Google Inc. refinances $1-billion debt through bond sale

For the first time in three years, Google Inc. issued bonds in order to refinance a maturing debt estimated to 1 billion dollars, even though its cash reserve increased to the record sum of more than 60 billion dollars.

According to data compiled by Bloomberg, Google Inc. issued 3.375%, 10-year notes that generate 62.5 basis points more than similar-maturity Treasuries. The company posted a regulatory filing, explaining that these earnings may be used in order to repay its 1 billion dollars of 1.25% noted due May the 19th.

The company has chosen to refinance its obligation, instead of resorting to a part of its 60.7 billion dollars of cash and equivalents that have been used by Larry Page to invest in mobile applications, connected devices and business services. Google Inc. signed more deals than any other company worldwide in the three years that ended on January 2014 under Mr. Larry Page.

Morningstar Inc. made a report, revealing that the new bonds have been estimated to about 70 basis points more than Treasuries. The company wrote in its report, cited by Bloomberg: “Google has consistently said that it views its large cash balance as a strategic weapon given the pace of innovation around it and the investment options it sees. We also expect the firm will remain very conservative with its balance sheet, maintaining access to the debt markets primarily to enhance financial flexibility should its domestic cash balance ever run low.”

Yesterdays offering was managed by Bank of America Corp., Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley. The company got a Aa2 rating by Moodys Investors Service, and an AA from Standard & Poors.

In addition, according to a regulatory filing that was posted on February the 12th, foreign units held more than half of the companys cash, making it a subject of U.S. Taxes, if the money was to be repatriated.

Google Inc.s shares rose by 0.15% on Thursday to settle the session at $1 204.11, marking a one-year change of 51.95%. According to CNN Money, the 41 analysts offering 12-month price forecasts for Google Inc. have a median target of $1,313.00, with a high estimate of $1,500.00 and a low estimate of $1,025.00. The median estimate represents a +9.04% increase from the last close.