In a February 4, 2025 research note, Shaw and Partners analyst Abraham Akra maintained a Buy rating on DroneShield Ltd. (DRO:ASX; DRSHF:OTC) while giving a price target of AU$0.90, following Q4 2024 revenue of AU$26 million that fell below expectations of AU$41 million.
The company reported slower-than-expected revenue growth in 2024 due to delayed tender activity, particularly in the U.S., which accounts for 70% of revenue. Despite this, the company has built a record AU$1.2 billion sales pipeline and has already secured approximately AU$45 million in revenue for 1H 2025.
Recent contract wins include an AU$9.7 million deal in Latin America, an AU$8.2 million NATO contract, and AU$11.8 million APAC contracts. Project LAND 156 represents an AU$300-500 million opportunity not included in the current pipeline. The company plans to launch new AI-driven counter-drone solutions in Q1 2025, including DroneGun Mk4 and RfPatrol Mk2.
The global counter-drone market is projected to reach US$7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 30.2% from 2023 to 2030. The expansion of DRO's Sydney headquarters will increase manufacturing capacity to AU$500 million annually to support anticipated demand growth.
Key risks include counterparty risk in foreign jurisdictions, supply chain interruptions, government contract uncertainties, product liability, legislative changes, and potential cyber threats. The analyst notes that offshore competitors trade at 16x EBITDA, while DRO "turned FCF and EBITDA positive in FY23 and exhibits a strong medium-term growth profile."
The share price at the time of the report of AU$0.62 represents a potential return of 45.2% to Shaw's AU$0.90 target price.
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Disclosures for Shaw and Partners, DroneShield Ltd., February 4, 2025
Disclaimer Shaw and Partners Limited ABN 24 003 221 583 (“Shaw”) is a Participant of ASX Limited, Cboe Australia Pty Limited and holder of Australian Financial Services Licence number 236048. ANALYST CERTIFICATION: The Research Analyst who prepared this report hereby certifies that the views expressed in this document accurately reflect the analyst's personal views about the Company and its financial products. Neither Shaw nor its Research Analysts received any direct financial or non-financial benefits from the company for the production of this document. However, Shaw Research Analysts may receive assistance from the company in preparing their research which can include attending site visits and/or meetings hosted by the company. In some instances the costs of such site visits or meetings may be met in part or in whole by the company if Shaw considers it is reasonable given the specific circumstances relating to the site visit or meeting. As at the date of this report, the Research Analyst does not hold, either directly or through a controlled entity, securities in the Company that is the subject of this report, or where they do hold securities those interests are not material. Shaw restricts Research Analysts from trading in securities outside of the ASX/S&P100 for which they write research. Other Shaw employees may hold interests in the company, but none of those interests are material.
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