Meta Platforms Inc.Meta's hidden AI debt is $420 billion, nearly triple its recorded debt, posing financial risk.
Big Tech companies are reportedly sitting on $1.65 trillion in off-balance-sheet debt tied to AI infrastructure, according to a Nikkei Asia study. The study examined Meta Platforms, Oracle, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon, finding that their total obligations may reach around $3 trillion when combined with roughly $1.35 trillion in reported debt. Meta's hidden debt alone is about $420 billion, nearly triple its recorded debt, while Oracle's off-balance-sheet liabilities have grown more than 30-fold in four years to $273.3 billion. Tech critic Ed Zitron called the situation a corporate scandal that should spark a shareholder riot, warning that much of the debt is funded by private credit backed by retirement and insurance money. S&P cut Oracle's credit rating to BBB- on July 9, citing credit risk from its AI infrastructure expansion.
Meta Platforms Inc.Meta's hidden AI debt is $420 billion, nearly triple its recorded debt, posing financial risk.
Amazon.com IncAmazon's off-balance-sheet AI debt is part of the $1.65 trillion total, indicating financial risk.
Alphabet Inc Class CAlphabet's off-balance-sheet AI debt is part of the $1.65 trillion total, indicating financial risk.
Microsoft CorporationMicrosoft's off-balance-sheet AI debt is part of the $1.65 trillion total, indicating financial risk.
Apple Inc.
NVIDIA Corporation
Tesla Inc
Oracle CorporationOracle's off-balance-sheet liabilities grew 30-fold to $273.3B; S&P cut its credit rating to BBB- due to AI expansion risk.