CATL said its weaker operating cash flow in Q3 reflected proactive adjustments
to supplier payments from the third quarter to support upstream suppliers in the
lithium‑battery supply chain facing cash pressure. Measures prioritized partners
with R&D capability, innovation and cooperation on capacity expansion and
included faster payment terms, advance payments and R&D funding. The company
said the support may continue for some time and could cause a temporary hit to
operating cash flow, but will not affect long‑term cash profitability and cash
flow should return to healthier levels.
