Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft plan $750 billion in 2026 AI capex while cutting workforce roles amid steady dividend growth.
Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft will spend approximately $750 billion in 2026 on AI infrastructure, a record capital allocation shift. The investment coincides with workforce reductions, including Meta’s 10% staff cut in May 2026.
S&P 500 dividend growth has remained stable at 5-6% annually since ChatGPT’s 2022 launch, reaching $78.92 per share in 2025. Companies are prioritizing AI expansion without reducing shareholder payouts, despite job cuts.
The trend reflects a broader corporate strategy to reallocate resources toward AI-driven growth while maintaining investor returns.