Orica consolidates service offering though Axis Mining Technology acquisition: $650m equity injection

Investors who were somewhat mystified at Orica (ASX: ORI) hitting a new 52-week high yesterday, seemingly on no news, can today connect the dots following two major announcements this morning.

The large cap explosives company entered a trading halt this morning (resumes trading tomorrow) after announcing plans to buy Perth-based unlisted digital orebody intelligence business, Axis Mining Technology for $260m and a deferred earn-out payment up to a maximum of $90m.

The offer implies an acquisition multiple of 11.8x FY22 earnings (excluding pro forma synergies).

To fund the Axis acquisition and ongoing working capital requirements arising as a result of global supply chain dislocations, Orica will be making an underwritten $650m institutional share placement at $16 a share.

Orica also plans to offer a non-underwritten share purchase plan (SPP) capped at $75m to shareholders.

What exactly does Axis do?

To the uninitiated, Axis designs, manufactures and distributes specialised navigation instrumentation, data and drilling solutions for the mining industry.

Products are manufactured and assembled at Axis’ UK and Australian facilities, and distributed to over 30 countries, with earnings primarily generated through recurring product rental.

Mine-to-mill solutions provider

Through the Axis acquisition, Orica expects to become the industry’s first integrated, end-to-end, mine-to-mill solutions provider.

“This strategic acquisition further strengthens our existing Digital Solutions vertical and expands our Orebody Intelligence portfolio upstream,” noted CEO Sanjeev Gandhi.

“The integration of Axis’ technology and expertise will accelerate our ability to support our customer’s digital transformation efforts around the world.”

Orica’s rationale for acquiring Axis also include:

• Axis is a high-growth and high-margin business exposed to favourable long-term industry trends with primary exposure to gold and copper.

• The acquisition of Axis will enable Orica to create a leading, full-service Orebody Intelligence business with a comprehensive product portfolio and differentiated market offering.

• Strengthens Orica’s position across the mining value chain.

• Compelling growth opportunities for both businesses, through combined global network and capabilities.

EPS accretive

Management advised investors that both acquisition and placement are expected to be EPS accretive from the first full year of ownership.

The return on net assets (RONA) contribution from the acquisition is also expected to be in line with Orica’s stated guidance of 10-12%.

While Orica’s earnings outlook for FY22 remain unchanged from the FY22 half year results announcement, the company expects continued inflationary pressures and higher energy costs, as well as supply chain dislocations, to remain ongoing challenges.

Orica share price over one year.