Oracle just made a power move Wall Street can’t ignore

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of a joint venture for TikTok's U.S. operations is politically significant, with implications for data security and control over content, while also presenting mixed messages for investors regarding Oracle's financial health and strategic positioning [1][5][16]. Group 1: Joint Venture Structure - The joint venture is set to conclude by January 22, 2026, to comply with regulations that would otherwise ban TikTok in the U.S. unless its assets are removed from Chinese management [2]. - The joint venture will be predominantly owned by American and international investors, with Oracle and others holding 80.1% and ByteDance retaining 19.9% [3]. - A board primarily composed of Americans will oversee the joint venture, with ByteDance only selecting one member [3]. Group 2: Oracle's Role and Financial Implications - Oracle is positioned as a key player in U.S. digital infrastructure, managing TikTok's U.S. data and security, which could enhance its cloud business [5][9][16]. - The new U.S. company is valued at approximately $14 billion, which, while modest compared to TikTok's global reach, is significant for Oracle's cloud operations [7]. - Oracle's shares experienced a temporary decline due to Blue Owl Capital's withdrawal from a $10 billion AI data center project, raising concerns about its debt burden [5][12]. Group 3: Financial Challenges and Market Reactions - Oracle's total debts, including operational lease liabilities, exceeded $124 billion as of November 30, with an additional $18 billion in debt taken on in September [19]. - Investors are closely monitoring Oracle's capital discipline and financing costs, especially in light of the TikTok announcement and its implications for the company's cloud strategy [20]. - The Michigan AI data center project has faced challenges, highlighting the risks associated with Oracle's aggressive spending and reliance on borrowed funds [15][22].