Oracle eyes $19 billion Q1 revenue as stock rebounds ahead of earnings
- Oracle shares rise to $150.85 ahead of Sept 8 earnings report
- Analysts project Q1 revenue up 28% YoY to $19 billion
- Capex planned at $70 billion for FY27, raising debt concerns
- Forward P/E drops to 18.7x, below sector median of 22.7x
- RPO backlog jumps $85 billion in quarter to $638 billion

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Oracle Corp (NYSE: ORCL) shares rose to $150.85, recovering from a July low of $114.43, as investors await the company’s fiscal first-quarter earnings report scheduled for September 8, 2026.
The stock has underperformed the broader market this year, slipping by over 23.6% since January despite the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 reaching record highs. This divergence highlights market concern over Oracle’s aggressive capital expenditure strategy, even as its underlying business metrics show strength.
Earnings Estimates and Growth Outlook
Analysts project significant year-over-year growth for the upcoming quarter. Benzinga data indicates expectations for revenue to jump 28% to $19 billion. This follows a fourth-quarter revenue figure of $19.2 billion, which represented a 19% increase and contributed to an annual revenue total of $67.4 billion.
| Metric | Estimate | Prior Year | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $19.00 billion | $14.93 billion | Up 28% |
| EPS | $1.67 | $1.47 | Up |
The current price-to-earnings ratio stands at 24.4x based on prior estimates, though forward P/E ratios have dropped to 18.7x, lower than the sector median of 22.7x. Analysts now expect annual revenue to reach $90 billion, followed by $130 billion in the subsequent financial year.
Capital Expenditure and Debt Concerns
Investor attention remains fixed on Oracle’s aggressive expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company spent $48 billion in capital expenditures last fiscal year and plans to nearly double that to $70 billion in FY27. These funds are being raised through a mix of equity and debt, with some debt rated a notch above junk status.
Previously cited guidance had suggested capital expenditures of up to $95 billion in fiscal 2027, alongside future data center lease commitments of roughly $260 billion. The discrepancy in figures reflects evolving guidance or specific project phases, intensifying scrutiny regarding cash flow impacts. Operational updates regarding Project Jupiter noted a six-month delay for a New Mexico gas pipeline serving the site, pushing completion to February 2027, though the data center project itself remains on schedule.
Remaining Performance Obligations
Oracle’s remaining performance obligations (RPO) jumped by over $85 billion in the quarter to $638 billion. This substantial backlog provides visibility into future revenue streams, supporting the bullish outlook among several analysts.
Market Sentiment and Analyst Views
Divergent views on Oracle’s valuation persist. Michael Burry disclosed an increased short position around $152, arguing that the AI infrastructure boom could result in excess computing capacity. Conversely, analyst consensus maintains a Buy rating with an average price forecast of $258.50.
Recent analyst actions include:
- Citigroup: Maintained Buy rating and raised forecast to $330.00.
- UBS: Maintained Buy rating but lowered forecast to $245.00.
- Bernstein: Raised forecast to $325.00 with an Outperform rating.
- Barclays: Hiked forecast to $250.00.
- CLSA: Initiated coverage with a Hold rating and a $145.00 forecast.
Technical Setup and Price Action
Oracle’s stock has climbed back above both its 20-day and 50-day moving averages. It sits more than 2% above the 20-day mark of $144.65 and about 3.5% above the 50-day level of $142.90. The stock has also jumped above the crucial resistance level of $133.95, its lowest swing in February and June this year.
However, the longer-term trend remains shakier, with shares running about 10.2% below their 100-day average of $164.41 and around 14% under their 200-day average of $171.54. A death cross from January keeps the longer-term trend tilted bearish. Momentum readings offer a clearer signal than price alone, with the relative strength index sitting at 52.68 in neutral territory.
ETF Exposure
Oracle carries significant weight in several technology-focused exchange-traded funds:
- iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV): 5.87% weight
- FT Vest Technology Dividend Target Income ETF (TDVI): 5.30% weight
- First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV): 5.28% weight
How might Oracle's decision to nearly double capital expenditures to $70 billion in FY27 impact its free cash flow and debt servicing capabilities given the near-junk status of some new debt?
Could the six-month delay in the New Mexico gas pipeline for Project Jupiter signal broader infrastructure bottlenecks that might hinder Oracle's ability to meet its aggressive AI data center expansion timeline?
With Michael Burry increasing his short position citing excess AI capacity, what specific metrics in the upcoming earnings report could validate or refute concerns about a potential oversupply in the AI infrastructure market?

































