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Oracle Shares Plunge After Debt Surge Raises Questions About AI Buildout

Investor concern over rising leverage and negative cash flow threatens Oracle’s ability to fund a record AI contract backlog.

Overview

  • Oracle stock fell about 19% this week, the steepest weekly drop in roughly 25 years, as investors moved to reduce exposure to the company’s AI spending.
  • The company reported nearly $130 billion of total debt by May 31, 2026, and posted negative free cash flow for fiscal 2026 tied to large data‑center investments.
  • Capital spending jumped to roughly $56 billion in fiscal 2026, more than double the prior year, as Oracle accelerates construction of AI data centers to meet customer commitments.
  • Oracle said it has a record $638 billion of remaining performance obligations driven by AI demand but cautioned that only a low‑teens percentage may convert to revenue in the next 12 months.
  • Management plans to raise additional funds, including about $40 billion in debt and equity, leaving markets focused on financing costs, backlog conversion timing, and customer concentration tied to OpenAI and SoftBank projects.