Hyperscaler capex forecasts to hit $300B in 2025: Morgan Stanley

Hyperscaler capital expenditures are expected to reach $300B in 2025 among the major players in the space, including Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Google (NASDAQ:GOOG)(NASDAQ:GOOGL), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Meta (NASDAQ:META), according to a forecast by Morgan Stanley.

Amazon and Microsoft are expected to spend the most, at $96.4B and $89.9B, respectively. Meanwhile, Google and Meta are projected to spend $62.6B and $52.3B, respectively.

The spend is being driven to power generative artificial intelligence and large language models, which will provide a multi-year opportunity.

“Continued AI-driven platform-level innovation on Search, YouTube, and with other offerings improves confidence in the durability of long-term growth,” said Morgan Stanley analysts, led by Brian Nowak, in an investor note, regarding Google.

Meta continues to focus on efficiency, productivity and leaner operations.

“Importantly, revenue and engagement trends are also improving across Meta’s platform,” Nowak noted. “Our industry and company conversations speak to progress driving incremental Reels engagement and monetization.”

Microsoft is a top spender in this space as it continues to build out public cloud adoption and AI.

“Multiple expansion and positive estimate revisions will come from greater than expected strength in commercial business in coming years,” Nowak said.

Meanwhile, Amazon is expected to spend the most capex on hyperscaler initiatives in 2025.

“Amazon’s high-margin businesses continue to allow Amazon to drive greater profitability while still continuing to invest,” Nowak added.

“Cloud is in a multi-decade secular adoption cycle, Amazon is gaining share in eCommerce/retail and share of consumers’ wallets,” he added.