Today is a big day for DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares.
That's because today marks the first day that the drone defence company officially joins the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).
This follows the S&P Dow Jones Indices September quarterly rebalance of the S&P/ASX Indices.
And with DroneShield shares having gained 160% over the past 12 months, giving the company a market cap of $2.8 billion, the company has earned a spot in Australia's closely watched benchmark index.
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DroneShield shares fly onto the ASX 200
In a media release earlier this month, DroneShield noted that the ASX 200 represents some 89% of the Australian equity market by market capitalisation. Adding that the ASX 200 serves as the primary benchmark for domestic and global institutional investors, the company said the milestone marks its "continued rise as a global defence technology leader".
Although DroneShield shares are down 1.6% today during the Monday lunch hour, the company's inclusion in the benchmark index should open the door for more fund managers, who may be limited to investing in the larger end of the market, to buy shares.
Index tracking exchange traded funds (ETFs) intended to mirror the ASX 200 will also now need to own the stock.
"We are pleased to join the ranks of Australia's top companies in the S&P/ASX 200," DroneShield CEO Oleg Vornik said following the S&P Dow Jones Indices September review.
Vornik added:
This achievement reflects the strength of our business, the global demand for our counter-drone technology, and the strong support of our shareholders. We believe this milestone will further enhance our visibility with institutional domestic and overseas investors and strengthen our platform for continued growth.
What's been happening with the ASX 200 defence stock?
DroneShield shares grabbed plenty of investor attention on 27 August after the company released its half-year results (H1 2025).
The company reported impressive growth, with a 210% year on year increase in revenue for the six months to $72.3 million.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $5.2 million was up from a $4.9 million EBITDA loss in H1 2024.
And on the bottom line, the ASX 200 drone defence stock was back in the black with a $2.1 million profit after tax, up from a $4.8 million after tax loss in the prior corresponding half year.
But investor expectations were clearly high heading into those half-year results.
Despite the year-on-year growth, DroneShield shares closed down 10.4% on the day the company reported.
