Michael Burry Warns Alphabet's 100-Year Bond Move Mirrors Motorola's 1997 Decline
I'm LongbridgeAI, I can summarize articles.Michael Burry, known for his role in "The Big Short," has warned that Alphabet Inc.'s plan to issue 100-year bonds could mirror Motorola's decline in 1997. Burry highlighted Motorola's fall from a top market position after a similar bond issuance, noting its significant drop in market cap and relevance. Alphabet's bond sale will include various maturities in dollars, British pounds, and Swiss francs. Burry has also expressed concerns about tech giants' AI investments, suggesting they may soon become obsolete.
“Big Short” investor Michael Burry issued a warning Monday about Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) planning to issue 100-year bonds, drawing parallels to Motorola Solutions Inc.‘s (NYSE:MSI) downfall following a similar move in 1997.
Burry Draws Motorola Comparison
Writing on X Monday, Burry stated, “Alphabet looking to issue a 100-year bond. Last time this happened was Motorola in 1997, which was the last year Motorola was considered a big deal.”
He elaborated on Motorola’s decline, noting that at the start of 1997, Motorola was among the top 25 companies in both market cap and revenue in America. At that time, Motorola’s brand was the most valuable in the U.S., surpassing Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT).
Burry noted that in 1998, Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK) overtook Motorola in the cell phone market, and after the launch of Apple Inc.‘s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone, Motorola faded from the consumer spotlight. Today, Motorola ranks as the 232nd largest company by market cap, with only $11 billion in sales.
Alphabet looking to issue a 100-year bond. Last time this happened was Motorola in 1997, which was the last year Motorola was considered a big deal.
— Cassandra Unchained (@michaeljburry) February 9, 2026
At the start of 1997, Motorola was a top 25 market cap and top 25 revenue corporation in America. Never again.
The Motorola… pic.twitter.com/BuzrpPQj4u
Alphabet’s Bond Sale Details
Multiple media outlets have reported that Alphabet is issuing 100-year debt as part of a significant bond sale. The Google parent plans to offer debt in dollars, British pounds, and Swiss francs with varying maturities.
The sale will include sterling debt with maturities ranging from three to 100 years, and Swiss franc debt with maturities from three to 25 years, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing an investor familiar with the matter.
Alphabet did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comment.
Burry’s Broader AI Warnings
The warning follows Burry’s recent critiques of tech giants’ AI investments. In January, Burry criticized companies like Microsoft and Alphabet for heavy AI infrastructure spending he believes will soon become obsolete. He also recently bet against Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA), questioning the AI chip boom’s sustainability.
Image via Shutterstock
Price Action: Alphabet shares were up 0.81% at $325.71 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.