ASX has issued an update outlining critical areas of focus for listed entities in relation to exploration result reporting, annual report compliance, and upcoming periodic filing deadlines. These guidelines aim to promote transparency, accuracy, and timely compliance with ASX Listing Rules.
1. Public Reporting of Exploration Results: Emphasis on Balanced Reporting
ASX has highlighted two primary considerations for exploration result announcements:
- Announcement Headers: ASX emphasizes that the headers of exploration results must present a balanced and fair view of the results to avoid misleading investors. Entities should avoid focusing solely on the best grade assay results, especially if they are unrepresentative of the overall data. The JORC Code requires comprehensive reporting, including both high and low grades and/or widths, to provide investors with a full picture of the results.
- Reporting Metal Equivalents: The use of metal equivalents is increasing, but ASX cautions that such reports can be misleading without appropriate disclosure of key details. Specifically, entities must disclose the grades of all metals involved, the assumed commodity prices used in calculations, and the metallurgical recovery rates. If recovery data is unavailable or estimated with low confidence, the report should not reference metal equivalents.
If ASX considers that an announcement header does not convey a fair and balanced impression of the exploration results being reported or is potentially misleading, or the entity cannot provide a reasonable basis for the metallurgical recovery rates, ASX is likely to reject the announcement or required a retraction or correction. ASX may suspend trading in the entity’s securities until the entity takes appropriate corrective action.
2. Results of Annual Report Spot Checking
In late 2024, ASX conducted a spot check of approximately 100 annual reports to assess compliance with Listing Rules 4.10.1 to 4.10.22. While most entities complied with the requirements, ASX identified errors in the presentation of security holder distribution schedules, particularly in failing to include the percentage of securities held in each category. Entities are encouraged to review their distribution schedules to ensure full compliance.
3. Upcoming Periodic Filing Deadlines
Listed entities should be mindful of the following upcoming deadlines for periodic reports:
- Preliminary Final Reports (December year-end): Due by Friday, 28 February 2025
- Statutory Half-Year Financial Reports (June year-end): Due by Friday, 28 February 2025 for most entities, and by Friday, 14 March 2025 for mining exploration and oil/gas entities
- Annual Reports (December year-end): Due by Wednesday, 30 April 2025 for listed companies and Monday, 31 March 2025 for registered schemes
Failure to submit required documents by the due dates will result in automatic suspension under Listing Rule 17.5.
4. Order of Announcements and Early Release during Reporting Periods
ASX has outlined the required order for the release of financial reports during Appendix 4D, 4E, or 4F reporting periods:
- the relevant Appendix and all required documents.
- dividend/distribution online form (if applicable).
- any additional materials, such as media releases or investor presentations.
Entities can also request early release arrangements for their financial reports by notifying ASX at least 24 hours prior to the intended release.
If you require any assistance in relation to your reporting requirements, please contact Glenn Vassallo (Managing Director) or Scott Standen (Director).