Apple Extends Asian-Bond Listings To Australia

Reuters reported on Wednesday that Apple Inc. AAPL is believed to be planning a $1 billion bond issue in Taiwan for the first ever in the country.

Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday the company is looking to expand its bond issuance in the region and plans to raise $3 billion to $4 billion in Taiwan and Australia. The publication, citing "a person with knowledge of the plans," noted that Apple will continue using the proceeds from debt offers to fund its stock buyback program and dividends rather than repatriating its offshore cash which is subject to taxes.

Related Link: Why Is Apple Raising $1 Billion Through A Bond Raise In Taiwan?

Apple recently committed to returning $250 billion to shareholders through March 2018, representing an uptick from its prior pledge in which the company said it will return $200 billion by March 2017 through dividends and share buybacks.

WSJ added that Apple will initially raise $1 billion in each country, but it may increase the amount based on the demand it receives. The company is also looking to raise additional capital in Japan and Singapore.

Shares of Apple were trading lower by more than 1 percent Thursday afternoon at $97.15.