Daily Roundup

SKS Technologies Group has landed another major win, securing an additional $38 million in contracts for the MEL2 data centre project in Melbourne's northwest. This brings the total project value to $66 million, building on the $28 million in early works announced back in July. The fresh scope includes inground services and cold shell works, and CEO Matthew Jinks has expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver on this complex infrastructure project. With current work on hand now totaling $270 million and a robust pipeline of returning clients, SKS appears well-positioned for continued growth.

**

Over in the tech space, Activeport Group has made a significant international breakthrough, landing a $1 million-plus contract with Microscan Infocommtech Private Limited, Mumbai's largest independent fibre operator. The deal will see Activeport deploy its network orchestration software across Microscan's pan-India fibre backbone—a sprawling network of more than 1,800 kilometres connecting major data centres and thousands of enterprise buildings. The partnership is expected to drive recurring licence revenue as AI-led demand and API-based trading of connectivity take off across the network. The parties are already eyeing a second stage that would incorporate additional network-security products and functionality.

**

Dicker Data has halted trading in its securities pending a material acquisition announcement. The trading halt will remain in effect until either the announcement is released or normal trading resumes on October 8, 2026. The company has confirmed there are no other factors necessitating the halt, leaving investors waiting to see what's in the pipeline.

**

Astral Resources has cleared a potential hurdle for its Mandilla Gold Project by acquiring 100% of Estrella Resources' Spargoville Nickel Rights. The $3 million deal—settled through the issuance of 20 million Astral shares at $0.15 each—is expected to eliminate third-party obstacles that could have complicated project development. Completion is scheduled for October 12, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.

**

Finally, Tower Ltd has lifted its FY26 earnings guidance, now expecting underlying net profit after tax between $69 million and $79 million, up from the previous $55 million to $65 million range. The uplift reflects a $45 million large event allowance that wasn't fully utilized, with only $25 million in large event claim costs recorded for the year. The Kiwi insurer has also posted solid customer growth, with an 8% increase to 345,000 customers, while gross written premium growth sits at 3%, in line with guidance. Tower will release full details when it announces its FY26 results on November 26.