RocketDNA’s Rising Losses Highlight Challenges Despite Operational Gains

Financial Overview

RocketDNA Ltd’s half-year results to 30 June 2025 reveal a nuanced picture. Revenue slipped 4% to $3.326 million compared to the previous corresponding period, primarily due to the conclusion of legacy contracts in Africa and a reduction in one-off revenues. Despite this, the company’s innovative xBot® autonomous drone technology showed strong growth, partially offsetting the decline.

The company reported a net loss after tax of $1.265 million, a 45% increase from the prior period. Operating losses widened due to lower gross profits and a modest rise in employee costs, reflecting strategic investments in sales personnel to support future growth. Cash reserves stood at $1.745 million, down from $3.406 million at the end of 2024, with significant capital expenditure directed towards new drone units, the Perth Remote Operating Centre fitout, and enhancements to the SiteTube® data delivery platform.

Operational Milestones and Market Expansion

Operationally, RocketDNA made notable strides. The company expanded its relationship with Rio Tinto through a formal xBot® pilot at the Gudai-Darri iron ore mine, following a successful trial. Autonomous drone flights in Australia surged 97% quarter-on-quarter, underscoring customer adoption of automated data processing capabilities. New verticals, such as tailings dam monitoring at BHP’s Prominent Hill mine, and daily automated surveys at a Tier 1 coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, demonstrate the company’s growing footprint in mining applications.

Internationally, RocketDNA delivered three xBots to Kamoa Copper in the Democratic Republic of Congo and secured a significant LiDAR survey contract with Millennial Potash in Gabon, marking its largest drone-based survey to date. The company also expanded its presence in public infrastructure surveillance with a second government security site launched in July.

Strategic and Compliance Advances

RocketDNA achieved a historic safety and compliance milestone by becoming the first known drone operator to earn simultaneous BARS Gold Certification in both Australia and Africa, with zero audit findings. This certification is critical for Tier-1 mining clients and positions RocketDNA as a trusted aerial operations partner. The commissioning of the new Remote Operating Centre in Perth enhances 24/7 autonomous drone mission capabilities, complementing existing centres in Adelaide and Johannesburg.

On the corporate front, the formation of a Strategic Advisory Board brings expertise in capital markets, automation, clean energy, and international commercialisation, signaling a commitment to scaling operations and financial stability.

Looking Ahead

RocketDNA’s outlook is cautiously optimistic. Further xBot deployments are already underway in Q3 2025, expected to replace lost conventional drone revenues. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on growing trends in AI, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, and Drone-as-a-Service models. However, the company’s ability to reverse its loss trajectory will depend on sustaining revenue growth and managing operating costs effectively.