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Silex Systems Limited
Annual Report 2014

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FY2014 Annual Report · Silex Systems Limited
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Annual 
Report  
2014

 
 
 
 
Important Notice

Forward Looking Statements  
and Business Risks: 

Silex Systems is a research and development company whose assets are its proprietary rights 
in various technologies, including, but not limited to, the SILEX technology, Solar Systems 
technology and business, Translucent technology and ChronoLogic technology. Several of 
the Company’s technologies are in the development stage and have not been commercially 
deployed, and therefore are high-risk. Accordingly, the statements in this report regarding the 
future of the Company’s technologies and commercial prospects are forward looking and actual 
results could be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking 
statements as a result of various risk factors.

Some risk factors that could affect future results and commercial prospects include, but are not 
limited to: results from the SILEX uranium enrichment commercialisation program; the demand 
for enriched uranium; the risks associated with the development of Solar Systems technology 
and related marketing activities; the outcomes of the Company’s interests in the development of 
various semiconductor, photonics, instrumentation and alternative energy technologies; the time 
taken to develop various technologies; the development of competing technologies; the potential 
for third party claims against the Company’s ownership of Intellectual Property associated with 
its numerous technologies; the potential impact of government regulations or policies; and the 
outcomes of various commercialisation strategies undertaken by the Company.

Silex Systems Limited ABN 69 003 372 067

Contents

02 

 Chair’s Report

04 

 CEO’s Report

12  Company Overview

18  Directors’ Report

45 

 Corporate Governance Statement

55  Concise Financial Report

67 

 Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members

69  Shareholders’ Information

72  Company Directory

Chair’s Report

Dear Fellow Shareholders

It is a privilege to be appointed as Chair of the Silex Board 
and I look forward to working further with my fellow Board 
members and Management, building on our core strengths 
and achievements to date. Silex Systems and the SILEX 
uranium enrichment technology are unique and I am excited 
by the potential that this innovative and disruptive Australian 
technology holds. 

Dr Lisa McIntyre 
Chair

The year ended 30 June 2014 marked a period of significant 
change for Silex. While progress was made in the development 
of our technologies, including aligning our programs and efforts 
to target key strategic partners, the adverse market conditions 
in the uranium and enrichment markets and Australian 
renewable energy market led the Board to conduct a major 
strategic review of all activities. This resulted in a significant 
restructure of the Company announced on 30 June, which 
continues to be implemented by our Management team. 

The strategic review announcement was followed by an 
announcement on 24 July 2014 that the Licensee for the  
SILEX uranium enrichment technology, GE-Hitachi Global  
Laser Enrichment LLC (GLE), had announced changes to the 
funding and pace of the commercialisation program to align 
with adverse trading conditions in the global nuclear markets.  
While this announcement does slow the development of 
the SILEX Technology, it is important to note that the key 
commercial terms of our license agreement, in particular the 
royalty structure, has not changed. In addition, GLE continue 
to negotiate with the US Department of Energy regarding the 
strategically important opportunity in Paducah, Kentucky.

The strategic review will see the Company turn its primary 
focus to development of our foundation technology and core 
asset, the SILEX laser-based uranium enrichment technology, 
and to continuing to support our Licensee, GLE. The restructure 
also sees an accelerated transition to market for our subsidiaries 
Solar Systems and Translucent and the cessation of operations 
at ChronoLogic. I am eager to ensure that the excellent 
innovation and hard work by our teams in Solar Systems and 
Translucent reach their commercial potential through external 
transactions anticipated for this coming year.

We maintain a strong focus on delivering the operational and 
financial priorities resulting from our major strategic review,  
a full update of which is provided by Dr Michael Goldsworthy, 
our CEO/MD, in the CEO’s report.

Financial Performance

Our net loss for the year was $29.5 million which was in line with 
expectations, following the major strategic review, the resulting 
judicious review of asset carrying values and the reassessment 
of the useful life of our various development assets. 

We were pleased to maintain our cash balance during the year 
with only a minimal net decrease of $0.4 million – largely as 
a result of the milestone payment of US$15 million from GLE 
received in July 2013. All business units operated according 
to approved budgets. At the time of writing, Silex maintains a 
solid cash reserve position of $57 million. 

Corporate Governance

We continued efforts with regard to Board renewal during 
the year, including aligning the structure and experience of 
our Board in accordance with our major strategic review. 
During the period, Professor Stephen Burdon and Dr Colin 
Goldschmidt resigned from the Board. On behalf of the Board, 
I would like to thank Professor Burdon and Dr Goldschmidt for 
their outstanding service, commitment and counsel. We were 
also pleased to welcome Mr Andrew Stock to the Board on  
1 August 2013, who was formally elected by shareholders at 
our 2013 Annual General Meeting. Andrew brings considerable 
energy industry experience and business acumen to the Board. 

2

Silex Annual Report 2014“ Silex Systems and the SILEX uranium 
enrichment technology are unique 
and I am excited by the potential  
that this innovative and disruptive 
Australian technology holds”

We believe that we have an appropriate mix of skills, 
experience and industry knowledge on the Board for our 
current opportunities and challenges, particularly as we 
navigate the company through this important restructure. 

The implementation of our strategic restructure has also 
resulted in a Board review of Key Management Personnel 
remuneration structures to align with the anticipated reduction 
in the activities of the Company. This review is ongoing.

Outlook

We are working hard to position Silex for the inevitable 
turnaround in the nuclear industry over the coming years and 
to deliver long-term value for our shareholders. We are also 
presently focused on fast-tracking the path to market for our 
Solar Systems and Translucent technologies, and have made 
progress with both businesses, having recently appointed a 
corporate advisor to seek commercial opportunities for Solar 
Systems and continuing discussions with potential partners  
for Translucent. 

On behalf of the Silex Board and management team, I would like 
to thank our employees for their hard work and our shareholders 
for their support as we continue to navigate our company 
through this very challenging period. I look forward to updating 
you again at our Annual General Meeting in November.

Dr Lisa McIntyre 
Chair 
2 October 2014

3

Silex Annual Report 2014CEO’s Report

“ The SILEX Technology 
… remains our key 
asset and the best path 
forward to deliver value 
to our shareholders.…”

Dr Michael Goldsworthy 
CEO/Managing Director

The financial year ended 30 June 2014 saw progress in key 
activities achieved despite the adverse market conditions 
experienced which led the Silex Board to conduct a major 
strategic review of all activities, resulting in a significant 
restructure of the Company. The Board advised investors on 
30 June that it would return its primary focus to development 
of the Company’s foundation technology and core asset –  
the SILEX laser-based uranium enrichment technology.  
On 24 July, GE-Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment LLC (‘GLE’), 
our Licensee of the SILEX Technology, also announced its 
own restructure, in response to adverse trading conditions  
in global nuclear fuel markets, initially triggered by the events 
in Fukushima, Japan in March 2011.

The major strategic review and resulting restructure is 
expected to deliver a number of financial and operational 
benefits. It has resulted in the cessation of operations at 
ChronoLogic, and implementation of strategies designed to 
accelerate transition to market for subsidiaries Translucent 
and Solar Systems, with the aim of minimising operational 
cash burn across the Company in FY 2015. A significant 
number of cost reduction measures have been implemented 
across our businesses, including the reduction in corporate 
head count by 45%.

With our restructure now well underway, we remain positive 
about the commercial prospects for Solar Systems and 
Translucent and are committed to finding the right partners for 
our unique technologies. Solar Systems is well positioned to 
participate in the emerging Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) 
market, as it establishes itself as a key source of renewable 

energy in regions such as the Middle East and the US. In 
the case of Translucent, the semiconductor industry’s focus 
on new materials, particularly in the power electronics and 
photovoltaic sectors, has created an exciting path forward  
as it prepares its products for market.

Despite GLE’s restructure, our focus in the coming years 
will be on our core SILEX uranium enrichment technology. 
We were pleased to see recent positive news from Japan 
including the approval of a new energy policy that confirmed 
that nuclear will remain a key source of electricity generation. 
In addition, two Japanese nuclear power plants (Sendai 1 
and 2) recently passed the safety inspection by the Nuclear 
Regulatory Authority (NRA) – an important milestone that 
may see these two reactors become the first to be restarted 
in the next few months. The news from Japan, together with 
the continued growth in nuclear around the world, supports 
our medium to long-term outlook for uranium and enrichment 
services returning to strong growth.

It is our mission to deliver the unique and disruptive SILEX 
Technology, as the next generation technology for the global 
uranium enrichment industry. This remains our key asset and 
best path forward to deliver value to our shareholders.

At the time of writing, Silex is in a strong financial position 
with cash reserves of ~$57 million. We are committed to 
accelerating the route to market for our unique technologies 
and will continue to build on the milestone achievements of 
the past 12 months. An overview of each of our businesses 
and an operational update is detailed in the following sections.

4

Silex Annual Report 2014SILEX Uranium Enrichment

Business Facts 

Platform 
Location 

Nuclear Energy
Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia 
GLE: Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

Corporate Office   Sydney, NSW, Australia

The two methods of uranium enrichment used to date have 
been the now obsolete Gas Diffusion (first generation) and 
Centrifuge (second generation). Silex’s third generation laser-
based process provides much higher enrichment efficiency 
compared to these earlier methods, offering significantly  
lower costs.

Business Description

Silex has licensed its ‘SILEX’ laser-based uranium enrichment 
technology to GLE, a business venture comprising GE (51%), 
Hitachi (25%) and Cameco (24%). Silex and GLE are 
commercialising the technology for potential deployment  
in the USA.

Background

The SILEX Technology was invented by Silex Systems 
scientists Dr Michael Goldsworthy and Dr Horst Struve in 
the mid 1990’s. In order to facilitate the potential commercial 
deployment of the technology in the United States, an 
Agreement for Cooperation between the United States  
and Australia was signed in May 2000. 

In June 2001, the technology was officially Classified by 
the United States and Australian governments, bringing the 
project formally under the security and regulatory protocols  
of each country. 

In 2006, Silex signed a Technology Commercialisation and 
License agreement with General Electric Company (GE) to 
develop and commercialise the technology to enrich uranium 
for use in nuclear power reactors. Since 2008, the project  
has been managed by GE subsidiary GLE.

Uranium Enrichment

Naturally occurring uranium must be enriched before it can 
be used as fuel in a nuclear power reactor. Enrichment 
is a technically difficult process and constitutes a major 
component of nuclear fuel costs accounting for approximately 
half of the cost of nuclear fuel and about 5% of the total cost 
of the electricity generated.

Uranium enrichment involves increasing the atomic 
concentration of the ‘active’ U-235 isotope from 0.7% in 
natural uranium to approximately 5% required for reactor fuel.

The SILEX Technology

The SILEX Technology is a unique laser-based process that 
has the potential to efficiently separate uranium isotopes as 
well as other various elements. It has a number of advantages 
over other uranium enrichment processes including:

•	  Breakthrough in efficiency – SILEX is the most cost effective 

enrichment method 

•	 Smaller footprint than centrifuge and diffusion plants
•	  Anticipated to have the lowest capital costs of all 

enrichment technologies

Significantly, the SILEX Technology is the only third  
generation laser-based uranium enrichment technology  
under development in the world.

GLE Agreement

Silex’s agreement with GLE is an exclusive worldwide 
commercialisation and licensing agreement for the SILEX 
laser-based uranium enrichment technology. The underlying 
value in the agreement with GLE is a perpetual royalty of up 
to 12 percent payable to Silex, comprising:

•	  A base royalty of 7 percent of revenues generated from 
enrichment services using the SILEX Technology; and
•	  An additional royalty of up to 5 percent based on the 

total cost of deployment whereby the lower the cost of 
deployment per unit production, the higher the royalty.

 Additionally, the commercialisation and license agreement has 
two further milestone payments potentially payable: 

•	  US$5 million – on commencement of construction for the 

initial commercial plant; and

•	  US$15 million – following the Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission’s (NRC) verification of construction compliance 
of the initial commercial plant.

These milestone payments follow the US$15 million milestone 
payment that was received by Silex in July 2013, triggered by 
the successful completion of the Test Loop Program Phase 1 
Milestone: Technology Demonstration and Validation.

5

Silex Annual Report 2014 
Highlights of the Year in Review

Paducah, Kentucky Opportunity Update

•	  GLE and Silex successfully completed the Test Loop 
Program Phase I Milestone at GLE’s facility in the US, 
triggering a US$15 million milestone payment which was 
received in July 2013. 

•	  In November 2013, the US Department of Energy (DOE) 

selected GLE for future operations at its Paducah, 
Kentucky Site. The DOE and GLE continue to negotiate 
a 40-year commercial contract to detail the terms of 
an agreement which may see the SILEX Technology 
commercially deployed for the re-enrichment of significant 
inventories of depleted uranium tails owned by the DOE.

•	  In July 2014, GLE announced its own restructure in 

response to worsening trading conditions in the global 
nuclear fuel markets, initially triggered by the events in 
Fukushima, Japan in March 2011. The changes have 
resulted in the consolidation of some GLE operations, 
although the Paducah opportunity continues to be 
negotiated with the US DOE. Importantly, the key 
commercial terms of Silex’s license agreement with  
GLE have not changed.

The GLE Restructure

On 24 July, GLE announced it would be slowing the 
commercialisation pace of the SILEX laser-based uranium 
enrichment technology to align with adverse market 
conditions experienced in the uranium and enrichment  
services markets. 

GLE’s restructure is now largely complete following a 
consolidation and streamlining of GLE operations. 

Negotiations for the establishment of the Paducah Laser 
Enrichment Facility (PLEF) continue to proceed constructively, 
albeit slower than hoped. Whilst Silex awaits an outcome 
from these negotiations, it is important to understand that 
this proposal involves the potential disposition of hundreds of 
thousands of tons of depleted tails inventories owned by the 
DOE over a 40-year period. 

Subject to prevailing market conditions and regulatory 
requirements being met, including obtaining a combined 
construction and operating license from the NRC, a positive 
outcome from these negotiations would potentially provide a clear 
path to market for our disruptive laser enrichment technology. 

Phase II: Full-Scale Engineering  
and Economic Validation

The reduced GLE project team remains focussed on  
Phase II of the Commercialisation Program, which includes 
economic and engineering validation of the technology.  
GLE is conducting a phased approach to commercialisation 
of the SILEX Technology, as follows:

Phase 

Objectives 

Phase I

Test Loop technology 
demonstration and  
NRC commercial plant  
license approval 

Status

Completed

Phase II

Engineering and economic 
validation for the initial 
commercial production module

Commenced 
in 2012

Phase III Construction of the first full-scale 

commercial production facility

Yet to 
commence

6

Silex Annual Report 2014The Nuclear Industry Outlook

The global nuclear industry is still suffering the impacts of 
the Fukushima event in 2011 and the shutdown of the entire 
Japanese nuclear power plant fleet. Following the tragic 
events in Japan, the demand for uranium has been slower 
to recover than expected and enrichment services remain in 
significant oversupply. Downward pricing pressure continues 
in both the uranium and enrichment markets. 

However, the long-term fundamentals remain positive for the 
nuclear industry. The industry is moving ahead once again 
with many governments around the world recognising that 
nuclear power is an important source of clean base-load 
energy in a carbon-constrained world. 

Globally, there are 435 operable nuclear power plants 
(including 48 plants in Japan that remain offline). There are 
currently 72 nuclear reactors under construction world-wide, 
174 reactors planned with funding or major commitments in 
place, and expected to be in operation within 8 to 10 years 
and a further 299 reactors proposed with specific program 
or site proposals and expected to be in operation within 
15 years.1 This significant expansion in nuclear capacity is 
planned, most notably by China, India and the Middle East.

Uranium and enrichment pricing has been significantly 
affected since the events of Fukushima, with prices currently 
down ~60% and ~45%, respectively. Pricing is expected to 
remain depressed in the short-term due to the continuing 
impact of excess supply of uranium and enrichment services in 
the global market. It was pleasing to see a small improvement 
to the Uranium spot price in late August and we hope this 
trend will continue to be witnessed in both the uranium and 
enrichment markets.

The medium-term outlook is highly dependent on several 
macro factors including the pace of the restart of the 
operable Japanese nuclear reactor fleet, the potential for 
trade sanctions against Russia which may impact the world’s 
largest enrichment player, Tenex, the pace of global nuclear 
build and the strong influence of environmental drivers. 

We believe the long-term market outlook remains very 
positive. The recent positive news from Japan together with 
the continued growth in nuclear around the world supports 
our view that the markets for uranium and enrichment 
services will return to strong growth in the coming years. In 
the longer term, the approximate doubling of existing global 
nuclear power capacity by 2030 will see a significant increase 
in the demand for uranium enrichment services. In our view 
the long-term market fundamentals remain very strong and 
therefore the uncertainty primarily lies around the likely timing 
of market recovery. 

1.  www.world-nuclear.org (1 August 2014)

7

Silex Annual Report 2014Solar Systems

Business Facts 

Platform 
Ownership 
Head office 
Installations  

Acquired 

Solar Energy
100 percent 
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
 Bridgewater, Victoria, Australia  
(16 dishes, 0.6MW)
Mildura, Victoria, Australia  
(40 dishes, 1.5MW)
Tibrak, Saudi Arabia  
(28 dishes, 1MW)
2010

Business Description

Solar Systems has developed ultra-high efficiency concentrating 
photovoltaic (CPV) technology based on its proprietary 
‘Dense Array’ dish concentrator system, targeting deployment 
of utility-scale solar power stations in key global markets.

Background 

As climate change issues bring about a paradigm shift in energy 
production from conventional fossil fuel sources to renewable 
energy sources and nuclear power, there has been increasing 
interest in developing solar energy technology that could be 
economically viable in very large-scale utility projects in the 
order of 10’s to 100’s of megawatts (MW’s) electrical output.

Accelerated business development efforts are underway to 
secure a strategic partner or equity investor during FY 2015 
with an aim to minimise need for parent company investment. 

Commercialisation and Project Deployment

CPV Dish Technology

Solar Systems utilises a novel approach known as the ‘Dense 
Array’ concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) dish technology, 
whereby low-cost large-area parabolic dishes concentrate 
the sunlight onto a small-area solar conversion module, 
concentrating the sunlight to the equivalent of approximately 
500 to 1000 suns.

The ‘Dense Array’ system is based on the close packing 
of ultra-high efficiency solar cells in a centrally mounted 
converter. The cells are cooled for maximum output efficiency, 
high reliability and extended cell life, all key differentiators 
when compared with other CPV technologies. The 
concentrator systems are based on highly reliable parabolic 
Dish Concentrators which are programmed to accurately 
track the sun from sunrise to sunset every day to maximise 
the total energy yield produced. 

Highlights of the Year in Review

•	  Opening of Australia’s largest Concentrating Photovoltaic 

(CPV) Solar Power Station in Mildura, Australia. The 1.5MW 
facility, consisting of 40 large CPV dish concentrator systems.
•	  Completion of a 1MW facility at the Nofa Equestrian Resort 
near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Solar Systems first overseas 
deployment of its CPV dish concentrator system.
•	  Acceleration of business development activities  

primarily focused on securing a strategic partnership  
or equity transaction. 

Solar Systems is undertaking a phased approach to the commercialisation of its ‘Dense Array’ CPV Technology as follows:

Phase 

Objectives 

Phase I

Product Commercialisation Program:

Status

Completed – June 2012

•	  Product release milestone including upgrade of the ‘Dense Array’ receiver

•	  16 Dish 0.6MW test facility installed at Bridgewater, Victoria

Phase II

Pilot Demonstration Facilities:

•	  Mildura Stage 1: 40 Dish dish demonstration (1.5MW peak power output) 

Completed – June 2013

•	  Nofa, Saudi Arabia: 28 dish facility (1MW) 

Completed – April 2014

Phase III Product development pathway to achieve competitive LCOE and exploring 

Planning underway

domestic and global project opportunities at the 10 to 100MW scale

8

Silex Annual Report 2014 
 
 
 
Commercial and Product Development Activities

Solar Systems’ business development activities are primarily 
focused on securing a strategic partnership or equity 
transaction during FY 2015 which will take our technology 
to the next stage, with the aim of achieving a value-creating 
outcome and minimising further parent company investment. 
Several positive leads with interested third parties are 
currently being pursued and we have engaged a corporate 
adviser to assist with the process.

Over the past few months, Solar Systems has seen continued 
uncertainty surrounding the renewable energy sector in 
Australia with the review of the Renewable Energy Target 
(RET) and particularly since the release of the Federal Budget 
in May 2014. Taking into account these and other factors, 
Silex announced the mutual termination of the Federal 
and Victorian government funding arrangements for Solar 
Systems’ proposed 100MW Mildura Power Station and the 
suspension of plans for this project on 18 August. Whilst we 
continue to analyse other alternatives to further develop the 
Mildura site and other Australian-based projects, our focus is 
increasingly on overseas markets.

The Company continues to work on its product development 
pathway to reduce the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) 
of its CPV ‘Dense Array’ dish technology to improve its 
competitive positioning. These initiatives encompass both 
increasing the efficiency and lowering component costs of 
the CPV dish systems and targeting project opportunities in 
areas where energy yield can be maximised (i.e. areas of high 
Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) or sunlight quality). The current 
focus on the reduction of LCOE includes adoption of more 
efficient dish designs which will result in lower manufacturing 
and construction costs. The completion of the two solar 
facilities in separate markets: Mildura, Victoria and at the Nofa 
Equestrian Resort near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has resulted in a 
great deal of useful data being obtained from the operation of 
these facilities and is assisting with further cost and product 
efficiency improvement projects. 

9

Silex Annual Report 2014Translucent

Business Facts 

Platform 
Ownership 
Location 
Founded 

Advanced Semiconductor Materials
99 percent
Palo Alto, California, USA
2001

Business Description

Translucent has developed novel semiconductor materials 
based on the ‘rare earth oxide’ (REO) family for application 
to the manufacturing of next generation devices in the 
semiconductor, power electronics and photovoltaics industries.

Background

Commercial and Product  
Development Activities

Translucent is now on an accelerated path to 
commercialisation with industry validation of epiwafer 
products underway. Translucent’s technology could lower 
costs and transform manufacturing for companies in the 
Power Electronics and photovoltaics industries: 

i) Substrates for Power Electronics 
Translucent has continued to improve the quality of Gallium 
Nitride (GaN) material incorporated in its vGaN™ on-silicon 
substrates which could significantly reduce production costs 
and enhance device performance for the Power Electronics 
industry. Commercial grade vGaN™ substrates are currently 
being validated by various potential customers and industry 
partners with encouraging results being obtained to date.

Several industries are forced to use high-cost non-silicon 
substrates for high-end semiconductor device applications. 
For example, high cost substrates such as germanium, 
sapphire and silicon carbide are commonly used for 
fabrication of many high powered semiconductor devices. 

ii) Substrates for Ultra-High Efficiency Solar Cells 
Development of Translucent’s proprietary low-cost 
germanium-tin (GeSn) substrates for application to ultra-high 
efficiency multi-junction solar cells and photonics devices has 
advanced with wafers being processed by industry partners. 

Translucent’s innovative REO platform could enable these 
industries to use large low-cost silicon wafers, potentially 
overcoming traditional barriers (such as wafer bowing and 
cracking), in the highly prized transition to silicon wafers. 

Translucent is commercialising this technology with a focus 
on applications in the semiconductor, Power Electronics and 
photovoltaics industries.

Discussions with several third parties are underway as 
Silex accelerates efforts towards achieving a value-creating 
transaction with an industry/strategic partner. We remain 
committed to the aim of minimising the need for further  
parent investment by the end of FY 2015.

10

Silex Annual Report 2014“ We remain firmly committed to 
execution of our strategic initiatives 
and accelerating the path to market 
of our technologies.” 

ChronoLogic

Outlook

Business Facts  

Platform 

Ownership 
Location 
Acquired 

 Advanced Materials & 
Instrumentation
90 percent 
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
2002 (51 percent)
2006 (90 percent)

We remain firmly committed to execution of our Board’s 
strategic initiatives and accelerating the path to market of our 
technologies. We look forward to sharing our results with you 
and providing a further update at the Annual General Meeting 
in November. 

Business Description

ChronoLogic has developed the world’s first high precision 
timing and control products based on the ultra-low cost 
USB-inSync™ platform, targeting applications in the electronic 
instrumentation markets.

Dr Michael Goldsworthy 
CEO/Managing Director

Update 

ChronoLogic has developed a range of instruments for  
the test and measurement industry called ‘Distributed  
Virtual Instrumentation’ (DVI), incorporating its ‘USB-inSync™’ 
technology. While ChronoLogic’s instrumentation technology  
is considered by many to be disruptive, following a 
comprehensive search to find investors or buyers for the 
business, the Silex Board made the decision to cease 
operations as announced on 30 June.

This decision has resulted in a number of redundancies and the 
closure and make-good of the facility in Adelaide, South Australia. 
Silex will maintain a skeleton staff as it pursues IP licensing 
and sale opportunities with several interested parties.

11

Silex Annual Report 2014 
 
 
Company Overview

Mission
To deliver the unique and disruptive SILEX laser  
enrichment technology as the next generation  
technology for the global uranium enrichment industry.

Silex Corporate Structure 
Silex Systems Limited 
ASX: SLX 
OTCQX: SILXY 
HQ: Sydney, Australia 
(The SILEX Uranium Enrichment Technology) 
www.silex.com.au

Solar Systems Pty Ltd

Translucent Inc.

ChronoLogic Pty Ltd

Melbourne, Australia (100% ownership) 
Utility-Scale PV (Solar Power Stations) 
www.solarsystems.com.au

Palo Alto, USA (99% ownership) 
Advanced Materials  
(Semiconductors & Solar) 
www.translucentinc.com

Adelaide, Australia (90% ownership) 
Instrumentation (Test & Measurement)
www.chronologic.com.au

Translucent

Earth Abundant Materials
Technology

12

Silex Annual Report 2014Historical Background

 Silex is established by founder Dr Michael 
Goldsworthy as a technology research and 
development subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare  
Limited, an Australian publicly listed company.
 Silex begins researching the isotope separation 
concepts of co-inventors Dr Michael Goldsworthy 
and Dr Horst Struve.
 The unique principles of the SILEX (Separation 
of Isotopes by Laser EXcitation) Process are 
formulated. 

 ‘Proof of Principle’ demonstration of the SILEX 
Process is achieved at the Company’s laboratories 
in Lucas Heights, Sydney. Uranium enrichment, the 
largest market for isotope separation, becomes 
Silex’s primary focus.

 Silex is divested from Sonic Healthcare Limited and 
sets about establishing the commercial viability of 
the SILEX Technology.
 Silex lists on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) 
under the symbol ‘SLX’. 

 An Agreement for Cooperation between the US and 
Australian Governments is signed, paving the way 
for continued development of the SILEX Technology 
for uranium enrichment, and facilitating its future 
transfer to the US.
 The first macroscopic demonstration of the SILEX 
uranium process is successfully achieved.

 Silex wins the 2000 Australian Technology  
Award for Excellence in the Manufacturing and 
Engineering sector.

 Silex raises $36 million through a share issue  
to assist in funding the development of its 
technology portfolio. 
 Silex enters the semiconductor materials field with the 
founding investment for Translucent Inc., a Silicon Valley 
start-up developing silicon photonics technology.

 The SILEX Technology is officially Classified by the 
US and Australian Governments. The implications  
of classification relate mainly to security protocols. 

2002 

 Silex acquires a controlling 51% interest in 
ChronoLogic Pty Ltd, an Adelaide-based start-up 
developing novel technology for the electronics and 
instrumentation industries.

2003 

2004 

 The SILEX Uranium Enrichment Project achieves 
a key milestone with the first full demonstration on 
practical uranium enrichment using the SILEX ‘Direct 
Measurement Facility’ at Lucas Heights, Sydney.
 Silex takes a majority ownership in Translucent Inc., 
moving to ~70% interest (from 30%). 

 Silex successfully commissions the world’s first 
silicon laser enrichment pilot plant.

 Translucent secures its first US Patent for  
‘optical silicon’ and filed patents for Silicon-on-
Insulator (SOI) and dielectric substrates for the 
semiconductor industry.

2005 

 Translucent wins a US Defence Department 
DARPA Grant to help develop the ‘optical silicon’ 
technology, under DARPA’s Electronics and 
Photonics Integrated Circuits (EPIC) Program.

2006 

2007 

 ChronoLogic wins a Federal Government 
Commercial Ready Grant for its novel ‘USB-
inSync™’ Data Acquisition technology. 

 Silex and the General Electric Company sign 
an exclusive Technology Commercialisation 
and License Agreement for the SILEX Uranium 
Enrichment Technology in May, with US Government 
authorisations received in October.

Silex increases its stake in ChronoLogic to 90%.
 Transfer of the SILEX Uranium Enrichment Project to 
GE’s Wilmington, North Carolina (USA) nuclear fuel 
plant is completed in the first half. Hitachi joins GE 
as project partner.

 GE-Hitachi signs Letters of Intent for uranium 
enrichment services and support using the SILEX 
Technology with Exelon and Entergy – the two 
largest nuclear power utilities in the US.

 Silex successfully completes a $50 million capital 
raising in October.

1988 

1990 

1993 

1995 

1996 

1998 

2000 

2001 

14

Silex Annual Report 2014 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

 Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), formed as a 
subsidiary of GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) to 
commercialise the SILEX Technology, announces 
it has selected its Wilmington, North Carolina, 
headquarters site for the first potential commercial 
SILEX uranium enrichment facility.

 GLE is notified that the US Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission (NRC) has approved a license to 
operate the Test Loop for the demonstration of the 
next generation SILEX laser enrichment technology.

 GEH and Cameco Corp. announce that Cameco 
Corporation, the world’s largest uranium producer, 
has joined the GLE venture. Cameco paid US$123.8 
million for a 24% stake in GLE. GE retains 51% 
ownership with Hitachi at 25%.
 In August, the US NRC announces it has accepted 
GLE’s license application to construct and operate 
a commercial SILEX uranium enrichment facility in 
Wilmington, triggering a ~30 month review process.

 In July, GLE announces the on-schedule start-up of 
the Test Loop to evaluate the next-generation SILEX 
laser-based uranium enrichment technology.

 In March, Silex acquires the business assets of 
Melbourne-based Solar Systems Group. Solar 
Systems’ concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) 
technology is applicable to large utility-scale solar 
power generation, using its unique ultra-high 
efficiency ‘Dense Array’ dish technology.

 In April, GLE and Silex announce the  
successful completion of the Test Loop initial 
measurement program.
 Silex successfully completes an $89 million capital 
raising and a share purchase plan which raises a 
further $20 million.
 Solar Systems is awarded a funding grant from the 
Australian Solar Institute. The business also secures 
a site for a facility at the Nofa Equestrian Resort near 
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with construction of a 1MW 
facility commencing during the year. Solar Systems 
open its 0.6MW Test and Demonstration Facility at 
Bridgewater, Victoria. 

2013 

2014 

 In September, the US NRC approves the world’s 
first Construction and Operating License for a 
commercial laser enrichment plant utilising the SILEX 
Technology at Wilmington, North Carolina. 
 In May, GLE and Silex achieve the successful 
completion of the Test Loop Program Phase I 
Milestone: Technology Demonstration and Validation 
in Wilmington, North Carolina – triggering a US$15 
million milestone payment from GLE to Silex (which 
is received in July).

 In June, Solar Systems complete construction of 
Australia’s largest CPV Solar Plant – a 1.5MW Solar 
Demonstration Facility at Mildura, Victoria. 

 Silex lists on the OTCQX exchange in the US under 
the symbol ‘SILXY’ in June.
 The US Department of Energy (DOE) selects GLE  
for future operations at its Paducah, Kentucky 
Site. The DOE and GLE continue negotiations for 
a 40-year contract to have the SILEX Technology 
commercially deployed for the re-enrichment of 
depleted uranium tails.

 Solar Systems completes the first off-shore 
deployment of its unique ‘Dense Array’ dish 
concentrator solar technology, a 1MW solar power 
plant at the Nofa Equestrian Resort, near Riyadh, 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 In June, Silex announces completion of a strategic 
review of the entire business, determining to 
refocus efforts on its primary economic asset, the 
SILEX laser-based uranium enrichment technology. 
The strategic review also involves an accelerated 
transition to market for Solar Systems and 
Translucent and results in the cessation of operations 
at ChronoLogic.

 In July, GLE announces its own restructure in 
response to worsening trading conditions in the 
global nuclear fuel markets, initially triggered by 
the events in Fukushima, Japan in March 2011. 
The changes result in the consolidation of GLE’s 
operations. Importantly, the key commercial terms of 
Silex’s license agreement with GLE do not change.

15

Silex Annual Report 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Concise Financial Report

for the year ended 30 June 2014

Silex SyStemS limited  
& itS SubSidiarieS

abN 69 003 372 067

17

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

Your directors present their report on the consolidated entity consisting of Silex Systems Limited (Silex or the Company) and the 
entities it controlled at the end of, or during the year ended 30 June 2014.

1.  Directors

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

Dr L M McIntyre 
Dr M P Goldsworthy 
Mr C D Wilks 

Mr A M Stock was appointed as a director on 1 August 2013 and continues in office at the date of this report. Mr R P Campbell, 
Dr C S Goldschmidt and Prof S W R Burdon were directors from the beginning of the financial year until their resignations on  
30 September 2013, 2 May 2014 and 25 June 2014 respectively. 

2.  Principal activities

During the year the principal activities of the consolidated entity consisted of:

a) Silex: commercialisation of the Company’s foundation technology – the laser isotope separation process for uranium 
enrichment known as the ‘SILEX Technology’;

b) Solar Systems: research, development and commercialisation activities for the unique ‘Dense Array’ concentrated photovoltaic 
(CPV) system being developed for utility-scale solar power stations by wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Systems Pty Ltd;

c) translucent: research, development and commercialisation of novel semiconductor materials based on the ‘rare earth oxide’ 
family for application to the manufacturing of next generation devices in the semiconductor, power electronics and photovoltaics 
industries. These activities are being undertaken by Translucent Inc, a California based company in which Silex has a 99% fully 
diluted interest; and

d) Chronologic: development and commercialisation of high precision timing and control products based on the proprietary 
USB-inSync™ technology targeting application in the electronic instrumentation markets. These activities were being undertaken 
by ChronoLogic Pty Ltd, in which Silex has a 90% interest. As part of a major strategic review, the Silex Board announced on 
30 June 2014 that operations at ChronoLogic would cease. Several licence and intellectual property sale opportunities are 
continuing to be pursued. 

3.  Dividend

No dividend payments were made during the year. No dividend has been recommended or declared by the Board.

18

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

4.  Review of operations and activities

Information on the operations and financial position of the consolidated entity and its business strategies and prospects is set 
out below and in section 8 ‘Likely developments and expected results of operations’. 

Trading Results

A summary of consolidated revenue and results is set out below: 

Revenue from continuing operations

(Loss)/profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Net (loss)/profit from continuing operations

Net (loss) from discontinued operations

Net (loss) for the year

Net (loss) is attributable to:

Owners of Silex Systems Limited

Non-controlling interests

2014  
$

2013  
$

7,398,554

23,642,782

(29,246,377)

2,191,037

- 

-

(29,246,377)

2,191,037

(385,083)

(2,421,488)

(29,631,460)

(230,451)

(29,488,786)

(142,674)

(29,631,460)

(93,119)

(137,332)

(230,451)

Key information about the consolidated operations, results and financial position

Comments on the operations and the results of those operations are set out below: 

Whilst progress in key activities was achieved during the year ended 30 June 2014, adverse market conditions led the Silex 
Board to conduct a major strategic review of all activities, resulting in a significant restructure of the Company, which was 
announced on 30 June 2014. The Board advised that it would return its primary focus to development of the Company’s 
foundation technology and core asset – the SILEX laser uranium enrichment technology and to continue to support Licensee, 
GE-Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment LLC (‘GLE’).

The restructure, which is expected to deliver a number of financial and operational benefits to Silex, has resulted in a cessation 
of operations at ChronoLogic, and the implementation of strategies designed to accelerate transition to market for subsidiaries 
Translucent and Solar Systems, reported as held for sale in these accounts, with the aim of minimising operational cash burn for 
the Company in FY 2015. We are pleased to report the cash position of the Company as at 30 June 2014 was $63.9m.

Our focus in the coming years will be on our core SILEX laser uranium enrichment technology. We continue to see the medium 
to long-term outlook for uranium and enrichment services returning to strong growth, and therefore firmly believe the SILEX 
Technology, the only third generation laser enrichment technology being commercialised in the world, remains our key asset and 
the best path forward to deliver value to our shareholders.

19

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

Financial review 

A summary of our consolidated income statement is set out below: 

Revenue from continuing operations

Other income 

Cost of sales

Research and development materials

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Impairment of intangibles

Employee benefits expense

Other expenses 

Income tax expense

Net (loss)/profit from continuing operations

Net (loss) from discontinued operations

Net (loss) for the year

2014  
$

2013  
$

7,398,554

23,642,782

 24,010,247 

 7,708,938 

(5,185,474)

(4,618,244)

(18,887,138)

(12,379,766)

(3,620,804)

(2,355,960)

(2,945,893)

-

(13,016,744)

(14,431,523) 

(6,567,812)

(5,806,503)

-

-

(29,246,377)

2,191,037

(385,083)

(2,421,488)

(29,631,460)

(230,451)

The Net (loss) for the year was impacted by the major strategic review completed by the Silex Board announced on 30 June 
2014, resulting in impairment of the carrying value of development expenditure associated with intellectual property held by  
Solar Systems of $3.9m and impairment of the carrying value of the goodwill on consolidation in relation to Translucent of  
$8.5m (deemed necessary to comply with Australian Accounting Standards). These impairments are an accounting charge  
only and do not have any impact on the Company’s cash position, which reduced by only $0.4m during the year to $63.9m  
at 30 June 2014. 

Depreciation and amortisation expense from continuing operations of $18.9m ($2.9m in the prior year) increased primarily due to 
the reassessment of the useful life of Solar Systems plant and equipment. As a result of the reassessment, previously deferred 
Solar Systems Government grant income included in Other income was higher in the current year at $9.1m ($3.9m in the prior 
year). R&D tax incentive income from continuing operations of $14.9m was also included in Other income in the current year 
($2.8m in the prior year).

The above noted factors and the milestone revenue of US$15.0m (AU$15.4m) awarded in the previous year ($nil in the current 
year) are the key drivers of the increased net loss from ordinary activities after tax attributable to members. Further commentary 
on our business segments is provided below.

20

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

Silex 
The Silex segment result was $0.2m profit in the current year compared to $15.9m profit in the previous year. The reduction in 
profit was largely due to the US$15.0m (AU$15.4m) revenue from GLE for the successful completion of the Test Loop Program 
Phase I Milestone in the prior year ($nil in the current year). Bank interest income also decreased to $2.6m in the current year 
compared to $3.4m in the previous year as a result of lower interest rates and lower average cash / term deposit holdings in the 
current year.

Solar Systems
The Solar Systems segment loss was $16.0m, up from $9.0m in the previous year. The increased loss was driven by depreciation 
and amortisation expense of $18.2m ($2.2m in the prior year) primarily relating to the reassessment of the useful life of plant and 
equipment and the impairment of development expenditure associated with intellectual property of $3.9m ($nil in the prior year). 
Whilst these conservative accounting adjustments have been made to the Solar Systems segment, we remain positive about the 
commercial prospects for Solar Systems and are committed to finding the right partner for this business. 

Cost of goods sold of $5.2m in the current year was due to completion of the CPV solar power station at the Nofa Resort near 
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ($3.6m in the prior year). R&D materials used were $3.9m in the current year ($2.2m in the prior year). 

These unfavourable factors were partly offset by R&D Tax Incentive income of $14.9m in the current year ($2.8m in the prior 
year). Furthermore, Government grant income was higher in the current year at $9.1m ($3.9m in the prior year). 

Translucent
As the business accelerates on its path to commercialisation, Translucent’s segment loss was $5.0m, marginally up from $4.6m 
in the previous year due to additional R&D materials used in manufacturing prototype substrates.

Discontinued Operations
ChronoLogic and Silex Solar discontinued operations loss was $0.4m, down from $2.4m in the previous year. This was 
favourably impacted by the collection of a receivable of $0.9m in Silex Solar which had been previously fully provided for.  
In addition, the ChronoLogic R&D Tax Incentive income was $1.1m in the current year ($0.5m in the prior year).

21

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

Balance sheet

A summary of our balance sheet is set out below: 

ASSETS

Total current assets

Total non-current assets

total assets

LIABILITIES

Total current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY

total equity

30 June 2014  
$

30 June 2013  
$

97,343,949

119,311

89,074,871

48,155,201

97,463,260

137,230,072

5,266,206

111,971

8,502,832

7,402,984

5,378,177

15,905,816

92,085,083

121,324,256

92,085,083

121,324,256

As at 30 June 2014, total assets were $97.5m. Significant assets are cash holdings of $63.9m (cash and term deposits) and 
assets held for sale of $30.8m. Intangible assets of $12.4m were impaired during the year. Total liabilities were $5.4m and are 
made up of trade and other payables and provisions (e.g. amounts we have set aside for potential future liabilities, particularly 
those related to employees). The Company does not have any borrowings (e.g. bank debt). 

5.  Earnings per share

2014  
Cents

2013  
Cents

Earnings per share for (loss)/profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share for (loss) attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

(17.2)

(17.2)

(17.3)

(17.3)

1.3

1.3

(0.1)

(0.1)

22

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

6.  Significant changes in state of affairs

On 30 June 2014, as part of the completion of a major strategic review of the entire Silex group, the Board advised that it would 
return its primary focus to development of the Company’s foundation technology and core asset – the SILEX laser uranium 
enrichment technology and to continue to support Licensee, GLE.

The restructure, which is expected to deliver a number of financial and operational benefits to Silex, has resulted in a cessation 
of operations at ChronoLogic, and the implementation of strategies designed to accelerate transition to market for subsidiaries 
Translucent and Solar Systems, reported as held for sale in these accounts, with the aim of minimising operational cash burn for 
the Company in FY 2015.

Additionally, as reported previously, all Silex Solar activities have ceased with the plant decommissioned and closed in October 
2012. There were no other significant changes in the state of affairs of the Company during the financial year not otherwise dealt 
with in this report.

7.  Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year

Silex 

On 24 July 2014, the Licensee for the SILEX Uranium Enrichment Technology, GLE, announced changes to the funding  
and pace of the commercialisation program to align with current adverse market conditions. GLE confirmed their intention  
to consolidate efforts on the technology development activities to its Wilmington facility in North Carolina, USA. 

The financial effect of this decision is not expected to have a material impact on the results of the Company.

Solar Systems

On 18 August 2014, Silex announced that the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Solar Systems have agreed to 
suspend plans for the 100MW Mildura Solar Power Station and terminate the conditional funding deed for $75 million. The decision 
was based on a number of factors, including low wholesale electricity prices and the uncertainty surrounding the Renewable 
Energy Target. Due to these circumstances, the $35 million in conditional funding from the Victorian Government has also been 
terminated. Alternatives to further develop the Mildura site and other Australian-based projects are currently being explored.

There is no direct financial cost anticipated to Solar Systems as a consequence of the decision to suspend plans for the 100MW 
Mildura Solar Power Station. Management continue efforts towards securing a strategic partnership or equity transaction for 
Solar Systems during FY 2015, aiming to achieve a value-creating outcome and potentially reducing the quantum of parent 
company investment.

Other

The consolidated entity is not aware of any other matters or circumstances which are not otherwise dealt with in the financial 
statements that have significantly, or may significantly, affect the operations of the consolidated entity, the results of its 
operations or the state of the consolidated entity in subsequent years other than those referred to above.

23

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

8.  Likely developments and expected results of operations

Silex is a technology company with interests in a number of technology development projects both in Australia and overseas. 
Silex also has research, development and manufacturing operations through its subsidiary Solar Systems Pty Ltd at Abbotsford, 
Victoria. The Company’s future prospects remain dependent on the outcomes of the various technology development programs, 
including the Company’s success in ultimately commercialising those technologies.

Business strategies and future prospects – segmental analysis 

The Company’s segments are summarised below: 

Silex 
Silex invented a novel method for enriching uranium using lasers in the mid-1990’s, and after further development activities 
in Australia, is currently supporting the commercialisation of the SILEX Technology in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA under 
a Technology Commercialisation and License Agreement with GE-Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment LLC (‘GLE’) – a business 
venture owned by GE (51%), Hitachi (25%) and Cameco (24%). The successful completion of the Test Loop Program Phase I 
Milestone resulted in a US$15m milestone payment to Silex in July 2013. 

On 24 July 2014, GLE announced that they would be slowing the commercialisation pace of the SILEX laser uranium enrichment 
technology to align with adverse market conditions currently being experienced in the uranium and enrichment services markets. 
While these changes have resulted in the consolidation of some GLE operations, importantly, Phase II work is still continuing 
at the facility in Wilmington, North Carolina. Silex has been informed that negotiations with the US Department of Energy (DOE) 
concerning the establishment of the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF) continue to proceed constructively, albeit slower 
than hoped. The key commercial terms of Silex’s license agreement with GLE have not changed.

GLE is conducting a phased approach to commercialisation of the SILEX laser enrichment technology, as follows:

Phase

Phase I

Phase II

Objectives

Test Loop technology demonstration and NRC commercial plant 
license approval

Economic and engineering validation for the initial commercial 
production module

Status

Completed in FY 2013

Commenced in 2012

Phase III

Construction of the first full-scale commercial production facility

Yet to commence

The global nuclear industry is still suffering the impacts of the Fukushima event in 2011 and the shutdown of the entire Japanese 
nuclear power plant fleet. Following the tragic events in Japan, the demand for uranium has been slower to recover than 
expected and enrichment services remain in significant oversupply. Downward pricing pressure continues to be witnessed in 
both the uranium and enrichment markets. 

24

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

Uranium and enrichment pricing has been significantly affected since the events of Fukushima, with prices currently down ~60% 
and ~45%, respectively. Pricing is expected to remain depressed in the short-term due to the continuing impact of excess supply of 
uranium and enrichment services in the global market place. It was pleasing to see a small improvement to the Uranium spot price 
in late August and we hope this trend will continue to be witnessed in both the uranium and enrichment markets.

The long-term fundamentals remain positive for the nuclear industry. Significant expansion in nuclear capacity is planned in many 
countries, with many governments around the world recognising that nuclear power is an important source of clean base-load 
energy in a carbon-constrained world. It is anticipated that existing global nuclear power capacity will approximately double 
in the longer term and we will see a significant increase in the demand for uranium enrichment services. The risks surrounding 
industry growth projections and market conditions, most of which are beyond our control, could impact the Phase II and Phase III 
programs outlined above. 

Solar Systems
In the past year, Solar Systems opened two facilities in separate markets: in Mildura, Victoria and at the Nofa Equestrian Resort 
near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A great deal of useful data has been obtained from the operation of these facilities. This is assisting 
with further cost down and product efficiency improvement projects for Solar Systems’ unique concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) 
‘Dense Array’ technology.

Solar Systems’ business development activities are primarily focused on securing a strategic partnership or equity transaction 
during FY 2015 with the aim of achieving a value-creating outcome and minimising further parent company investment. Several 
positive leads with interested third parties are currently being pursued and we have engaged a corporate adviser to assist with 
the process.

In parallel, the Company continues to work on its product development pathway to reduce the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) 
of its concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) ‘Dense Array’ dish technology to improve its competitive positioning. These initiatives 
encompass both increasing the efficiency and lowering component costs of the CPV dish systems and targeting project 
opportunities in areas where energy yield can be maximised [i.e. areas of high Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) or sunlight quality].  
The current focus on the reduction of LCOE includes adoption of more efficient dish designs which will result in lower manufacturing 
and construction costs.

Translucent
Silex has a 99% fully diluted interest in Translucent Inc, a California based company which has developed novel semiconductor 
materials based on the ‘rare earth oxide’ family for application to the manufacturing of next generation devices in the 
semiconductor, power electronics and photovoltaics industries. 

Translucent is now on an accelerated path to commercialisation. With industries currently forced to use high-cost non-silicon 
substrates such as germanium, sapphire and silicon carbide for high-end semiconductor devices, Translucent’s technology 
could transform manufacturing, enabling the power electronics and photovoltaics industries to instead use high performing  
low-cost silicon-wafer based substrates.

Discussions with several third parties are underway as Silex accelerates efforts towards achieving a value-creating transaction 
with an industry/strategic partner. We remain committed to the aim of minimising the need for further parent investment following 
the end of FY 2015.

25

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

9.  Information on Directors

a)  Directors’ profiles

The following directors are currently serving on the Silex Systems Limited Board:

Dr Lisa McIntyre
BSc (Hons), PhD, GAICD 
Chair – Non-executive (director since 2012)

Experience and expertise 
Dr McIntyre is a company director for various companies including HCF, Cover-More Group Limited, and Tutoring Australasia Pty 
Ltd. Prior to 2011, Lisa was a senior partner in global strategy firm L.E.K. Consulting for 19 years. She spent the first half of her 
career in the US and returned to Australia in 2002 to lead L.E.K.’s Asia Pacific Life Science and Technologies practice in Sydney 
where she advised organisations on strategy, commercialisation and performance issues.

Other current directorships 
Non-executive director of Cover-More Group Limited since November 2013.

Former directorships in last 3 years 
None

Special responsibilities 
Member of Audit Committee 
Chair of People and Remuneration Committee 

Dr Michael Goldsworthy
BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, FAIP, GAICD 
CEO/MD – Executive (director since 1992)

Experience and expertise 
Dr Goldsworthy received his PhD in Physics from The University of New South Wales. Prior to starting with Silex in 1988,  
Dr Goldsworthy was a member of the University’s academic staff and was involved in a number of laser-associated research 
projects. Dr Goldsworthy is the founder of the Company and has been the driving force behind the SILEX uranium enrichment 
project, and the establishment of the consolidated entity’s extensive interests in solar, semiconductor and photonics 
technologies. Dr Goldsworthy was awarded the Royal Society of NSW’s James Cook Medal for 2009 which recognises 
outstanding contributions for science and human welfare.

Other current directorships 
None

Former directorships in last 3 years 
None

Special responsibilities 
CEO/MD

26

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

Mr Andrew Stock
BEng (Chem) (Hons), FIE Aust, GAICD 
Non-executive (director since 2013)

Experience and expertise 
Mr Stock was appointed to the Board in August 2013. He is one of Australia’s most senior business leaders in the energy sector, 
with over thirty years’ experience in Australia and overseas. He spent eighteen years with Origin Energy in a number of senior 
executive positions.

Other current directorships 
Non-executive director of Horizon Oil Limited since 2011 and non-executive director of Geodynamics Limited since 2003.

Former directorships in last 3 years 
None

Special responsibilities 
Chair of Audit Committee (since 1 October 2013) 
Member of People and Remuneration Committee (since 1 October 2013) 

Mr Christopher Wilks
BComm, FAICD 
Non-executive (director since 1988)

Experience and expertise 
Mr Wilks has a background in chartered accounting and investment banking. He was previously a partner in a private investment 
bank and has held positions on the board of a number of public companies. 

Other current directorships 
Finance director of Sonic Healthcare Limited since 1989. 

Former directorships in last 3 years 
None 

Special responsibilities 
Business development and corporate strategy 
Member of Audit Committee (since 27 June 2014) 
Member of People and Remuneration Committee (since 27 June 2014)

27

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

The following directors are former directors of the Silex Board:

Professor Stephen Burdon
MBA BSc (Hons) FAICD, FAIM, FIE Aust 
Chair – Non-executive (resigned 25 June 2014)

Experience and expertise 
Professor Burdon has extensive management experience. He previously held the position of Managing Director of OTC, Group 
Managing Director of Telstra and Managing Director of British Telecom Asia Pacific. In addition, Professor Burdon has experience 
as a non-executive director on over a dozen private and public company boards in Australia, NZ, India and Japan. He is 
currently a Professor of Management at the University of Technology, Sydney and CASS Business School, London. 

Other current directorships 
None

Former directorships in last 3 years 
Non-executive director of Transfield Services Limited (2000 to July 2010) 

Special responsibilities 
Member of Audit Committee (resigned 25 June 2014) 
Member of People and Remuneration Committee (resigned 25 June 2014) 

Mr Peter Campbell
FCA, CTA, FAICD 
Non-executive (resigned 30 September 2013)

Experience and expertise 
Mr Campbell was an independent and non-executive director since 1996. He is a Chartered Accountant with his own practice 
based in Sydney and is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Tax Institute of Australia.  
Mr Campbell is also a registered Company Auditor. 

Other current directorships 
Non-executive director of Sonic Healthcare Limited since 1993 and Chair since October 2010 and non-executive director  
of QRxPharma Limited since 2007.

Former directorships in last 3 years 
None

Special responsibilities 
Chair of Audit Committee (resigned 30 September 2013) 
Member of People and Remuneration Committee (resigned 30 September 2013)

Dr Colin Goldschmidt 
MB BCh, FRCPA, FAICD 
Non-executive (resigned 2 May 2014)

Experience and expertise 
Dr Goldschmidt has extensive experience in listed public company management, operational company leadership, international 
business operations and healthcare and scientific markets in Australia, Europe and the USA. He is the CEO of Sonic Healthcare 
Limited, a global laboratory services company. 

Other current directorships 
Managing Director of Sonic Healthcare Limited since 1993.

Former directorships in last 3 years 
None

Special responsibilities 
Member of Audit Committee (resigned 2 May 2014)

28

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

10. Remuneration Report 

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to present to you the Silex Systems Limited Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 June 2014. 

As you are aware, the Board undertook a major strategic review of the Company’s operations in June 2014 in response to the 
deteriorating market conditions and share price. This resulted in a significant restructure of the Company, which continues to 
be implemented. The major strategic review’s implementation has resulted in the Board reviewing the current structure of Key 
Management Personnel (KMP) remuneration to ensure that a clear link is maintained between business performance, corporate 
structure and the remuneration of KMP. This review is ongoing. However some difficult decisions have already been made this 
year, including the Board’s determination that no increases will be made to KMP remuneration for FY 2015. 

In addition, the Board has reviewed the long-term incentive plan offered to executive KMP and ascertained that the plan, in its 
current form, is no longer appropriate and will not be offered in FY 2015. I would like to highlight that the current review also 
includes the fixed remuneration and ‘at risk’ incentives for our CEO/MD which is anticipated to result in a significant reduction in 
total remuneration. 

As Chair of the People & Remuneration Committee, I remain committed to ensuring our remuneration policies and practices 
reinforce and align with the Company’s strategic performance. Following a comprehensive international search, the Board 
was pleased to appoint Mr Chris Murray as CEO of our Solar Systems business in January 2014. Mr Murray is integral to the 
execution of the Board’s major strategic review and his remuneration package has been structured accordingly, with the view  
to realising early shareholder value from this business unit. Details of Mr Murray’s remuneration are included in this report.

On behalf of the Board, I invite you to review the full report and thank you for your continued interest. I look forward to answering 
any questions you may have at our Annual General Meeting in November 2014.

dr lisa mcintyre 
Chair, People & Remuneration Committee

29

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

The Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 June 2014 sets out the remuneration information for the company’s non-executive 
directors, executive directors and other executive key management personnel. The report contains the following sections:

a)  Directors and KMP disclosed in this report 
b)  Remuneration governance 
c)  Linking remuneration to company performance 
d)  Performance of Silex Systems Limited  
e)  Executive KMP remuneration structure 
f)  Non-executive directors remuneration 
g)  Voting and comments made at the Company’s 2013 Annual General Meeting 
h)  Director’s and KMP remuneration  
i)  Details of share-based compensation and bonuses 
j)  Shares under option

a)  Directors and KMP disclosed in this report

The 2014 Remuneration Report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of section 300A of the Corporations 
Act 2001 and accounting standard requirements and applies to KMP of the Company. KMP are defined as those persons who 
have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company. 

Name

Position

Non-executive and executive directors

Dr L M McIntyre

Dr M P Goldsworthy

Mr A M Stock

Mr C D Wilks 

Prof S W R Burdon

Mr R P Campbell

Dr C S Goldschmidt

Other Executive KMP 

Ms J E Ducie

Mr C R Murray

Chair (from 27 June 2014) and Non-executive director

CEO/MD – Executive director

Non-executive director (from 1 August 2013)

Non-executive director 

Chair and Non-executive director (until 25 June 2014 )

Non-executive director (until 30 September 2013 )

Non-executive director (until 2 May 2014 )

CFO/Company Secretary 

CEO – Solar Systems (from 6 January 2014)

b)  Remuneration governance

Board oversight
The Silex Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the Company’s remuneration structure is equitable and aligned with 
the long-term interests of shareholders. The Board and its advisors are independent of Management when making decisions 
affecting employee remuneration. 

People & Remuneration Committee structure
The People & Remuneration Committee is a committee of the Board currently comprised of independent non-executive 
directors. Its role is to make recommendations to the Board regarding the Company’s remuneration policies and practices, 
including those applicable to the Company’s KMP.

30

Silex Annual Report 2014 
 
Directors’ Report

Members of the People & Remuneration Committee as at the date of this report were as follows:

Committee members

Dr L M McIntyre – Chair

Mr A M Stock (member since 1 October 2013)

Mr C D Wilks (member since 27 June 2014)

Committee secretary

Number of meetings in FY 2014

Ms A N Scott

3

Other individuals who regularly attended meetings

Dr M P Goldsworthy – CEO/MD

Ms J E Ducie – CFO/Company Secretary 

The role of the People & Remuneration Committee is to: 

•	  Review and recommend to the Board the appropriate remuneration policies and practices for the Company and its specific 

application to KMP, as well as the general application to all employees;

•	  Determine remuneration levels of the CEO/MD and other KMP; 

•	  Manage the incentive plans which apply to executive directors and senior executives (the executive team), including key 

performance indicators and performance hurdles; and

•	 Review and make recommendations to the Board regarding the remuneration of non-executive directors.

The role and responsibilities of the People & Remuneration Committee are set out in the People & Remuneration Committee 
Charter, which is available on the Company’s website at www.silex.com.au/about/corporate-governance. Further information  
on the People & Remuneration Committee is provided in the Corporate Governance Statement of this Report.

Use of remuneration consultants
The People & Remuneration Committee directly engaged Aon Hewitt to provide recommendations on KMP remuneration 
package structure. Under the terms of the engagement Aon Hewitt provided recommendations as defined in section 9B  
of the Corporations Act 2001. Total fees paid were $7,800 for these services.

Aon Hewitt has confirmed that the above recommendations have been made free from undue influence by members of the 
Company’s KMP.

The following arrangements were made to ensure that the remuneration recommendations were free from undue influence:

•	  Aon Hewitt was engaged by, and reported directly to, the Chair of the People & Remuneration Committee. The agreement  
for the provision of remuneration consulting services was executed by the Chair of the People & Remuneration Committee 
under delegated authority on behalf of the Board;

•	  The report containing the remuneration recommendations was provided by Aon Hewitt directly to the Chair of the People & 

Remuneration Committee; and

•	  Aon Hewitt was permitted to speak to our Group Human Resources Manager throughout the arrangement to understand 

company processes, practices and other business issues. However, Aon Hewitt was not permitted to provide any member  
of Management with a copy of their draft or final report that contained the remuneration recommendations. 

As a consequence, the Board is satisfied that the recommendations were made free from undue influence from any members  
of the KMP.

The remuneration recommendations were provided to Silex as an input into decision making only. The People & Remuneration 
Committee considered the recommendations along with other factors in making the remuneration decisions.

31

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

c)  Linking remuneration to company performance

Remuneration strategy, policy and framework
In determining executive KMP remuneration, the board aims to ensure that remuneration practices are designed to attract, 
motivate and retain highly qualified personnel, whilst having regard for contemporary market practice, good governance and 
alignment to changing business circumstances and strategy execution as we work towards commercialisation of our various 
technologies. The Company aims to reward executive KMP with a level and mix of remuneration commensurate with their position 
and responsibilities within the Company that is competitive within the market in which they were recruited. Those executive KMP 
who have a greater ability to influence outcomes have a greater portion of their overall remuneration package ‘at risk’.

Remuneration for executive KMP is reviewed annually and considers market data, insights into remuneration trends, the 
performance of the Company and the individual, and the broader economic environment. This review is conducted in 
consultation with independent remuneration consultants where appropriate.

The executive KMP remuneration framework has two components:

•	 Total fixed remuneration; and 

•	 At risk incentives.

total Fixed remuneration 

Composition

Purpose

Link to Performance

Comprises base salary, superannuation and any other packaged benefits, 
including motor vehicle benefits.

To provide competitive fixed remuneration set with reference to role,  
market and experience.

Company and individual performance are considered during the annual 
remuneration review.

incentives (Sti/lti) (Success based)

Composition

All executives are eligible to participate in the incentive plan.

Purpose

Link to Performance

Awards are currently paid in cash or by escrow share awards.

Rewards are generally based on a percentage of the executive’s Total Fixed 
Remuneration (TFR) and the ability to influence outcomes for the Company.

To reward executives for their contribution to achievement of Company and/or 
divisional outcomes, as well as divisional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 

At all times the Board has the discretion to make a final determination based on 
share price performance or other factors. 

Performance may be linked to financial metrics such as operating cash flow and 
to non-financial measures, such as commercial deliverables, and other specific 
operational and strategic deliverables for the Company.

Incentive awards may be clawed back if the relevant executive acts fraudulently or 
dishonestly or breaches their obligations to the Company.

The People & Remuneration Committee is responsible for assessing performance against KPIs and determining the incentive 
awards to be paid. To assist in this assessment, the committee receives detailed reports on performance from management. 
The committee has the discretion to adjust awards in light of unexpected or unintended circumstances.

The Company’s policy is to position total fixed remuneration at or around the median percentile of direct industry peers and other 
Australian listed companies of a similar size and complexity. Variable remuneration opportunities are intended to provide KMP 
the opportunity to earn total remuneration above the market median for outstanding performance against the stretch targets.

32

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

d)  Performance of Silex Systems Limited

year ended  
30 June

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

ePS  
Cents

(12.3)

(19.6)

(21.6)

(0.1)

(17.3)

Sti  
$

Share price at 30 June  
$

 85,000 

 13,761 

 304,000 

 140,000 

76,000

4.60

2.92

3.20

2.20

1.16

The increased Net (loss) for the year ($29.6m compared to $0.2m in the prior year) and the resulting increase in the negative 
earnings per share in the current year was mainly due to the accounting impact of the major strategic review and the milestone 
revenue of US$15.0m (AU$15.4m) which was awarded in the previous year ($nil in the current year). It is important to note that 
our cash balance was largely maintained during the year ended 30 June 2014 with only a minimal decrease of $0.4m. 

Silex’s share price has suffered over recent years primarily as a result of the Fukushima event in 2011 which has had a negative 
impact on all uranium-based stocks. Progress in the Company’s various technology projects has not directly been reflected in 
Earnings Per Share (EPS) as the Company’s projects remain in the research and development phase and are yet to generate 
substantial revenue. 

e)  Executive KMP remuneration structure

Remuneration structure
For FY 2014, all executive KMP remuneration packages included a mix of total fixed remuneration (TFR) and at-risk incentives 
(short-term and long-term incentives). An outline of each remuneration component and the maximum potential opportunity is 
shown in the below table:

CeO/md

CFO/Company Secretary

CeO – Solar Systems

Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR)

Composition 

Assessment 

Base salary, superannuation and 
packaged motor vehicle benefits*

Base salary and superannuation 

Base salary, superannuation and 
packaged motor vehicle benefits

Based on responsibilities, 
performance and market data

Based on responsibilities, 
performance and market data

Based on responsibilities, 
performance and market data

At Risk

No

No

No

Maximum Short-Term Incentive Plan Opportunity

Composition 

Assessment 

Maximum value of 50%* of TFR. 
Awards may be delivered in 
cash or Restricted Silex Systems 
Limited ordinary shares subject to 
shareholder approval.

Maximum value of 30% of TFR. 
Awards are currently paid in cash. 
A portion of the payment may also 
be delivered in Restricted Silex 
Systems Limited ordinary shares.

Maximum value of 40% of TFR. 
Awards are currently paid in cash. 
A portion of the payment may also 
be delivered in Restricted Silex 
Systems Limited ordinary shares.

Award is subject to the 
achievement of agreed 
performance criteria comprising 
financial metrics and specific key 
strategic/commercial objectives. 

Award is subject to the 
achievement of divisional and 
Company financial performance, 
supplemented by strategic and 
commercial measures specific to 
business unit deliverables.

Award is subject to the 
achievement of Solar Systems 
financial performance, 
supplemented by strategic and 
commercial measures specific to 
the Solar Systems business.

At Risk

Yes

Yes

Yes

33

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

Other Incentives

Composition 

Assessment 

CeO/md

CFO/Company Secretary

CeO – Solar Systems

A LTI award may be granted 
annually at the discretion of the 
Board to a maximum value of 
62.5%* of TFR. 

A LTI award may be granted 
annually at the discretion of the 
Board to a maximum value of 
25% of TFR. 

The LTI award is subject to 
performance criteria set by the 
Board at the time of issue and 
was approved by shareholders 
at the 2013 AGM. Performance 
criteria for the FY 2014 award 
included a Relative Total 
Shareholder Return and an 
absolute share price hurdle. The 
actual LTI determined at the end 
of the 3 year performance period 
will be paid via the allotment of 
restricted Silex Systems Limited 
ordinary shares subject to a 
further escrow period of 3 years. 

The LTI award is subject to 
performance criteria set by 
the Board at the time of issue. 
Performance criteria for the FY 
2014 award included a Relative 
Total Shareholder Return and an 
absolute share price hurdle. The 
actual LTI determined at the end 
of the 3 year performance period 
will be paid via the allotment of 
restricted Silex Systems Limited 
ordinary shares subject to a 
further escrow period of 3 years. 

A Success fee bonus based 
on the execution of the Board’s 
stated strategy being to obtain a 
transaction for the Solar Systems 
business unit.

The award amount will be 
assessed on the basis of 
the value secured for Silex 
shareholders after taking into 
account Silex’s investment to 
date. The success fee payment 
form will be determined at the 
time of any award and will be 
commensurate with the form of 
payment made to Silex.

The success fee bonus is not 
time-bound and will be assessed 
at the time of financial close of 
a transaction involving the Solar 
Systems business or assets.

At Risk

Yes

Yes

Yes

* A review of the CEO/MD’s remuneration is underway and a significant reduction is anticipated in line with the planned re-focused activities of  
the Company.

Short-term incentive – FY 2014 outcome
In considering the appropriate award for executive KMP short-term incentive achievement in FY 2014, the Board considered 
the Company’s reduced share price. In assessing the appropriateness of an award being made to the CEO/MD, the Board at its 
discretion determined that no award would be made to the CEO/MD for FY 2014. 

The Board also considered the Company’s reduced share price when assessing whether an award would be appropriate for the 
CFO/Company Secretary. While it was determined that the majority of stated deliverables had been achieved (75%), the Board 
discretionally determined that an award of 25% of the maximum short-term incentive opportunity of $80,000 would be granted. 
The resulting gross award of $20,000 will be paid in cash prior to 31 December 2014.

A different approach was adopted by the Board when reviewing the award of an STI for the CEO – Solar Systems. In assessing 
the achievement of targets set for the STI period (2nd half of FY 2014), it was determined that 70% of deliverables had been 
achieved. This will result in an award of 70% of the maximum short-term incentive opportunity of $80,000. The gross award of 
$56,000 will be paid in cash prior to 31 December 2014.

For commercially sensitive reasons, short-term incentive targets for executive KMP are not published within this Remuneration Report, 
however the People & Remuneration Committee believe that all targets are set appropriately and align with shareholder expectations.

34

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

Long-term incentive – issued during FY 2014
Long-term incentives were granted to the CEO/MD and CFO/Company Secretary during FY 2014 and vest subject to a share 
price hurdle of $5.40 and a Total Shareholder Return (TSR) hurdle measured over a three (3) year performance period relative to 
the ASX300 Index:

•	 TSR less than 50th percentile = 0% vesting

•	 TSR at 50th percentile = 25% vesting

•	 TSR at 75th percentile = 75% vesting

•	 TSR at or above 95th percentile = 125% vesting

•	 Pro rata vesting between each of the above 

The target TSR has been set at the 85th percentile to achieve 100% vesting. This compares to 100% vesting at the 75th 
percentile which is the prevalent market practice.

The CEO/MD award was approved by shareholder at the 2013 AGM. The share price hurdle of $5.40 is required to be met  
as at the close of market on the date of the 2016 Annual General Meeting and is equal to the Offer Price from the December 
2010 Placement.

Long-term incentive – FY2015
The People & Remuneration Committee and Silex Board are mindful of general shareholder concern that long-term equity-based 
remuneration be linked to growth in shareholder value. The terms and quantum of future long-term incentives for the CEO/MD 
and CFO/Company Secretary remain subject to review with no long-term incentives to be offered for FY 2015.

The LTI/Success Fee Bonus for the CEO – Solar Systems is not time-bound and remains an ongoing incentive. The maximum 
incentive opportunity will be determined in accordance with the quantum of the transaction and value secured for Silex 
shareholders, with the form of payment to be commensurate with that made to Silex.

Share Trading Policy
The Silex share trading policy applies to all staff including KMP. It only permits the purchase or sale of Company securities  
during certain open periods and applies other restrictions with regard to hedging arrangements. KMP must not enter into any 
hedging arrangements.

f)  Non-executive directors’ remuneration

Aggregate directors’ fees are reviewed annually by the Board taking into account comparable roles and market data provided by 
the Board’s independent remuneration consultant. The director’s fees remain well within the limits of the shareholder approved 
aggregate directors fee pool maximum of $750,000, as approved by shareholders at the 2011 AGM. During the period, a 
process of Board renewal occurred with 2 directors resigning from the Board. The Silex Board will now comprise of 3 non-
executive directors and 1 executive director, a permanent reduction of 2 non-executive directors. The reduction in Board size is 
deemed appropriate in light of the planned re-focused activities of the Company. 

The current fee structure is outlined below:

Board

Committee

Chair

100,000

8,000

member

80,000

6,000

In addition to these fees, statutory entitlements such as superannuation contributions will be paid. Additional fees may be payable 
to Non-executive directors should they undertake specific consulting projects for the Company in the areas of their expertise.

35

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

g)  Voting and comments made at the Company’s 2013 Annual General Meeting

Silex Systems Limited received more than 92% of “yes” votes on its remuneration report for the 2013 financial year. 

h)  Directors’ and KMP remuneration

The table below has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and relevant  
accounting regulations in Australia. This table details the remuneration received by the Company’s KMP for the current and 
previous financial year.

2014

Name

Executive directors 

Dr M P Goldsworthy

Non-executive directors

Dr L M McIntyre 

Mr A M Stock  
(from 1 August 2013)

Mr C D Wilks 

Prof S W R Burdon  
(until 25 June 2014)

Mr R P Campbell  
(until 30 September 2013)

Dr C S Goldschmidt  
(until 2 May 2014)

Other Executive KMP

Ms J E Ducie 

Mr C R Murray  
(from 6 January 2014)

Total

Short-term employee benefits

Cash  
salary and 
fees*  
$

Cash  
bonus  
$

Non - 
monetary 
benefits  
$

Post- 
employment 
benefits

long-
term 
benefits

Super 
annuation  
$

long  
service  
leave  
$

Share-based 
payments

Options  
$

deferred 
rights  
$

total  
$

789,754

- 

19,035

24,975

4,561

231,390 

116,320

1,186,035

94,159

 - 

83,833

145,095

112,000

23,500

72,318

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

266,400

20,000 

 - 

 - 

 - 

- 

-

-

- 

8,710

 - 

7,755

13,422

10,360

2,174

6,689

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

 - 

 - 

77,053

- 

-

-

 - 

 -

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

102,869

91,588

235,570

122,360

25,674

79,007

24,975

4,152

387

 1,801 

317,715

179,073

56,000 

454

29,387

454

 - 

 - 

265,368

1,766,132

76,000 

19,489

128,447

9,167

308,830

118,121

2,426,186

*Inclusive of movement in annual leave accruals.

36

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

2013

Name

Executive directors 

Dr M P Goldsworthy

Non-executive directors

Dr L M McIntyre 
(from 2 July 2012)

Mr C D Wilks 

Prof S W R Burdon 

Mr R P Campbell

Dr C S Goldschmidt

Other Executive KMP 

Ms J E Ducie 

Total

Short-term employee benefits

Cash  
salary and 
fees*  
$

Cash  
bonus  
$

Non - 
monetary 
benefits  
$

Post- 
employment 
benefits

long-
term 
benefits

Super 
annuation  
$

long  
service  
leave  
$

Share-based 
payments

Options  
$

deferred 
rights  
$

total  
$

760,523

- 

63,549

16,740

14,623

231,390 

161,349

1,248,174

92,800

127,844

113,200

94,000

86,000

 - 

- 

- 

- 

- 

238,170

30,000 

 - 

 - 

- 

-

-

- 

8,352

 - 

 - 

13,500

(1,303)

 77,053 

10,188

8,460

7,740

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

101,152

217,094

123,388

102,460

93,740

24,840

1,879

38,437

 10,000 

343,326

1,512,537

30,000 

63,549

89,820

15,199

346,880

171,349

2,229,334

* Inclusive of movement in annual leave accruals.

The relative proportions of remuneration that are linked to performance and those that are fixed are as follows:

Name

Fixed remuneration

at risk – Sti

at risk – lti*

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

Directors

Dr L M McIntyre 

Dr M P Goldsworthy 

Mr A M Stock

Mr C D Wilks 

Prof S W R Burdon 

Mr R P Campbell 

Dr C S Goldschmidt 

Other Executive KMP 

Ms J E Ducie

Mr C R Murray

100.0%

100.0%

70.7%

68.5%

100.0%

N/A

67.3%

64.5%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

N/A

0.0%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

8.0%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

93.0%

78.9%

77.2%

N/A

6.3%

21.1%

11.6%

N/A

N/A

N/A

29.3%

23.5%

N/A

N/A

32.7%

35.5%

N/A

N/A

N/A

0.7%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

11.2%

N/A

* This relates to options and deferred shares issued on a LTI basis with the percentages based on the value of amounts expensed during  
the year.

37

Silex Annual Report 2014 
Directors’ Report

i)  Details of share-based compensation and bonuses

Options
The terms and conditions of each grant of options affecting remuneration in the current or a future reporting period are as follows:

Grant date

30th July 2010

5th July 2011

expiry date

29th July 2015

4th July 2016

8th December 2011

7th December 2016

exercise 
price

$4.65

$2.92

$2.04

Value per 
option at 
grant date

$1.97

$1.18

date exercisable (subject to 
share price hurdle) 

100% after 30th July 2012*

100% after 5th July 2013

$0.63

100% after 8th December 2014

Share 
price 
hurdle

$4.86

$3.05

$2.13

* 40,000 options to Ms J E Ducie vested during the year ended 30 June 2013. However, as the share price hurdle has not been met, these 
options remain unable to be exercised. 

Options granted under the plan carry no dividend or voting rights.

Details of options over ordinary shares in the company provided as remuneration to KMP are shown below. When exercisable, 
each option is convertible into one ordinary share of Silex Systems Limited. Vesting of the options following the vesting date is 
subject to meeting the share price hurdle. 

The exercise price of the options is based on the volume weighted average price of the shares for the 5 trading days preceding 
the date of issue. 

Name

year of grant

years in  
which options 
may vest

Number 
of options 
granted

Vested 
%

Dr M P Goldsworthy

Y/E 30/06/2012

 Y/E 30/06/2015

1,102,207

Mr C D Wilks

Ms J E Ducie

Ms J E Ducie

Y/E 30/06/2012

 Y/E 30/06/2015

367,035

Y/E 30/06/2011

Y/E 30/06/2013*

Y/E 30/06/2012

 Y/E 30/06/2014

40,000

60,000

- 

- 

100 

100 

Number 
of options 
forfeited 
during the 
year

maximum 
total value of 
grant to vest 
($)

- 

- 

- 

- 

694,170

231,159

N/A

N/A

* These options issued to Ms J E Ducie are subject to a share price hurdle of $4.86 , which had not been achieved between the period between 
two years after grant date and 30 June 2014.

The assessed fair value at grant date of options granted to individuals is allocated equally over the period from grant date 
to vesting date, and the amount is included in the remuneration tables above. Fair values on grant date are independently 
determined using a binomial option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact 
of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk-
free interest rate for the term of the option.

The Employee Share Option Plan (No. 1) under which the above options were issued was terminated by a resolution of the Silex 
Board in accordance with the plan rules on 24 October 2013. There were no options granted or any options exercised by any 
individual during FY 2014.

38

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

Bonuses and rights to deferred shares
For each award of deferred shares, the percentage of bonus awarded or forfeited in the financial year is set out below. All shares 
issued are subject to an escrow period ending 30 June 2015.

Name

Dr M P Goldsworthy

Ms J E Ducie

awarded 
% 

Forfeited 
%

Performance 
period

year granted

Number 
granted

25%

80%

75% Y/E 30/06/2013

Y/E 30/06/2014

44,843

20% Y/E 30/06/2013

Y/E 30/06/2014

3,759

Value  
per 
share  
$

2.23

2.66

Value of  
shares 
issued  
$

100,000

9,999

Equity Instruments held by KMP
The below table shows the number of ordinary shares in the company that were held during the financial year by KMP of the 
Company, including by entities related to them:

balance at the 
start of the year

received 
during the year 
on the exercise 
of options

received on 
vesting of rights 
to shares

Other changes 
during the year

balance at the 
end of the year

2014

Directors 

Dr L M McIntyre

 8,230 

Dr M P Goldsworthy

 5,934,212 

Mr A M Stock

Mr C D Wilks

Former Directors*

Prof S W R Burdon

Mr R P Campbell

 - 

 2,814,021 

35,000

1,354,823

Dr C S Goldschmidt

 2,525,937 

Other Executive KMP

Ms J E Ducie

Mr C R Murray

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 44,843 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 3,759 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

8,230

5,979,055

 - 

 2,814,021 

 N/A 

 N/A 

 N/A 

 3,759 

 - 

*This information relates to the period these individuals were Directors. 

39

Silex Annual Report 2014 
 
 
Directors’ Report

The below table shows the number of options over ordinary shares in the company that were held during the financial year by 
KMP of the Company, including by entities related to them:

Granted  
during 
the 
year as 
compen-
sation

lapsed 
during 
the  
year

balance 
at the 
start of 
the year

Forfeited 
during 
the year

exercised 
during the 
year

balance 
at the 
end of 
the year

Vested and 
exercisable 
at the end  
of the year unvested

2014 Name

Directors

Dr M P Goldsworthy

Mr C D Wilks

1,102,207 

367,035 

Other Executive KMP

Ms J E Ducie

 100,000 

 - 

- 

 - 

 - 

- 

 - 

 - 

- 

 - 

 -  1,102,207 

 - 

 1,102,207 

- 

367,035 

- 

367,035 

 - 

 100,000 

 60,000 

 - 

j) 

 Shares under option

Unissued ordinary shares of Silex Systems Limited under option at the date of this report are as follows:

Number of options

issue price of shares

Grant date

expiry date

130,000

350,000

200,000

165,000

245,000

1,469,242

2,559,242

$6.13

$5.24

$4.65

$5.28

$2.92

$2.04

11th January 2010

10th January 2015

27th May 2010

30th July 2010

26th May 2015

29th July 2015

15th October 2010

14th October 2015

5th July 2011

4th July 2016

8th December 2011

7th December 2016

No option holder has any right under the options to participate in any other share issue of the company or any other entity.

11. Company secretary

Ms Julie Ducie, BBus, CA, GAICD was appointed to the position of Company Secretary in October 2010. Before joining Silex, 
Ms Ducie spent 4 years in the Construction industry in the Middle East as Finance Manager of a Facade Engineering company 
with projects in Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar. Prior to this, Julie was a Senior Associate with a Chartered Accounting Practice. 

40

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

12. Meetings

The number of directors’ meetings held during the financial year and the number of meetings attended by each director are set 
out in the following table:

director’s name

Dr L M McIntyre

Dr M P Goldsworthy

Mr A M Stock

Mr C D Wilks

Prof S W R Burdon**

Mr R P Campbell**

Dr C S Goldschmidt**

directors’ meetings

audit Committee 
meetings

People & remuneration 
Committee meetings

Number 
Held

Number 
attended

Number 
Held

Number 
attended

Number 
Held

Number 
attended

16

16

14

16

16

5

11

16

16

14

14

14

5

9

3

* 

2

* 

3 

1 

2

3

 * 

2

* 

2 

 1 

2 

3

* 

1

 * 

 3 

 2 

* 

3

* 

1

 * 

 3

2 

* 

* Not a member of the relevant committee at the time the scheduled meetings were held 
** Resigned during the year

13. Indemnification and insurance of directors

The Company has entered into agreements to indemnify the directors of the Company against all liabilities to persons (other 
than the Company or related body corporate) which arise out of the performance of their normal duties as directors or executive 
officers unless the liability relates to conduct involving lack of good faith. The Company has agreed to indemnify the directors 
and executive officers against all costs and expenses incurred in defending an action that falls within the scope of the indemnity. 

The directors’ and officers’ liability insurance provides cover against all costs and expenses involved in defending legal actions 
and any resulting payments arising from a liability to persons (other than the Company) incurred in their position as a director or 
executive officer unless the conduct involves a wilful breach of duty or an improper use of inside information or position to gain 
advantage. The insurance policy does not allow specific disclosure of the nature of the liabilities insured against or the premium 
paid under the policy. 

14. Environmental regulation

The parent entity is subject to the environmental and health and safety regulations applicable to tenants of the Lucas Heights 
Science and Technology Centre. The parent entity is also bound by the rules and regulations set out in the Australian Radiation 
Protection and Nuclear Safety Act, 1998, and is a licensee under the Act. Solar Systems is subject to a number of regulations 
including VIC Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, VIC Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007, VIC Dangerous 
Goods Act 1985, VIC Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Interim Regulations 2011.

To the best of the Directors’ knowledge, all environmental and health and safety regulatory requirements have been met and 
there have been no claims made during the financial year.

41

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

15. Non-audit services

The company may decide to employ the auditor on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where the auditor’s 
expertise and experience with the company and/or the consolidated entity are important.

Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditor (PricewaterhouseCoopers) for audit and non-audit services provided during 
the year are set out below. 

The Board of Directors has considered the position and, in accordance with the advice received from the Audit Committee, 
is satisfied that the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors 
imposed by the Corporations Act 2001. The directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services by the auditor, as set 
out below, did not compromise the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

•	  All non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit Committee to ensure they do not impact the impartiality and objectivity 

of the auditor.

•	  None of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in Professional Statement 
F1, including reviewing or auditing the auditor’s own work, acting in a management or a decision-making capacity for the 
company, acting as advocate for the company or jointly sharing economic risk and rewards.

During the year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by the auditor of the parent company, its related 
practices and non-related audit firms.

2014  
$

2013  
$

 165,000 

 165,000 

 181,000 

 181,000 

 10,000 

 10,000 

 175,000 

 75,400 

 75,400 

 250,400 

 10,000 

 10,000 

 191,000 

 - 

 - 

 191,000 

remuneration of auditors

(a) Assurance services

Audit services

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm

Audit and review of financial reports and other audit work under  
the Corporations Act 2001

Total remuneration for audit services

Other assurance services

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm

Audit of government grants

Total remuneration for other assurance services

Total remuneration for assurance services

(b) Other services

Corporate services

Total remuneration for other services

total remuneration

42

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Report

16. Auditors

PricewaterhouseCoopers continues in office in accordance with section 327 of the Corporations Act 2001.

17. Auditors’ independence declaration

A copy of the auditors’ independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on 
page 44.

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

dr m P Goldsworthy  
CEO/MD 

Sydney, 26 September 2014

mr C d Wilks 
Director

43

Silex Annual Report 2014 
 
Directors’ Report

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

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

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

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

This declaration is in respect of Silex Systems Limited and the entities it controlled during the period.

Stephen Humphries 
Partner 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Sydney
26 September 2014

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171 
T +61 2 8266 0000, F +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

44

Silex Annual Report 2014Corporate Governance Statement

Silex Systems Limited (the Company) and the Board are committed to achieving and demonstrating the highest standards  
of corporate governance. The Board continues to review the framework and practices to ensure they meet the interests  
of shareholders. 

A description of the Company’s main corporate governance practices is set out below. All these practices, unless otherwise 
stated, were in place for the entire year. They comply with the second edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations, noting that the third edition of the ASX Principles was released on 27 March 2014, and takes effect for a 
listed entity’s first full financial year commencing on or after 1 July 2014, the Company will report against the third edition in its 
2015 Corporate Governance Statement. Silex has commenced a process of reviewing and updating its corporate governance 
documentation and practices against the third edition of the ASX Principles.

Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight

The directors are responsible to shareholders for the performance of the Company in both the short and the longer term and 
seek to balance sometimes competing objectives in the best interests of the Company as a whole. Their focus is to enhance  
the interests of shareholders and other key stakeholders and to ensure the Company is properly managed.

Day to day management of the Company’s affairs and the implementation of the corporate strategy and policy initiatives are 
formally delegated by the Board to the CEO/MD and senior executives.

The Board of Directors is accountable to shareholders for the performance of the Company and is responsible for the corporate 
governance practices of the Company.

The Board’s principal objective is to maintain and increase shareholder value while ensuring that the Company’s overall activities 
are properly managed.

Silex’s corporate governance practices provide the structure which enables the Board’s principal objective to be achieved,  
whilst ensuring that the business and affairs of the Company are conducted ethically and in accordance with the law.

The Board’s overall responsibilities include:

•	 providing strategic direction and approving corporate strategies;

•	 appointing and removing CEOs;

•	 reviewing and approving business plans, annual budgets and financial plans;

•	 monitoring management and financial performance and reporting;

•	 monitoring and ensuring the maintenance of adequate risk management controls and reporting mechanisms; and

•	 ensuring the business is conducted ethically and transparently.

The Board delegates responsibility for day-to-day management of the business to the CEO/MD and senior executives as set 
out in the Company’s delegations policy. These delegations are reviewed on an annual basis. The CEO/MD also oversees the 
implementation of strategies approved by the Board. The Board uses committees to support it in matters that require more 
intensive review and involvement. Details of the Board committees are provided below.

As part of its commitment to good corporate governance, the Board undertakes regular reviews of the practices and standards 
governing the Board’s composition, independence and effectiveness, the accountability and compensation of directors and the 
Board’s responsibility for the stewardship of the Company.

The Chair undertakes an annual assessment of the performance of the CEO/MD, senior executives and the non-executive 
directors and meets privately with each director to discuss this assessment. The CEO/MD meets annually with senior 
management to discuss their performance. Feedback is also sought from other directors. 

45

Silex Annual Report 2014Corporate Governance Statement

Principle 2: Structure the Board to add value

The Board is comprised of both executive and non-executive directors with a majority of non-executive directors. Non-executive 
directors bring a balanced perspective to the Board’s consideration of strategic, risk and performance matters and are best 
placed to exercise independent judgement and review and constructively challenge the performance of management.

The Chair is an independent non-executive director and all directors are required to bring independent judgement to bear in their 
Board decision making. The Chair is elected by the full Board.

The Company maintains a mix of directors on the Board from different backgrounds with complementary skills and experience. 
When a new director is to be appointed, the Board prepares a list of the requisite range of skills, experience and expertise.  
From this, the Board prepares a short-list of candidates with appropriate skills and experience. A number of channels are  
used to source candidates to ensure the company benefits from a diverse range of individuals in the selection process. 

The directors of the Company in office at the date of this statement are:

Name

age Position

expertise

year appointed director

Dr L M McIntyre

49

Non-executive director

Dr M P Goldsworthy

56

CEO/MD

Mr A M Stock

62

Non-executive director

Mr C D Wilks

56

Non-executive director

Strategy, Commercialisation and 
Company Management

Physicist and Co-inventor  
of the SILEX Technology and 
Company Management

Energy industry and  
Company Management

Investment Banking, Finance  
and Company Management

2012

1992

2013

1988

Dr L M McIntyre and Mr A M Stock are considered independent. An independent director cannot be a substantial shareholder 
(as defined in section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001). The size and composition of the Board is determined by the full Board. 
Additional information on the skills and experience of the directors is included in Section 9 of the Directors’ Report.

Directors’ independence

The Board has adopted specific principles in relation to directors’ independence. These state that to be deemed independent,  
a director must be a non-executive and:

•	  not be a substantial shareholder of the Company or an officer of, or otherwise associated directly with, a substantial 

shareholder of the Company;

•	  within the last three years, not have been employed in an executive capacity by the Company or any other group member,  

or been a director after ceasing to hold any such employment;

•	  within the last three years not have been a principal of a material professional adviser or a material consultant to the Company 

or any other group member, or an employee materially associated with the service provided;

•	  not be a material supplier or customer of the Company or any other group member, or an officer of or otherwise associated 

directly or indirectly with a material supplier or customer;

•	 must have no material contractual relationship with the Company or a controlled entity other than as a director of the Group; and

•	  be free from any interest and any business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially 

interfere with the director’s ability to act in the best interests of the Company.

46

Silex Annual Report 2014Corporate Governance Statement

Materiality for these purposes is determined on both quantitative and qualitative bases. In addition, a transaction of any amount 
or a relationship is deemed material if knowledge of it may impact the shareholders’ understanding of the director’s performance.

Recent thinking on corporate governance has introduced the view that a director’s independence may be perceived to be 
impacted by lengthy service on the Board. The Board will continue to monitor developments on this issue and further consider 
and review the independence status of long serving directors. 

Non-executive directors

The non-executive directors met during the year, in scheduled sessions without the presence of management, to discuss the 
operation of the Board and a range of other matters. Relevant matters arising from these meetings were shared with the full Board.

Term of office

The Company’s Constitution specifies that all directors other than the CEO/MD must retire from office no later than the third 
annual general meeting (AGM) following their last election, with a minimum of one director retiring from office each year.  
Where eligible, a director may stand for re-election. Prior to appointment or being submitted for re-election each non-executive 
director is required to specifically acknowledge that they have and will continue to have the time available to discharge their 
responsibilities to the Company. 

Chair, CEO/MD and Senior Executives

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board, ensuring directors are properly briefed in all matters relevant to their role and 
responsibilities, and facilitating Board discussions. 

The CEO/MD and senior executives are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Company’s affairs, and for 
implementing Company strategies and policies as determined by the Board of Directors. 

Induction

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

Board meetings

The Board meets formally at least 9 times a year to consider a broad range of matters, including progress with respect to the 
Company’s various development programs, strategy, financial reviews, acquisitions and investments. Details of meetings and 
attendances are set out in the Directors’ Report. 

Conflicts of interest of directors

The Board has guidelines dealing with disclosure of interests by directors and participation and voting at board meetings where 
any such interests are discussed. In accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, any director with a material personal interest 
in a matter being considered by the Board does not receive the relevant board papers, must not be present when the matter is 
being considered, and may not vote on the matter.

47

Silex Annual Report 2014Corporate Governance Statement

Independent professional advice

Directors and board committees have the right, in connection with their duties and responsibilities, to seek independent professional 
advice at the Company’s expense. Prior written approval of the Chair is required, but this will not be unreasonably withheld. 

All directors have access to Company records and information and receive detailed financial and operational reports from senior 
management during the year to enable them to carry out their duties. Directors also liaise with senior management as required, 
and may consult with other employees and seek additional information on request.

Performance assessment and remuneration

The Board meets to undertake an annual self-assessment of its collective performance, the performance of the Chair and of its 
committees. Due to the appointment of a new Chair, this process was performed in September 2014. The Board discusses a 
broad range of issues including the progress of the various research, development and commercialisation projects, the financial 
results, major deals negotiated and the share price. The Board considers the appropriate mix of skills required by the Board to 
maximise its effectiveness and its contribution to the Company.

The Chair undertakes an annual assessment of the performance of individual directors and holds discussions with each director 
to discuss this assessment. The CEO/MD and the Chair meet annually with non-director senior executives to discuss their 
performance. Feedback is also sought from other directors.

The Directors’ Report contains details of remuneration paid to directors and KMP. Executive and non-executive directors’  
fees are clearly separated in the Directors’ Report. Where bonuses are paid, details of the reason for the bonus are described. 
Equity awards issued to executive directors are approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.

Additional information on performance evaluation and remuneration is provided in the Directors’ Report.

Board committees

The Board has established a number of committees to assist in the execution of its duties and to allow detailed consideration 
of complex issues. Current committees of the Board are the People & Remuneration and Audit Committees. Each is comprised 
solely of non-executive directors. The committee structure and membership is reviewed on an annual basis. 

Nomination committee

The Board has decided that it is in the Company’s best interests that the full Board deals with nomination issues. As a result,  
a Nomination Committee has not been established. From time to time, the Board may establish a temporary sub-committee  
to assist the Board in fulfilling its nomination responsibilities. 

48

Silex Annual Report 2014Corporate Governance Statement

Principle 3: Promote ethical and responsible decision making

Code of conduct

The Company has developed a Code of Conduct (the Code) which has been fully endorsed by the Board and applies to all 
directors and employees. 

In summary, the Code requires that at all times Company personnel act with the utmost integrity, objectivity and in compliance 
with the letter and the spirit of the law and company policies. A copy of the Code is available on the Company’s website at: 
www.silex.com.au/about/corporate-governance. 

Diversity policy

The Company values diversity and recognises the benefits it can bring to the organisation’s ability to achieve its goals. 
Accordingly, the Company has developed a diversity policy, a copy of which can be found on the Company’s website. 
This policy outlines the Company’s position on all forms of diversity, in particular diversity as it relates to gender. It includes 
requirements for the Board to establish measurable objectives for achieving diversity, and for the Board to assess annually both 
the objectives, and the Company’s progress in achieving them. 

In accordance with this policy and ASX Corporate Governance Principles, the Board has established the following objectives 
in relation to gender diversity. The aim is to achieve these objectives over the coming 2 to 3 years as director, senior executive 
positions and management become vacant and appropriately skilled candidates are available:

Number of women employees in the whole organisation

Number of women in senior executive and management positions

Number of women on the Board

Objective %

actual %

 35.0%

 35.0% 

 33.0% 

21.0%

43.0%

25.0%

Responsibility for diversity has been included in the board charter and the people and remuneration committee charter (diversity 
at all levels of the Company).

The Company submitted the annual compliance report for the year ended 30 June 2014 to the Workplace Gender Equality 
Agency and has been deemed compliant with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.

Share trading policy

The Company has in place a formal share trading policy which places certain prohibitions on the trading of the Company’s 
shares. The policy is on the Company’s website at: www.silex.com.au/about/corporate-governance. All Silex share dealings by 
directors are promptly notified to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). All directors and employees are prohibited from buying 
and selling Silex shares at any time if they are aware of any material price sensitive information that has not been made available 
to the public. Trading of the subsequently issued shares is however subject to the prohibitions above. 

49

Silex Annual Report 2014Corporate Governance Statement

Principle 4: Safeguarding integrity in financial reporting

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee consists of the following non-executive directors: 

Mr A M Stock (Chair from 1 October 2013) 
Dr L M McIntyre 
Mr C D Wilks (member since 27 June 2014)

Mr R P Campbell (Chair until his resignation 30 September 2013) 
Prof S W R Burdon (until his resignation 25 June 2014) 
Dr C S Goldschmidt (until his resignation 2 May 2014)

Details of these directors’ qualifications and attendance at Audit Committee meetings are set out in the Directors’ Report. 

The Audit Committee has appropriate financial expertise and all members are financially literate and have an appropriate 
understanding of the industries in which the Company operates.

The Audit Committee has its own charter setting out its role and responsibilities, composition, structure, membership 
requirements and the manner in which the committee is to operate. The charter is reviewed on an annual basis and is available 
on the Company’s website at: www.silex.com.au/about/corporate-governance. 

Minutes of committee meetings are tabled at the subsequent Board meeting. 

The main responsibilities of the committee are to:

•	  review, assess and approve the financial reports and all other financial information published by the Company or released to 

the market;

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

 – effectiveness and efficiency of operations
 – reliability of financial reporting
 – compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

•	 oversee the effective operation of the risk management framework;

•	  recommend to the Board the appointment, removal and remuneration of the external auditors, and review the terms of their 

engagement, the scope and quality of the audit and assess performance;

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

•	  review and approve the level of non-audit services provided by the external auditors and ensure it does not adversely impact 

on auditor independence;

•	  review and monitor related party transactions and assess their propriety; and

•	  report to the Board on matters relevant to the committee’s role and responsibilities.

In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee receives regular reports from Management and the external auditors. It also 
meets with the external auditors at least twice a year – more frequently if necessary, and reviews any significant disagreements 
between the auditors and Management, irrespective of whether they have been resolved. The external auditors have a clear line 
of direct communication at any time to either the Chair of the Audit Committee or the Chair of the Board. 

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

50

Silex Annual Report 2014Corporate Governance Statement

External auditors

The Company and Audit Committee policy is to appoint external auditors who clearly demonstrate quality and independence. 
The performance of the external auditor is reviewed annually and applications for tender of external audit services are  
requested as deemed appropriate, taking into consideration assessment of performance, existing value and tender costs.  
It is PricewaterhouseCoopers’ policy to rotate audit engagement partners on listed companies at least every five years. 

An analysis of fees paid to the external auditors, including a break-down of fees for non-audit services, is provided in the Directors’ 
Report. It is the policy of the external auditors to provide annual declarations of their independence to the audit committee.

The external auditor is requested to attend the annual general meeting and be available to answer shareholder questions about 
the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content of the Audit Report.

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

Continuous disclosure and shareholder communication 

The Company has written policies and procedures on information disclosure that focus on continuous disclosure of any 
information concerning the Company and its subsidiaries that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect 
on the price of the Company’s securities. These policies and procedures also include the arrangements the Company has in 
place to promote effective communication with shareholders and encourage participation at general meetings. The Company’s 
Continuous Disclosure Policy is available on the Company’s website.

The Company Secretary has been nominated as the person responsible for communications with the Australian Stock  
Exchange (ASX). This role includes responsibility for ensuring compliance with the continuous disclosure requirements in the  
ASX Listing Rules and overseeing and co-ordinating information disclosure to the ASX, analysts, brokers, shareholders,  
the media and the public.

Information disclosed to the ASX is posted on the Company’s website as soon as it is disclosed to the ASX. Procedures have 
also been established for reviewing whether any price sensitive information has been inadvertently disclosed, and if so, this 
information is also immediately released to the market.

The role of shareholders

The Board of Directors aims to ensure that the shareholders are informed of all major developments affecting the Company’s 
state of affairs. Information is communicated to shareholders as follows:

•	  The Annual Report is distributed to all shareholders who have elected to receive it and is posted on the Company’s website. 

The Board ensures that the Annual Report includes relevant information about the operations of the Company during the year, 
changes in the state of affairs of the Company and details of likely future developments, in addition to the other disclosures 
required by the Corporations Act 2001;

•	  Proposed major changes in the Company which may impact on share ownership rights are submitted to a vote of shareholders.

The Board encourages full participation of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to ensure a high level of accountability and 
identification with the Company’s strategy and goals. Important issues are presented to the shareholders as single resolutions.

The shareholders are responsible for voting on the appointment of directors.

51

Silex Annual Report 2014Corporate Governance Statement

Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk

The Board, through the Audit Committee, is responsible for ensuring there are adequate policies in relation to risk management, 
compliance and internal control systems. These policies, detailed in the Audit Committee charter, are available on the Company 
website. In summary, the Company policies are designed to ensure strategic, operational, legal, reputation and financial  
risks are identified, assessed, effectively and efficiently managed and monitored to enable achievement of the Company’s 
business objectives.

Considerable importance is placed on maintaining a strong control environment. There is an organisational structure with clearly 
drawn lines of accountability and delegation of authority. Adherence to the Code of Conduct is required at all times and the 
Board actively promotes a culture of quality and integrity. 

Detailed control procedures cover management accounting, financial reporting, project appraisal, environment, health and 
safety, IT security, compliance and other risk management issues. 

The Board requires management to design and implement the risk management and internal control system to manage the 
Company’s material business risks. The Board discusses these policies at regular intervals. For example, management provides 
details of cash deposits, intellectual property patenting, significant commercial exposures and various other business risks on a 
regular basis for review. The risks are managed in accordance with the risk management system in place and periodically reviewed. 
Management has reported to the Board on the effectiveness of the Company’s management of its material business risks. 

The Board requires that each major proposal submitted to the Board for decision is accompanied by sufficient due diligence  
and risk review.

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

The Company recognises the importance of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) issues and is committed to the highest 
levels of performance. To help meet this objective, OH&S Committees have been established to facilitate the systematic 
identification of OH&S issues and to ensure they are managed in a structured and rigorous manner. This system has been 
operating for a number of years and allows the Company to:

•	 monitor its compliance with all relevant OH&S legislation and regulations;

•	 continually assess and improve the effectiveness of the Company’s OH&S program;

•	 encourage employees to actively participate in the management of all OH&S issues; and

•	 reinforce the importance of safe work practices throughout the Company, as mandated by management.

Environmental regulation

As noted in the Directors’ Report, the parent entity is subject to the environmental and health and safety regulations applicable 
to tenants of the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre. The parent entity is also bound by the rules and regulations set 
out in the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act, 1998, and is a licensee under that Act. Solar Systems is also 
subject to a number of regulations including VIC Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, VIC Occupational Health and Safety 
Regulations 2007, VIC Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and VIC Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Interim Regulations 
2011. To the best of the Directors’ knowledge, all environmental regulatory requirements have been met. 

52

Silex Annual Report 2014Corporate Governance Statement

Corporate reporting

In complying with recommendation 7.3, the CEO/MD and CFO/Company Secretary have made the following certifications  
to the Board:

•	  that the Company’s financial reports are complete and present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of the financial 

condition and operational results of the Company are in accordance with relevant accounting standards; and

•	  that the above statement is founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control and that the system is 

operating effectively in all material respects in relation to financial reporting risks.

Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly

People & Remuneration Committee

The People & Remuneration Committee consists of the following non-executive directors: 

Dr L M McIntyre – Chair  
Mr A M Stock (member from 1 October 2013) 
Mr C D Wilks (member since 27 June 2014)

Prof S W R Burdon (until his resignation 25 June 2014) 
Mr R P Campbell (until his resignation 30 September 2013)

Details of these directors’ attendance at People and Remuneration Committee meetings are set out in the Directors’ Report.

The role and responsibilities of the People & Remuneration Committee are set out in the People & Remuneration Committee 
charter, which is available on the Company’s website at: www.silex.com.au/about/corporate-governance. 

The People & Remuneration Committee advises the Board on remuneration and incentive policies and practices generally,  
and makes specific recommendations on remuneration packages and other terms of employment for executive directors,  
other senior executives and non-executive directors. Further information on directors’ and KMP’s remuneration is set out in  
the Directors’ Report, which distinguishes non-executive directors’ remuneration from that of executive directors and KMP.

The People & Remuneration Committee adopts policies that attract and maintain talented and motivated directors and 
employees so as to encourage enhanced performance.

53

Silex Annual Report 2014This page has been left blank intentionally.

54

Silex Annual Report 2014Concise Financial Report 
30 June 2014

Contents

56  Consolidated income statement

57  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

58  Consolidated balance sheet 

59  Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

60  Consolidated statement of cash flows 

61  Notes to the financial statements

66  Directors’ declaration

67 

Independent auditor’s report to the members 

Relationship of the concise financial report to the full financial report

The concise financial report is an extract from the full financial report for the year ended 30 June 2014. 
The financial statements and specific disclosures included in the concise financial report have been 
derived from the full financial report. 

The concise financial report cannot be expected to provide as full an understanding of the 
financial performance, financial position and financing and investing activities of Silex 
Systems Limited and its subsidiaries as the full financial report. Further financial 
information can be obtained from the full financial report. 

The full financial report and auditor’s report will be sent to members on 
request, free of charge. Please call +61 2 9704 8888 and request a 
copy of the full financial report (or email enquiries@silex.com.au). 
Alternatively, you can access both the full financial report  
and the concise report via the internet on our  
website: www.silex.com.au. 

ABN 69 003 372 067

55

Silex Annual Report 2014 
Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 30 June 2014

revenue from continuing operations

Other income 

Cost of sales

Research and development materials

Finance costs

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Impairment of intangibles

Employee benefits expense

Consultants and professional fees

Printing, postage, freight and stationery

Rent, utilities and property outgoings

Net foreign exchange losses

Other expenses from ordinary activities

(loss)/profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Net (loss)/profit from continuing operations

Note

2

3

2014  
$

2013 
 $

7,398,554

23,642,782

 24,010,247 

 7,708,938 

(5,185,474)

(4,618,244)

(529)

(3,620,804)

(2,355,960)

(1,793)

(18,887,138)

(2,945,893)

(12,379,766)

-

(13,016,744)

(14,431,523) 

(2,521,051)

(2,602,855)

(146,958)

(265,960)

(1,840,250)

(1,344,423)

(15,847)

 - 

(2,043,177)

(1,591,472)

(29,246,377)

2,191,037

 - 

 - 

(29,246,377)

2,191,037

Net (loss) from discontinued operations

5

(385,083)

(2,421,488)

Net (loss) for the year

(29,631,460)

(230,451)

Net (loss) is attributable to:

Owners of Silex Systems Limited

Non-controlling interests

(29,488,786)

(142,674)

(29,631,460)

(93,119)

(137,332)

(230,451)

2014  
Cents

2013  
Cents

Earnings per share for (loss)/profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share for (loss) attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

(17.2)

(17.2)

(17.3)

(17.3)

1.3

1.3

(0.1)

(0.1)

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

56

Silex Annual Report 2014 
 Consolidated Statement  
of Comprehensive Income 
for the year ended 30 June 2014

Net (loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Owners of Silex Systems Limited

Non-controlling interest

total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to owners  
of Silex Systems Limited arises from:

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

2014  
$

2013  
$

(29,631,460)

(230,451)

(295,336)

(295,336)

(29,926,796)

(29,784,122)

(142,674)

(29,926,796)

212,435

212,435

(18,016)

119,316

(137,332)

(18,016)

(29,538,133)

2,406,755

(245,989)

(2,287,439)

(29,784,122)

119,316

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

57

Silex Annual Report 2014Consolidated Balance Sheet
as at 30 June 2014

Note

30 June 2014  
$

30 June 2013  
$

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Held to maturity investments - term deposits

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Assets held for sale

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax assets

Intangible assets

Investments accounted for using the equity method

Total non-current assets

total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

4

Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale

4

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Total non-current liabilities

total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Contributed equity

Reserves

Accumulated losses

Capital and reserves attributable to owners of:

Silex Systems Limited

Non-controlling interest

total equity

3,178,811

60,756,039

2,571,418

18,498

66,524,766

30,819,183

97,343,949

8,720,156

55,663,843

21,048,200

3,642,672

89,074,871

-

89,074,871

110,226

27,427,549

2,491

6,594

 - 

6,080

20,618,441

103,131

119,311

48,155,201

97,463,260

137,230,072

1,469,740

1,237,149

2,706,889

2,559,317

5,266,206

 - 

111,971

111,971

7,440,541

1,062,291

8,502,832

-

8,502,832

7,210,483

192,501

7,402,984

5,378,177

15,905,816

92,085,083

121,324,256

231,671,231

231,417,226

9,882,811

9,744,529

(148,650,577)

(119,161,791)

92,903,465

121,999,964

(818,382)

(675,708)

92,085,083

121,324,256

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

58

Silex Annual Report 2014 
 Consolidated Statement  
of Changes in Equity 
for the year ended 30 June 2014

attributable to owners of Silex Systems limited

Contributed 
equity 
$ 

reserves  
$

accumulated 
losses  
$

Non-
controlling 
interests  
$

total  
$

total  
$

231,068,369

9,180,044

(119,068,672)

121,179,741

(538,376)

120,641,365

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(93,119)

(93,119)

(137,332)

(230,451)

212,435

 - 

212,435

 - 

212,435

212,435

(93,119)

119,316

(137,332)

(18,016)

balance at  
30 June 2012

Net (loss) for the year

Exchange differences 
on translation of foreign 
operations

total comprehensive 
income for the year

transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

Shares to employees, 
net of transaction costs

Employee shares and 
options - value of 
employee services

Transfer from  
share-based payments 
reserve

Deferred tax credit 
recognised directly in 
equity

balance at  
30 June 2013

Net (loss) for the year

Exchange differences 
on translation of foreign 
operations

total comprehensive 
income for the year

(5,367)

 - 

 - 

711,531

 359,481 

(359,481)

(5,257)

348,857

 - 

352,050

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(5,367)

711,531

-

(5,257)

700,907

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

- 

 (5,367)

 711,531

 - 

(5,257)

 700,907

231,417,226

9,744,529

(119,161,791)

121,999,964

(675,708)

121,324,256

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(29,488,786)

(29,488,786)

(142,674)

(29,631,460)

(295,336)

 - 

(295,336)

 - 

(295,336)

(295,336)

(29,488,786)

(29,784,122)

(142,674)

(29,926,796)

transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

Shares to employees, 
net of transaction costs

Employee shares and 
options - value of 
employee services

Transfer from share-
based payments 
reserve

Deferred tax credit 
recognised directly  
in equity

balance at  
30 June 2014

(4,966)

 - 

 - 

696,178

 262,560 

(262,560)

(3,589)

254,005

 - 

433,618

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(4,966)

696,178

 - 

(3,589)

687,623

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

- 

(4,966)

 696,178

 - 

(3,589)

 687,623 

231,671,231

9,882,811

(148,650,577)

92,903,465

(818,382)

92,085,083

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

59

Silex Annual Report 2014Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 30 June 2014

2014  
$

2013 
$

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers and government grants (inclusive of GST)

30,060,966

19,625,906

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)

Interest received

Interest paid

Net cash inflows/(outflows) from operating activities

(28,773,788)

(31,567,717)

1,971,167

3,719,524

(529)

(1,793)

3,257,816

(8,224,080)

Cash flows from investing activities 

Payments for held to maturity investments - term deposits

(5,092,196)

 - 

Proceeds from held to maturity investments - term deposits

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Payments for intangibles

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Net cash (outflows)/inflows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities 

Transaction costs from issue of shares 

Net cash (outflows) from financing activities

 - 

28,249,078

(708,533)

(13,818,509)

(2,935,502)

(1,598,172)

6,773 

343,335 

(8,729,458)

13,175,732

(4,966) 

(4,966)

 (5,367) 

(5,367)

Net (decrease)/increase in cash held

(5,476,608)

4,946,285

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year*

8,720,156

(64,737)

3,178,811

3,682,254

91,617

8,720,156

 Non-cash financing and investing activities 

 -

 -

*Held to maturity investments excluded from Cash and cash equivalents 

60,756,039 

55,663,843 

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

60

Silex Annual Report 2014 
Notes to the financial statements
30 June 2014

Note 1 Basis of preparation

This concise financial report relates to the consolidated entity consisting of Silex Systems Limited and the entities it controlled 
at the end of, or during, the year ended 30 June 2014. The accounting policies have been consistently applied to all years 
presented, unless otherwise stated below.

The financial statements in this report are presented in Australian dollars.

New and amended standards adopted by the Company
Silex Systems Limited has changed some of its accounting policies as the result of new or revised accounting standards which 
became effective for the annual reporting period commencing on 1 July 2013.

The affected policies are:

•	  Principles of consolidation – new standards AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and AASB 11 Joint Arrangements; and

•	 Accounting for employee benefits – revised AASB 119 Employee Benefits

Other new standards that are applicable for the first time for the 30 June 2014 financial report are AASB 13 Fair Value 
Measurement, AASB 2012-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and 
Financial Liabilities and AASB 2012-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Annual Improvements 
2009-2011 Cycle. These standards did not affect the Company’s accounting policies or any of the amounts recognised in the 
financial statements.

(i)  Principles of consolidation – subsidiaries and joint arrangements 
AASB 10 was issued in August 2011 and replaces the guidance on control and consolidation in AASB 127 Consolidated and 
Separate Financial Statements and in Interpretation 112 Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities. Under the new principles, the 
group controls an entity when the group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and 
has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

The group has reviewed its investments in other entities to assess whether the consolidation conclusion in relation to these 
entities is different under AASB 10 than under AASB 127. No differences were found and therefore no adjustments to any of the 
carrying amounts in the financial statements are required as a result of the adoption of AASB 10.

(ii)  Employee benefits 
The adoption of the revised AASB 119 Employee Benefits changed the accounting for the group’s annual leave obligations. As 
the entity does not expect all annual leave to be taken within 12 months of the respective service being provided, annual leave 
obligations are now valued and measured on a discounted basis. However, the impact of this change was immaterial since the 
majority of the leave is still expected to be taken within a short period after the end of the reporting period. The provision for 
annual leave continues to be classified as a current liability in the balance sheet.

New accounting standards and interpretations not yet adopted 
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2014 reporting 
periods and have not been early adopted by the Company. The Company’s assessment of the impact of these new standards 
and interpretations is set out below.

(i)  Limited amendment of impairment disclosures (AASB 2013-3) 
The AASB has made amendments to the disclosures required by AASB 136 Impairment of Assets which:

•	  remove the requirements to disclose the recoverable amount of all cash generating units (CGU) that contain goodwill or 

identifiable assets with indefinite lives if there has been no impairment

•	 requires disclosure of the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU when an impairment loss has been recognised or reversed

•	  requires detailed disclosures of how the fair value less costs of disposal has been measured when an impairment loss has 

been recognised or reversed.

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

61

Silex Annual Report 2014Notes to the financial statements
30 June 2014 (continued)

Note 2 Revenue

From continuing operations

Milestone revenue – GLE 

Recoverable project costs from GLE

Sale of goods

Services

Interest income

From discontinued operations (note 5)

Sale of goods

Rent

Interest income

Note 3 Other income

From continuing operations

Government grants

Research and development tax incentive

Foreign currency exchange gains (net)

Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment

Other

From discontinued operations (note 5)

Research and development tax incentive

Foreign currency exchange gains (net)

Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment

2014  
$

2013  
$

- 

15,406,738 

4,540,761 

4,099,109 

224,489 

1,582 

2,631,722 

7,398,554 

9,119 

- 

4,055 

13,174 

126,688 

606,341 

3,403,906 

23,642,782

843,460 

42,606 

12,060 

898,126

2014  
$

2013  
$

9,080,315

14,923,227

-

6,591

114

3,917,365

2,805,308

986,265

-

-

24,010,247

7,708,938

1,077,213

-

182

1,077,395

480,808

102,010

171,662

754,480

(i)  Government grants 
Federal and State Government solar project grants of $9,030,904 (2013: $3,768,178), were recognised as Other income 
by Solar Systems during the financial year. The Company has met the conditions of the grants and the income has been 
recognised. Export Market Development Grant income of $49,411 (2013: $149,187) was recognised as income during the 
financial year by Solar Systems. There are no unfulfilled conditions attached to these grants. 

62

Silex Annual Report 2014Notes to the financial statements
30 June 2014 (continued)

(ii)  Research and development tax incentive 
Research and development tax incentive income of $16,000,440 (2013: $3,286,116) was recognised as other income by the 
Company during the year. This relates to expenditure in the previous and current financial years. The Company has met the 
conditions of the tax incentive.

Note 4 Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale

On 30 June 2014, as part of the completion of a major strategic review of the entire Silex group, Silex announced an accelerated 
transition to market for subsidiaries Solar Systems and Translucent. It is expected that an outcome, with the aim of reducing the 
need for parent company investment beyond FY 2015, is highly probable in the next 12 months. As a result, these two business 
segments, net of cash and held to maturity investments, are reported as held for sale.

Revenue

Other income 

Expenses

(Loss) before income tax

Income tax expense

2014 
$

284,882

24,009,678

2013 
$

747,417

6,722,673

(45,284,643)

(21,132,084)

(20,990,083)

(13,661,994)

-

-

(loss) after income tax of held for sale operations

(20,990,083)

(13,661,994)

Trade and other receivables

Inventories 

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

total assets of disposal group held for sale

Payables

Provisions

total liabilities of disposal group held for sale

2014 
$

10,699,722

885,924

9,475,930

9,757,607

30,819,183

(1,905,028)

(654,289)

(2,559,317)

63

Silex Annual Report 2014Notes to the financial statements
30 June 2014 (continued)

Note 5 Discontinued operations

On 30 June 2014, as part of the completion of a major strategic review of the entire Silex group, Silex announced that 
operations at subsidiary ChronoLogic would cease in order to end any requirement for Silex investment in the business beyond 
Q1 FY 2015. Several licence opportunities are continuing to be pursued. 

Additionally, as reported previously, all Silex Solar activities have ceased with the plant decommissioned and closed in October 2012. 

A summary of the results of the discontinued operations of ChronoLogic and Silex Solar is provided below.

Revenue (note 2)

Other income (note 3)

Expenses

(Loss) before income tax

Income tax expense

2014 
$

13,174

1,077,395

(1,475,652)

(385,083)

-

2013 
$

898,126

754,480

(4,074,094)

(2,421,488)

-

(loss) after income tax of the discontinued operations

(385,083)

(2,421,488)

Silex   
$

Solar Systems 
$

283,257

translucent 
$

3,920,172

-

(3,918,547)

283,257

1,625

8,588,134

(1,474,462)

7,113,672

total 
$

12,791,563

(5,393,009)

7,398,554

221,325

(15,958,156)

(5,031,927)

(20,768,758)

64,764,354

29,133,782

2,784,748

96,682,884

2,064,813

2,307,186

252,131

4,624,130

Silex   
$

Solar Systems 
$

 - 

(3,005,170)

translucent 
$

3,005,182

12

(4,614,789)

total 
$

27,855,093

(4,212,311)

23,642,782

2,191,037

3,497,389

128,147,101

521,515

12,407,538

747,405

747,405

(9,047,205)

43,761,286

9,970,906

24,102,506

(1,207,141)

22,895,365

15,853,031

80,888,426

1,915,117

Note 6 Segment information

2014

Total segment revenue

Inter-segment revenue

revenue from external customers

Segment result

Total segment assets

Total segment liabilities

2013

Total segment revenue

Inter-segment revenue

revenue from external customers

Segment result

Total segment assets

Total segment liabilities

64

Silex Annual Report 2014Notes to the financial statements
30 June 2014 (continued)

The Board of Directors assess the performance of the operating segments based on a result that excludes exchange gains and 
losses on intercompany loans which eliminate on consolidation and impairment of intangibles on consolidation. ChronoLogic 
and Silex Solar have been disclosed as discontinued operations and not as reportable segments. A reconciliation of the segment 
result to Net (loss)/profit from continuing operations is provided as follows:

Segment result

Impairment of goodwill on consolidation – Translucent 

2014 
$

2013 
$

(20,768,758)

2,191,037

(8,477,619)

-

Net (loss)/profit before income tax from continuing operations

(29,246,377)

2,191,037

Note 7 Dividends

No dividends were declared or paid during the year or in the prior year.

Note 8 Events occurring after reporting date

On 24 July 2014, the Licensee for the SILEX Uranium Enrichment Technology, GE-Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment LLC (‘GLE’), 
announced changes to the funding and pace of the commercialisation program to align with current adverse market conditions. 
GLE confirmed their intention to consolidate efforts on the technology development activities to its Wilmington facility in North 
Carolina, USA. 

The financial effect of this decision is not expected to have a material impact on the results of the Company.

Solar Systems 
On 18 August 2014 Silex announced that the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Solar Systems have agreed 
to suspend plans for the 100MW Mildura Solar Power Station and terminate the conditional funding deed for $75 million. The 
decision was based on a number of factors, including low wholesale electricity prices and the uncertainty surrounding the 
Renewable Energy Target. Due to these circumstances, the $35 million in conditional funding from the Victorian Government  
has also been terminated. Alternatives to further develop the Mildura site and other Australian-based projects are currently  
being explored.

There is no direct financial cost anticipated to Solar Systems as a consequence of the decision to suspend plans for the 100MW 
Mildura Solar Power Station. Management continue efforts towards securing a strategic partnership or equity transaction for 
Solar Systems during FY 2015, aiming to achieve a value-creating outcome and potentially reducing the need for further parent 
company investment.

Other 
The consolidated entity is not aware of any other matters or circumstances which are not otherwise dealt with in the financial 
statements that have significantly, or may significantly, affect the operations of the consolidated entity, the results of its 
operations or the state of the consolidated entity in subsequent years other than those referred to in this report.

65

Silex Annual Report 2014Directors’ Declaration
30 June 2014

The directors declare that in their opinion, the concise financial report of the consolidated entity for the year ended 30 June 2014 
as set out on pages 55 to 65 complies with Accounting Standard AASB 1039: Concise Financial Reports.

The concise financial report is an extract from the full financial report for the year ended 30 June 2014. The financial statements 
and specific disclosures included in the concise financial report have been derived from the full financial report.

The concise financial report cannot be expected to provide as full an understanding of the financial performance, financial 
position and financing and investing activities of the consolidated entity as the full financial report, which is available on request.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

dr m P Goldsworthy  
CEO/MD 

Sydney, 26 September 2014

mr C d Wilks 
Director

66

Silex Annual Report 2014 
 Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Silex Systems Limited

Report on the concise financial report 

We have audited the accompanying concise financial report of Silex Systems Limited (the company), which comprises the 
consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2014, the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended on that  
date and related notes, derived from the audited financial report of the company for the year ended 30 June 2014 for Silex 
Systems Limited Group (the consolidated entity). The concise financial report does not contain all the disclosures required by  
the Australian Accounting Standards and accordingly, reading the concise financial report is not a substitute for reading the 
audited financial report.

Directors’ responsibility for the concise financial report
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation of the concise financial report in accordance with Accounting 
Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports, and the Corporations Act 2001, and for such internal control as the directors 
determine are necessary to enable the preparation of the concise financial report.

Auditor’s responsibility 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the concise financial report based on our audit procedures which were conducted in 
accordance with Auditing Standard ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. We have conducted an 
independent audit, in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, of the financial report of the consolidated entity for the year 
ended 30 June 2014. We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on that financial report in our report dated 26 September 2014. 
The Australian 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 for the year is free from material misstatement.

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

Our procedures include testing that the information in the concise financial report is derived from, and is consistent with, the 
financial report for the year, and examination on a test basis, of audit evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures 
which were not directly derived from the financial report for the year. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion 
whether, in all material respects, the concise financial report complies with AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports.

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

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171 
T +61 2 8266 0000, F +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

67

Silex Annual Report 2014 Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Silex Systems Limited (continued)

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

We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been given to the directors of 
Silex Systems Limited would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the date of this auditor’s report.

Auditor’s opinion 
In our opinion, the concise financial report of the consolidated entity for the year ended 30 June 2014 complies with Australian 
Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports.

Report on the remuneration report
The following paragraphs are copied from our report on the remuneration report for the year ended 30 June 2014.

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 29 to 40 of the directors’ report for the year ended 30 June 2014. 
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the remuneration report in accordance with 
section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our 
audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

Auditor’s opinion 
In our opinion, the remuneration report of Silex Systems Limited for the year ended 30 June 2014 complies with section 300A  
of the Corporations Act 2001.

Matters relating to the electronic presentation of the audited concise financial report 
This auditor’s report relates to the concise financial report and remuneration report of Silex Systems Limited (the company) 
for the year ended 30 June 2014 included on Silex Systems Limited web site. The company’s directors are responsible for 
the integrity of the Silex Systems Limited web site. We have not been engaged to report on the integrity of this web site. 
The auditor’s report refers only to the concise financial report and remuneration report named above. It does not provide an 
opinion on any other information which may have been hyperlinked to/from the concise financial report or the remuneration 
report. If users of this report are concerned with the inherent risks arising from electronic data communications they are 
advised to refer to the hard copy of the audited financial report and remuneration report to confirm the information included in 
the audited financial report and remuneration report presented on this web site.

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Stephen Humphries 
Partner 

Sydney 
26 September 2014

68

Silex Annual Report 2014Shareholders’ Information
30 June 2014

1. Information relating to shareholders as at 15 September 2014

(a) Distribution schedule

1-1,000

1,001-5,000

5,001-10,000

10,001-100,000

100,001 and over

total number of holders of each class of security

Voting rights  - on a show of hands 
- on a poll

Percentage of total holding held by the largest 20 holders

Number of total holding less than a marketable parcel of shares

Substantial shareholders

Jardvan Pty Ltd

M&G Investment (including M&G Investment Funds (3) & (12), M&G Investment Management Limited, 
M&G Limited, M&G Group Limited and Prudential plc)

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation 

Global X Management Company

2,317

2,955

1,007

1,109

112

7,500

61.68%

1,516

 Ordinary shares

29,801,030

17,050,000

9,971,905

9,273,437

69

Silex Annual Report 2014Shareholders’ Information
30 June 2014 (continued)

(b) Names of Twenty Largest Holders as at 15 September 2014

Name

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

Jardvan Pty Ltd

National Nominees Limited

Majenta Holdings Pty Ltd

Polly Pty Ltd

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

Throvena Pty Ltd

Hamlac Pty Ltd

Mr Christopher David Wilks

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

Quintal Pty Ltd 

Merrill Lynch (Australia) Nominees Pty Limited

Quadrangle Nominees Limited 

Mithena Holdings Pty Ltd

UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd

Felson Holdings Pty Ltd

Hillboi Nominees Pty Ltd

Mr Hayden Harvey Prior

Mr John Robinson

Mr Peter James Thomas + Ms Helen Thomas 

Number of 
securities

34,130,534

29,801,030

Percentage  
held

20.02%

17.48%

9,701,135

5,703,923

4,073,863

3,664,900

2,978,203

2,525,937

2,405,070

2,146,531

2,002,952

922,167

847,245

817,139

643,671

640,000

605,000

513,000

511,452

510,000

5.69%

3.35%

2.39%

2.15%

1.75%

1.48%

1.41%

1.26%

1.17%

0.54%

0.50%

0.48%

0.38%

0.38%

0.35%

0.30%

0.30%

0.30%

105,143,752

61.68%

70

Silex Annual Report 2014Shareholders’ Information
30 June 2014 (continued)

2. Interest of directors in shares as at 15 September 2014

Dr M P Goldsworthy

Dr L M McIntyre

Mr A M Stock

Mr C D Wilks

Ordinary shares

5,979.055

8,230

 - 

interest held

Personally/Beneficially

Beneficially

N/A

2,814,021

Personally/Beneficially

3. Securities subject to voluntary escrow as at 15 September 2014

As at 15 September 2014 the following securities were subject  
to voluntary escrow:

Ordinary shares

48,602

30 June 2015

Number on issue

date escrow 
period ends

4. Unquoted equity securities as at 15 September 2014

Options issued under the Silex Systems Limited 

Employee Share Option Plan to take up ordinary shares

Other options issued to take up ordinary shares *

* These are options to Dr M P Goldsworthy (1,102,207) and Mr C D Wilks (367,035).

Number on issue

Number of 
holders

1,090,000

1,469,242

18

2

71

Silex Annual Report 2014 
Share Registry

Computershare Registry Services Pty Limited 
Level 5, 115 Grenfell Street, Adelaide,  
South Australia 5000, Australia

GPO Box 1903 Adelaide SA 5001, Australia

Enquiries within Australia:  
Enquiries outside Australia:  
Email:  
Website:   www.computershare.com.au

1300 556 161  
+61 8 8236 2300 
web.queries@computershare.com.au 

Stock Exchange

Listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, Ticker: SLX 
Listed on the OTCQX International, Ticker: SILXY 

Auditors

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Solicitors

Baker & McKenzie 

Bankers

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited

American Depository Receipts  
(ADR) Information

Silex Systems Limited’s ADRs may be purchased  
on the US OTCQX market.

Details are as follows: 
Ratio:  
Symbol:   SILXY 
CUSIP:  
Exchange:  OTCQX 
Country:   Australia 

1 ADR = 5 ordinary shares 

827046 10 3 9414F102 

Company Directory

Directors

Dr L M McIntyre – Chair 
Dr M P Goldsworthy – CEO/MD 
Mr A M Stock 
Mr C D Wilks

Audit Committee

Mr A M Stock – Chair  
Dr L M McIntyre 
Mr C D Wilks

People & Remuneration Committee

Dr L M McIntyre – Chair 
Mr A M Stock  
Mr C D Wilks

Company Secretary

Ms J E Ducie

Registered Office and  
Principal Place of Business

Suite 8.03, Level 8 
56 Clarence Street 
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Postal address:  
PO Box 364, Sydney NSW 2001

Phone:  
Fax:  
Email:  
Website:   www.silex.com.au

+61 2 9704 8888  
+61 2 9279 1051 
investor.relations@silex.com.au 

72

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