DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares were hit hard again on Wednesday after the counter-drone company released its half-year results.

The DroneShield share price finished the day down 11% to $1.74.

It continues what has been a pretty rough run for shareholders. The stock is now down around 17% over the past month and 48% since the start of 2026.

That’s a big change from where DroneShield was trading last year, when the shares were attracting plenty of attention.

With the share price now back near its lowest levels of the year, investors may be wondering whether the worst of the sell-off is finally behind it.

So, have DroneShield shares finally found a bottom?

Revenue growth continues as profits slip

Looking at the headline numbers, there was plenty to like on the revenue side.

DroneShield reported record first-half revenue of $125.8 million, up 74% from the same period last year.

Recurring revenue also rose 229% to $11.5 million, supported by a growing number of software-enabled devices in the field.

However, this came in below the $14.2 million estimate DroneShield provided in July.

Profitability also went backwards.

Underlying EBITDA came in at a $12.4 million loss, compared with an $8 million profit a year earlier.

DroneShield also reported a statutory net loss after tax of $32.2 million, while gross margin slipped to 60% from 65%.

The company said it has been investing heavily to support future growth, including in production, systems and staff.

There are still some good signs

Despite the first-half loss, there were still a few positives to take away from the result.

DroneShield had $240 million of committed FY26 revenue as at 21 August, up 36% from the same time last year.

That already covers between 89% and 96% of its full-year revenue guidance of $250 million to $270 million, giving the company a decent head start heading into the second-half.

There is also another $43 million of committed revenue for FY27 and beyond.

DroneShield is in a strong position financially as well, finishing June with $180 million in cash and term deposits and no debt.

This gives the company plenty of room to keep investing as it ramps up production and brings new products to market.

Have DroneShield shares bottomed out?

Calling the bottom isn’t easy, as you’re essentially trying to predict what every buyer and seller in the market is going to do.

Even the best investors in the world can’t pick the exact bottom every time.

Nonetheless, there are a few reasons to think much of the bad news could already be reflected in the share price.

There is still plenty going right in the business. Revenue is growing quickly, committed revenue continues to build and the balance sheet remains strong.

But investors will also want to see more of that growth flow through to margins and earnings, particularly after the first-half loss.

If DroneShield delivers on guidance and improves profitability in the second-half, investors could take another look.

The post Down 48% in 2026: Have DroneShield shares finally bottomed out? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8) share price is in focus after the company reported a 54% fall in revenue to $50.6 million and a 50% decrease in earnings per share to 5.6 cents for the full year.

What did Plato Income Maximiser report?

• Revenue from ordinary activities dropped 54.1% to $50.57 million
• Net profit after tax (NPAT) fell 49.9% to $41.83 million
• Basic and diluted earnings per share both down 50% to 5.6 cents
• Monthly fully franked dividends of 0.55 cents per share paid throughout FY26
• Net tangible asset backing per share (including tax on realised gains only) at $1.144, slightly down from $1.153

What else do investors need to know?

Plato Income Maximiser continued its policy of consistent monthly dividend payments, delivering 12 fully franked dividends during the period and flagging continued payouts post year-end. The company reaffirmed that it does not operate a dividend reinvestment plan.

Net tangible asset backing edged slightly lower year on year, reflecting the impact of market movements and realised gains. No changes in control of entities, associates, or joint ventures occurred during the period.

What’s next for Plato Income Maximiser?

Looking ahead, Plato Income Maximiser intends to maintain its monthly dividend payments, subject to future earnings and market conditions. Investors have already been notified of continued monthly payouts into the next financial year.

The company has not provided detailed forward guidance, but the focus remains on delivering reliable income and managing assets prudently within changing market dynamics.

Plato Income Maximiser share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Plato Income Maximiser shares have risen 4%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

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The post Plato Income Maximiser: FY26 profit slips, dividends steady appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ) share price is on watch after the company reported its twelfth straight year of EBITDA growth, with FY26 EBITDA up 2% to $115.9 million and strong cash flow performance.

What did Macquarie Technology report?

• EBITDA rose 2% to $115.9 million for FY26, marking twelve consecutive years of growth
• Operating cash flow reached $94.6 million with cash conversion of 108%
• 95% of revenue came from contracted monthly recurring revenue streams
• Significant investment in data centre infrastructure, with growth capex of $193.3 million
• Undrawn debt facility of $496.5 million and $100 million Hybrid Securities Series 2 available
• Australian Government invested $200 million from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation

What else do investors need to know?

Macquarie Technology accelerated development of its IC3 SuperWest data centre and completed the acquisition of a new 34,200sqm site at Macquarie Park, intended for a 200MW engineering and technology campus (METC). Construction on IC3 SuperWest remains on budget and on schedule, with Stage 1 expected to complete by September 2026.

The company’s balance sheet was further strengthened by government investment, and its recurring revenue mix remains robust. Ongoing strategic investments are focused on supporting cloud, AI, and cyber security demand as well as enhancing sustainable infrastructure, including advanced cooling technologies with limited water use.

What did Macquarie Technology management say?

Chief Executive David Tudehope said:

Our capital structure has become increasingly diversified through the introduction of the Australian Government’s NRFC as a strategic investor. Combined with our existing debt facilities, this long-term source of capital provides additional financial flexibility to support the development of sovereign secure digital infrastructure, cyber security services and future growth initiative.

What’s next for Macquarie Technology?

The company expects modest FY27 EBITDA growth, assuming revenue from IC3 SuperWest Phase 1 begins in the second half. Investment will ramp up in people, AI-ready infrastructure, and product development to support anticipated growth across cyber security, cloud, and networking.

Macquarie Technology’s focus remains on expanding capacity, finalising customer agreements for major data centre projects, and supporting innovation in AI and cloud for business and government clients. The METC project is progressing, with community features and academic partnerships planned, although major construction is still subject to approvals.

Macquarie Technology share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Macquarie Technology shares have declined 9%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

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The post Macquarie Technology: Twelve years of EBITDA growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.