Updated
Updated · The Economic Times · Jul 20
Oracle Shares Crash 65% as $55.7 Billion AI Capex Stokes Debt and OpenAI Fears
Updated
Updated · The Economic Times · Jul 20

Oracle Shares Crash 65% as $55.7 Billion AI Capex Stokes Debt and OpenAI Fears

3 articles · Updated · The Economic Times · Jul 20

Summary

  • Oracle shares have fallen 65% from their peak even after the company posted record Q4 and FY26 results, underscoring how sharply investors have turned against its AI-infrastructure strategy.
  • $55.7 billion in FY26 capital spending—above Oracle’s earlier $50 billion target—and plans to raise more debt in 2027 have fueled doubts that cloud growth will generate returns strong enough to support the balance sheet.
  • Oracle Cloud Infrastructure revenue rose 93% in the quarter and remaining performance obligations reached $638 billion, but investors are questioning how much of that backlog depends on a small number of AI customers, especially OpenAI.
  • Credit pressure has added to the selloff after a rating cut from BBB cited heavy infrastructure spending and OpenAI exposure, reinforcing a broader market shift from rewarding AI demand to demanding proof of profits and cash flow.

Insights

With a record backlog but negative cash flow, can Oracle's AI gamble pay off before its massive debt comes due?
Why are analysts calling Oracle a 'Strong Buy' while top investors and company insiders are selling their shares?