AI build-out hits snag as Google and Microsoft put off raising capex forecasts

Microsoft cut its annual capex forecast to $170 billion from $175 billion and Alphabet held guidance at $195 billion to $205 billion, both below analyst estimates. Microsoft CFO Amy Hood cited delays from third-party GPU providers pushing some capacity into the first half of 2027, while Alphabet shares fell about 10% in extended trading after missing on earnings and revenue and reporting negative free cash flow over $9 billion. Neocloud shares including CoreWeave, Nebius and IREN dropped after the reports, though Hood said she expects capital spending to accelerate in the first half of 2027.