Economy
Netflix Set to Raise $2 Billion as War for Content Heats Up

(Bloomberg) —Netflix Inc. is selling bonds as it continues to bolster its original content in the face of expanding competition.
The company is offering around $2 billion of bonds between dollars and euros, according to a statement Monday. The proceeds of the sale will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include content acquisitions, production and development and potential acquisitions.
The dollar-denominated 10.5-year bonds, which can’t be bought back, may yield around 5.125%, while the euro notes could pay in the high 3% range, according to people with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified as the details are private. Given Netflix’s current trading levels, it could realize a blended coupon rate of less than 4.25%, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Stephen Flynn.
Read: Netflix Hopes ‘Stranger Things’ Can Be Its Billion-Dollar Franchise
Netflix is issuing debt after reporting earnings that beat analyst estimates and saw overseas growth that helped sooth investors’ concerns about a slowdown at home. The company burned through $551 million of cash in the third quarter and is “slowly” moving toward becoming free cash flow positive, Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings said in a letter to shareholders last week. In the meantime, Netflix will continue to tap the high-yield market for its investment needs, he said.
The Los Gatos, California-based company reiterated expectations to burn through $3.5 billion in cash this year as the war for content heats up. It’s been raising prices — often at the expense of subscriber gains — in some of its largest territories, trying to shift toward profitability as streaming service competition mounts from companies such as Walt Disney Co., AT&T Inc. and Apple Inc.
Netflix has historically relied on the high-yield bond market to finance its growth, typically issuing debt following its first- and third-quarter earnings in April and October, respectively. Its debt load, including operating lease liabilities, has steadily grown to around $13.5 billion since first tapping the market in 2009, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Read: You Can Now Watch ‘Seinfeld’ on Netflix
What Bloomberg Intelligence Says
“Netflix may issue new junk bonds for several more years as proceeds from debt sales fuel not only free-cash-flow deficits, but also repayment of bond principal. While Netflix may not produce free cash flow until 2023, it must address a $500 million bond principal in 2021 and another $700 million in early 2022.”
–Stephen Flynn, corporate credit analyst
The company last borrowed $2.24 billion of junk bonds in April, and said that it would reduce its reliance on debt financing at the time. CEO Hastings walked back that language in a July letter to shareholders, saying Netflix planned to still use the high-yield market to fund content investments.
Netflix’s bonds were little changed in New York trading on Monday. The stock closed 1% higher at $278.05.
Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Group Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Deutsche Bank AG and Wells Fargo & Co. are managing the bond sale, according to a separate person with knowledge of the matter. The notes are expected to price Tuesday, the person said, asking not to be identified as the details are private.
-
Banking & Finance3 weeks ago
Oman Arab Bank Announces Increase of Authorised Capital to RO500mn and Paid‑In Capital Boost of RO50mn
-
Renewables2 months ago
Jindal Renewables and OQ Alternative Energy Sign Joint Development Agreement to Advance Integrated Renewable Power Projects in Oman
-
OER Magazines2 months ago
OER, May 2025
-
Alamaliktistaad Magazines2 months ago
Al-Iktisaad, May 25
-
Bahrain3 weeks ago
SPIEF 2025 focused on global and regional economic processes, market transformation, new tech, investment climate, financial policy and people
-
Banking & Finance1 month ago
Central Bank of Oman Issues Regulatory Framework for Digital Banks
-
Banking & Finance2 months ago
United Finance Company: Strategically Serving Oman’s Auto Market with Faster, Customer-First Solutions
-
Insurance1 month ago
Liva Insurance Sets New Benchmark with ‘Innovative Insurer of the Year’ Award at the New Age Banking Summit 2025