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Oracle's AI Buildout Faces Market Scrutiny as Capex Jumps and Leverage Climbs

Analysts' upbeat targets contrast with market worries over cash burn and mounting debt.

Overview

  • Oracle shares have fallen 42% since their Sept. 10 high as investors question heavy AI infrastructure spending and rising obligations.
  • For fiscal Q2 2026, non-GAAP EPS of $2.26 beat estimates while revenue grew 14% to $16.1 billion and missed consensus, and the company held to a $67 billion full-year revenue outlook.
  • Capital expenditures surged to about $12 billion in the quarter with full-year spending guided near $50 billion, free cash flow was roughly negative $10 billion, and total debt including leases reached $124 billion, up 39% year over year.
  • Barclays maintained an Overweight rating with a $310 target on Dec. 16, RBC cut its target to $250 with Sector Perform on Dec. 11, and the reported Street consensus stands at Moderate Buy with an average one-year target of about $309.
  • Coverage cites a large AI backlog that reportedly includes a $300 billion OpenAI contract beginning in 2027, while HSBC projects OpenAI could remain free cash flow negative for years and require substantial external funding.