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Q2 FY2024 Trading Update

Ava Risk Group Limited (ASX: AVA) (“Ava Risk Group” or “the Company”) is pleased to provide the following update on its Q2 FY2024 trading performance:

  • Record Q2 sales order intake of $12.0 million, resulting in H1 sales order intake of $19.7 million, up 37% on the prior year.
  • Strategically important orders received in Q2 relating to major infrastructure projects in Australia and Latin America, and strong growth in new verticals in North America.
  • Confirmed sales order backlog of $8.9 million, reflecting strong Q2 sales order intake. Most of the sales order backlog is expected to convert to revenue through calendar year 2024 as key projects are delivered.
  • Expected H1 FY2024 revenue of $14.2 million, within the guidance range. Second half revenue is expected to be substantively stronger than the first half.

Ava Group CEO Mal Maginnis commented: “Our record sales performance in Q2 which gives us great confidence in the outlook for FY2024 and beyond. We are particularly pleased to have secured significant orders during Q2 on major infrastructure projects in Australia and Latin America, demonstrating the versatility of our market-leading fibre sensing technology.”

“Coupled with the strong performance in the Access segment during Q1, we are demonstrating the benefit of the changes made to our commercial team and product offering over the past year to drive growth. While there is a lag in the conversion of sales orders to revenue, we are building a very solid confirmed sales order backlog in the Detect business which will improve the predictability of future revenue. I believe we are well placed to continue our growth trajectory during H2 FY2024.”

Q2 FY2024 confirmed sales orders

Sales performance during Q2 was extremely strong with confirmed orders of $12.0 million. The resultant sales order intake for the first half of $19.7 million represents growth of 37% on the prior year. Pleasingly this includes significant growth in both the Detect and Access segments of 39% and 80% respectively, highlighting the progress on Ava’s strategy of expanding the sales pipeline in key markets and improving conversion rates.

  • Detect: Q2 sales order intake of $9.4 million, first-half order intake of $12.9 million, up 39% on the previous year. The strong performance was underpinned by significant orders including a major Australian transport infrastructure project ($2.3 million), protection of a key pipeline at one of the world’s largest copper mines in Chile ($2.7million) and a number of orders across multiple market verticals in North America ($1.8 million) including securing correctional facilities and energy infrastructure. All orders are for the deployment of Aura Ai-X, demonstrating the versatility of the Company’s market leading, data-driven fibre sensing technology.
  • Access: Total Q2 order intake of $0.9 million, first-half order intake of $3.7 million, up 80% on the same period last year. The significant increase is driven by stocking orders from dormakaba under its global framework agreement following the successful completion of product certifications for the Cobalt series locks in Q1. The fulfilment of existing orders was completed in early January and we are working with dormakaba to ensure that the current orders move efficiently through their distribution network to drive further orders during H2 FY2024.
  • Illuminate: Q2 order intake of $1.8 million, resulting in first-half order intake of $3.1 million, in line with the prior year. Order intake in Q2 was 30% higher than Q1 and reflects improved in domestic orders in the U.K. and the continued focus on new export markets leveraging the Company’s sales capability in Australia and North America. The Company remains confident of growing orders in this segment during H2 FY2024.

At the end of Q2 FY2024, the Company carried an order backlog of $8.9 million which represents sales orders received that are still to be fulfilled. Of the backlog, $6.8 million relates to project delivery and is expected to convert to revenue during calendar year 2024. The remainder of the backlog relates to the provision of related services and multi-year service contracts.

Chart 1 – Sales Order Intake

H1 FY2024 Results

Ava Risk Group will release its financial results for the half year ending 31 December 2023 on Monday 26 February 2024.  Details of an investor webcast will be provided to the market in due course.

ENDS

Approved for release by the Board of Directors.

 For further information, please contact:

Investor Enquiries
Alexandra Abeyratne
Citadel-MAGNU
aabeyratne@citadelmagnus.com
+61 438 380 057

About Ava Risk Group
Ava Risk Group is a global leader in providing technologies and services to protect critical and high value assets and infrastructure. It operates three business segments – Detect, Access and Illuminate. The Detect segment manufactures and markets ‘smart’ fibre optic sensing systems for security and condition monitoring for a range of applications including perimeters, pipelines, conveyors, power cables and data networks. Access is a specialist in the development, manufacture and supply of high security biometric readers, security access control and electronic locking products. Illumination specialises in the development and manufacture of illuminators, ANPR cameras and perimeter detectors.  Ava Risk Group products and services are trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world. www.avariskgroup.com

Multiple contracts won for Ava Risk Group’s Aura Ai-X fibre sensing technology

Ava Risk Group Limited (ASX: AVA) (“Ava Risk Group” or “the Company”) is pleased to advise it has recently been awarded a number of important contracts for its market leading fibre optic sensing solutions.  Combined with earlier contract wins, the Company expects total sales order intake for Q2 FY2024 to exceed A$10.0 million, the highest quarterly order intake in the Company’s history.

The contracts are across a number of its key geographies and are all utilising Aura Ai-X, the Company’s latest generation, data-driven fibre sensing technology which delivers market leading system performance through an embedded deep learning engine. Details relating to the recent contract wins are as follows:

Major copper mine in Chile (US$1.8m):

A contract at one of the world’s largest copper mines, located in central Chile, valued at US$1.8m (A$2.7m) for the protection of a key pipeline and associated services at the site. The project is expected to commence in 2024 with the delivery of most of the equipment to occur during the second half of the calendar year.

US state-based department of corrections (US$0.5m):

A contract for the delivery of perimeter detection systems to four sites operated by a state-based corrections agency in the US. This award builds on the success of an initial site, which was delivered to the state’s Department of Corrections earlier in the year. The contract value is US$0.5m (A$0.7m) and system delivery is expected to occur during the first half of calendar year 2024.

Eastern European expansion (US$0.3m):

Two contracts for the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities in Kazakhstan. These contracts continue the Company’s focus on Europe in response to global security events. The contract value is US$0.3m (A$0.4m) and system delivery is expected to occur during the first half of calendar year 2024.

US LNG terminal (US$0.2m):

A contract to provide detection systems to the expanded perimeter of a liquified natural gas terminal located in the Gulf of Mexico in the US, Golden Pass LNG which is owned by affiliates of Qatar Energy and Exxon Mobil.  The contract value is approximately US$0.2m (A$0.3m) and system delivery is expected to occur during the first half of calendar year 2024.

Ava Risk Group CEO, Mal Maginnis commented: “We’re pleased to demonstrate the success of our growth strategy, based on deploying our market leading technologies to drive global sales orders, resulting in Q2 orders in excess of A$10m. These orders highlight the success of the new commercial team as well as the superior performance and competitive advantages of our fibre optic sensing technology.”

“Since launching Aura Ai-X at the beginning of the year, we have won significant new contracts in Europe, Australia and now both North America and Latin America demonstrating its suitability to large scale, complex projects. We look forward to the continued growth of Aura Ai-X as the fibre optic sensing solution of choice in all of our key markets for years to come.”

This Company will provide an update on its FY2024 Q2 trading activities in January 2024.

Approved for release by the Board of Directors.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Enquiries
Alexandra Abeyratne
Citadel-MAGNUS
aabeyratne@citadelmagnus.com
+61 438 380 057

About Ava Risk Group

Ava Risk Group is a global leader in providing technologies and services to protect critical and high value assets and infrastructure. It operates three business segments – Detect, Access and Illuminate. The Detect segment manufactures and markets ‘smart’ fibre optic sensing systems for security and condition monitoring for a range of applications including perimeters, pipelines, conveyors, power cables and data networks. Access is a specialist in the development, manufacture and supply of high security biometric readers, security access control and electronic locking products. Illumination specialises in the development and manufacture of   illuminators, ANPR cameras and perimeter detectors.  Ava Risk Group products and services are trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world. www.avariskgroup.com

Ava Risk Group awarded contract with UGL Limited for implementation of detection systems on major Sydney transportation project

Ava Risk Group Limited (ASX: AVA) (“Ava Risk Group” or “the Company”) is pleased to advise that it has been awarded a major contract from UGL Limited for the implementation of its market leading fibre optic sensing systems on a Sydney transportation project. The contract is valued between A$2 and $3 million. Delivery and implementation of the systems is expected to occur during calendar year 2024.

The project will utilise Aura Ai-X to address critical safety requirements on the transport infrastructure. Aura Ai-X is the Company’s latest generation, data-driven fibre sensing technology which delivers market leading system performance through an embedded deep learning engine. The contract includes ongoing support services for two years following system implementation.

Commenting on the contract, Ava Risk Group CEO, Mal Maginnis said: “We are extremely pleased to partner with UGL Limited to deliver sophisticated detection capability which addresses safety on transport infrastructure. The award of this contract further demonstrates the strength of our Aura Ai-X platform and its market leading capability. The versatility of our technology is highlighted by its recent deployment to varied applications such as border protection, airport perimeter security and now transport infrastructure.”

“It is also pleasing to be awarded such a significant contract to protect large Australian infrastructure projects. As an Australian owned business, we are proud of our global footprint, but look forward to deploying our technology to the protection of Australian infrastructure and working with trusted partners such as UGL Limited.”

Approved for release by the Board of Directors.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Enquiries
Alexandra Abeyratne
Citadel-MAGNUS
aabeyratne@citadelmagnus.com
+61 438 380 057

About Ava Risk Group
Ava Risk Group is a global leader in providing technologies and services to protect critical and high value assets and infrastructure. It operates three business segments – Detect, Access and Illuminate. The Detect segment manufactures and markets ‘smart’ fibre optic sensing systems for security and condition monitoring for a range of applications including perimeters, pipelines, conveyors, power cables and data networks. Access is a specialist in the development, manufacture and supply of high security biometric readers, security access control and electronic locking products. Illumination specialises in the development and manufacture of illuminators, ANPR cameras and perimeter detectors. Ava Risk Group products and services are trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world. www.avariskgroup.com

Ava Risk Group signs multi-year support agreement with Sydney Trains

Ava Risk Group Limited (ASX: AVA) (“Ava Risk Group” or “the Company”) is pleased to advise that it has signed a five-year support agreement with Sydney Trains valued at approximately A$0.5 million.

Ava Risk Group’s perimeter intrusion detection technology has been protecting Sydney Trains’ maintenance centres and stabling yards against unauthorised intrusions, theft and vandalism for more than a decade. These sites not only provide vital storage for critical maintenance equipment, but house much of the city’s rolling stock including the inter-urban train fleet.
This agreement is a further example of the Company growing its recurring revenue base via long term relationships with key customers.

Ava Risk Group CEO, Mal Maginnis commented: “We are pleased to extend our relationship with Sydney Trains with this new support agreement. The long term relationships we enjoy with many of our customers are a testament to our market leading solutions and our support team who optimise system performance day in, day out. Agreements of this type are designed to meet the unique needs of each customer and provide assurance that their facilities and infrastructure are protected to the highest level of operational effectiveness.”

Approved for release by the Board of Directors.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Enquiries
Alexandra Abeyratne
Citadel-MAGNUS
aabeyratne@citadelmagnus.com
+61 438 380 057

About Ava Risk Group
Ava Risk Group is a global leader in providing technologies and services to protect critical and high value assets and infrastructure. It operates three business segments – Detect, Access and Illuminate. The Detect segment manufactures and markets ‘smart’ fibre optic sensing systems for security and condition monitoring for a range of applications including perimeters, pipelines, conveyors, power cables and data networks. Access is a specialist in the development, manufacture and supply of high security biometric readers, security access control and electronic locking products. Illumination specialises in the development and manufacture of illuminators, ANPR cameras and perimeter detectors. Ava Risk Group products and services are trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world. www.avariskgroup.com

Ava Group Special Dividend

Ava Risk Group Limited (ASX: AVA) (“Ava Group” or “Company”) is pleased to announce a Special Dividend. Shareholders at the Record Date of 6 November 2023 will receive an unfranked dividend of $0.0017 per share, paid on 15 December 2023.

Approved for release by the Board of Directors.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Enquiries
Alexandra Abeyratne
Citadel-MAGNUS
aabeyratne@citadelmagnus.com
+61 438 380 057

About Ava Risk Group
Ava Risk Group is a global leader in providing technologies and services to protect critical and high value assets and infrastructure. It operates three business segments – Detect, Access and Illuminate. The Detect segment manufactures and markets ‘smart’ fibre optic sensing systems for security and condition monitoring for a range of applications including perimeters, pipelines, conveyors, power cables and data networks. Access is a specialist in the development, manufacture and supply of high security biometric readers, security access control and electronic locking products. Illumination specialises in the development and manufacture of illuminators, ANPR cameras and perimeter detectors. Ava Risk Group products and services are trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world. www.avariskgroup.com

 

Q1 FY2024 Trading Update

Ava Risk Group Limited (ASX: AVA) (“Ava Risk Group” or “the Company”) is pleased to provide the following update
on its Q1 FY2024 trading performance:

  • Sales order intake during Q1 of $7.7 million.
  • Strong performance in the Access segment with initial stocking orders for its new Cobalt series locks received
    from dormakaba under its global framework agreement.
  • Lower order intake in the Detect segment due to the timing of a number of significant opportunities now
    expected to close in Q2.
  • First half revenue guidance of $14.2 million to $15.2 million. Second half revenue is expected to be
    substantively stronger than the first half.

Ava Group CEO Mal Maginnis commented: “Sales order intake during Q1 was solid. It was pleasing to complete the product certification process for our Cobalt series locks in Access and receive significant stocking orders from dormakaba in both North America and Europe. Notably Q1 orders in the Access segment are already 72% of prior year orders, leaving Access well placed to accelerate its revenue growth throughout FY2024. The Detect business is more project based and whilst I would have liked to have seen more opportunities close in the quarter I note that the expected close dates for a number of opportunities are within Q2 thus I am confident that we will see a significant uplift in order intake for Detect in the next quarter.”

Q1 FY2024 confirmed sales orders

The Company received sales orders of $7.7 million during Q1, which was in line with the prior year corresponding period. Highlights from Q1 include:

  • Access: Total Q1 order intake of $2.7 million, an increase of almost 200% on the same period last year. Q1 sales orders represent 72% of total Access orders received in FY2023. The significant increase is driven by the completion of product certifications for the Cobalt series locks which has resulted in stocking orders from dormakaba under its global framework agreement. The initial orders are for delivery to dormakaba North America and Europe and are expected to be fulfilled during the first half. Our focus is on working with dormakaba to ensure that the current orders move efficiently through their distribution network to drive future orders.
  • Detect: Total Q1 order intake of $3.6 million, down 36% on the same period last year. The Company continues to receive orders for its recently launched Aura Ai-X product, its latest fibre sensing technology. It includes orders from new partners such as Siemen’s Korea to support a Middle Eastern solar plant, and expansion to two European airports. The decline compared to the prior year is attributable to a number of opportunities which are anticipated to close in Q2. It is expected that Q2 sales intake for Detect will be very strong.
  • Illuminate: Total Q1 order intake of $1.4 million, in line with the prior year. While domestic economic conditions in the U.K. remain challenging, a number of orders were received in new export markets including Australia and Eastern Europe leveraging the Company’s sales capability in those jurisdictions. Forward orders for October and November have increased so we remain confident of growing orders in this segment during
    FY2024.
    As at the end of FY2023, the Company carried an order backlog of $5.2 million which represents sales orders received that are still to be fulfilled. These orders relate to equipment orders expected to be fulfilled in Q2 FY2024 and multi- year service contracts.

Chart 1 – Sales Order Intake

Outlook

Based on the existing order intake and expected sales pipeline conversion, management provides revenue guidance for the first half year in the range of $14.2 million – $15.2 million.

Revenue guidance has not been provided for the full year at this time due to the uncertainty on the timing of product orders. However, management expects that second half revenue will substantively exceed the first half.

ENDS

Approved for release by the Board of Directors.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Enquiries
Alexandra Abeyratne
Citadel-MAGNUS
aabeyratne@citadelmagnus.com
+61 438 380 057

About Ava Risk Group
Ava Risk Group is a global leader in providing technologies and services to protect critical and high value assets and infrastructure. It operates three business segments – Detect, Access and Illuminate. The Detect segment manufactures and markets ‘smart’ fibre optic sensing systems for security and condition monitoring for a range of applications including perimeters, pipelines, conveyors, power cables and data networks. Access is a specialist in the development, manufacture and supply of high security biometric readers, security access control and electronic locking products. Illumination specialises in the development and manufacture of illuminators, ANPR cameras and perimeter detectors. Ava Risk Group products and services are trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world. www.avariskgroup.com

FFT Europe secures JOSCAR accreditation

Ava Risk Group Limited (ASX: AVA) (“Ava Risk Group” or “the Company”) is pleased to advise that Future Fibre Technologies Europe is now a Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR) registered supplier.

JOSCAR is a collaborative tool used by the aerospace, defence and security industry to act as a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance information and helps determine that a supplier is ‘fit for business’.

JOSCAR accreditation demonstrates that Future Fibre Technologies meets the rigorous standards set by the most security conscious organisations in Europe. Registration simplifies the procurement process, making it faster and more efficient. JOSCAR also opens new opportunities on a global scale. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence and dedication in maintaining the highest security standards to existing and potential partners worldwide.

Commenting on the achievement, Ava Risk Group CEO Mal Maginnis said, “JOSCAR registration is a testament to the collective dedication and hard work of our European team. It isn’t just a badge of honour; it’s a promise to our customers. It means enhanced efficiency, security, and trust in every interaction.”

Investor Presentation

Download the Ava Risk Group investor presentation here.

BQT Solutions secures orders with key distribution partner dormakaba for new Cobalt series locks

Ava Risk Group Limited (ASX: AVA) (“Ava Risk Group” or “the Company”) is pleased to advise that the Access division has secured the first major order for the supply of its new Cobalt series locks to dormakaba AV under its global framework agreement. The Company will supply over $1.3m of the new Cobalt 2 locks into North America with delivery expected to occur during Q1 and Q2 FY24.

These orders demonstrate the market opportunity for the Cobalt series locks and highlight the strength of our key distribution partners. Cobalt locks deliver unmatched performance, outstanding durability and address two of the biggest issues in door locking – the ability to align a misaligned door and to release when requested, even with excessive load on the door.

Ava Risk Group CEO, Mal Maginnis commented: “We are pleased to expand our relationship with dormakaba to the North American market and appreciate their continued confidence in our products and our company.  We view these orders as a testament to the quality and superior performance of the Cobalt series locks and are confident of further orders from our global distribution partners.”

Approved for release by the Board of Directors.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Enquiries
Alexandra Abeyratne
Citadel-MAGNUS
aabeyratne@citadelmagnus.com
+61 438 380 057

About Ava Risk Group

Ava Risk Group is a global leader in providing technologies and services to protect critical and high value assets and infrastructure. It operates three business segments – Detect, Access and Illuminate. The Detect segment manufactures and markets ‘smart’ fibre optic sensing systems for security and condition monitoring for a range of applications including perimeters, pipelines, conveyors, power cables and data networks. Access is a specialist in the development, manufacture and supply of high security biometric readers, security access control and electronic locking products. Illumination specialises in the development and manufacture of   illuminators, ANPR cameras and perimeter detectors.  Ava Risk Group products and services are trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world. www.avariskgroup.com

Ava Risk Group secures Middle East solar plant protection contract for Aura Ai-X

Ava Risk Group Limited (ASX: AVA) (“Ava Risk Group” or “the Company”) is pleased to advise that it has been awarded a contract, in partnership with Siemens Korea, to protect a critical solar infrastructure project in Qatar. The Company will supply its latest fibre optic sensing technology, Aura Ai-X, to support this project.

The total contract value is approximately US$0.7 million (A$1.0 million) for the supply of detection software and equipment as well as future software upgrades and support. Delivery of the detection software and equipment is expected to occur during Q2 FY24.

Securing this contract demonstrates the market opportunity for Aura Ai-X and builds on recent contract wins for this product since its launch in March 2023.  Aura Ai-X features an embedded deep learning engine to enhance system performance by referencing algorithm upgrades backed by the Company’s global data library. It combines a high Probability of Detection (POD) with the lowest Nuisance Alarms Rate (NAR) to deliver market leading performance and exceptional event classification.

Ava Risk Group CEO, Mal Maginnis commented: “Securing this contract reflects the success of our global commercial team in major markets and with large partner firms. It is also another vote of confidence in what we believe to be the most advanced perimeter intrusion detection technology in the market. I am also delighted by our continued commitment in supporting a more sustainable environment through the protection of solar technologies. The contract reinforces our confidence that Aura Ai-X has become the solution of choice for the smart protection of critical infrastructure worldwide.”

Approved for release by the Board of Directors.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Enquiries
Alexandra Abeyratne
Citadel-MAGNUS
aabeyratne@citadelmagnus.com
+61 438 380 057

About Ava Risk Group

Ava Risk Group is a global leader in providing technologies and services to protect critical and high value assets and infrastructure. It operates three business segments – Detect, Access and Illuminate. The Detect segment manufactures and markets ‘smart’ fibre optic sensing systems for security and condition monitoring for a range of applications including perimeters, pipelines, conveyors, power cables and data networks. Access is a specialist in the development, manufacture and supply of high security biometric readers, security access control and electronic locking products. Illumination specialises in the development and manufacture of   illuminators, ANPR cameras and perimeter detectors.  Ava Risk Group products and services are trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world. www.avariskgroup.com