GDS Holdings Sets Final Pricing for C-REIT IPO on Shanghai Exchange

By Caleb Price Updated Jul 2, 2025 Category News Read 3 min

GDS Holdings Announces C-REIT IPO Pricing

Today, GDS Holdings Limited, a prominent player in data center operations, shared pivotal news regarding its China REIT (C-REIT) IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The final offering price stands at RMB 3.00 per unit, marking a significant milestone for the company as it attempts to expand its influence in the sector.

Strong Market Response and Offering Details

The enthusiasm surrounding GDS’s C-REIT IPO is evident, as the final offering price was established after an impressive institutional bookbuilding process that saw subscriptions exceed expectations by 166 times. This overwhelming demand underscores investor confidence in the company’s growth prospects and operational robustness. The C-REIT plans to issue a total of 800,000,000 units, which represents 100% of the units in circulation post-IPO. With gross proceeds estimated at RMB 2,400 million, the offering is poised to significantly bolster GDS’s financial position.

Impressive Valuation Metrics

At this final price, GDS expects to maintain a promising valuation, with an implied enterprise value to EBITDA ratio of 16.9 times. This is calculated using a projected EBITDA of RMB 141.8 million for 2026. Additionally, the estimated dividend yield per unit ranks at a compelling 5.2%, based on anticipated cash flows of RMB 124.8 million available for distribution in 2026. Such metrics are appealing for potential investors looking for stable returns on their investments.

Strategic Transactions and Future Plans

In conjunction with the IPO, GDS will finalize an agreement to transfer a complete 100% equity interest in a project company that houses stabilized data center assets valued at approximately RMB 2,319 million. The transaction promises to deliver net cash proceeds of around RMB 2,111 million to GDS. This figure encompasses equity considerations and accrued dividends, net of taxes and transaction costs. Moreover, GDS will see a decrease of roughly RMB 62 million in net debt following the transaction.

Continued Management of Data Center Assets

After the completion of this sale, GDS plans to retain management responsibilities under a services agreement established with the C-REIT's project company. This partnership will allow GDS to generate annual fee income approximating RMB 5 million, ensuring a steady revenue stream while concurrently expanding the company’s operational footprint.

About GDS Holdings Limited

GDS Holdings Limited, which trades on NASDAQ under the ticker GDS and on the HKEX as 9698, has cemented its position as a leader in the high-performance data center segment in China. Its facilities strategically cluster around vital economic hubs, affirming its commitment to meeting the burgeoning demand for data center services, characterized by high power capacity, efficiency, and reliability.

Offering diversity in operations, GDS’s data centers are carrier and cloud-neutral, facilitating access to major telecommunications networks and the largest public cloud services in the region. The company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including co-location and managed hybrid cloud solutions. With over 24 years in the industry and a diverse clientele—including hyperscale cloud service providers, financial institutions, and multinational corporations—GDS is well-positioned to capture future growth opportunities.