Waymo upsizes debut private loan to $5 billion to fund expansion - Bloomberg

Waymo, Alphabet Inc.'s autonomous vehicle arm, has significantly expanded its initial private debt issuance to a record $5 billion. This substantial increase in borrowing capacity follows a strong demand from private credit investors eager to support Waymo's ambitious expansion plans. The driverless unit secured commitments from prominent investors such as Pacific Investment Management Co., Blackstone Inc., and Sixth Street Partners.

The loan was facilitated by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and was offered at a rate 5.25 percentage points above the prevailing benchmark. This move represents a significant shift in Waymo's capital allocation strategy, which previously relied heavily on equity financing. In a bid to bolster its self-driving vehicle initiatives and invest in cutting-edge hardware, including custom-designed silicon for its fleet, Waymo raised an additional $16 billion earlier this year, bringing its valuation to a staggering $126 billion.

The company's focus on expanding its U.S. footprint while positioning itself for entry into major Asian markets, such as Japan and Singapore, has driven the need for additional capital. With the expanded debt facility, Waymo aims to formalize the borrowing arrangement soon, enabling it to meet its goal of delivering one million paid rides per week this year as it continues to push the boundaries of autonomous technology.