Investor Michael Burry, who is known for predicting the 2008 housing crash, has raised concerns about a recent decision taken by Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google.
Alphabet has started selling bonds to raise money. Some of these bonds are regular long-term bonds. One of them could last almost 100 years and mature in 2066. The company plans to borrow money in US dollars, British pounds and Swiss francs.
After this news came out, Burry reacted on social media. He compared Alphabet’s move to something that happened many years ago with Motorola. His message was clear that even the most powerful companies must be careful because no company stays on top forever.
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What happened to Motorola
Motorola was once one of the biggest companies in the United States. In the late 1990s, it was among the top 25 American firms by market value and sales. At that time, its brand was so strong that it ranked ahead of Microsoft. Motorola also issued a rare 100 year bond during its peak, which showed great confidence in its future. But things changed.
Motorola started losing its position in the mobile phone market to companies like Nokia. Later, when Apple Inc. launched the iPhone, Motorola became even less important in the market.
Burry explained this clearly on X (formerly Twitter). He said, “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 also said, “Today, Motorola is the 232nd largest market cap with only $11 billion in sales.”
He is not saying that Google will fail soon. He is warning that taking on very long-term debt can be risky because nobody knows what a company will look like after many decades.
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
Concerns over AI spending and energy
Burry made these comments at a time when big technology companies are spending huge amounts of money on artificial intelligence. Alphabet, along with Amazon and Meta Platforms, is investing heavily in data centres and computing power.
He believes that much of today’s AI infrastructure may become outdated sooner than expected. He has also questioned the excitement around AI chips made by Nvidia. In his view, the current AI boom may not last as long as many people think.
Burry has also spoken about the future need for electricity. He says the United States should invest about one trillion dollars in small nuclear reactors to power data centres and advanced factories. He believes this would help the country stay ahead of China in technology.
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He has warned that slow government approvals and rules could slow down this plan. He has urged leaders, including Donald Trump and JD Vance, to act quickly.
In simple terms, Burry’s warning is about history. Companies may look strong today, but markets change fast. Long-term debt and large investments can become risky if the future does not go as planned.
