Rivian’s shares fall after public offering plan overshadows upbeat revenue forecast

(Reuters) – Shares of ​Rivian slipped 9% in extended trading on Monday after the electric-vehicle ‌maker launched an offer to sell 75 million shares, even as it forecast second-quarter revenue above analysts’ estimates.

Based on Monday’s close of $20.14 per Rivian share, the company would raise $1.5 billion. Rivian ​said in a filing that it plans to use the proceeds ​to fund equity contributions as part of a loan ⁠agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy.

The offering comes as Rivian, known ​for its high-end R1S SUVs and R1T pickups, is ramping up rollout ​of its smaller, more affordable R2 SUVs, seen as critical for the company’s success.

In April, Rivian said it would obtain a smaller but quicker $4.5 billion loan from ​the government to fund building and equipping its Georgia plant, which ​will house expanded production of R2 SUVs. It plans to start drawing the loan ‌early ⁠next year.

The offering comes after Rivian reported strong second-quarter deliveries and raised its annual delivery forecast last week. Shares of Rivian have since jumped more than 17%.

The market reaction meant it was “the right time for Rivian to ​secure additional funding,” ​a spokesperson told ⁠Reuters.

The offering will increase the number of shares outstanding, resulting in dilution for Rivian’s existing shareholders.

Rivian on Monday ​forecast revenue between $1.55 billion and $1.65 billion for the second quarter, well ​above analysts’ average estimate of $1.45 ⁠billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

It also estimated $5.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents at the end of June, up from $4.8 billion at ⁠the close ​of the first quarter.

The company is set ​to report its second-quarter results on July 30.

Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City and ​Abhirup Roy in San Francisco; Editing by Jonathan Ananda and Sherry Jacob-Phillips