Nomura pointed out that Nio's fundraising will at least support its balance sheet in the short term, and the response to the ES8 launch will be crucial

Nomura's report indicates that NIO (NIO.US)(09866.HK) announced its second equity offering within six months, raising RMB 7.2 billion. If the overallotment option is fully exercised, the fundraising amount could reach up to RMB 8.3 billion, which is estimated to dilute existing shareholders by 7.5% to 8.6%.

The firm believes that the fundraising will assist in its development plans, including technology and new model research and development, battery swapping and charging networks, as well as reversing the negative total equity status on its balance sheet since the first quarter of this year. The firm pointed out that the company has been continuously losing money and has entered a negative total equity state, believing that NIO has been relying on capital market financing as a potential plan. The firm estimates that the fundraising will at least be sufficient to support its balance sheet in the short term. Based on the latest stable delivery volume of the Onvo L90 and the potential optimistic outlook for the new ES8, the firm believes that from the company's perspective, now is a good time for an equity offering.

Nomura also believes that NIO's "NIO Day 2025" event on the 20th of this month will be crucial for NIO, as the new ES8 will be officially launched and its price announced. The firm maintains a "Neutral" rating on NIO (NIO.US) with a target price of $5, awaiting further clarity on ES8 demand