The Contact Energy Ltd (ASX: CEN) share price is in focus today after the company completed a NZ$450 million share placement, a key part of its NZ$525 million equity raise to support ongoing growth and investment.

Image source: Getty Images
What did Contact Energy report?
- Successfully completed a fully underwritten NZ$450 million institutional placement
- Equity raise totals up to NZ$525 million, including a proposed NZ$75 million non-underwritten retail offer
- Strong support from existing shareholders and demand from new international institutional investors
- Settlement for the placement expected on 20 February 2026 (NZX) and 19 February 2026 (ASX)
- All new shares to rank equally with existing ordinary shares
What else do investors need to know?
Contact Energy will open its retail offer to eligible shareholders on 19 February 2026, aiming to raise up to NZ$75 million, with the ability to accept additional subscriptions at its discretion. The retail offer closes on 6 March 2026, giving existing investors a chance to participate on similar terms to the institutional placement.
The company has emphasised fairness by ensuring all eligible institutional shareholders who applied for at least their pro-rata allocation received that amount. New shares issued will begin trading on both the NZX and ASX from 20 February 2026 (placement) and 13 March 2026 (retail offer).
What's next for Contact Energy?
Funds raised through this placement and retail offer will support Contact Energy's growth plans and strengthen its balance sheet as it continues to invest in New Zealand's renewable energy future. The company says it is focused on treating shareholders fairly while providing opportunities for both existing and new investors to participate in its long-term strategy.
Contact aims to deliver value for its shareholders by advancing planned projects and initiatives aligned with its sustainability goals, keeping the energy business competitive in the changing market landscape.
Contact Energy share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, Contact Energy hare have declined 3%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.