Applied Digital Issues Unsecured Convertible Debenture to Advance HPC Data Center Project in Ellendale, North Dakota
On May 24, 2024, Applied Digital announced a $42.1 million unsecured convertible debenture to advance its HPC data center project in Ellendale, North Dakota. The debenture bears no interest, has a 5% original issue discount, and a 54-week term. Its conversion price is the lower of $8.00 or 95% of the lowest daily volume-weighted average price during the five days before conversion. If below $8.00, conversion is capped at $16 million per month. The debenture is prepayable if the stock trades below $8.00. The proceeds will finance construction advancements, with the Investor agreeing not to short the stock. Legal counsel was provided by Lowenstein Sandler LLP.
- Raised $42.1 million in a private financing agreement.
- Funds will advance the HPC data center project in Ellendale, North Dakota.
- Debenture has no interest, reducing financial burden.
- Investor agreed not to short the stock.
- Convertible debenture offers flexible repayment options.
- Convertible debenture issued at a 5% original issue discount.
- Conversion capped at $16 million per month under certain conditions.
- Potential stock dilution from conversion of debentures.
- Debenture term is short at 54 weeks, requiring timely project advancements.
- Dependency on successful registration of resale shares with the SEC.
The issuance of a $42,131,579 unsecured convertible debenture is a significant move for Applied Digital Corporation. A convertible debenture is a type of debt instrument that the holder can convert into equity, typically shares of the company's stock. This provides the company with immediate financing while giving the investor potential upside if the company performs well.
The terms of this debenture are particularly noteworthy. It carries a five percent original issue discount, meaning the company receives slightly less than the face value upfront. The conversion price is set to the lower of $8.00 or 95% of the lowest daily volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the company's stock over a specified period. This flexible conversion pricing can be attractive to investors since it offers downside protection. However, it also introduces dilution risk for existing shareholders if the stock price falls significantly.
The lack of interest on the debenture is unusual and indicates confidence from the investor in the company's equity potential. The company retains the option to prepay the note if the stock trades below $8.00, which can be advantageous to manage potential dilution. The investor is also restricted from shorting the stock during the term, which can help stabilize the share price.
From a retail investor's perspective, while the financing bolsters the company's capital for its HPC data center project, it's essential to monitor the potential dilution impact and the strategic use of these funds. Proper utilization can lead to substantial project advancements and future revenue generation, but poor management could lead to shareholder value erosion.
The announcement highlights a strategic financing move to advance Applied Digital's HPC data center in Ellendale, North Dakota. High-Performance Computing (HPC) is a growing industry with applications across various sectors including scientific research, financial modeling and artificial intelligence. Investing in advanced digital infrastructure positions Applied Digital in a competitive market space that is expected to see significant growth.
Retail investors should note that the progress of the HPC data center project is crucial. The company's ability to meet construction milestones and operational targets will directly impact its market positioning and potential revenue streams. Delays or cost overruns in the project could negatively affect investor sentiment and stock performance.
Additionally, the market's reaction to the company's ability to secure project-level financing will be pivotal. Successfully obtaining further financing without excessive dilution or unfavorable terms will be a key determinant of the project's financial viability and the company's capital structure.
Overall, this financing news reflects the company's strategic focus on expanding its infrastructure capabilities, which could provide substantial long-term value if executed efficiently. However, investors should remain vigilant about execution risks and market conditions that could influence the project's success.
DALLAS, May 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Digital Corporation (Nasdaq: APLD) ("Applied Digital" or the "Company"), a designer, builder, and operator of next-generation digital infrastructure designed for High-Performance Computing (“HPC”) applications, announced that the Company recently entered into a private financing agreement with a single investor (the “Investor”), in which it issued a
“The net proceeds from the private financing will be strategically utilized to finance substantial advancements in the construction phase of our HPC data center in Ellendale, North Dakota. This underscores our commitment to project advancement and timely fulfillment of our contractual obligations. We are also actively negotiating our project-level financing to ensure the project's timely completion,” explained Applied Digital CFO David Rench.
Lowenstein Sandler LLP acted as legal counsel to the Company.
The securities described above (including any securities issuable pursuant to the conversion provisions of the convertible debenture) have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The Company has agreed to file a resale registration statement with the SEC for purposes of registering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable in connection with the offering.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor may there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Applied Digital
Applied Digital (Nasdaq: APLD) designs, develops, and operates next-generation data centers across North America to provide digital infrastructure solutions to the rapidly growing high-performance computing (HPC) industry. Find more information at www.applieddigital.com. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @APLDdigital.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, future operating and financial performance, product development, market position, business strategy and objectives. These statements use words, and variations of words, such as "continue," "build," "future," "increase," "drive," "believe," "look," "ahead," "confident," "deliver," "outlook," "expect," “intend,” “hope,” “project” and "predict." Other examples of forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, (i) statements of Company plans and objectives, including advancement in our construction phase of the HPC data center in Ellendale, North Dakota, our evolving business model and a shift in our business strategy towards our HPC data centers, or estimates or predictions of actions by suppliers, (ii) statements of future economic performance, and (iii) statements of assumptions underlying other statements and statements about the Company or its business. You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events and thus are inherently subject to uncertainty. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the Company's expectations and projections. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include: decline in demand for our products and services; the volatility of the crypto asset industry; the inability to comply with developments and changes in regulation; cash flow and access to capital; and maintenance of third-party relationships. Information in this release is as of the dates and time periods indicated herein, and the Company does not undertake to update any of the information contained in these materials, except as required by law.
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