BRIEF: CATL raises massive $5 billion in share placement at 7% discount

Electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (3750.HK; 300750.SZ)(CATL) announced on Tuesday it plans to place 62.4 million new Hong Kong-listed H-shares at HK$628.20 each, representing a 7% discount to the stock’s previous close, to raise about HK$39.1 billion ($5 billion). The new shares will account for about 1.36% of the company’s enlarged share capital.

CATL will use the funds for global new energy projects, zero-carbon initiatives, R&D and working capital. The company said the fundraising will strengthen its capital base and support overseas capacity expansion and supply chain development amid rising demand for power and energy storage batteries. At least six institutional investors are expected to buy shares in the placement.

CATL previously raised about HK$40.6 billion through its Hong Kong IPO last May. Combined with this latest placement, the company’s total fundraising in the Hong Kong market within a year is approaching HK$80 billion.

Earlier this month, CATL said it would set up a wholly owned unit, Times Resources Group (Xiamen), with registered capital of 30 billion yuan to manage investments in new energy minerals. The platform will consolidate its mining assets and expand lithium, nickel and phosphorus projects at home and abroad to secure raw material supplies for the company and strengthen its vertical integration.

CATL’s stock opened lower on Tuesday and was trading at HK$629 by the midday break, down 6.88%. The stock has gained about 139% from its IPO price since its listing last year.

By Lee Shih Ta

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