses
Impairment of Brazilian investment
3
Impairment of Oil & Gas investment
3
Other expenses
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX
EXPENSE
Income tax expense
4
LOSS FOR THE YEAR
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO
MEMBERS OF THE PARENT
ENTITY
Earnings Per Share:
Basic (cents per share)
8
Diluted (cents per share)
8
Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
56,241
166,285
56,241
166,285
-
(145,686)
-
(145,686)
(614,129)
(691,028)
(562,706)
(669,958)
(716,908)
-
(763,145)
-
(34,429)
(5,503,106)
(34,429)
(5,503,106)
(8,930)
(105,417)
(34,326)
(101,373)
(1,318,155)
(6,278,952)
(1,338,365)
(6,253,838)
-
-
-
-
(1,318,155)
(6,278,952)
(1,338,365)
(6,253,838)
(1,318,155)
(6,278,952)
(1,338,365)
(6,253,838)
(0.55)
(2.63)
(0.55)
(2.63)

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

20

Verus Investments Ltd Balance Sheet As at 30 June 2009

Note
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
18a
Other receivables
9
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Receivable – Loan to subsidiary
10
Property, plant and equipment
11
Intangible assets
12
Other financial assets
13
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables
14
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
EQUITY
Issued Capital
15
Reserves
16
Accumulated losses
17
TOTAL EQUITY
Consolidated
2009
2008
$
$
573,983
1,796,823
12,683
91,078
Consolidated
2009
2008
$
$
573,983
1,796,823
12,683
91,078
Parent Entity
2009
2008
$
$
573,983
1,780,611
12,683
91,078
586,666 1,887,901 586,666
1,871,689
-
-
-
-
-
365
141,518
-
-
18,156
-
-
-
-
-
157,500
- 141,883 -
175,656
586,666 2,029,784 586,666
2,047,345
35,829 169,167 35,829
165,343
35,829 169,167 35,829
165,343
35,829 169,167 35,829
165,343
550,837 1,860,617 550,837
1,882,002
8,824,377
313,132
(8,586,672)
8,824,377
304,757
(7,268,517)
8,824,377
8,824,377
308,228
301,028
(8,581,768)
(7,243,403)
550,837 1,860,617 550,837
1,882,002

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

21

For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

Verus Investments Ltd Statement of Changes in Equity

Issued
Capital
Reserves
Accumulated
Losses
Total
Ordinary
shares
$
$
$
$
Parent Entity
2008
Opening balance
Share Option Issued
Option issue cost
Loss for the year
Closing balance
2009
Opening balance
Share Options issued under DEOP
Loss for the year
Closing balance
Consolidated
2008
Opening balance
Share Options issued
Option issue costs
Exchange differences arising on
translation of foreign operations
Loss for the period
Closing balance
2009
Opening balance
Share Options issued under EOP
Exchange differences arising on
translation of foreign operations
Loss for the year
Closing balance
8,824,377
5,850
(989,565)
7,840,662
-
343,392
-
343,392
-
(48,214)
-
(48,214)
-
-
(6,253,838)
(6,253,838)
8,824,377
301,028
(7,243,403)
1,882,002
8,824,377
301,028
(7,243,403)
1,882,002
-
7,200
-
7,200
-
-
(1,338,365)
(1,338,365)
8,824,377
308,228
(8,581,768)
550,837
8,824,377
5,850
(989,565)
7,840,662
-
343,392
-
343,392
-
(48,214)
-
(48,214)
-
3,729
-
3,729
-
-
(6,278,952)
(6,278,952)
8,824,377
304,757
(7,268,517)
1,860,617
8,824,377
304,757
(7,268,517)
1,860,617
-
7,200
-
7,200
-
1,175
-
1,175
-
-
(1,318,155)
(1,318,155)
8,824,377
313,132
(8,586,672)
550,837

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

22

Verus Investments Ltd Cash Flow Statement

For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

Note
CASH FLOWS FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Payments for investments securities
Interest Received
Withholding tax (paid)/refunded
Payments to suppliers and employees
Deposit refunded
Other Revenue
Net cash used in operating activities
18(b)
CASH FLOWS FROM
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for deferred exploration costs
Investment in subsidiary – Verus Brazil
Loan related parties
Payment of intangible minerals rights
Payment for intangible assets
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment
Net cash used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issues of equity securities
Payment for option issue costs
Net cash provided by financing activities
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS HELD
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the financial year
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL
YEAR
18(a)
Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
-
10,661
-
10,661
74,438
120,038
74,438
120,038
-
1,289
-
1,289
(638,460)
(802,471)
(583,213)
(783,891)
39,596
2,350
39,596
2,350
-
40,505
-
40,505
(524,426)
(627,628)
(469,179)
(609,048)
(350,690)
(70,934)
-
-
-
-
-
(157,500)
-
-
(614,617)
(19,175)
(223,526)
(70,584)
-
-
(122,832)
28,110
(122,832)
28,110
(1,366)
(1,042)
-
(677)
(698,414)
(114,450)
(737,449)
(149,242)
-
318,392
-
318,392
-
(48,214)
-
(48,214)
-
270,178
-
270,178
(1,222,840)
(471,900)
(1,206,628)
(488,112)
1,796,823
2,268,723
1,780,611
2,268,723
573,983
1,796,823
573,983
1,780,611

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

23

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial report are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. The financial report includes separate financial statements for Verus Investments Limited as an individual entity and the consolidated entity consisting of Verus Investments Limited and its subsidiary.

(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, Interpretations and the Corporations Act 2001 .

Compliance with IFRS

Australian Accounting Standards include Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRS’). Compliance with the AIFRS ensures that the financial report comprising the financial statements of the Company and the Group complies with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the directors on 25 September 2009.

Historical cost convention

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for assets. All amounts are presented in Australian dollars, unless otherwise noted.

Adoption of new and revised standards

In the year ended 30 June 2009, the Group has reviewed all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the AASB that are relevant to its operations and effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2008. It has been determined by the Group that there is no impact, material or otherwise, of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations on its business and, therefore, no change in necessary to Group accounting policies.

At the date of the authorisation of the financial report, a number of Standards and Interpretations were in issue but not yet effective. Initial application of the following Standards will not affect the amounts recognised in the financial report, but will change the disclosures presently made in relation to the Group and the Company’s financial report:

Standard Effective for the
annual reporting
periods beginning
on or after
Expected to be
initially applied in
the financial year
ending
AASB 101 ‘ Presentation of Financial Statements’
(revised September 2007), AASB 2007-8
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards
arising from AASB 101’, AASB 2007-10 ‘Further
Amendments to the Australian Accounting Standards
arisingfrom AASB101’
1 January 2009 30 June 2010
AASB 8 ‘Operating Segments’, AASB 2007-3
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards
arisingfrom AASB 8’
1 January 2009 30 June 2010

24

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

Standard Effective for the
annual reporting
periods beginning
on or after
Effective for the
annual reporting
periods beginning
on or after
Expected to be
initially applied in
the financial year
ending
AASB 2009-2 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards – Improving Disclosures about Financial
Instruments’
AASB 2009-5 ‘Further Amendments to Australian
Accounting Standards arising from the Annual
Improvements Process’
1 January 2009 (and
that ends on or after
30 April 2009)
1 January 2010
30 June 2010
30 June 2011
Initial application of the following Standards and Interpretations are not expected to have any material
impact on the financial report of the Group and the Company.
Standards/Interpretations Effective for the
annual reporting
periods beginning
on or after
Expected to be
initially applied in
the financial year
ending
AASB 123 ‘Borrowing Costs’ (revised), AASB 2007-6
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting standards arising
from AASB 123
1 January 2009 30 June 2010
AASB 3 ‘Business Combinations’ (2008), AASB 127
‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements’ and
AASB 2008-3 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards arising from AASB 3 and AASB 127’
AASB 3 (business
combinations
occurring after the
beginning of annual
report periods
beginning 1 July
(2009), AASB 127
and AASB 2008-3
(1 July2009)
30 June 2010
AASB 2008-1 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standard – Share-based Payments: Vesting Conditions
and Cancellations
1 January 2009 30 June 2010
AASB 2008-5 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards arising from the Annual Improvements
Project’
1 January 2009 30 June 2010
AASB 2008-6 ‘Further Amendments to Australian
Accounting Standards arising from the Annual
Improvements Project
1 July 2009 30 June 2010
AASB 2008-7 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards – Cost of an Investment in a Subsidiary, Joint
Controlled Entityor Associate’
1 January 2009 30 June 2010
AASB 2009-4 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards arising from the Annual Improvements
Process’
1 July 2009 30 June 2010
AASB 2009-6 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards’
1 January 2009 30 June 2010

25

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

Standards/Interpretations Effective for the
annual reporting
periods beginning
on or after
Expected to be
initially applied in
the financial year
ending
AASB 2009-7 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards’
1 July 2009 30 June 2010
AASB 2009-8 ‘Group Cash Settled Share Based Payment
Transactions’
1 July 2010 30 June 2011
AASB Interpretation 17 ‘Distributions of Non-cash
Assets to Owners’, AASB 2008-13 ‘Amendments to
Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB
Interpretation 17 – Distributions of Non-cash Assets to
Owners’
1 July 2009 30 June 2010

Critical accounting estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with AIFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements is Intangibles (Mineral Rights and Deferred Exploration Expenditure) (note j).

Going concern

The financial report had been prepared on the going concern basis, which contemplates the continuity of normal business activity and the realisation of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business.

The consolidated entity has incurred a loss for the year after tax of $1,318,155 (company: loss of $1,338,365) and experienced net cash outflows of $1,222,840 (company: outflows of $1,206,628). As at 30 June 2009 the consolidated entity has net current assets of $550,837 (company: $550,837), which includes $573,983 (company: $573,983) in cash and cash equivalents.

The directors believe that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis for the following reasons:

(i) Following a critical review of the investment made in the three properties in Brazil – Eloi Iron Ore Project, Itagara Nickel Project and the Alpinopolis Nickel Project, the Company concluded that, in light of the financial climate, it was prudent to relinquish the options held over the 3 early stage exploration projects.

(ii) The Company undertook and continues to undertake a program to minimise all discretionary expenditures during the year

(iii) The Company raised approximately $682,000 after costs from a 1-for-1 non-renounceable rights issue in September 2009.

(iv) The Company raised a further $528,000 after costs through a private placement of shares, primarily to professional and sophisticated investors, in September 2009

(v) The Company entered into an agreement to acquire a 50% working interest in the Fausse Point Exploration Project from Pass Petroleum LLC (Pass) by reimbursing Pass’s acquisition cost and expenses to date of US$400,000 to develop the prospect and hold the leases and agreeing to pay 66% of Pass petroleum’s costs to drill and complete the first well for a 50% working interest in the project. The directors expect the entity’s share of the drilling costs for the first well to be approximately US$721,000 and will be met from its existing cash resources. If the well is successful the Company expects to pay a further amount of approximately US$250,000 to complete the well. The Directors expect the drilling will commence in November 2009, however they have the ability to delay the timing of the program.

26

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

If the costs ultimately exceed the directors’ current expectation there is potential that the entity would be required to source additional funding from either debt and/or equity markets.

If the well is successful the Company will be required to raise additional capital to cover the initial costs of bringing the well into production (“costs of completion”). Based on the Company’s current cash-flow forecast the Directors anticipate an amount of up to $1,000,000 will be required in December 2009 if the well is successful.

The ability of the consolidated entity and company to continue as going concerns is dependent on the ability of the company to source additional funds from debt and/or equity markets to meet:

a) any unplanned costs if the actual drilling costs of the first well in the Fausse Point Exploration Project exceed the directors expectation by more than existing cash resources; and

b) future development costs and working capital requirements if the drilling program is successful.

The Directors have reviewed the consolidated entity’s and company’s overall position and outlook in respect of the matters identified above and are of the opinion that the use of the going concern basis is appropriate in the circumstances.

However, if the consolidated entity and company are unable to achieve successful outcomes in relation to the matters discussed above there is significant uncertainty whether the consolidated entity and company will be able to continue as going concerns.

Should the consolidated entity and company be unable to continue as going concerns, they may be required to realise their assets and extinguish their liabilities other than in the normal course of business and at amounts different from those stated in the financial report.

The financial report does not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or to the amounts and classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the consolidated entity and company be unable to continue as going concern concerns.

(b) Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Verus Investments Limited as at 30 June 2009 and the results of all subsidiaries for the year then ended. Verus Investments Limited and its subsidiaries together are referred to in this financial report as the Group or the consolidated entity.

Subsidiaries are those 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 deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains 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 policies adopted by the Group.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost in the separate financial statements of Verus Investments Limited.

27

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

(c) Segment reporting

A business segment is identified for a Group of assets and operations engaged in providing products or services that are subject to risks and returns that are different to those of other business segments. A geographical segment is identified when products or services are provided within a particular economic environment subject to risks and returns that are different from those of segments operating in other economic environments.

(d) Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statement of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is the functional and presentation currency for Verus Investments Limited

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement.

Translation differences on financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities such as equities held at fair value through profit and loss as part of their fair value gain or loss.

Group companies

The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

  • assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet

  • income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions), and

  • all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity

(e) Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Amounts disclosed as revenue are net of returns or discount.

The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and specific criteria have been met for each of the Group’s activities as described below.

  • Interest revenue is recognised on a time proportion basis that takes into account the effective yield on the financial asset.

  • Dividend revenue is recognised on a receivable basis.

28

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

(f) 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 applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to 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 nor loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the reporting 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 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.

(g) Impairment of assets

Intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the assets carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an assets fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets or groups of assets. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been impacted. Non-financial assets (other than goodwill) that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

(h) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

29

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

(i) Property, plant and equipment

Plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the item. In the event that settlement of all or part of the purchase consideration is deferred, cost is determined by discounting the amounts payable in the future to their present value as at the date of acquisition.

Depreciation is provided on property, plant and equipment. Depreciation is calculated on a diminishing value method so as to write off the net cost or other re-valued amount of each asset over its expected useful life to its estimated residual value. The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at the end of each annual reporting period.

The gain or loss arising on disposal or retirement of an item of Property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the profit and loss.

The following estimated useful lives are used in the calculation of depreciation:

  • Plant and equipment - 4 to 5 years

(j) Intangible assets

Mineral rights and Deferred Exploration Expenditure and Development Expenditure

Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred is accumulated in respect of each identifiable area of interest. These costs are only carried forward to the extent that the rights to tenure of the area of interest are current, and that they are expected to be recouped through the successful development of the area or where activities in the area have not yet reached a stage that permits reasonable assessment of the existence of economically recoverable reserves and active and significant operations in the area are continuous.

Accumulated costs in relation to an abandoned area are written off in full against income statement in the year in which the decision to abandon the area is made.

When production commences, the accumulated costs for the relevant area of interest are tested for impairment and the balance is then reclassified to development expenditure assets. These are amortised over the life of the area according to the rate of depletion of the economically recoverable reserves.

A regular review is undertaken of each area of interest to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry forward costs in relation to that area of interest

(k) Financial assets

Financial assets are recognised and derecognised on trade date where the purchase or sale of an investment is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through the profit or loss which are initially measured at fair value.

The investment in subsidiaries is recorded at cost in the Company financial statements.

The Loans to the subsidiary is denominated in a foreign currency (USD $) and is translated (in accordance with Note 1d) to the functional currency as at the reporting date.

Financial assets, other than those at fair value through the profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. An impairment review will be carried out on all financial assets consistent with the methodology outlined in note 1(g).

30

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

(l) Trade and other payables

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of the financial year which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

(m) 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 the Group will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at reporting date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation.

(n) Goods and services tax

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the net asset or part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included with other receivables or payables in the balance sheet.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST component of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

(o) Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit/(loss) after tax attributable to equity holders of the Company, excluding any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus elements in ordinary shares issued during the year.

Diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in determination of basic earnings per share to take into account the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

(p) Share based payments

Equity settled share-based payments with employees and others providing similar services are measured at the fair value of the equity instrument at the grant date. The fair value is measured by use of a binominal model.

(q) Financial instruments by the Company

Debt and equity instruments are classified as either liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual agreement. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after detecting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments, issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

31

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

2. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group’s and the Company’s investment activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: foreign exchange risk, liquidity risk, and interest rate risk. The Group’s and the Company’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group and the Company. The Group and the Company uses different methods to measure different types of risk which it is exposed. The method used is sensitivity analysis for each of foreign exchange risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk.

The Group and Company manage their capital to ensure the Group and the Company will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders. The Group’s and the Company’s overall strategy remains unchanged from 2008.

The capital structure of the Group and the Company consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the Company, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings/accumulated losses. The Group and the Company are debt free, except for trade payables (note 14).

The Group has investments through subsidiary companies in South America, which were divested subsequent to year end (Note 22). None of the Group’s entities are subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

Operating cash flows have been used by the Group to further invest in exploration activities and to fund corporate costs of the Company.

The Group and the parent entity hold the following financial instruments:

Consolidated Consolidated Parent Entity
2009 2008 2009 2008
$ $ $ $
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 573,983 1,796,823 573,983 1,780,611
Loans and receivables 12,683 91,078 12,683 109,234
586,666 1,887,901 586,666 1,889,845
Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables 35,829 169,167 35,829 165,343

(a) Foreign exchange risk

The Group and the parent entity operate internationally and during the year were exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the US dollar and Brazilian Real.

Foreign exchange risks arise from future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities that are denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s functional currency. The risk is measured using sensitivity analysis and cash flow forecasting.

Management regularly monitors exposure to foreign exchange risk, but do not have a current hedging policy in place. It is intended that this policy will be continuously assessed in line with funding requirements for each of the investment opportunities.

32

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

The Group and parent entity exposure to foreign currency risk at the reporting date were as follows:

30 June 2009 30 June 2008
USD USD
$ $
Loan to subsidiary - 17,457
Trade and other payables - (102,000)

(b) Group and parent sensitivity – foreign exchange risk

Based upon the financial instruments held as at 30 June 2009 (and 30 June 2008), had the Australian dollar weakened/strengthened 10% against the US dollar with all other variables held constant it would not have had a material impact on the Group and Company loss for the year (<$10,000).

(c) Interest rate risk management

The Group and Parent entity are exposed to interest rate risk as entities in the Group deposit funds at both short-term fixed and floating rates of interest. Neither the Group not the Parent entity has any interest bearing liabilities as at balance date.

The Group and Parent entity exposure to interest rates on financial assets and liabilities are detailed in the liquidity risk management section of this note.

(d) Interest rate sensitivity

A change in interest rates would not have a material impact on the profit and equity for the current and previous years of the Group or the Parent entity.

(e) Fair value estimation

The directors consider that the carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities, as recorded in the financial statements, represent or approximate their respective fair values.

33

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

(f) Liquidity risk management

Weighted Less than 1 1 to 3 Less than 1 to 3
average month months 1 month months
effective Interest Interest Non- Non-
interest rate bearing - bearing - interest interest
variable variable bearing bearing
% $ $ $ $
Consolidated
2009
Cash & Cash equivalents 5.76 67,536 506,447 - -
Other receivables - - - 12,683
Other payables - - - 35,829
Parent
2009
Cash & Cash equivalents 5.76 67,536 506,447 - 506,447
Other receivables - - - 12,683
Other payables - - - 35,829
2008
Cash & Cash equivalents 6.21 1,780,611 16,212 -
Other receivables - - - 91,079
Other payables - - - (169,167)
Parent
2008
Cash & Cash equivalents 6.21 1,780,611 - -
Other receivables - - - 91,079
Other payables - - - (165,343)

Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the board of directors, who oversee a liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group and the Company’s funding and liquidity management requirements. The Group and the Company manage liquidity risk by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and ensuring there are appropriate plans in place to finance these future cash flows.

Liquidity and interest risk tables

The table above has been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flow (including both interest and principal cash flows expected) using contractual maturities of financial assets and the earliest date on which the Group and the Company can be required to pay financial liabilities. Amounts for financial assets include interest earned on those assets except where it is anticipated cash will occur in a different period.

34

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

3. REVENUE AND EXPENSES

An analysis of the revenue for the year is as
follows:
Other income
Interest received – other entities
Rental Income
Total other income
Loss for the year before tax
Loss for the year has been arrived at after
charging the following losses and expenses:
Impairment of Brazilian investment
Impairment of Oil & Gas investment
Occupancy costs
Depreciation
Loss on disposal of Plant & equipment
Foreign exchange losses
Equity settled share based payments (note
15(d))
Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
56,241
125,785
56,241
125,785
-
40,500
-
40,500
56,241
166,285
56,241
166,285
716,908
-
763,145
-
34,428
5,503,106
34,428
5,503,106
-
145,686
-
145,686
59
17,250
-
17,250
1,672
64,991
-
64,991
-
23,175
27,128
19,132
7,200
25,000
7,200
25,000

35

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

4. INCOME TAXES

The prima facie income tax expense on pre-
tax accounting loss from operations reconciles
to the income tax benefit in the financial
statements as follows:
Loss from operations
Income tax expense calculated at 30%
Add tax effect of:
Non-deductible expenses
Capital Loss on investments write-off
Income accrual
Income tax benefit not brought to account
Less tax effect of:
Section 40-880 deduction
Capitalised Exploration expenditure
Income accrual
Deferred tax assets (unrecognised)
Unused revenue tax losses carried forward
Unused capital tax losses carried forward
Unused Section 40-880 deductions
Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
(1,318,155)
(6,278,952)
(1,338,366)
(6,253,838)
(395,447)
(1,883,686)
(401,510)
(1,876,151)
34,692
20,952
34,692
20,952
225,401
1,650,932
239,272
1,650,932
5,459
-
5,459
-
325,214
260,956
144,789
253,421
49,154
49,154
(22,702)
(21,947)
(22,702)
(21,947)
(172,617)
(21,280)
-
(21,280)
-
(5,927)
-
(5,927)
-
-
-
-
747,990
484,644
560,031
477,110
1,751,029
1,751,029
1,751,029
1,751,029
14,819
33,645
14,819
33,645
2,513,838
2,269,318
2,325,879
2,261,784

The benefits will only be obtained if:

  • The companies derive future assessable income of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the benefit from the deduction for the losses to be realised;

  • The companies continue to comply with the conditions for deductibility imposed by the law; and

  • No changes in tax legislation adversely affect the companies in realising the benefits from the deductions for the losses.

36

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

5. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS

Consolidated Consolidated Parent Entity
2009 2008 2009 2008
$ $ $ $
Remuneration of the auditor of the
Company for:
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Audit and review of financial reports 40,626 34,775 40,626 34,775

6. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

(a) Key management personnel compensation

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

Short term employee benefits
Share based payments
Termination benefits
Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
277,729
201,261
277,729
201,261
2,400
-
3,600
-
-
100,000
-
100,000
280,129
301,261
281,329
301,261

The compensation of each key management personnel of the Group is set out in (e) below.

(b) Key management personnel details

The following persons were directors of Verus Investment Limited during the financial year were:

A McIlwain – Chairman and Non-executive Director

G Lee - Non-executive Director

D Calcei - Non-executive Director

M Montgomery – Non-executive Director

The following persons held the position of Company Secretary of Verus Investments Limited during the financial year.

Nerida Schmidt (resigned 2 June 2009) Paul Jurman (appointed 2 June 2009)

There were no other key management personnel employed by the Company during the financial year.

37

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

(c) Key management personnel equity holdings (Fully paid VIL ordinary shares)

The number of shares in the Company held as at the end of the financial year by directors, including shares held by entities they control are set out below:

Opening Granted as Received on Net other Closing
Balance compensation exercise of changes (i) Balance
1 July options 30 June
No. No. No. No. No.
2009
Andrew McIlwain - - - - -
Michael Montgomery - - - - -
Gregory Lee (ii) 1,000,000 - - - 1,000,000
David Calcei - - - - -
2008
Andrew McIlwain - - - - -
Michael Montgomery - - - - -
Gregory Lee 1,000,000 - - - 1,000,000
David Calcei - - - - -
  • (i) Net other changes comprises of either purchases or sale of shares conducted during the year ‘on or off’ the market.

  • (ii) Gregory Lee acquired a further 1,000,000 ordinary shares subsequent to year end (via the nonrenounceable entitlement offer

(d) Key management personnel option holdings (listed VILO)

The number of listed options in the Company held as at end of the financial year by directors, including options held by entities they control, are set our below. The options are exercisable at 10 cents and expire 30 June 2010 (fully vested). This option class commenced with the nonrenounceable rights issue on 9 August 2007 see (note 15(e)):

Opening Granted as Received on Net other Closing
Balance compensation exercise of changes (i) Balance
1 July options 30 June
No No. No. No. No.
2009
Andrew McIlwain - - - - -
Michael Montgomery - - - - -
Gregory Lee 666,667 - - - 666,667
David Calcei - - - - -
2008
Andrew McIlwain - - - - -
Michael Montgomery - - - - -
Gregory Lee - - - 666,667 666,667
David Calcei - - - - -
  • (i) Net other changes comprises of either purchases or sale of shares conducted during the year ‘on or off’ the market.

38

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

7. FRANKING ACCOUNT BALANCE

Consolidated Consolidated Parent Entity
2009 2008 2009 2008
$ $ $ $
Adjusted franking account balance (tax paid
basis) 6,187 6,187 6,187 6,187

8. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Consolidated Consolidated Parent Entity
2009 2008 2009 2008
Cents Cents Cents Cents
Basic and diluted loss per share (0.55) (2.63) (0.56) (2.62)
The loss used in the calculation of basic and
diluted loss per share are as follows: (1,318,155) (6,278,952) (1,338,365) (6,253,838)
Number of Number of Number of Number of
Shares Shares Shares Shares
Weighted averaged number of ordinary
shares on issue during the year used in the
calculation of basic and diluted EPS: 238,794,160 238,794,160 238,794,160 238,794,160
Potential ordinary shares not considered to
be dilutive 165,196,107 164,196,107 165,196,107 164,196,107

As the Group made a loss for the period, diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per share. The impact of the dilution would be to reduce the loss per share.

9. CURRENT ASSETS – OTHER RECEIVABLES

Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
Other receivables (i) 9,160
91,079
9,160
91,079
Prepayments 3,523
-
3,523
-
12,683
91,079
12,683
91,079
  • (i) Due to the short term nature of these receivables, their carrying amount is assumed to approximate their fair value and the company does not face any significant credit risk exposure as at balance date.

39

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

10. NON-CURRENT ASSETS – RECEIVABLES

Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
Loans to subsidiary (a) -
-
632,773
18,156
Impairment of Loans(b) -
-
(632,773)
-
-
-
-
18,156
  • (a) Non-current receivables balance represents a USD$ denominated loan to subsidiary Verus do Brasil Mineracao Ltda. The loan is to provide working capital and fund the Brazilian investment activities. There are no repayment terms and no interest accrued.

  • (b) The loan was fully impaired as a result of the decision made to cease further investment in the three early stage mineral exploration opportunities in Brazil. The Company has now relinquished its rights to each of the three projects.

11. PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Plant & equipment at cost
Less accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of Property, plant &
equipment
Carrying amount at the beginning of the
financial year
Additions
Depreciation expense (note 3)
Disposals
Carrying amount at the end of the financial
year
Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
-
365
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
365
-
-
365
81,564
-
81,564
1,366
1,042
-
677
(59)
(17,250)
-
(17,250)
(1,672)
(64,991)
-
(64,991)
-
365
-
-

40

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

12. NON-CURRENT INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
Brazilian Mineral rights (a) -
70,584
-
-
Deferred exploration expenditure (b)
Reconciliation of Intangible assets
Opening balance
Oil & Gas deferred expenditure
Oil & Gas expenditure returned
Brazilian mineral rights and deferred
exploration (a)(b)
Translation movement differences
Brazilian intangibles impairment (c)
Oil & Gas intangibles impairment
-
70,934
-
-
-
141,518
-
-
141,518
5,460,926
-
5,460,926
-
88,404
-
88,404
-
(46,224)
-
(46,224)
574,215
141,518
-
-
1,175
-
-
-
(716,908)
-
-
-
-
(5,503,106)
-
(5,503,106)
Closing balance -
141,518
-
-
  • (a) Option fees of $223,525 (2008: $70,584) was incurred in relation to the mineral exploration rights for three properties in Brazil – Eloi “Iron Ore” Project, Itagara “Nickel” Project and the Alpinopolis “Nickel” Project.

  • (b) Deferred Exploration expenditure of $350,690 (2008:$70,934) was incurred for three properties in Brasil – Eloi “Iron Ore” Project, Itagara “Nickel” Project and the Alpinopolis “Nickel” Project.

  • (c) Impaired Intangible Assets – during the current financial year impairment testing was carried out after the decision was made to cease further investment in the three early stage mineral exploration opportunities in Brazil, with the carrying value of each considered impaired and written down to nil.

13. OTHER NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS

Consolidated Consolidated Parent Entity Parent Entity
2009 2008 2009 2008
Shares in subsidiaries – at cost (a) - - 157,500 157,500
Impairment of investment (b) - - (157,500) -
- - - 157,500
  • (a) The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the subsidiary in accordance with the accounting policy described in note 1 (b).

  • (b) The investment in Verus do Brasil Mineracao Ltda was fully impaired as a result of the decision made to cease further investment in the three early stage mineral exploration opportunities in Brazil

Name of Entity Country of Class of Equity holding
Incorporation shares
2009 2008
% %
Verus do Brasil Mineracao Ltda (c) Brazil Ordinary 100 100
  • (c) On 10 July 2009 the Company divested its interest in Verus do Brasil Mineracao Ltda for no consideration.

41

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

14. CURRENT LIABILITIES – TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables (a) Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
35,829
169,167
35,829
165,343

(a) There are no amounts included with these balances that are not expected to be settled within the next 12 months. The average credit terms for services received by the consolidated Group are 30 days from invoice date.

15. ISSUED CAPITAL

(a) Share Capital

Fully paid ordinary shares carry one vote per share and the right to dividends

Consolidated and Parent Entity Consolidated and Parent Entity Consolidated and Parent Entity Consolidated and Parent Entity
2009 2008 2009 2008
Shares Shares $ $
Ordinary shares
Fully paid (i) 238,794,160 238,794,160 8,824,377 8,824,377

(b) Reconciliation of Issued Capital

Balance at 1 July 2007
Share issue cost
Balance at 30 June 2008
Issue of shares
Balance at 30 June 2009
Number of shares
$
238,794,160
8,824,377
-
-
238,794,160
8,824,377
-
-
238,794,160
8,824,377

(c) Listed and Unlisted Options

Exercise
price
Expiry
date
Year ended 30 June 2008
1 Listed options
$0.10
30-Jun-10
Year ended 30 June 2009
1 Listed options
$0.10
30-Jun-10
2 Unlisted options (d)
$0.015
1-Mar-12
Balance at
beginning
of year
Granted
during year
Balance at
end of year
Vested/
exercisable at
end of year
Number
Number
Number
Number
-
164,196,107
164,196,107
164,196,107
-
164,196,107
164,196,107
164,196,107
164,196,107
-
164,196,107
164,196,107
-
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
164,196,107
1,000,000
165,196,107
165,196,107

(d) Options issued

During the year there were no options granted to directors (2008: Nil).

42

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

Director and Employee Option Plan (“DEOP”)

On 6 February 2009, the Company granted (under the DEOP) 1,000,000 options over unissued ordinary shares, expiring 1 March 2012 at an exercise price of 1.5 cents to key management and consultants. The options all vested at allotment and the fair value per option at grant date was calculated as 0.96 cents.

Inputs into the model Option details
Grant date share price $0.005
Exercise price $0.015
Expected volatility 250%
Option life 1,119 days
Risk-free interest rate 3.25%

(e) Options exercised

No options were exercised during the financial year.

43

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

16. RESERVES

Equity–settled benefits reserve
Balance at the beginning of the
financial year
Share based payment
Balance at the end of the financial year
Option reserve
Balance at the beginning of the
financial year
Share options issued during period
Option issue costs
Balance at the end of the financial year
Other equity settled reserve
Balance at the beginning of the
financial year
Share options issued during period
Balance at the end of the financial year
Foreign currency translation
reserve
Balance at the beginning of the
financial year
Foreign currency translation during
the year
Balance at the end of the financial year
TOTAL RESERVES
Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
5,850
5,850
5,850
5,850
7,200
-
7,200
-
13,050
5,850
13,050
5,850
270,178
-
270,178
-
-
318,392
-
318,392
-
(48,214)
-
(48,214)
270,178
270,178
270,178
270,178
25,000
-
25,000
-
-
25,000
-
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
3,729
-
-
-
1,175
3,729
-
-
4,904
3,729
-
-
313,132
304,757
308,228
301,028

44

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

17. ACCUMULATED LOSSES

Balance at the beginning of the
financial year
Net loss attributable to members of the
Company
Balance at the end of the financial year
Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2007
$
$
$
$
(7,268,517)
(989,565)
(7,243,403)
(989,565)
(1,318,155)
(6,278,952)
(1,338,365)
(6,253,838)

(8,586,672)
(7,268,517)
(8,581,768)
(7,243,403)

18. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(a) Reconciliation of cash and the
equivalents:
For the purpose of the cash flow
statement, cash and cash
equivalents includes cash on hand
in banks.
Cash and cash equivalents
(b) Reconciliation of loss for the
period to net cash flows from
operating activities:
Loss for the period
Depreciation of non-current assets
Loss on disposal of plant and
equipment
Net currency differences
Share based payments - introduction
fee
Impairment of Oil & Gas Investment
Impairment of Brasilian Investment
Settlement (monies returned) oil and
gas interest
Changes in net assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in prepayments
Decrease (increase) in receivables
Increase (decrease) in payables
Net cash provided by (used in)
Consolidated
2009
2008
$
$
573,983
1,796,823
Company
2009
2008
$
$
573,983
1,780,611
Company
2009
2008
$
$
573,983
1,780,611
(1,318,155)
(6,278,952) (1,338,365)
59
17,250
-
1,672
64,991
-
-
3,728
-
7,200
25,000
7,200
-
5,460,926
-
716,908
-
790,273
122,832
(28,110)
122,832
-
10,554
-
78,395
(23,959)
78,395
(133,337)
120,944
(129,514)
(6,253,838)
17,250
64,991
1,018
25,000
5,460,926
-
(28,110)
10,554
(23,959)
117,120
(524,426)
(627,628)
(469,179)
(609,048)

45

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

19. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Geographic Segment

The following table presents the revenue and loss information regarding segments for the year ended 30 June 2009.

Australia North South Total
America America Unallocated
$ $ $ $ $
30 June 2008
Segment revenue - - - - -
Segment result (750,723) (5,503,106) (25,114) - (6,278,952)
Segment assets 91,019 - 141,883 1,796,823 2,029,784
Segment liabilities (76,939) (88,404) (3,824) (169,167)
30 June 2009
Segment revenue - - - - -
Segment result (513,666) (34,429) (770,060) - (1,318,155)
Segment assets 12,683 - - 573,983 586,666
Segment liabilities (35,829) - - (35,829)

Operating Segment

The Company presently operates in one operating segment being investments in Mineral exploration.

20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

(a) Subsidiaries

Interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 13.

(b) Key management personnel

Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in note 6.

(c) Transactions with related parties

  • Fees for accounting, secretarial and corporate services of $55,500 were paid or payable to Corporate Consultants Pty Ltd, a company in which the Company Secretary Mr Paul Jurman is an employee.

  • Andrew McIlwain provided executive services under a Consultancy agreement (as disclosed in the Remuneration Report). Consultancy fees received of $73,619 (2008:$7,500).

  • Greg Lee provided executive services under a Consultancy agreement (as disclosed in the Remuneration Report). Consultancy fees received of $7,500 (2008:$Nil).

46

Verus Investments Ltd Notes to the financial statements For the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

21. COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE

Project Acquisition commitments :
Intangible assets – Mineral
rights(i)
Not later than 1 year
Consolidated
Parent Entity
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
-
480,638
-
-
-
480,638
-
-

(i) The Group relinquished its Brazilian mineral rights in the current financial year (note 12 c).

22. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The following significant events have occurred subsequent to the end of the financial year:

  • Confirmation that the divesture of its investment in Verus do Brasil Mineracao Ltd had been completed.

  • Completion of a non-renounceable pro rata entitlement issue of one share for every one ordinary share held, at a price of 0.3 cents, raising approximately $682,000 after costs.

  • On 15 September 2009, the Company announced that it made an Investment in the Fausse Point Oil and Gas Project, via an agreement entered into with Pass Petroleum LLC (“Pass”). In consideration for the assignment of a 50% working interest, the Company:

  • (iii) Has reimbursed Pass acquisition costs and expenses to date to develop the prospect and hold the leases of US $400,000; and

  • (iv) Will pay 66% of the costs to drill and complete the first well for a 50% working interest in the project. This is expected to commence in November 2009 and the Company expects its share of costs will total approximately US $720,000.

  • Completion of a private placement of 71.5 million shares (within the Company’s 15% placement capacity) to raise up to $528,000 after costs.

47

Verus Investments Ltd Investment Policy

Verus Group Investment Policy

The Investment Policy which has been sanctioned by the Company’s shareholders is:-

“That the goal of the Company be and it’s financial and investment policies be for the purpose of, the growth and maximisation of the value of the equity funds of the Company.

In pursuit of this goal, the directors have absolute discretion in applying the equity and any debt funds of the Company to investments, without limitation or restriction on:-

  • (i) The means by which this goal will be pursued;

  • (ii) The percentage of the Company’s activities represented by the investment relative to the Company’s own equity or asset bases;

  • (iii) The underlying activities into which these funds may be invested;

  • (iv) The percentage ownership of or participation in any underlying activity;

  • (v) The number of underlying activities in which funds may be invested at any one time;

  • (vi) The locations from where these underlying activities may be conducted; and

  • (vii) The time frame for which directors may intend to hold an investment prior to sale.

Without limiting the director’s discretion in any way, investments may be made:

  • (i) Indirectly through trusts, partnership, joint ventures or securities, whether listed on a securities

  • exchange or unlisted;

  • (ii) Directly through assets of any type, whether they be generally known as “real”, “financial”, "operating” or “non-operating”;

  • (iii) In partnership with others; and

  • (iv) Into any underlying industry, business or resource sector.

Subject to all required regulatory approvals being in place, the Company may also act as the manager of funds provided by parties other than the Company.”

48

Verus Investments Ltd Australian Securities Exchange Information

AUSTRALIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE INFORMATION

The shareholder information set out below was applicable as at 28 September 2009.

(a) Distribution of equity securities

Analysis of numbers of equity security holders by size of holding:

Class of equity security Class of equity security
Shares Options
1 – 1,000 5 0
1,001 – 5,000 71 5
5,001 – 10,000 35 24
10,001 – 100,000 194 108
100,001 and over 281 167
586 304

There were 188 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares.

(b) Equity security holders – ordinary shares

The names of the twenty largest holders of quoted ordinary shares are listed as follows:

Name
McNeil Nominees Pty Limited
ANZ Nominees Limited
Sayers Investments (ACT) Pty Limited Invest No 2 A/C>
Petrogenesis Energy Investments Limited
Vienna Holdings Pty Ltd
Redtown Enterprises Pty Ltd
Number 7 Investments Pty Ltd
St Barnabas Investments Pty Ltd A/C>
Mr Mathew Donald Walker
Starlet Court Pty Ltd
Mr J & Mrs B Mottram
Indi Holdings Pty Ltd
Hawthorn Grove Investments Pty Ltd
Mr Michael Lynch
Vienna Holdings Pty Ltd
Fortis Clearing Nominees P/L
Sabreline Pty Ltd
Mr Geoff Barnes
Mr Julius Garofali
Caiseal Enterprises Ltd
TOTAL
Shares Held
% Total Issued
76,421,768
13.92
63,653,598
11.59
40,602,666
7.39
25,500,000
4.64
14,694,546
2.68
14,000,000
2.55
12,000,000
2.19
10,000,000
1.82
9,300,000
1.69
7,680,000
1.40
7,597,776
1.38
7,200,000
1.31
6,600,000
1.20
6,291,272
1.15
6,066,666
1.10
5,395,045
0.98
5,077,973
0.92
5,000,000
0.91
4,850,000
0.88
4,500,000
0.82
332,431,310
60.52

49

Verus Investments Ltd Australian Securities Exchange Information

(c) Equity security holders – options

The names of the twenty largest holders of quoted options are listed as follows:

Name
McNeil Nominees Pty Limited
ANZ Nominees Limited
Sayers Investments (ACT) Pty Limited Invest No 2 A/C>
Number 7 Investments Pty Ltd
Corporate & Resource Consultants Pty Ltd
Vienna Holdings Pty Ltd
Redtown Enterprises Pty Ltd
Mr Vincenzo Brizzi & Mrs Rita Lucia BrizziFamily S/F A/C>
Redtown Enterprises Pty Ltd
Mr J & Mrs B Mottram
Goffacan Pty Ltd
Indi Holdings Pty Ltd
Mr Allan Zion
Millwest Investments Pty Ltd
Mr Geoff Barnes
Indi Holdings Pty Ltd
Mrs Maria Fyfe
St Barnabas Investments Pty Ltd A/C>
Commuter Media Networks Pty Ltd
Mrs Glenys Lorraine Bray
TOTAL
Options Held
% Total Issued
22,583,334
13.75
16,090,860
9.80
8,912,000
5.43
7,000,000
4.26
6,273,334
3.82
4,698,182
2.86
4,666,667
2.84
3,960,001
2.41
3,428,543
2.09
2,916,667
1.78
2,534,999
1.54
2,400,000
1.46
2,300,001
1.40
2,300,000
1.40
2,000,000
1.22
2,000,000
1.22
1,856,987
1.13
1,666,667
1.02
1,583,334
0.96
1,500,000
0.91
100,671,576
61.30

(d) Voting Rights

The voting rights attaching to each class of equity securities are set out below:

  • Ordinary shares

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

  • Options

No voting rights.

(e) Substantial holders

Substantial holders in the company are set out below:

  • Number of Substantial Shareholder Number held

  • • McNeil Nominees Pty Limited 76,421,768 • ANZ Nominees Limited 63,653,598 • Sayers Investments (ACT) Pty Limited 40,602,666

50