All posts by Shaun Ryan

Welcome to the latest investor update from Ava Risk Group. This update should be viewed in conjunction with any announcements lodged via the ASX platform, which are the primary source of market-sensitive company information released to the market.

FY2024 Results

On Tuesday 27 August, Ava Group released its FY24 results to the market. In a webinar to investors, Chairman David Cronin, CEO Mal Maginnis and CFO Neville Joyce provided an overview of results and provided an update on the Company’s outlook for FY25 and beyond.

Recapping the past financial year, CEO Mal Maginnis said he was pleased with Ava Group’s progress, noting that investments in technology and commercial capabilities are yielding benefits, as seen in the growth in sales order intake and contracts with major partners such as Telstra Group, UGL Limited, Siemens, Santos, Exxon, and dormakaba.

FY2024 highlights:

• Sales order intake of $35.3 million, up 14% on PCP.
• Group revenue and other income of $30.2 million up 5.6% on PCP and 2H24 up 13% on 1H24.
• Significant orders in major infrastructure projects in Australia and Latin America secured.
• Major supply agreement with Telstra Group announced in February 2024.
• Group gross margin of 60%, in line with expectations.
• Underlying Group EBITDA of $(0.9) million following investments in technology and commercial capabilities supporting a record sale order intake, with EBITDA positive in 2H FY24.
• Sales order backlog of $8.5 million at 30 June 2024, representing orders received yet to be fulfilled.
• Backlog includes $2.0 million of annual recurring revenue under contract driven by strong uptake of subscriptions for Aura Ai-X.
• Cash balance of $5.1 million at 30 June 2024.

Ava Group’s strong sales order intake represents continued progress across each operating segment, and in building the Company’s position as a global leader in sensing and risk management technology. Watch the FY24 Investor Webinar here.

Annual General Meeting

Ava Group’s FY2024 Annual General Meeting will be held at 11.00am on Thursday 31 October at The Pullman Melbourne on the Park. You can also join the meeting online. Registration information will be included in the Notice of Meeting sent to shareholders in late September.

New FFT website goes live

Future Fibre Technologies has launched a brand-new website. With a contemporary design and enhanced user experience, the site now includes industry-specific case studies and a comprehensive showcase of FFT’s products and intrusion detection solutions. The homepage shines a spotlight on FFT’s extensive network of partners and customers, featuring testimonials and the latest news. Explore the new FFT website here.

SIL 2 Certification for FFT Aura Platform

Detect Project Wins

In recent months, Aura Ai-X has been selected to protect sites of all shapes and sizes – from an Eastern European border to multiple electricity substations on the East Coast of the United States. This not only highlights the versatility of Aura Ai-X and the strengths of its data driven intrusion detection capabilities, but its exceptional performance in complex and challenging environments. FFT’s latest product release – Aura Ai-XS for perimeters of up to 10kms – is also attracting a lot of interest from then corrections and mass transport sectors. Find out more about Aura Ai-X and Aura Ai-XS here.

Illuminate Update

With new distributors signed in Poland, Germany, Austria, Estonia and Slovakia, the strong demand for GJD’s illumination and detection solutions continues. Recent installations include the LoRa system at the UK Parliament, detectors for the mining industry in Sweden and illuminators for wildlife filming in Cyprus. A new wireless solution based on the long range LoRa integration system is also set to be launched. This system enables the integration of up to 500 devices without the need for data cables to provide a unified control and security network and will be available in FY25.

Expanded distribution for YD30 lock

BQT’s revolutionary YD30 Series is now available through dormakaba UK, opening up significant opportunities in the UK access control market. The market response to this game-changing lock has been overwhelmingly positive. Known as the SL30 under dormakaba UK, this lock is designed to tackle daily challenges with ease, ensuring smooth door alignment and reliable release even under heavy loads. Whether installed in offices, retail spaces, or other environments, it integrates seamlessly with access control systems, offering precise access management and real-time feedback on door and bolt positions—crucial for maintaining site security. The Access Team is excited to partner with dormakaba UK as it expands its distribution network for world-class locking and access control solutions, tapping into the growing demand in the UK market.

Getting the job done

Our team has been out and about working with partners and customers to install and commission FFT’s smart security and sensing solutions to protect critical infrastructure and assets – including endangered animals. Here are just a few examples…

LNG project in PNG

National Park in Africa

Factory in Turkey

Thank you for your support and interest in Ava’s expanding products and technical capabilities.

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ABOUT AVA GROUP

The Ava Group is a market leader of risk management technologies, trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world.

The Group features a range of complementary solutions including intrusion detection and location for perimeters, pipelines and data networks, biometrics, card access control and locking. Through decades of innovation, the Ava Group continues to build upon a comprehensive portfolio of premium technologies for the most complex and demanding markets.

Our business truly serves a global market, with our knowledgeable team spread across six continents, providing market and industry expertise directly to customers. With thousands of sites protected, the Ava Group is proven to deliver first class technologies that surpass the expectations of our partners and end users.

Welcome to the latest investor update from Ava Risk Group. This update should be viewed in conjunction with any announcements lodged via the ASX platform, which are the primary source of market-sensitive company information released to the market.

ISC West 2024

The Ava team descended on Las Vegas last month for the International Security Conference and Exposition – better known as ISC West. Considered the leading comprehensive and converged security trade event in the US, a combined team from our Detect, Access and Illuminate divisions (FFT, BQT and GJD) took the opportunity to network with thousands of security and public safety professionals while connecting with current and potential customers.

Interest in our solutions kept our experts busy throughout the show, with live demonstrations and in-depth discussions about how Ava Group’s cutting-edge technology can be used to enhance site and asset security. The Access team also spent time with our global distribution partner dormakaba USA – supporting discussions and demonstrations with visitors to their stand about the YG80B and YD30 Cobalt locks.

Highlights from the event include:

• Detect Business: Aura Ai-XS – Ava Group’s new intrusion detection solution for short perimeters was officially unveiled at ISC West and showcased using live demos of our solution as well as our world leading software and deep learning algorithms. Aura Ai-X was also of great interest to stand visitors, with the team connecting with system integrators, installers and potential end-users.
• Access Business: Showcasing the new YG80B lock to the US market for the first time was a key focus, while our locking experts were busy talking with potential customers about the Cobalt YD30 series and why it’s taking the Access control realm by storm as the perfect replacement for Mag Locks.
• Illuminate Business: LX LoRa Connect was of particular interest with live product demonstrations showcasing the capabilities of GJD products.

Feedback from the ground was universally positive, with strong interest also reported in our integrated offerings for the corrections, defence, energy and oil and gas sectors.

Detect Business launches Aura Ai-XS

FFT introduced its latest innovation in intrusion detection technology at ISC West 2024: Aura Ai-XS. This ground-breaking solution is specifically designed to safeguard perimeters spanning up to 10 kilometres (6 miles) – 5 kilometres.

“Aura Ai-XS was designed and manufactured specifically for customers with smaller facilities in mind. While it offers all the cutting-edge capabilities of our leading Ai-X deep learning system, Ai-XS is tailored to provide unrivalled protection for shorter perimeters at a lower price point.”
Jim Katsifolis – Chief Scientist, Future Fibre Technologies

Offering unrivalled reliability, precision and integration capabilities for sites including substations, industrial estates and corrections facilities, Aura Ai-XS doesn’t compromise on simplicity or functionality while opening up new markets for our intrusion detection technology.

Find out more about Aura Ai-XS – https://www.fftsecurity.com/products/fft-aura-ai-xs/

The Security Event 2024

Following ISC West, the Ava team headed across the Atlantic for The Security Event (TSE) in Birmingham UK. Designed by the industry for the industry, TSE is a hub for security manufacturers, distributors, installers, integrators, consultants and end users.

Over a full three days, the team showcased the Aura Ai-X and Aura Ai-XS (Detect), the Cobalt YD30 locking series (Access) and the LoRa Connect wireless system (Illuminate) and networked with a focused audience of buyers.

The Access Business also used TSE as a platform to unveil the new YD80B – a revolutionary Bluetooth-enabled lock crafted to provide unmatched security and convenience.

Find out more about the YG80B here.

Successful Capital Raising and Oversubscribed SPP

n March, Ava successfully completed a $3 million institutional placement to support the execution of recently announced contract wins, such as with Telstra and UGL. This includes the sale of units, dedicated support resources and infrastructure to respond in accordance with contract requirements and ongoing product development.

These funds give Ava the flexibility to support the growing demand we are seeing for our unique fibre sensing technology across multiple industries and to fund large scale Detect programs.

We were pleased to receive continued support from existing investors but also welcome some new investors to the register.

Ava also offered existing retail shareholders the opportunity to participate in a Share Purchase Plan, receiving strong support with the number of applications greater than the offer target, and successfully raising $1.34 million.

Thank you for your support and interest in Ava’s expanding products and technical capabilities.

Not a subscriber?
Sign up to receive the newsletter direct to your inbox. 

Enter your email to keep up to date with key investor information.

ABOUT AVA GROUP

The Ava Group is a market leader of risk management technologies, trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world.

The Group features a range of complementary solutions including intrusion detection and location for perimeters, pipelines and data networks, biometrics, card access control and locking. Through decades of innovation, the Ava Group continues to build upon a comprehensive portfolio of premium technologies for the most complex and demanding markets.

Our business truly serves a global market, with our knowledgeable team spread across six continents, providing market and industry expertise directly to customers. With thousands of sites protected, the Ava Group is proven to deliver first class technologies that surpass the expectations of our partners and end users.

Welcome to the first communication as part of new series of investor updates from Ava Risk Group. These updates should be viewed in tandem with any announcements lodged via the ASX platform, which are the primary source of market-sensitive company information released to the market.

Intersec 2024 Dubai

The Ava team is excited to report a successful week at Intersec 2024 in Dubai, a global leading event for safety, security and fire protection. The Ava Group stand garnered overwhelming attention from attendees seeking insights into cutting-edge security technology presented by our Detect, Access, and Illuminate businesses.

Throughout the event, the stand was busy with potential customers seeking to delve deeper into our innovative security solutions. Live demonstrations were conducted across all three business units, accompanied by our global team of security experts, who were on hand to share their knowledge and emphasize the superiority of our products in enhancing site security.

Key highlights from our week at Intersec 2024 include:

• Illuminate Business: The unveiling of the new LX LoRa Connect garnered significant attention, with live product demos showcasing the power and capabilities of our latest offerings.
• Access Business: The introduction of the YG80B lock was a clear highlight, and the continued interest in the YD30 Cobalt series, which has experienced remarkable growth, reflects its sustained appeal in the market.
• Detect Business: Ava’s market leading, data-driven fibre-sensing technology, Aura Ai-X, continued to attract interest among potential customers from diverse industries and verticals, as they considered how this world leading solution can elevate their site security.

In summary, the Group’s participation at Intersec Dubai 2024 reinforced the strength and innovation of our security solutions across the three businesses. Upcoming exhibitions for all three business units include ISC West in the US and The Security Event (TSE24) in the UK, both scheduled for April.

Click to watch a quick video from the Intersec event.

Illuminate Division launches the LX LoRa Connect System

The Illuminate team was excited to introduce the LX LoRa Connect, an ultra- long-range wireless integration system poised to redefine the landscape of perimeter protection projects. Pioneering the next era of connectivity, the LX LoRa Connect is designed to transcend boundaries, effortlessly transmitting signals across distances of up to 10 kilometres.

The LX LoRa Connect System offers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency in connecting and supporting devices for various applications. Gone are the days of grappling with the constraints of traditional systems—this innovation eliminates the need for expensive data cables and logistical challenges, providing a seamless and cost-effective solution for businesses and industries alike.

Each system can effortlessly accommodate and support up to 500 devices, ushering in a new era of scalability and adaptability. Installers utilising LX LoRa Connect will gain a distinctive competitive edge, benefiting from reduced installation time, lowered labour costs, and alleviated stress for both security installers and end-customers.

The LX LoRa Connect not only streamlines the installation process, but also ensures seamless integration with leading technology, such as the D-TECT Laser and 3rd party solutions like FFT fibre, BQT locks, as well as leading camera systems. This compatibility enables security installation companies to offer their customers tailored security solutions.

Perfect for use on sites where traditional cables are impractical, or for scenarios requiring a rapid deployment security system, the LX LoRa Connect stands out as the go-to choice.

Access Division launches the YG80B lock

The Access division has introduced the YG80B, a revolutionary Bluetooth-enabled lock crafted to provide unmatched security and convenience.

This advanced lock is not just limited to traditional applications but extends its capabilities to safeguard prisons, cargo containers, gates, roller doors, and any other locations where security and ease of use are paramount.

Engineered with precision, the YG80B sets a new standard in weather-resistant locking systems. Its key features include a IP67 rating and a built-in heater, ensuring optimal performance even in the harshest environmental conditions. This makes the YG80B an ideal choice for deployment in extreme weather scenarios, where traditional locks may falter.

Equipped with built-in Bluetooth technology, the YG80B can be installed within your facility, ensuring it remains out of reach from potential attacks whilst still allowing for convenient and secure operation directly from your mobile phone.

Thank you for your support and interest in Ava’s expanding products and technical capabilities.

Not a subscriber?
Sign up to receive the newsletter direct to your inbox. 

Enter your email to keep up to date with key investor information.

ABOUT AVA GROUP

The Ava Group is a market leader of risk management technologies, trusted by some of the most security conscious commercial, industrial, military and government clients in the world.

The Group features a range of complementary solutions including intrusion detection and location for perimeters, pipelines and data networks, biometrics, card access control and locking. Through decades of innovation, the Ava Group continues to build upon a comprehensive portfolio of premium technologies for the most complex and demanding markets.

Our business truly serves a global market, with our knowledgeable team spread across six continents, providing market and industry expertise directly to customers. With thousands of sites protected, the Ava Group is proven to deliver first class technologies that surpass the expectations of our partners and end users.