AI investment

The CNBC Investing Club’s “Morning Meeting” discussed market pressures on Big Tech due to CoreWeave’s weak outlook, raising concerns about AI investment sustainability and debt levels. Soft labor market data also contributed to downward pressure. Linde shares rose after a UBS upgrade citing future earnings growth. Nvidia declined following SoftBank’s stake sale to fund OpenAI, reinforcing debt concerns around AI data centers despite the Club’s long-term view. The rapid-fire segment covered CoreWeave, Paramount Skydance, Amgen, Dutch Bros, and Coterra Energy.

This earnings season, tech giants are increasing capital expenditure for AI-driven growth, but smaller players like DoorDash, Duolingo, and Roblox face investor skepticism after announcing similar spending increases. DoorDash’s investments in autonomous delivery and acquisitions, Duolingo’s focus on user growth with AI, and Roblox’s platform safety measures all raise concerns about near-term profitability. While companies argue these are essential for long-term growth, analysts question if returns will justify the investments, contrasting with the confidence afforded to larger firms like Amazon and Alphabet.

SoftBank Group reported a significant $19 billion gain on its Vision Fund for Q2, exceeding expectations and driven by strategic investments. Profit reached 2.502 trillion yen, surpassing last year’s 1.18 trillion yen. Despite market anxieties, SoftBank is doubling down on AI, including a reported $30 billion investment in OpenAI, and remains committed to Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI), though facing potential regulatory and ethical concerns. The company’s stock, while volatile, is up over 140% YTD, reflecting confidence in its tech investment arm.

HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery and General Atlantic CEO William Ford addressed concerns about the disconnect between massive AI infrastructure investments and revenue growth at a Hong Kong summit. While acknowledging AI’s transformative potential, they cautioned that significant productivity gains and consumer willingness to pay for AI-driven services are longer-term prospects, potentially lagging behind investor expectations. Ford compared AI to railroads and electricity, technologies with profound impacts realized over extended periods, highlighting the need for patience and awareness of early-stage pitfalls like capital misallocation.

Venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale argues that leading AI companies are understating the capital and energy resources needed to realize their ambitions, potentially misleading investors. He believes this underestimation necessitates frequent capital raises. Lonsdale’s comments come amidst an AI investment surge and warnings of a potential bubble. He suggests current spending is being underestimated and favors AI applications demonstrating clear economic value, questioning the long-term sustainability of the current AI investment trajectory.

Jim Cramer’s “Investing Club” is upgrading Meta Platforms to a buy-equivalent rating despite a recent stock dip following earnings. While Meta’s increased AI investments sparked investor concern, Cramer believes the long-term potential outweighs the short-term anxieties. He highlights that these investments will enhance Meta’s video capabilities, benefiting advertisers and driving user engagement. The upgrade follows strong quarterly revenue and EPS, coupled with raised revenue guidance. While acknowledging spending concerns, Cramer emphasizes Zuckerberg’s aggressive approach and Meta’s ability to reallocate computing power, making the dip a strategic entry point.

Wall Street saw mixed trading, pressured by Meta and Microsoft’s AI spending concerns despite strong earnings. Honeywell spun off Solstice Advanced Materials (SOLS), receiving an “outperform” rating from BMO. DuPont is set to separate Qnity Electronics (“Q”). Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon remains confident despite stock performance, citing strong global banking and markets division performance. He sees a low recession risk and AI infrastructure investment as an economic tailwind. Investors await earnings reports from Apple, Amazon, Cloudflare, and Linde.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie faces daily pressure to improve the city’s safety and economy. Following President Trump’s reversal of a federal surge plan, Lurie emphasizes San Francisco’s progress, citing data on business development and crime reduction. He highlights the AI sector’s impact, with venture funding surpassing 2021 levels. Crime rates are down, and tourism is up. The city is focused on attracting investment and fostering a broad-based recovery by removing red tape. He aims to support both tech companies and small businesses.

Meta’s Q3 earnings beat expectations with $7.25 EPS and $51.24 billion revenue, driven by strong ad sales and user growth. However, shares dipped due to a $15.93 billion tax charge related to new legislation. The company anticipates long-term tax benefits from this. Meta projects Q4 revenue between $56-59 billion but increased its full-year expense guidance to $116-118 billion, reflecting AI infrastructure investments. Reality Labs reported a $4.4 billion loss. The company highlighted the success of AI-powered glasses and increasing AI adoption.

Meta (META) shares were volatile after Q3 results, despite exceeding revenue expectations with a 26% YoY increase to $51.24B. While EPS beat estimates, a $16B tax charge and increased capex guidance for AI investments in 2026 concerned investors. Meta emphasized the strategic importance of AI for advertising and future opportunities, citing strong user engagement and monetization. Q4 revenue is projected at $56B-$59B, with increased spending expected.