Guess which ASX All Ords share is raising $1.1 billion to back generative AI

The ASX All Ords company announced a billion dollar capital raising. Here's why.

| More on:
A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 0.5% on Monday morning, but this ASX All Ords share isn't making any moves just yet.

Shares in the New Zealand based company infrastructure investment company entered a trading halt before the opening bell this morning at the company's request.

This came on the heels of a major AI related capital raise announcement earlier this morning.

Any guesses?

If you said Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT), go to the head of the virtual class.

Here's what's happening.

ASX All Ords share tips hat for $1.1 billion

Infratil said it intends to raise NZ$1.15 billion (approximately AU$1.1 billion) to fund data centre operator CDC's accelerating growth. The new funds will also be used to provide more flexibility for growth across the ASX All Ords shares' global portfolio.

The equity raising comprises an underwritten1 NZ$1.0 billion placement of new IFT shares and a NZ$150 million non-underwritten retail offer of new IFT shares.

New shares will be issued for NZ$10.15 apiece. That's 6.8% below Friday's closing price.

"CDC continues to see a surge in demand for data centre capacity," Infratil CEO Jason Boyes said. "Demand continues to accelerate on the back of cloud adoption and significant investments in generative AI."

He noted that CDC has been one of Infratil's top investments. The ASX All Ords share's stake in CDC is valued at NZ$4.42 billion. That's 10 times what the company first invested in 2016.

According to Boyes:

This rapid increase in demand has seen CDC enter advanced negotiations with customers for over 400MW of capacity at multiple sites across the CDC footprint with this capacity expected to come online over the next four to five years.

CDC expects at least 200MW of capacity to commence construction over the next 12 months. And Infratil said it expects to commit equity funding of around AU$600 million to the data centre developer over the next two years.

"CDC's growth has accelerated considerably recently, driven by rapid growth in AI-driven data demand," Boyes said.

CDC CEO Greg Boorer added:

We are seeing an unprecedented increase in the number of customer discussions, many of which are tied to AI-related workloads. CDC has been AI-ready for more than 15 years and is well positioned to capture strong share of AI-driven demand.

Infratil said there was no change to its FY 2025 guidance.

Infratril share price snapshot

If you look back at the chart up top, you'll notice a remarkably stable long-term uptrend in the Infratil share price.

Over the past 12 months, the ASX All Ords share has gained 14.3%.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

More on Share Market News

A man has computer-generated images rushing through his head indicating an AI (Artificial Intelligence) concept of a communication network.
Technology Shares

ASX investors are obsessed with Nvidia shares! Here's why

The global chipmaker reported a 94% increase in annual revenue in the third quarter.

Read more »

A man wearing a red jacket and mountain hiking clothes stands at the top of a mountain peak and looks out over countless mountain ranges.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was another disappointing day for ASX investors this Thursday.

Read more »

two racing cars battle to take first place on a formula one track with one tailing the the leader and looking to overtake the car.
Opinions

Down 21% in 2024. This ASX 300 stock looks like a money-making monster

Profits are expected to plunge, but the future could still be bright.

Read more »

A businesswoman exhales a deep sigh after receiving bad news, and gets on with it.
52-Week Lows

Down 68% from highs, this ASX 200 stock just hit a 4-year low. Time to pounce?

Is this beaten down stock a buy? Let's see what one leading broker is saying.

Read more »

two men smiling with a laptop in front of them, symbolising a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Why Pinnacle, PWR, Race Oncology, and Vulcan shares are flying today

These shares are having a good session on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Accent, Sayona Mining, Web Travel, and Weebit Nano shares are dropping today

These shares are having a tough time on Thursday. Why are they being sold off?

Read more »

Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.
Share Market News

Insider buying alert: 3 ASX 200 shares directors are snapping up right now

Directors in some of Australia's blue-chip businesses aren't shying away from the market.

Read more »

A man has a surprised and relieved expression on his face. as he raises his hands up to his face in response to the high fluctuations in the Galileo share price today
Broker Notes

Guess which beaten down ASX share is rocketing 11% today

Why are investors buying this beaten down stock? Let's find out.

Read more »