Meta Platforms Inc.Meta's capex ramp lacks direct monetization path, but cloud business option exists; stock near 52-week low but could see gains if investments pay off.
Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms are set to spend around $700 billion in capital expenditures this year to build out data centers for AI, a figure that significantly exceeds their combined annual profit. Wall Street has grown nervous, with Microsoft recently hitting a 52-week low and Meta Platforms near one, while Alphabet and Amazon have fared better. The spending is largely driven by cloud computing demand, as AWS revenue rose 28% to $37.6 billion in the first quarter, generating $14.2 billion in operating income. Meta's capex ramp is harder to parse since it lacks a direct monetization path, though CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said adding a cloud business is an option. Despite bubble concerns, all four companies are hugely profitable and trade at reasonable valuations, and if the investments pay off sooner than expected, their stocks could see significant gains.
Meta Platforms Inc.Meta's capex ramp lacks direct monetization path, but cloud business option exists; stock near 52-week low but could see gains if investments pay off.
Microsoft CorporationMicrosoft recently hit a 52-week low amid Wall Street nervousness over massive AI capex spending.
Amazon.com IncAmazon's AWS revenue and operating income growth justify its capex, and the article notes it has fared better than peers.
Alphabet Inc Class CAlphabet has fared better than Microsoft and Meta, and the article notes reasonable valuations and potential gains if investments pay off.
Micron Technology Inc