继续加码AI 谷歌发“百年债券”

Core Viewpoint - Alphabet, Google's parent company, has initiated a significant bond issuance plan, including a rare 100-year bond in the UK market, to finance its ongoing AI investments, which have been costly and essential for maintaining competitiveness in the tech industry [1][5]. Group 1: Bond Issuance Details - Alphabet plans to issue a 100-year bond worth £1 billion, which has attracted nearly ten times the subscription amount, marking the first entry of the tech sector into the century bond market in 30 years [1]. - The bond offerings include various maturities ranging from 3 to 32 years, alongside the 100-year bond, with strong demand from UK pension funds and insurance companies [5][6]. - The company has also raised €6.5 billion (approximately $7.7 billion) in the euro bond market, making it the largest borrower in that market by 2025 [6]. Group 2: Market Context and Demand - The demand for Alphabet's bonds reflects a broader trend where tech giants are increasingly turning to the bond market to fund their AI infrastructure, with total spending in this area expected to reach $700 billion this year [8]. - The issuance of long-term bonds is seen as a strategy to lock in low interest rates, despite the inherent risks associated with such long maturities in a rapidly evolving tech landscape [6][7]. - Analysts note that the current AI arms race among tech companies necessitates substantial funding, leading to a surge in bond issuance, with projections indicating that U.S. high-rated corporate bond issuance could reach $2.25 trillion by 2026 [8][10]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment and Concerns - There are concerns among investors regarding the sustainability of AI infrastructure spending, with some analysts suggesting that the sector may have reached a peak in capital expenditures [10]. - Despite the risks, some analysts argue that the shift towards debt financing indicates a transition from a light-asset model to long-term infrastructure investments, which could be beneficial for companies like Alphabet [10][11]. - The strong demand for Alphabet's bonds, particularly the 100-year bond, highlights the confidence of institutional investors in the company's long-term prospects, despite the uncertainties in the tech industry [6][7].