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Business cnbc.com ·2h · 1 min

Oracle shares post worst week since the 2001 dot-com bust

Concerns over the company's high debt and negative cash flow to fund artificial intelligence investments are pressuring the stock.

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Oracle shares posted their worst weekly performance since the dot-com bubble burst in 2001. The sharp drop comes amid escalating investor concerns regarding the company's financial health, specifically the costs associated with its artificial intelligence strategy.

The market has reacted negatively to Oracle's significant increase in corporate spending. To sustain its AI offensive, the company has been operating with a negative free cash flow, a red flag for shareholders who fear margin deterioration and a mismatch between current investments and future returns.

Another central factor pressuring the stock's value is the company's high debt level. Oracle currently carries debt exceeding $130 billion, raising questions about the sustainability of its business model given the continuous need for capital injections into technology infrastructure.

The combination of rising operating expenses, negative cash generation, and a massive liability has eroded market confidence. Investors are now taking a more cautious stance, reassessing the corporation's financial risk as it seeks to establish itself in a highly competitive, capital-intensive sector.

Sources
Why did Oracle shares post their worst week since 2001?

Oracle shares experienced their worst weekly drop since the 2001 dot-com bust due to escalating investor concerns over the company's high debt levels and negative free cash flow driven by massive artificial intelligence investments.

How much debt does Oracle currently have?

Oracle currently carries debt exceeding $130 billion, raising market concerns about the sustainability of its business model as it requires continuous capital injections for AI technology infrastructure.

How is Oracle's AI strategy affecting its cash flow?

To fund its AI offensive, Oracle has been operating with a negative free cash flow. This significant increase in corporate spending has eroded market confidence, as investors fear margin deterioration and a mismatch between current investments and future returns.