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:

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.

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

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 ASX Share Market News

Man sits smiling at a computer showing graphs.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

IonQ just posted record revenue. What does it mean for the ASX's newest quantum computing ETF?

A record quarter, a brand new fund, and one big catch.

Read more »

A neon sign says 'Top Ten'.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a lukewarm end to a stunning trading week today.

Read more »

A white EV car and an electric vehicle pump with green highlighted swirls representing ASX lithium shares
Broker Notes

Here's what brokers tip for PLS shares over the next 12 months

PLS shares ripped 275% in FY26. Here are 6 new 12-month share price targets from the experts.

Read more »

Happy friends holding shopping bags in a shopping mall.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Myer, Centuria Office REIT, Viva Energy shares

Analysts reveal their ratings and 12-month share price targets.

Read more »

Three trophies in declining sizes with a red curtain backdrop.
ASX Share Market News

3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher this week on big news

These three ASX 200 stocks surged 17% to 23% this week following big announcements.

Read more »

A young woman holds her hand to her ear and leans sideways as if to listen to something that's surprising her as her eyes and her mouth are wide open.
ASX Share Market News

Why James Hardie, Avita Medical and ResMed shares are turning heads on Friday

Why is everyone talking about Avita Medical, ResMed, and James Hardie shares today?

Read more »

Animation of a man measuring a percentage sign, symbolising rising interest rates.
ASX Share Market News

Will they hold, or won't they? What experts are saying about Tuesday's RBA interest rate meeting

Leading experts sound off on what to expect at next week’s RBA interest meeting.

Read more »

Woman using mobile phone for digital banking, with hologram of globe and different currency symbols.
ASX Share Market News

Why this international market could be a "hidden giant" – Expert

This market could be set for takeoff.

Read more »