AMZN, GOOG, MSFT, META, ORCL Plan $700 Billion in Largely AI-Related Capex in 2026. Where the Cash Comes From

Core Viewpoint - Big Tech companies are planning to invest approximately $700 billion in capital expenditures by 2026, primarily focused on AI infrastructure, which includes data centers and related equipment [1][21]. Investment Plans - The five major companies are expected to contribute to 2.1% of current-dollar GDP through these investments [2]. - Other companies are also increasing capital expenditures, indicating a broader economic stimulus as long as this trend continues [3]. Share Buybacks and Funding Sources - Concerns exist that the increased spending may come at the expense of share buybacks, which have already begun to decline [2][7]. - The funding for the $700 billion investment will come from various sources, including reduced share buybacks, new share issuances, and debt issuances [5][9][19]. - Specific companies have already shifted from share buybacks to issuing new shares, such as Oracle, which issued $2.1 billion in new shares in 2025 [5][13]. Financial Performance and Debt - In Q4, share buybacks for the five companies dropped to $12.6 billion, the lowest since Q1 2018, compared to a peak of $149 billion in 2021 [7]. - Companies like Amazon and Meta have significantly reduced their share buybacks to allocate funds for AI investments [6][8]. - Oracle's recent bond offerings have seen high demand, indicating strong investor interest in corporate debt [16][19]. Operating Cash Flow - The operating cash flows for these companies are substantial, with Amazon generating $126 billion and Alphabet $127 billion in 2025, which can help fund the planned investments [20][23]. - Utilizing operating cash flow for investments is seen as a positive contribution to economic growth [23]. Economic Impact - The shift from share buybacks to investments in AI infrastructure is expected to stimulate economic growth, although it may not be well-received by shareholders [21][22]. - The overall investment strategy is viewed as a significant stimulus for the economy, provided that financial markets remain stable [23].