Microsoft plans to sell $2.25 billion of debt as investment-grade companies tap the corporate bond market. Proceeds may be used for working capital, stock buybacks and acquisitions, the Redmond, Washington-based company said in a regulatory filing. Microsoft is offering five-, 10- and 30-year senior unsecured debt, according to one source.

Microsoft issued $4.75 billion of debt in September, including three- and five-year notes that set records for the lowest coupons for those maturities.

The offering included $1 billion of 3 per cent, 10-year notes that priced at 99.14 cents on the dollar to yield 55 basis points more than similar-maturity treasuries. – (Bloomberg)