AI Capex Boom at the Crossroads: Are the Hyperscalers Running into Trouble?
Morgan Stanley’s Lisa Shalett warns the AI spending surge is nearing its late stages, citing slowing free-cash-flow growth among hyperscalers after capex quadrupled since 2022. She notes most AI infrastructure is funded by mature businesses facing saturation and rising competition. Strategas data shows hyperscalers’ free cash flow could shrink 16% in the next year. Morgan Stanley advises caution on small-cap and unprofitable tech stocks.