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USCOM LIMITED — AGM Information 2017
Sep 27, 2017
65979_rns_2017-09-27_c834757f-58eb-4dae-8c2f-928c346e1b46.pdf
AGM Information
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Notice of 2017 Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the 2017 Annual General Meeting of members of Uscom Limited will be held at 10:30am AEDT on Wednesday 8 November 2017 at Suite 1, Level 7, 10 Loftus Street, Sydney, NSW.
Business
Financial Statements and Reports
To receive and consider the Financial Report of the Company together with the reports of the Directors and the Auditor for the financial year ended 30 June 2017.
Resolution 1: Adoption of Remuneration Report for the Year Ended 30 June 2017
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following advisory resolution of the Company:
That the Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 June 2017 (as set out in the Directors’ Report) be adopted.
Resolution 2: Re-election of Director – Mr Christian Bernecker
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following as an ordinary resolution of the Company:
That Mr Christian Bernecker retires by rotation in accordance with Rule 6.4 of the Company’s Constitution and, being eligible for re-election, be re-elected as a Director of the Company.
Resolution 3: Ratification of Issue of Shares to Employees on 6 September 2017
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as an ordinary resolution of the Company:
That, for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 7.4, and for all other purposes, the issue of 165,000 shares on 6 September 2017 to the persons identified, and on the terms described in the Explanatory Statement which forms part of this Notice of Meeting, be approved.
Resolution 4: Ratification of Issue of Shares to Employee on 6 September 2017
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as an ordinary resolution of the Company:
That, for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 7.4, and for all other purposes, the issue of 100,000 shares on 6 September 2017 to the person identified, and on the terms described in the Explanatory Statement which forms part of this Notice of Meeting, be approved.
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Resolution 5: Issue of shares to David He (Director)
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as an ordinary resolution of the Company:
That, for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.11 and for all other purposes, the issue and allotment of 205,800 Shares to David He as set out in the Explanatory Memorandum is approved.
Resolution 6: Issue of Share Rights under Uscom Limited Equity Incentive Plan to Assoc. Prof Rob Phillips (Executive Chairman)
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as an ordinary resolution of the Company:
That for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.14, and for all other purposes, the grant to the Executive Chairman, Mr Rob Phillips, of up to 984,000 Share Rights for nil financial consideration which, subject to the achievement of the vesting conditions, may convert to ordinary shares in the capital of Uscom Limited on a one-for-one basis under the Uscom Limited Equity Incentive Plan, on the terms described in the Explanatory Statement which forms part of this Notice of Meeting, be approved.
Resolution 7: Additional Share Issue Capacity under Listing Rule 7.1A
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as a special resolution of the Company:
That, pursuant to and in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 7.1A and for all other purposes, shareholders approve the issue of ordinary shares up to 10% of the issued capital of the Company (at the time of the issue) calculated in accordance with the formula prescribed in ASX Listing Rule 7.1A.2 and on the terms and conditions described in the Explanatory Statement, which forms part of this Notice of Meeting.
By order of the Board
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Brett Crowley Company Secretary 27 September 2017
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Explanatory Statement
This Explanatory Statement has been prepared to assist Shareholders of Uscom Limited ( Uscom or the Company ) to understand the business to be put to Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting ( Meeting or AGM ) of the Company to be held at 10:30am (AEDT) on Wednesday 8 November 2017.
All of the resolutions to be voted on, with the exception of Resolutions 1 and 7, are ordinary resolutions. Ordinary resolutions require a simple majority of votes cast by Shareholders present and entitled to vote on the resolution. Resolution 1, which relates to approval of the 2017 Remuneration Report, is an advisory resolution, further details of which are included below. Resolution 7 is a special resolution, which to be passed requires 75% of votes cast by Shareholders present and entitled to vote in favour of the resolution.
Financial Statements and Reports
The Annual Report and the associated reports of the Directors and the Auditor for the financial year ended 30 June 2017 will be presented for consideration.
The 2017 Annual Report is available on the Company website http://www.uscom.com.au. Shareholders should note that the Financial Statements and Reports will be received in the form presented. It is not the purpose, and there is no requirement either in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) ( the Act ) or in the Constitution of the Company for Shareholders to approve the Financial Report, the Directors' Report or the Auditor's Report at the Meeting, or that the Financial Statements and Reports be accepted, rejected or modified in any way.
Resolution 1: Remuneration Report
A resolution for adoption of the Remuneration Report is required to be considered and voted on in accordance with the Corporations Act. The Remuneration Report details the Company’s policy on the remuneration of non-executive directors, executive directors and senior executives and is set out on page 17 of the 2017 Annual Report.
Resolution 1 provides Shareholders with the opportunity to vote on the Company’s Remuneration Report. Under Section 250R(2) of the Act, the Company is required to put the adoption of its Remuneration Report to the vote at the Annual General Meeting and, under section 250SA of the Corporations Act, the Chairman must allow the Shareholders a reasonable opportunity to ask questions about, or make comments on, the Remuneration Report. If 25% of the votes are cast against two consecutive annual resolutions for the purposes of section 250R(2), the Act requires a shareholder vote on whether to convene a special meeting at which all directors (other than the managing director) who were in office when the second section 250R(2) resolution was voted on, must stand for re-election.
The Remuneration Report:
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(a) explains the Board's policies in respect of the nature and level of remuneration paid to directors and senior management of the Company;
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(b) discusses the link between the Board's policies and the Company's performance;
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(c) explains why the performance conditions were chosen and how performance is measured against them;
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(d) sets out the remuneration details for each director and each member of the Company's senior management team; and
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(e) makes clear that the basis for remunerating non-executive directors is distinct from the basis for remunerating executives and executive directors.
The vote on the adoption of the Remuneration Report resolution is advisory only and does not bind the Directors or the Company.
Directors’ Recommendation
As a matter of best practice corporate governance, the Directors abstain from making a recommendation in relation to Resolution 1.
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Voting Exclusion
In accordance with section 250R(4) of the Corporations Act, the Company will disregard any votes cast in respect of Resolution 1 by:
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A member of Key Management Personnel (“KMP”), details of whose remuneration are included in the Remuneration Report; and
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A Closely Related Party of such a member.
However, the Company will not disregard a vote cast in respect of Resolution 1 if it is cast by a person as proxy appointed in writing that directs the proxy how to vote on Resolution 1, and the vote is not cast on behalf of a member of KMP, details of whose remuneration are included in the Remuneration Report or a Closely Related Party of such a member.
If you are a member of the KMP or a Closely Related Party of a member of the KMP (or are acting on behalf of any such person) and purport to cast a vote on Resolution 1 that vote will be disregarded by the Company (as indicated above). Please read the information in the Proxy Form which deals with the Chairman’s voting of proxies on Resolution 1 to adopt the Remuneration Report.
Resolution 2: Re-election of Director – Mr Christian Bernecker
In accordance with Rule 6.4 of the Company’s Constitution, Mr Bernecker retires by rotation and, being eligible, offers himself for re-election.
Directors’ Recommendation
The Directors, with Mr Bernecker abstaining, recommend that Shareholders vote in favour of Resolution 2.
Resolution 3: Ratification of issue of shares on 6 September 2017
Under Listing Rule 7.1, a company must obtain shareholder approval if it wants to issue more than 15% of its ordinary securities. ASX Listing Rule 7.4 provides that shareholders may approve an issue of securities after the fact so that the securities issued are regarded as having been issued with approval for the purpose of Listing Rule 7.1.
Accordingly, Resolution 3 seeks approval for the issue of 165,000 fully paid ordinary shares issued within the 15% limit under Listing Rule 7.1 on 6 September 2017.
The shares were issued as a remuneration bonus to three full-time employees of the Company. None of the employees are related parties of the Company.
The Company is seeking approval for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 7.4 so that the Company will have the flexibility to issue further securities under ASX Listing Rule 7.1 if the need arises in the next 12 months. For the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 7.5, the following information is provided in respect of Resolution 3:
| Issue Date | 6 September 2017 |
|---|---|
| Number of securities | 165,000 fully paid ordinary shares |
| Issue price | Nil |
| Terms of issue | Shares rank equally with all existing Shares on issue |
| Allottees | Tina Wu (Financial Controller) - 55,000 shares Denise Pater (Distribution and Sales Manager) - 55,000 shares Lindy Belleza (Marketing Co-ordinator)-55,000 shares |
| Use of funds raised | The shares were issued for nil consideration and no funds were raised upon issue of the shares |
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Voting exclusion statement
The Company will disregard any votes cast on Resolution 3 by a person who participated in the issue and any of their associates. However, the Company need not disregard a vote cast on Resolution 3 if it is cast by: (a) a person as a proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, if the vote is cast in accordance with the directions on the proxy form; or (b) the person chairing the meeting as proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, in accordance with a direction on the proxy form to vote as the proxy decides.
Directors’ Recommendation
The Directors unanimously recommend that Shareholders vote in favour of Resolution 3.
Resolution 4: Ratification of issue of shares on 6 September 2017
Under Listing Rule 7.1, a company must obtain shareholder approval if it wants to issue more than 15% of its ordinary securities. ASX Listing Rule 7.4 provides that shareholders may approve an issue of securities after the fact so that the securities issued are regarded as having been issued with approval for the purpose of Listing Rule 7.1.
Accordingly, Resolution 4 seeks approval for the issue of 100,000 fully paid ordinary shares issued within the 15% limit under Listing Rule 7.1 on 6 September 2017. The shares were issued for an issue price of 5.9c per share.
The shares were issued at a discount to the current market price, providing a remuneration bonus to Uscom’s General Manager, Mr Nick Schicht. Mr Schicht is not a related party of the Company.
The Company is seeking approval for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 7.4 so that the Company will have the flexibility to issue further securities under ASX Listing Rule 7.1 if the need arises in the next 12 months. For the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 7.5, the following information is provided in respect of Resolution 4:
| Issue Date | 6 September 2017 |
|---|---|
| Number of securities | 100,000 fully paid ordinary shares |
| Issue price | 5.9c per share |
| Terms of issue | Shares rank equally with all existing Shares on issue |
| Allottee | Nick Schicht |
| Use of funds raised | Working capital |
Voting exclusion statement
The Company will disregard any votes cast on Resolution 4 by Nick Schicht and any of his associates. However, the Company need not disregard a vote cast on Resolution 4 if it is cast by: (a) a person as a proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, if the vote is cast in accordance with the directions on the proxy form; or (b) the person chairing the meeting as proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, in accordance with a direction on the proxy form to vote as the proxy decides.
Directors’ Recommendation
The Directors unanimously recommend that Shareholders vote in favour of Resolution 4.
Resolution 5: Issue of shares to David He
Resolution 5 seeks shareholder approval pursuant to Listing Rule 10.11 for the issue of 205,800 Shares ( Director’s Shares ) to Mr David He in lieu of directors' fees payable to him for the years ended 30 June 2016 and 2017.
Subject to Shareholder approval, the number of Directors’ Shares to be issued to Mr He has been determined as the amount of directors’ fees which are payable for the services provided throughout the
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years ended 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2017. The number of shares to be issued has been determined as the fees payable for the relevant period divided by a share price of 20c (2016) and 25c (2017) as follows:
2016: $10,500/20c = 52,500 shares
2017: $38,325/25c = 153,300 shares
No funds will be raised from the issue of the Director’s Shares as they are being issued for nil cash consideration in lieu of cash payments for the services provided by Mr He during the years ended 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2017.
(a) Section 208 of Corporations Act
Section 208 of the Corporations Act provides that for a public company, or an entity that the public company controls, to give a financial benefit to a related party of the public company, the public company or entity must:
a) obtain the approval of the public company’s members in the manner set out in Sections 217 to 227 of the Corporations Act; and
b) give the benefit within fifteen (15) months following such approval, unless the giving of the financial benefit falls within an exception set out in sections 210 to 216 of the Corporations Act.
The Board has formed the view that shareholder approval under section 208 of the Corporations Act is not required for the proposed issue of the Director’s Shares as the exception in section 211 of the Corporations Act applies. The Director’s Shares are being issued in lieu of director’s fees payable to Mr He and are considered to be reasonable remuneration for the purposes of section 211 of the Corporations Act.
(b) Listing Rule 10.11
Listing Rule 10.11 restricts the Company from issuing securities to a related party of the Company, unless approval is obtained from Shareholders. A “related party” for the purposes of the Corporations Act is defined widely and includes a director of a public company. Mr He is a director of the Company and as such is a related party of the Company. The effect of passing Resolution 5 will be to allow the Company to issue up to 205,800 Shares to Mr He. If approval is given under Listing Rule 10.11, approval is not required under Listing Rule 7.1.
(c) Specific information required by Listing Rule 10.13
Listing Rule 10.13 requires information be provided to Shareholders for the purposes of obtaining Shareholder approval pursuant to Listing Rule 10.11 as follows:
a) The Director’s Shares will be issued to Mr He.
b) The number of Shares to be issued to Mr He will be 205,800 and is calculated based on the actual director’s fees which would have been payable in cash for the years ended 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2017 divided by an issue price of 20c (2016) and 25c (2017).
c) The Director’s Shares will be issued no later than one month after the date of the Meeting (or such longer period of time as ASX may in its discretion allow).
d) The Director’s Shares will be issued at an issue price of 20c and 25c.
e) The Director’s Shares will be fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of the Company and will rank equally in all respects with the Company’s existing Shares on issue.
f) No funds will be raised from the issue of the Director’s Shares as they are being issued for nil cash consideration as part of the consideration for the services provided by Mr He.
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Voting exclusion statement
The Company will disregard any votes cast on Resolution 5 by Mr He and any of his associates. However, the Company need not disregard a vote cast on Resolution 5 if it is cast by: (a) a person as a proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, if the vote is cast in accordance with the directions on the proxy form; or (b) the person chairing the meeting as proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, in accordance with a direction on the proxy form to vote as the proxy decides.
Resolution 6: Issue of shares to Executive Chairman, Assoc.Prof. Rob Phillips
Resolution 6 seeks Shareholder approval to issue 984,000 Share Rights to the Executive Chairman, Assoc.Prof. Rob Phillips, under the Uscom Equity Incentive Plan, on the terms and conditions set out below. The primary purpose of the proposed issue of Share Rights is to both reward performance and provide an incentive to Assoc.Prof. Phillips as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Uscom Limited Remuneration Philosophy
The Uscom Limited Board believes that appropriately designed equity based plans are an important component of the Company’s remuneration arrangements. Such plans are a key tool to allow the Company to attract and retain talented directors and employees, and ensure the interests of Directors and employees are aligned with those of Shareholders in creating long-term Shareholder value. In order to provide a long-term incentive which continues to align employees with the Company’s strategies, a flexible equity-based plan – the Uscom Equity Incentive Plan ( the Plan ) was established in 2014 to allow the Board to grant different types of performance-based awards depending upon the prevailing circumstances. The Plan has been designed with maximum flexibility to deliver different securities from time-to-time (depending on the participant base) with performance conditions commensurate with the Company’s key business drivers at the time of award.
Further information about the Company's remuneration governance and executive remuneration policy and framework is set out the Company's Remuneration Report which forms part of Uscom’s 2017 Annual Report.
Issue of Share Rights to Assoc.Prof. Phillips
The number of Share Rights and details of the Vesting Date are set out in the table below.
| Number of Share Rights | |
|---|---|
| Vesting Date | |
| available to vest | |
| 984,000 | 1 July 2018 |
General Terms & Conditions of Share Rights
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The Share Rights will be forfeited if Assoc.Prof. Phillips ceases to be employed by Uscom for any reason prior to the Vesting Date (“Performance Condition”).
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The Share Rights will be forfeited in the period between the date of the 2017 AGM and the Vesting Date in the following circumstances:
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Assoc.Prof. Phillips resigns (other than due to permanent illness or material disability) as a Director and employee; or
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Assoc.Prof. Phillips’ employment is terminated due to misconduct.
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If Assoc.Prof. Phillips’ employment is terminated for convenience by the Company, for example, redundancy, or Assoc.Prof. Phillips resigns due to permanent illness or material disability that renders him unable to work, or Assoc.Prof. Phillips dies, then the Share Rights in respect of which the Performance Conditions have been met will vest at the date of termination or death.
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If there is a Control Event, then the vesting date will be brought forward to the date of the Control Event.
The Board has decided to grant Share Rights to Assoc.Prof. Phillips for the following reasons:
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the grant of Rights is in accordance with acceptable market practice;
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the grant of Share Rights will have a minimal dilutionary effect on the issued share capital of the Company; and
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vested Share Rights can create recognisable value to executives, which when granted under transparent and robust performance conditions, ensure real Shareholder value creation.
The Board considers the number of Share Rights proposed to be issued to Assoc.Prof. Phillips to be fair and reasonable and within comparable market parameters, having regard to both the Company’s size and stage of development, and the role and responsibilities expected of Assoc.Prof. Phillips as Executive Chairman of the Company.
The Share Rights may vest into fully paid ordinary shares in the Company if the Performance Condition is met. Alternatively, if the Performance Condition is met, the Board may determine in its absolute and unfettered discretion that a vested Share Right will be satisfied by the Company making a cash payment to Assoc.Prof. Phillips in lieu of allocating Shares. In such an instance, the cash payment will be equivalent to the number of vested Share Rights multiplied by the then value of the Company’s Share price as traded on the ASX.
Listing Rule 10.14
Listing Rule 10.14 restricts the Company from issuing securities to a director of the Company under an employee incentive scheme, unless approval is obtained from Shareholders. Assoc.Prof. Phillips is a director of the Company. The effect of passing Resolution 6 will be to allow the Company to issue up to 984,000 Shares to Assoc.Prof. Phillips. If approval is given under Listing Rule 10.14, approval is not required under Listing Rule 7.1.
Vesting Conditions
As stated above, one of the reasons that the Company has introduced the Plan is not only to attract and reward key executives, but to retain talented staff. Therefore, the Board has determined that a tenure based vesting condition is the most appropriate hurdle for current purposes.
Information for the purposes of Listing Rule 10.15
In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 10.15, the following information is provided regarding Resolution 6:
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Assoc.Prof. Phillips is the Executive Chairman of the Company.
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Assoc.Prof. Phillips will be granted 984,000 Share Rights for nil financial consideration which, subject to the achievement of the Performance Condition, may convert to ordinary shares in the capital of Uscom Limited on a one-for-one basis. Up to 984,000 ordinary shares may be allotted to Assoc.Prof. Phillips upon the conversion of vested Share Rights, for nil financial consideration. Any shares allotted to Assoc.Prof. Phillips may be acquired on market or issued by Uscom Limited.
Alternatively, should Share Rights vest, the Board may determine in its absolute discretion that a vested Share Right will be satisfied by the Company making a cash payment to Assoc.Prof. Phillips in lieu of allocating Shares.
- For the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.15.4, the only person referred to in Listing Rule 10.14 who has received any securities under the Plan since the date of last approval is as follows:
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----- Start of picture text -----
Person who Number of Acquisition price
received Shares
Shares
Assoc.Prof. 3,272,728 Nil
Phillips
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Those shares were issued upon the vesting of Share Rights previously issued under the Uscom Equity Incentive Plan.
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The Share Rights will be granted under the terms and conditions of the Uscom Equity Incentive Plan.
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The Terms and Conditions of the Uscom Equity Incentive Plan provide that any Director is eligible to participate in particular awards. The only Director who is currently eligible for participation is the Executive Chairman, Assoc.Prof. Phillips.
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There is no loan attaching to the offer of Share Rights under the Plan.
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Details of any securities issued under the Uscom Equity Incentive Plan will be published in Uscom Limited’s future annual Remuneration Reports, including that approval for this issue of securities was obtained under Listing Rule 10.14.
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The Company will issue the Share Rights no later than 12 months after this Annual General Meeting.
A voting exclusion statement is set out below.
Reasonable Remuneration
Section 208(1) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) ( the Act ) provides that a public company must not, without the approval of the Company’s members, give a financial benefit to a related party unless an exception to the prohibitions which are set out in sections 210 to 216 of the Act applies to that issue. As a Director of the Company, Assoc.Prof. Phillips is a related party of the Company for the purposes of section 228(2) of the Act. The issue of the Share Rights and the issue of shares or payment of cash on vesting of the Share Rights will constitute the giving of a financial benefit to a related party for the purposes of section 229(3)(e) of the Act.
The Board considers that the issue of the Share Rights constitutes reasonable remuneration within the meaning of section 211(1) of the Act for the following reasons.
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The incentive represented by the issue of the Share Rights is a cost-effective and efficient incentive when compared to other forms of incentive;
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The Board has reviewed the performance of Assoc.Prof. Phillips and his remuneration package. The Board reached the conclusion that it is fair and reasonable that the salary package for the year ended 30 June 2018 be an amount of $500,000. The cash component of the salary package consists of salary and superannuation, amounting to $254,000. It is proposed that the balance of the salary package, being $246,000, be paid by way of 984,000 Share Rights at an implied issue price of 25c per share. The issue price of 25c per share was determined based on an amount which is greater than the VWAP of Uscom shares for the year ended 30 June 2017.
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The Share Rights will be forfeited if Assoc.Prof. Phillips ceases as an Executive Director and employee on or before 30 June 2018.
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The Performance Condition provides an incentive to Assoc.Prof. Phillips in his role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to remain with the Company and to improve the performance of the Company. Taking this into consideration, the Directors (other than Assoc.Prof. Rob Phillips) consider there is no opportunity cost or benefit foregone to the Company in granting the Share Rights under Resolution 6.
Accordingly, Shareholder approval is not required under section 208(1) of the Act.
If Shareholders do not approve the proposed issue of Share Rights to Assoc.Prof. Phillips under Resolution 6, the issue will not proceed. This may affect Uscom’s ability to incentivise Assoc.Prof. Phillips and align his interests with those of Shareholders. The Board will need to consider alternative remuneration arrangements which may include cash payment.
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Directors’ Recommendation
The Directors (with Assoc.Prof. Phillips abstaining) recommend that Shareholders vote in favour of Resolution 6.
Voting exclusion statement
The Company will disregard any votes cast on Resolution 6 by Assoc.Prof. Phillips and any of his associates. However, the Company need not disregard a vote cast on Resolution 6 if it is cast by: (a) a person as a proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, if the vote is cast in accordance with the directions on the proxy form; or (b) the person chairing the meeting as proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, in accordance with a direction on the proxy form to vote as the proxy decides.
Resolution 7: Additional Share Issue Capacity under Listing Rule 7.1A
ASX Listing Rule 7.1A enables small to mid-cap listed companies to seek shareholder approval by special resolution to issue equity securities equivalent to an additional 10% of the number of ordinary shares on issue by way of placements over a 12 month period (10% Placement Facility) . This is in addition to the existing 15% placement capacity permitted by ASX Listing Rule 7.1.
A company is eligible to seek shareholder approval for this additional placement capacity if it satisfies both of the following criteria at the date of the AGM:
- a) it has a market capitalisation of $300 million or less; and b) it is not included in the S&P/ASX 300 Index.
The Company currently satisfies both the above criteria, and it is anticipated that it will also satisfy both these criteria at the date of the Meeting. Any equity securities issued under ASX Listing Rule 7.1A must be in an existing quoted class of securities. The Company has only one quoted class of equity securities on issue, being ordinary shares.
Accordingly, Resolution 7 seeks Shareholder approval by special resolution for the issue of such number of ordinary shares as calculated under the formula in ASX Listing Rule 7.1A.2, at an issue price as permitted by ASX Listing Rule 7.1A.3, to such persons as the Board may determine, on the terms as described in this Explanatory Statement, which forms part of the Notice of Meeting.
At the date of this Notice, the Company has on issue 112,750,998 ordinary shares. If Resolutions 3 and 4 are approved the Company will have the capacity to issue:
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(i) 16,912,650 ordinary shares under ASX Listing Rule 7.1; and
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(ii) 11,275,100ordinary shares under ASX Listing Rule 7.1A.
The actual number of ordinary shares that the Company will have capacity to issue under ASX Listing Rule 7.1A will be calculated at the date of issue of the ordinary shares in accordance with the formula prescribed in ASX Listing Rule 7.1A.2.
The effect of Resolution 7 will be to allow the Directors to issue the ordinary shares under Listing Rule 7.1A during the 10% Placement Period without using the Company’s 15% placement capacity under Listing Rule 7.1.
Information required by ASX Listing Rule 7.3A
For the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 7.3A, the following information is provided:
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The minimum price at which the ordinary shares will be issued will be no less than 75% of the volume weighted average market price for ordinary shares calculated over the 15 trading days on which trades are recorded immediately before:
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a) the date on which the price at which the ordinary shares are to be issued is agreed; or b) if the ordinary shares are not issued within five trading days of the date in paragraph (a), the date on which the ordinary shares are issued.
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If Resolution 7 is approved by Shareholders and the Company issues ordinary shares under the 10% Placement Facility, the existing Shareholders face the risk of economic and voting dilution as a result of the issue of ordinary shares which are the subject of this Resolution, to the extent that such ordinary shares are issued; including:
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a) the market price of ordinary shares may be significantly lower on the issue date than on the date on which this approval is being sought; and
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b) the ordinary shares may be issued at a price that is at a discount to the market price for those ordinary shares on the issue date, or the ordinary shares may be issued as part consideration for the acquisition of a new asset,
which may have an effect on the amount of funds raised by the issue of the ordinary shares.
- The following table gives examples of the potential dilution of existing ordinary shareholders on the basis of the current market price of ordinary shares and the current number of ordinary shares for variable “A” calculated in accordance with the formula in Listing Rule 7.1A.2 as at the date of the Notice.
The table also shows:
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(i) two examples where variable “A” has increased, by 50% and 100%. Variable “A” is based on the number of ordinary shares the Company has on issue. The number of ordinary shares on issue may increase as a result of issues of ordinary shares that do not require Shareholder approval (for example, a pro rata entitlements issue or scrip issued under a takeover offer) or future specific placements under ASX Listing Rule 7.1 that are approved at a future Shareholders’ meeting; and
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(ii) two examples of where the issue price of ordinary shares has decreased by 50% and increased by 100% as against the current market price.
| No. of Shares on Issue1 |
Dilution | Dilution | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issue price (per Share) |
$0.09 50% decrease in Issue Price |
$0.18 Issue Price |
$0.36 100% increase in Issue Price |
|
| 112,750,998 (Current) |
Shares issued | 11,275,100 | 11,275,100 | 11,275,100 |
| Funds raised | $1,014,759 | $2,029,518 | $4,059,036 | |
| 169,126,497 (50% increase) |
Shares issued | 16,912,650 | 16,912,650 | 16,912,650 |
| Funds raised | $1,522,138 | $3,044,277 | $6,088,554 | |
| 225,501,996 (100% increase) |
Shares issued | 22,550,200 | 22,550,200 | 22,550,200 |
| Funds raised | $2,029,518 | $4,059,036 | $8,118,072 |
The table has been prepared on the following assumptions:
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(i) Resolutions 3 and 4 are approved.
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(ii) The Company issues the maximum number of ordinary shares available under the 10% Placement Facility in Listing Rule 7.1A.
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(iii) No options over ordinary shares are exercised before the date of issue of ordinary shares under Listing Rule 7.1A.
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(iv) The table does not show an example of dilution that may be caused to a particular Shareholder by reason of placements under the 10% Placement Facility, based on that Shareholder’s holding at the date of the Meeting.
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(v) The table shows only the effect of issues of ordinary shares under ASX Listing Rule 7.1A, not under the 15% placement capacity available under ASX Listing Rule 7.1.
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(vi) The Issue Price is $0.18.
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If any of the ordinary shares being approved by this resolution are issued, they will be issued during the Placement Period, that is, within 12 months of the date the AGM, i.e. by 8 November 2018. The approval being sought by this resolution will cease to be valid if Shareholders
1 Variable “A” in Listing Rule 7.1A.2
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approve a transaction under ASX Listing Rules 11.1.2 or 11.2 prior to 8 November 2018.
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The ordinary shares will be issued for the purpose of raising working capital for the Company and establishing and consolidating new sales, distribution and licensing opportunities for the Company’s range of products for the benefit of all Shareholders. A proportion of the ordinary shares may be issued for non-cash consideration and in such circumstances the Company will provide a valuation of the non-cash consideration as required by ASX Listing Rule 7.1A.3. If ordinary shares are issued as non-cash consideration, it will be for the purpose of acquiring assets from a vendor.
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The Company will comply with the disclosure obligations under ASX Listing Rules 7.1A.4 and 3.10.5A upon issue of any ordinary shares.
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The Company’s allocation policy is dependent on the prevailing market conditions at the time of any proposed issue pursuant to the 10% Placement Facility. The identity of the allottees of any ordinary shares that may be issued (subject to Shareholder approval of Resolution 7) have not been determined as at the date of this Notice, but may include existing Shareholders as well as new Shareholders who are not related parties or associates of the Company. Any potential allottees will be determined on a case-by-case basis having regard to factors including, but not limited to, the following:
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the methods of raising funds that are available to the Company and balancing interest from potential allottees with the interests of existing Shareholders;
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the effect of the issue of the ordinary shares on the control of the Company. Allocation will be subject to takeover thresholds;
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the financial situation and solvency of the Company and its projected need for working capital at any given time; and
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advice from corporate, financial and broking advisors (if applicable).
Previous Approval under ASX Listing Rule 7.1A
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The Company previously obtained Shareholder approval under Listing Rule 7.1A at its 2016 Annual General Meeting held on 30 November 2016.
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In the twelve months preceding the date of the proposed 2017 Annual General Meeting, the Company issued a total of 3,787,728 equity securities which represents 3.13% of the total number of equity securities on issue at the commencement of the 12 month period (being 8 November 2016).
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The details of the four issues of equity securities during the year were as follows:
| Date of issue |
23 December 2016 |
5 July 2017 | 6 September 2017 |
6 September 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of equity securities issued |
3,272,728 | 250,000 | 165,000 | 100,000 |
| Class | Ordinary shares | Ordinary shares |
Ordinary shares | Ordinary shares |
| Issued to | The Executive Chairman pursuant to Uscom Limited Equity Incentive Plan |
Vendor of Thor business acquired by Uscom in 2015. |
Tina Wu - 55,000 shares Denise Pater - 55,000 shares Lindy Belleza - 55,000 shares |
Nick Schicht |
| Issue price | Nil | Deemed issue price: 15c per share, being a discount of 4c per share to |
Nil | 5.9c |
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| the closing market price on the day of issue. |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash consideration |
Nil | Nil | Nil | $5,900 (Note 1) |
| Value of non- cash consideration |
$47,500 (note 2) |
Note 1: The subscription funds of $5,900 was utilised in working capital. Note 2: Calculated as 250,000 shares multiplied by the market price on 5 July 2017 of 19c per share.
A voting exclusion statement in respect of Resolution 7 is set out below. As at the date of this Notice, the Company has not approached any specific existing Shareholder or security holder or an identifiable class of existing security holder to participate in an issue of shares. Therefore, no existing Shareholders’ votes will be excluded from voting on Resolution 7.
Resolution 7 is a special resolution. For a special resolution to be passed, at least 75% of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote on Resolution 7 must be in favour of the resolution.
Directors’ Recommendation
The Directors unanimously recommend that Shareholders vote in favour of Resolution 7.
Voting exclusion statement
The Company will disregard any votes cast on Resolution 7 by a person who may participate in the 10% Placement Facility and a person who might obtain a benefit, except a benefit solely in the capacity of a holder of ordinary securities, if this resolution is passed and any associates of such persons. However, the Company need not disregard a vote cast on Resolution 7 if it is cast by: (a) a person as a proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, if the vote is cast in accordance with the directions on the proxy form; or (b) the person chairing the meeting as proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, in accordance with a direction on the proxy form to vote as the proxy decides. At the date of this Notice, there are no potential allottees to whom shares may be issued under this resolution.
Proxies
For an appointment of a proxy to be effective, proxy forms must be lodged at the Company’s Share Registry, Boardroom Pty Limited at:
Postal address: Boardroom Pty Limited GPO Box 3993, Sydney NSW 2001 Fax number: (02) 9290 9655
no later than 10:30am (Sydney time) on 6 November 2017. A proxy form is provided with this Notice.
The Board has determined the date and time when a person must be on the Company register of members to attend and vote at the meeting to be 7.00pm (Sydney Time) on 6 November 2017.
Sydney, 27 September 2017
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All Correspondence to:
By Mail Boardroom Pty Limited GPO Box 3993 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
By Fax: +61 2 9290 9655
Online: www.boardroomlimited.com.au
By Phone: (within Australia) 1300 737 760 (outside Australia) +61 2 9290 9600
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
For your vote to be effective it must be recorded before 10:30am AEDT on Monday 6 November 2017.
TO VOTE BY COMPLETING THE PROXY FORM
STEP 1 APPOINTMENT OF PROXY
Indicate who you want to appoint as your Proxy.
If you wish to appoint the Chair of the Meeting as your proxy, mark the box. If you wish to appoint someone other than the Chair of the Meeting as your proxy please write the full name of that individual or body corporate. If you leave this section blank, or your named proxy does not attend the meeting, the Chair of the Meeting will be your proxy. A proxy need not be a securityholder of the company. Do not write the name of the issuer company or the registered securityholder in the space.
Appointment of a Second Proxy
You are entitled to appoint up to two proxies to attend the meeting and vote. If you wish to appoint a second proxy, an additional Proxy Form may be obtained by contacting the company’s securities registry or you may copy this form.
To appoint a second proxy you must:
(a) complete two Proxy Forms. On each Proxy Form state the percentage of your voting rights or the number of securities applicable to that form. If the appointments do not specify the percentage or number of votes that each proxy may exercise, each proxy may exercise half your votes. Fractions of votes will be disregarded.
(b) return both forms together in the same envelope.
STEP 3 SIGN THE FORM
The form must be signed as follows:
Individual: This form is to be signed by the securityholder.
Joint Holding : where the holding is in more than one name, all the securityholders should sign.
Power of Attorney: to sign under a Power of Attorney, you must have already lodged it with the registry. Alternatively, attach a certified photocopy of the Power of Attorney to this form when you return it.
Companies: this form must be signed by a Director jointly with either another Director or a Company Secretary. Where the company has a Sole Director who is also the Sole Company Secretary, this form should be signed by that person. Please indicate the office held by signing in the appropriate place.
STEP 4 LODGEMENT
Proxy forms (and any Power of Attorney under which it is signed) must be received no later than 48 hours before the commencement of the meeting, therefore by 10:30am AEDT on Monday, 6 November 2017. Any Proxy Form received after that time will not be valid for the scheduled meeting.
Proxy forms may be lodged using the enclosed Reply Paid Envelope or:
STEP 2 VOTING DIRECTIONS TO YOUR PROXY
To direct your proxy how to vote, mark one of the boxes opposite each item of business. All your securities will be voted in accordance with such a direction unless you indicate only a portion of securities are to be voted on any item by inserting the percentage or number that you wish to vote in the appropriate box or boxes. If you do not mark any of the boxes on a given item, your proxy may vote as he or she chooses. If you mark more than one box on an item for all your securities your vote on that item will be invalid.
Proxy which is a Body Corporate
Where a body corporate is appointed as your proxy, the representative of that body corporate attending the meeting must have provided an “Appointment of Corporate Representative” prior to admission. An Appointment of Corporate Representative form can be obtained from the company’s securities registry.
| By Fax | + 61 2 9290 9655 |
|---|---|
| By Mail | Boardroom Pty Limited GPO Box 3993, |
| Sydney NSW 2001 Australia | |
| In Person | Boardroom Pty Limited |
| Level 12, 225 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia |
Attending the Meeting
If you wish to attend the meeting please bring this form with you to assist registration .
Uscom Limited ABN 35 091 028 090
Your Address
This is your address as it appears on the company’s share register. If this is incorrect, please mark the box with an “X” and make the correction in the space to the left. Securityholders sponsored by a broker should advise their broker of any changes. Please note, you cannot change ownership of your securities using this form.
PROXY FORM
STEP 1 APPOINT A PROXY
I/We being a member/s of Uscom Limited (Company) and entitled to attend and vote hereby appoint:
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the Chair of the Meeting (mark box)
OR if you are NOT appointing the Chair of the Meeting as your proxy, please write the name of the person or body corporate (excluding the registered securityholder) you are appointing as your proxy below
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or failing the individual or body corporate named, or if no individual or body corporate is named, the Chair of the Meeting as my/our proxy at the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held at Suite 1, Level 7, 10 Loftus Street, Sydney NSW 2000 on Wednesday, 8 November 2017 at 10:30am AEDT and at any adjournment of that meeting, to act on my/our behalf and to vote in accordance with the following directions or if no directions have been given, as the proxy sees fit.
Chair of the Meeting authorised to exercise undirected proxies on remuneration related matters: If I/we have appointed the Chair of the Meeting as my/our proxy or the Chair of the Meeting becomes my/our proxy by default and I/we have not directed my/our proxy how to vote in respect of Resolutions 1, 5 and 6 I/we expressly authorise the Chair of the Meeting to exercise my/our proxy in respect of these Resolutions even though Resolutions 1, 5 and 6 are connected with the remuneration of a member of the key management personnel for the Company.
The Chair of the Meeting will vote all undirected proxies in favour of all Items of business (including Resolutions 1, 5 & 6). If you wish to appoint the Chair of the Meeting as your proxy with a direction to vote against, or to abstain from voting on an item, you must provide a direction by marking the 'Against' or 'Abstain' box opposite that resolution.
| STEP 2 VOTING DIRECTIONS * If you mark the Abstain box for a particular item, you are directing your proxy not to vote on your behalf on a show of hands or on a poll and your vote will not be counted in calculatingthe required majorityif apoll is called. |
|
|---|---|
| Resolution 1 Adoption of the Remuneration Report for the Year Ended 30 June 2017 For Against Abstain* Resolution 2 Re-election of Director - Mr Christian Bernecker Resolution 3 Ratification of Issue of Shares to Employees on 6 September 2017 Resolution 4 Ratification of Issue of Shares to Employee on 6 September 2017 Resolution 5 Issue of shares to Mr David He (Director) Resolution 6 Issue of Share Rights under Uscom Limited Equity Incentive Plan to Assoc. Prof Rob Phillips (Executive Chairman) Resolution 7 (Special) Additional Share Issue Capacity under Listing Rule 7.1A |
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STEP 3 SIGNATURE OF SECURITYHOLDERS This form must be signed to enable your directions to be implemented.
Individual or Securityholder 1 Sole Director and Sole Company Secretary
Securityholder 2 Director
Securityholder 3 Director / Company Secretary Date / / 2017
Contact Name……………………………………………....
Contact Daytime Telephone………………………................................