Daily Roundup

IPG.ASX DRO.ASX CAZ.ASX NDQ.ASX ORG.ASX

IPD Group Expands Mining Footprint with Platinum Cables Acquisition

IPD Group Limited has made a strategic move to strengthen its position in the mining sector by acquiring Platinum Cables Pty Ltd, a leading Australian provider of high-performance cable solutions. The $37.5 million upfront deal, with a potential $7.5 million contingent earn-out, will see IPD Group bolster its offerings and deepen relationships with key customers.

The complementary nature of Platinum Cables' products and IPD Group's existing portfolio is expected to create cross-selling opportunities and enhance the group's value proposition. Platinum Cables specializes in durable, compliant, and innovative cable solutions for the mining and resources industries, with projected FY25 revenue of $44.8 million, EBITDA of $8.2 million, and EBIT of $7.2 million.

The acquisition is anticipated to be approximately 11.5% accretive to IPD Group's FY25 earnings per share, excluding synergies and one-off costs. Additionally, the pro forma FY25 EBIT margin is expected to increase from 11.1% to 11.6%, reflecting the strategic fit and operational efficiencies of the combined entity.

DroneShield Secures $8.2 Million Western Military Contract

DroneShield Limited has announced a significant contract win, securing an $8.2 million order from a western military end-customer. The contract, which is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025 or early 2026, adds to DroneShield's impressive backlog of $97.7 million in locked-in revenues going into the new year.

The order is for DroneShield's handheld counter-drone systems, associated accessories, and software updates. The company has the required stock on hand and anticipates receiving full cash payment in the first quarter of 2026. This latest contract further solidifies DroneShield's position as a trusted provider of cutting-edge counter-drone solutions to military and government entities around the world.

Dundas Minerals Expands Frontier Gold Exposure with Romano Acquisition

Dundas Minerals has made a strategic move to expand its exploration footprint in Western Australia's Goldfields region. The company has acquired an 80% interest in the Romano Project, a large-scale gold exploration package located adjacent to the Gruyere gold mine.

The Romano Project covers approximately 800 square kilometers of under-explored frontier terrain, with multiple priority targets identified through historical work. Dundas will earn its 80% stake by spending $2 million on exploration over the next two years, while Cazaly Resources retains a 20% free-carried interest.

This acquisition aligns with Dundas' strategy of targeting large-scale gold systems in emerging regions, complementing the company's existing Kalgoorlie exploration and resource portfolio. The company plans to build a dedicated technical team to advance the identified priority targets at the Romano Project.

Betashares Announces Estimated Distributions for January 2026

Betashares Capital Ltd has released the estimated distribution payable amounts for over 75 Betashares funds, with the distributions to be paid in January 2026. The Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) is operating for eligible funds, and investors are encouraged to ensure their bank account details are up to date to receive the payments promptly.

To facilitate the distribution calculations, Betashares will not be accepting application and redemption requests from Authorised Participants between December 29, 2025, and December 31, 2025, inclusive. However, trading of fund units on the ASX will remain available during this period.

Origin Energy Retains Stake in Kraken After $1 Billion Raising

Origin Energy has announced that its technology subsidiary, Kraken Technologies, will raise $1 billion in its first standalone equity raising. Origin will participate in the round, retaining its 22.7% stake in the business, which is now valued at $8.65 billion.

As part of the transaction, Kraken has signed a major licensing deal with a leading energy retailer, adding over 10 million customer accounts. Origin has also agreed to waive its exclusivity to the Kraken platform in Australia in exchange for an additional 1.5% equity interest, offsetting dilution from the raising.

These developments put Octopus Energy and Kraken in a strong position to unlock their next phase of growth, with Origin continuing to hold a significant stake and participate in the ongoing success of both businesses.