Core Viewpoint - Michael Burry accuses major technology companies of using aggressive accounting practices to inflate profits from the AI boom, specifically by understating depreciation expenses [2][3][4] Group 1: Accounting Practices - Burry claims that "hyperscalers" are artificially extending the useful life of chips, leading to understated depreciation expenses [2][3] - This accounting maneuver could result in an estimated $176 billion understatement of depreciation from 2026 to 2028, inflating reported earnings across the industry [3] - Companies like Oracle and Meta Platforms could see their profits overstated by approximately 27% and 21%, respectively, by 2028 due to these practices [3] Group 2: Market Reactions - Burry has recently taken significant short positions against AI companies, including $187 million in put options against Nvidia and $912 million against Palantir Technologies [7] - Following Burry's disclosures, shares of Nvidia and Palantir experienced notable fluctuations, with Nvidia rebounding nearly 6% and Palantir rising almost 9% after previous declines [8] Group 3: Industry Context - Burry draws parallels between the current AI enthusiasm and the late-1990s tech bubble, suggesting potential overvaluation in the sector [6]
'Big Short' investor Michael Burry accuses AI hyperscalers of artificially boosting earnings