A bizarre video alleging that a supervisor at Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL)'s Yibin facility prohibited workers from using restrooms has gone viral, yet the company's share price has paradoxically climbed into positive territory.

The incident, which circulated widely on social media this afternoon, claimed that a shift leader refused to let a general worker use the bathroom. This reportedly led to the worker losing control of their bladder and, in a fit of rage, stripping off their clothes and throwing feces at others, creating a highly unusual spectacle.

The video drew massive attention online, with many users expressing skepticism. A netizen from Fujian province argued that the setting didn't match CATL's actual production lines, pointing out that the company doesn't use gray dust-proof suits, doesn't require them in the packing section, and strictly seals phones with film in workshops, making filming virtually impossible.

In response to media inquiries, a CATL spokesperson dismissed the video as malicious slander. The spokesperson clarified that the footage was not from their facilities and that the company has already filed a police report to investigate the matter. They added that CATL provides smoking areas for employees at all its bases and would never prohibit restroom breaks, calling the alleged behavior 'quite bizarre.'

While the internet buzzed with commentary, some jokingly referred to the incident as 'CATL's excrement-supporting pattern', the market reaction was notably different. Observers pointed out the irony that despite the negative news, the stock price sharply rebounded to a positive zone. Some netizens cynically remarked on the company's lack of buyback activity despite promises, contrasting it with the immediate market response to such rumors.

Since May, CATL's stock has been on a downward trend, falling from a high of 467.35 yuan to a recent close of 336.84 yuan. On July 25, the company announced a share buyback plan worth 20 to 40 billion yuan, with a price ceiling of 573 yuan per share, targeting approximately 69.81 million shares. However, no actual repurchases have been executed to date.

The rumor surfaced just days after CATL's chairman, Robin Zeng, spoke at the 2026 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin on September 3. In his speech, he criticized the industry's 'quick-fix' mentality, noting that companies are prioritizing speed, specifications, and price, which shortens development cycles but compromises product quality and consumer trust.

His comments sparked discussion online, with some observers noting that the company captures a significant portion of profits from Chinese automakers. In the first half of this year alone, CATL posted a net profit of 43.284 billion yuan, translating to daily earnings of 240 million yuan.

Meanwhile, a growing 'de-CATL' movement is spreading across the automotive sector. On September 7, Li Auto officially announced that its self-developed battery system has begun deployment across its full vehicle lineup. This development signals that CALB has entered Li Auto's power battery supply chain, a segment previously dominated by CATL and Sunwoda.

Adding to the trend, Xiaomi's newly launched model, the Pengcheng, features the 'Longjia Battery' developed in collaboration with CALB and Sunwoda. Additionally, automakers including GAC, Dongfeng, and Geely have all invested in self-developed power battery technologies.