MicroStrategy to Sell New Bitcoin Bond
Software provider doubles down on bet that digital assets will outperform cash
wsj.com
MicroStrategy Chief Executive Michael Saylor.PHOTO: JOE RAEDLE/GETTY IMAGES
By
Sebastian Pellejero
June 7, 2021 3:38 pm ET
MicroStrategy Inc. is borrowing $400 million in junk bonds to buy more bitcoin, adding to the company’s bet that digital assets will outperform cash.
The Tysons Corner, Va.-based company is selling $400 million in bonds to add to its existing bitcoin holdings, according to a Monday news release. The new notes due in 2028 will be backed by claims on the business and “any bitcoins or other digital assets” acquired after the deal closes, but excluding any claim on the company’s existing digital asset portfolio, the release says.
In a filing Monday, MicroStrategy also said it expects to post a $284.5 million loss, “based on fluctuations in market price of bitcoin,” during its next earnings report. The company held over 92,000 bitcoins as of mid-May, according to company filings.
Prices on the company’s existing debt have fallen in recent months. The company’s $550 million convertible note due 2025 recently traded at 135.073 cents on the dollar, according to MarketAxess. That is down from around 200 cents at the start of April. Investors can exchange convertible debt for stock if shares hit a predetermined price.
MicroStrategy’s $1 billion convertible note due 2027 is trading at 67.307 cents on the dollar, implying a 7.089% yield. That is down from around 101 cents in February. Shares fell around 3% Monday afternoon.
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