Broadcom shares AVGO plunges 5.59% as AI margin concerns and Oracle earnings drive sector selloff

Broadcom shares dropped 5.59% in pre-market trading on Dec. 16, 2025, extending a broader selloff in AI-linked equities as investor sentiment cooled following mixed earnings reports.

The decline reflected growing concerns over margin compression in Broadcom’s AI division, which now accounts for a significant portion of its revenue. CEO Hock Tan highlighted that AI-related gross margins lag behind other segments, raising alarms as AI sales growth becomes a larger driver of the company’s overall performance. The drop coincided with a broader retreat in the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500, underscoring sector-wide caution.

Market anxiety intensified after Oracle’s recent earnings report revealed ballooning AI capital expenditures, amplifying fears of unsustainable spending and margin pressures across the tech sector. Despite Broadcom’s record sales and strong AI backlog, investors appeared to prioritize near-term profitability signals, leading to a sharp repricing of its stock. The move underscores a shifting focus toward sustainability in AI infrastructure investments, even as long-term growth opportunities remain intact.

Analysts remain cautious about near-term AI sector momentum, but many believe the long-term fundamentals for AI remain robust. The broader market appears to be waiting for clearer signs of stabilization in tech margins before reassessing AI sector valuations. The recent volatility highlights the sector’s sensitivity to earnings surprises and macroeconomic uncertainty.

With the tech sector now facing a correction, investors are closely watching for any policy shifts, such as regulatory changes or new funding models, that could help rekindle confidence. For now, Broadcom’s selloff seems to reflect a broader recalibration of expectations for high-growth tech firms amid tighter liquidity and evolving risk preferences.