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The full AI stack: from capex to consulting — GO Markets
Five companies · AI infrastructure play · 2026
The full AI stack: from capex to consulting
Infrastructure builders compared to the implementation bridge across the AI value chain
Note: Hyperscalers shown as 2026 CapEx spend. Accenture shown as cumulative advanced AI bookings ($11.5B through Q1 FY2026), reflecting its role as the adoption layer rather than the infrastructure layer.
Infrastructure (2026 CapEx projected)Implementation bridge (cumulative AI bookings)
Hyperscaler CapEx: Early 2026 analyst estimates, midpoint of ranges. Amazon approx. 100% YoY, Alphabet approx. 100%, Meta approx. 87%, Microsoft approx. 50%.
Accenture: Cumulative advanced AI bookings $11.5B through Q1 FY2026. Q1 AI bookings $2.2B (up 76% YoY), AI revenue $1.1B (up 120% YoY) across 1,300+ clients.
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IMPORTANT: REPORTING SCHEDULES CAN CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. REPORTING DATES AND RELEASE TIMES ARE FROM COMPANY INVESTOR RELATIONS CALENDARS WHERE MARKED CONFIRMED; OTHERWISE THEY ARE GO MARKETS ESTIMATES. CONSENSUS EPS, REVENUE AND ANALYST-RANGE DATA ARE FROM THIRD-PARTY MARKET CONSENSUS SOURCES, AS OF 20 APRIL 2026 (AEST). COMPANY GUIDANCE, BACKLOG AND OPERATING METRICS ARE FROM THE LATEST COMPANY FILINGS OR RESULTS PRESENTATIONS UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. FIGURES AND SCHEDULES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
$META| Q1 2026 REPORTING PERIOD
Meta Platforms, Inc.
NASDAQ | Technology/Advertising | 29 Apr 2026
✓ CONFIRMED
Global Release Countdown (AMC)
00:00:00:00
Consensus EPS
US$6.69
Consensus Revenue
US$55.4bn
AUSTRALIA/ASIA30 Apr | 6:05 am
US/LATAM29 Apr | 4:05 pm
Market intelligence: $META
Analysis: Meta price drivers and scenarios
Ad click improvement (est.)
+3–5%
From AI-driven targeting
2026 capex estimate
~US$135bn
Market estimate range
Silicon strategy
MTIA 2nm
Broadcom co-development
Strategy note
What is MTIA 2nm? This is Meta's "home-grown" AI chip. The 2nm refers to ultra-advanced, high-efficiency technology. By building their own silicon with Broadcom, Meta aims to slash their massive electricity bills and end their total reliance on buying expensive NVIDIA hardware. If this works, it protects Meta's profit margins even if they keep spending billions on AI.
AVG
LOW US$6.30AVG US$6.69HIGH US$7.10
Meta has moved from its "Year of Efficiency" into what CEO Mark Zuckerberg calls the "Era of Personal Superintelligence". By April 2026, AI appears to have sharpened the company’s core advertising engine, with some reports suggesting ad click rates rose by around 3% to 5%. But the bigger strategic issue is Meta’s multi-year Broadcom partnership to co-develop custom 2nm MTIA chips, with the aim of reducing reliance on NVIDIA and lowering operating costs over time. The risk is that Meta could beat on earnings and still disappoint if management points to higher spending and a longer payoff period. The real question is whether efficiency gains are keeping pace with the capital expenditure (capex) bill.
Call focus and key signals
The Avocado AI model
Watch for ad click improvements tied to the "Avocado" AI model deployment, currently estimated to be lifting rates by up to 5%.
Signal: Monetisation efficiency
MTIA rollout status
Updates on the custom 2nm MTIA chip rollout with Broadcom will indicate Meta's long term cost structure flexibility.
Watch: Infrastructure independence
Reality Labs losses
Evidence of Reality Labs loss stabilisation would reduce the persistent drag on the overall earnings story.
Watch: Operating loss trend
Capex vs efficiency
The real question for investors is whether efficiency gains are keeping pace with the significant capex bill.
Signal: Spending productivity
Sentiment analysis: Meta Platforms
Interactive scenario analysis: $META
Select earnings outcome
Productive cycle
Spending cycle becomes productive
EPS above US$7.10, double-digit ad growth, and clear early efficiency gains from MTIA. The market may interpret that as a sign the spending cycle is becoming more productive rather than simply more expensive.
EPS level
Above US$7.10
Ad growth
Double digit
Efficiency
MTIA gains
Reaction
Strong rally
Sources & Data Methodology
Sources: Reporting dates and release times are from company investor relations calendars where marked Confirmed; otherwise they are GO Markets estimates. Consensus EPS, revenue and analyst-range data are sourced from Bloomberg and Earnings Whispers, as at 20 April 2026 (AEST). Company guidance, backlog and operating metrics are sourced from the latest company filings or results presentations. Any scenario analysis reflects GO Markets analysis. Figures and schedules may change without notice.
Expanded Coverage
Beyond the chipmakers
As the "show me the money" year unfolds, discover how AI demand is impacting Tesla, NextEra, and Exxon.
Amazon is no longer just a retail story. It is increasingly a cloud and advertising business, with a thin-margin logistics network attached. In 2026, the narrative is centred on what reports have described as a roughly US$200 billion capex plan, aimed largely at building out AWS’s AI infrastructure.
$AMZN| Q1 2026 REPORTING PERIOD
Amazon.com, Inc.
NASDAQ | Technology/Retail | 29 Apr 2026
✓ CONFIRMED
Global Release Countdown (AMC)
00:00:00:00
Consensus EPS
US$1.69
Consensus Revenue
~US$177.7bn
AU/ASIA30 Apr | 6:00 am
US/LATAM29 Apr | 4:00 pm
Market Intelligence: $AMZN
Analysis: Amazon price drivers and scenarios
AWS growth threshold
20% YoY
Market floor expectation
2026 Capex plan (est.)
~US$200bn
Largely AWS AI infrastructure
Custom silicon
Trainium 3 and 4
In-house AI chip pipeline
AVG
LOW US$1.50AVG US$1.69HIGH US$1.90
Amazon is no longer primarily a retail story. In 2026, the narrative centres on approximately US$200 billion in planned capex, directed largely at building out AWS's AI infrastructure. That is an extraordinary commitment, and the market is watching closely to see whether the returns are following. One metric matters most: AWS growth.
Key signals to watch
AWS growth rate
Anything materially below 20% YoY could reinforce the bear case that spending is running well ahead of returns.
Watch: AWS growth vs 20% floor
Trainium supply commitments
Early supply commitments for Trainium 3 and 4 would signal how quickly the transition to in-house chips is progressing.
Watch: Trainium 3 and 4 progress
Retail margins under tariff pressure
Management commentary on whether Section 122 tariff costs are being absorbed or passed on is vital for the non-AWS story.
Watch: Retail operating margin
Advertising segment momentum
Sustained growth here provides a high-margin earnings cushion if retail margins are squeezed by logistics or tariffs.
Watch: Advertising revenue growth
Sentiment Analysis · Amazon.com Inc.
Interactive scenario analysis: $AMZN
Select earnings outcome
Investment Landing
Spending cycle lands well
EPS above US$1.90 and AWS growth above 24% with firmer retail margins. The market interprets this as proof the massive investment cycle is delivering efficient returns.
EPS Level
Above US$1.90
AWS Signal
Above 24%
Retail Margin
Firmer
Reaction
Positive rally
Sources & Data Methodology
Sources: Reporting dates and release times are from company investor relations calendars where marked Confirmed; otherwise they are GO Markets estimates. Consensus EPS, revenue and analyst-range data are sourced from Bloomberg and Earnings Whispers, as at 20 April 2026 (AEST). Company guidance, backlog and operating metrics are sourced from the latest company filings or results presentations. Any scenario analysis reflects GO Markets analysis. Figures and schedules may change without notice.
Apple: quality still needs proof
Apple has looked like the defensive favourite in hardware, helped by record free cash flow (FCF) of US$43.64 billion and the strength of its Services segment. But the latest debate is whether that defensive status can turn back into growth. Third-party shipment data has indicated a roughly 20% rise in China for iPhone 17, challenging the idea that the market is already mature.
$AAPL| Q2 FY2026 REPORTING PERIOD
Apple Inc.
NASDAQ | Consumer Technology | 30 Apr 2026
✓ CONFIRMED
Global Release Countdown (AMC)
00:00:00:00
Consensus EPS
US$1.91
Consensus Revenue
~US$109.0bn
AU/ASIA01 May | 6:30 am
US/LATAM30 Apr | 4:30 pm
Market intelligence: $AAPL
Analysis: Apple price drivers and scenarios
Free cash flow (FCF)
US$43.6bn
Record, prior period
Services run-rate target
~US$30bn
Quarterly revenue approach
China iPhone 17 shipments
+~20%
Third-party data estimate
AVG
LOW US$1.70AVG US$1.91HIGH US$1.94
Apple is still widely seen as a quality print, but expectations are higher now. Margin resilience alone is no longer enough. The market wants evidence that Apple Intelligence, the company’s on-device AI platform, can extend the upgrade cycle and support more recurring, high-margin Services revenue over time.
Key signals to watch
iPhone 17 demand in China
China remains the most closely watched variable. Third-party data has pointed to growth of around 20%, but earnings will provide the first company-sourced data point.
Watch: China revenue growth
Services revenue trajectory
Services is approaching a US$30 billion quarterly run rate and carries structurally higher margins. Further acceleration reduces reliance on iPhone cycle volatility.
Watch: Services revenue vs US$30bn
Apple Intelligence rollout
On-device AI is a key upgrade catalyst. Management commentary on adoption, features and international timing will shape refresh cycle expectations.
Watch: Apple intelligence milestones
Gross margin
Apple guided to a 48% to 49% range. Holding near the top signals product mix strength. A result below 48% raises questions about cost pressure.
Watch: Gross margin vs 48% to 49%
Sentiment analysis: Apple Inc.
Interactive scenario analysis: $AAPL
Select report outcome
Growth support
Support for growth narrative
EPS above US$1.94, firmer China iPhone 17 data and gross margin above 49%. The market may interpret that as support for the higher-quality growth narrative and validate the thesis that Apple Intelligence is beginning to drive a meaningful upgrade cycle.
EPS level
Above US$1.94
China demand
Firmer
Gross margin
Above 49%
Reaction
Bullish move
Sources & Data Methodology
Sources: Reporting dates and release times are from company investor relations calendars where marked Confirmed; otherwise they are GO Markets estimates. Consensus EPS, revenue and analyst-range data are sourced from Bloomberg and Earnings Whispers, as at 20 April 2026 (AEST). Company guidance, backlog and operating metrics are sourced from the latest company filings or results presentations. Any scenario analysis reflects GO Markets analysis. Figures and schedules may change without notice.
Thematic risks
What could shift the picture
Three risks could change the narrative, regardless of how the numbers print.
1. Spending without visible returns
Meta and Amazon are both running enormous capex programmes, with payoff periods that stretch well beyond a single quarter. If either company delivers an in line or weaker result while also lifting full year spending guidance, the market may start to see the gap between investment and return as a structural issue rather than a temporary one. That would matter for the sector as a whole, not just for one stock.
2. China as a variable, not a constant
Apple's China story has shown some resilience in third party data, but it remains sensitive to trade policy, consumer confidence and local competition. Any signal from management that demand is softening faster than expected, or that local rivals are gaining meaningful share in the mid range and premium segments, could reset the earnings growth outlook more quickly than consensus currently assumes.
3. The K-shaped consumer backdrop
In a market where higher income consumers are holding up while lower income groups remain under pressure, ad spending patterns and device upgrade cycles can diverge sharply from headline averages. If Meta's ad pricing weakens because smaller businesses pull back, or if Apple's upgrade cycle is concentrated within a narrower demographic, results could disappoint even with broadly stable macro conditions.
Note: These thematic risks may influence sector wide risk appetite independently of headline EPS results.
The bottom line
The 2026 reality check
As this earnings season moves towards its close, the story is shifting away from survival and towards operational execution in the intelligence era.
$META
AI ad efficiency is facing its biggest test yet. Can the Broadcom silicon bet start to show up in margins?
$AMZN
AWS re-acceleration remains the critical signal. A US$200 billion capex push needs a growth rate to match.
$AAPL
Quality still needs proof. Apple Intelligence has to show it can extend the upgrade cycle, not just refresh it.
For Meta, Amazon and Apple, the test is whether heavy investment in silicon, models and infrastructure is turning into measurable cash flow and durable margins. In a more uneven economy, the market appears to be rewarding companies that can show real demand and clearer monetisation. The earnings numbers matter, but management commentary on the return on that investment may matter more.
Your next earnings setup starts here
Stay ahead of major beats, misses, and market surprises. Log in to your terminal, open a new account, or explore our dedicated earnings academy.
IMPORTANT: REPORTING SCHEDULES CAN CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. REPORTING DATES AND RELEASE TIMES ARE FROM COMPANY INVESTOR RELATIONS CALENDARS WHERE MARKED CONFIRMED; OTHERWISE THEY ARE GO MARKETS ESTIMATES. CONSENSUS EPS, REVENUE AND ANALYST-RANGE DATA ARE FROM THIRD-PARTY MARKET CONSENSUS SOURCES, AS OF 16 APRIL 2026 (AEST). COMPANY GUIDANCE, BACKLOG AND OPERATING METRICS ARE FROM THE LATEST COMPANY FILINGS OR RESULTS PRESENTATIONS UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. FIGURES AND SCHEDULES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
$MSFT| Q1 2026 REPORTING PERIOD
Microsoft Corporation
NASDAQ | Technology | 29 Apr 2026
Confirmed
Global Release Countdown (AMC)
00:00:00:00
Consensus EPS
US$4.04
Consensus Revenue
US$81.40bn
AU/ASIA30 Apr | 6:05 am
US/LATAM29 Apr | 4:05 pm
Market Intelligence: $MSFT
Analysis: Microsoft price drivers and scenarios
Azure Growth Target
37-38%
Constant currency projection
AI Contribution
+6-8 pts
Azure revenue from AI services
FY26 Capex
US$146bn
Total infrastructure spending
AVG
LOW US$3.86AVG US$4.04HIGH US$4.14
Microsoft is being tested on a specific question: can it turn heavy AI spending into margin expansion? A result above US$4.14 could ease concerns over "capex fatigue" and demonstrate whether Azure growth is re-accelerating alongside enterprise AI adoption.
Factors that could move the markets
Azure growth rate
Watch if constant-currency growth re-accelerates above 39%, suggesting AI workloads are filling new capacity rather than sitting idle.
Signal: Capacity Utilisation
Workplace agent adoption
The shift to autonomous agents is central. Clear enterprise uptake in Dynamics 365 supports the high-tier subscription thesis.
Signal: Software Monetisation
Maia 200 cost savings
If the in-house AI chip is lowering inference costs at production levels, gross margins may start to recover from recent compression.
Watch: Gross Margin Recovery
Regulatory backdrop
Ongoing scrutiny of cloud bundling practices remains a potential headwind; management commentary here is vital for the long-term view.
Watch: Bundling Compliance
Sentiment Analysis · Microsoft Corp.
Interactive scenario analysis: $MSFT
Select earnings outcome
AI Scaling Proof
Strong result, backed by real AI progress
EPS above US$4.14 and Azure re-acceleration above 39% could support the view that AI spending is starting to translate into commercial returns. Workplace Agents show measurable ROI and FY26 guidance is raised.
EPS Outcome
Above US$4.14
Cloud Signal
Accelerating
Guidance
Raised
Possible reaction
Strong rally
Sources & Data Methodology
Sources: Reporting dates and release times are from company investor relations calendars where marked Confirmed; otherwise they are GO Markets estimates. Consensus EPS, revenue and analyst-range data are sourced from Bloomberg and Earnings Whispers, as at 16 April 2026 (AEST). Company guidance, backlog and operating metrics are sourced from the latest company filings or results presentations. Any scenario analysis reflects GO Markets analysis. Figures and schedules may change without notice.
Expanded Coverage
Beyond the chipmakers
As the "show me the money" year unfolds, discover how AI demand is impacting Tesla, NextEra, and Exxon.
Alphabet has transformed from a search business into a sprawling AI infrastructure play, and this result will test whether that transformation is delivering. The US$185 billion capex forecast for 2026 is extraordinary, close to double last year's spending.
EPS is expected to decline slightly year on year, precisely because that infrastructure spending is consuming capital. The question is whether Google Cloud's growth is fast enough to show a credible path back to margin recovery, and whether Ironwood, the seventh-generation custom AI chip, is proving its cost-per-query advantage at scale.
$GOOGL| Q1 2026 REPORTING PERIOD
Alphabet Inc.
NASDAQ | Technology | 29 Apr 2026
Confirmed
Global Release Countdown (AMC)
00:00:00:00
Consensus EPS
US$2.64
Consensus Revenue
US$92.14bn
AU/ASIA30 Apr | 6:30 am
US/LATAM29 Apr | 4:30 pm
Market Intelligence: $GOOGL
Analysis: Alphabet price drivers and scenarios
Cloud growth
48% YoY
Compared with last quarter
Ironwood TPU
10x peak
Vs previous-generation chip
2026 Capex
US$185bn
Double last year's spending
AVG
LOW US$2.50AVG US$2.64HIGH US$2.80
Alphabet has shifted to being viewed as a broader AI infrastructure play. The question is whether Cloud growth can support a path back to margin recovery while the massive US$185bn infrastructure buildout absorbs capital.
Factors that could move the markets
Google Cloud momentum
Markets are watching if the 48% growth rate holds, specifically among customers using Ironwood TPUs for large-scale AI.
Signal: Enterprise AI Adoption
Search & AI overview
If compute-intensive AI summaries are monetising through ads, it supports core search economics in the AI era.
Focus: Search Economics
Capex & margin trajectory
With free cash flow under pressure from US$185bn capex, markets want to know when infrastructure investment will moderate.
Watch: Spending Ceiling
DOJ antitrust risk
Management commentary on the legal timeline for Chrome or Android divestiture appeals will influence how risk is priced.
Watch: Regulatory Remedies
Sentiment Analysis · Alphabet Inc.
Interactive scenario analysis: $GOOGL
Select earnings outcome
Efficiency Proof
Ironwood efficiency drives upside
EPS above US$2.80 and cloud growth above 45% suggest Ironwood is cutting costs and strengthening Google’s advantage faster than expected.
EPS outcome
Above US$2.80
Cloud Signal
Strong growth
Waymo
Accelerating
Reaction
Sentiment improves
Sources & Data Methodology
Sources: Reporting dates and release times are from company investor relations calendars where marked Confirmed; otherwise they are GO Markets estimates. Consensus EPS, revenue and analyst-range data are sourced from Bloomberg and Earnings Whispers, as at 16 April 2026 (AEST). Company guidance, backlog and operating metrics are sourced from the latest company filings or results presentations. Any scenario analysis reflects GO Markets analysis. Figures and schedules may change without notice.
NVIDIA: the hardware cycle read through
NVIDIA is no longer simply a chip company. It has become what analysts now describe as the central bank of compute, the entity whose product determines how much AI capacity the world can actually deploy.
The upcoming Q1 FY2027 result will test whether the new Vera Rubin R100 GPU architecture, which entered mass production ahead of schedule, is already contributing to revenue, and whether NVIDIA can sustain gross margins above 75% as inference, rather than training, becomes the dominant workload. Inference is more competitive and more price-sensitive than training, so margin resilience here matters.
$NVDA| Q1 2026 REPORTING PERIOD
NVIDIA Corporation
NASDAQ | Semiconductors | 20 May 2026
Confirmed
Global Release Countdown (AMC)
00:00:00:00
Consensus EPS
US$1.70
Consensus Revenue
US$78.42bn
AU/ASIA21 May | 6:30 am
US/LATAM20 May | 4:30 pm
Market Intelligence: $NVDA
Analysis: NVIDIA price drivers and scenarios
Revenue growth
73% YoY
Last quarter benchmark
Data centre share
91%+
Share of total revenue
Rubin R100
In production
Mass production began April 2026
AVG
LOW US$76bnAVG US$78bnHIGH US$81bn+
NVIDIA’s outlook depends on whether Rubin R100 can keep gross margins above 75% as inference becomes a bigger part of demand. Because inference is more price-sensitive than training, margins are the key test.
Factors that could move the markets
Rubin ramp-up
Watch whether Rubin production can scale smoothly without disrupting the Blackwell transition.
Signal: supply chain continuity
Inference margins
The key test is whether NVIDIA can keep gross margins above 75% as inference revenue grows.
Signal: pricing power holds up
Sovereign AI demand
Government-backed investment in Europe and the Middle East could broaden the base beyond hyperscalers.
Signal: market expansion
CUDA regulatory risk
Any US or European scrutiny of NVIDIA’s software advantage could move the stock regardless of the revenue result.
Signal: software moat under review
Sentiment Analysis · NVIDIA Corp.
Interactive scenario analysis: $NVDA
Select earnings outcome
Rubin ramp supports growth
Rubin ramp supports growth
Revenue above US$81 billion may suggest the Rubin ramp is tracking ahead of expectations. That could support the view that AI demand is broadening into sovereign AI and enterprise markets, helping extend visibility into 2027.
Revenue Outcome
Above US$81bn
Gross Margin
Above 75%
Workload
Inference strong
Reaction
Positive read-through
Sources & Data Methodology
Sources: Reporting dates and release times are from company investor relations calendars where marked Confirmed; otherwise they are GO Markets estimates. Consensus EPS, revenue and analyst-range data are sourced from Bloomberg and Earnings Whispers, as at 16 April 2026 (AEST). Company guidance, backlog and operating metrics are sourced from the latest company filings or results presentations. Any scenario analysis reflects GO Markets analysis. Figures and schedules may change without notice.
Thematic Risks
What could shift the picture
Three risks could change the narrative regardless of how the numbers print. Each one is worth understanding before the results land.
Capex fatigue
If both Microsoft and Alphabet report in line or below expectations while reaffirming enormous spending plans, the market may start pricing the risk that AI monetisation is slower than the spending implies. That is not a stock-specific concern. It would be a broader de-rating event, affecting the valuations of companies across the technology sector.
Regulatory escalation
The FTC investigation into Microsoft, the DOJ case against Alphabet, and emerging EU scrutiny of NVIDIA's CUDA software ecosystem are all active. A material legal development before the earnings calls could overshadow the financial results entirely. Regulatory risk in this sector is not theoretical. It is live and moving.
Competition from custom silicon
Microsoft's Maia 200 chip, Alphabet's Ironwood TPU, Amazon's Trainium and Meta's custom accelerators are all reducing how much the large cloud companies depend on NVIDIA hardware. If any of these companies signals a meaningful shift in its GPU procurement plans, that could create uncertainty around NVIDIA's forward order book.
Note: These systemic risks represent thematic pivots that may influence risk appetite independently of headline EPS beats.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 reality check
Microsoft and Alphabet report on the same evening, 29 April. NVIDIA follows in late May. Together, they offer the clearest read yet on whether the AI infrastructure buildout is generating returns fast enough to justify the extraordinary scale of capital being committed.
$MSFT
AI spend is shifting from cost to competitive advantage. The question is whether margins can follow.
$GOOGL
Vertical integration from chips to search to cloud may prove to be a moat, or an expensive position to defend.
$NVDA
This is the pulse of the AI hardware cycle, and a test of whether Rubin can keep the supercycle alive into 2027.
Taken together, they offer a read on a market that looks more physical, more capital-intensive and, for many traders, more real.
Your next earnings setup starts here
Stay ahead of major beats, misses, and market surprises. Log in to your terminal, open a new account, or explore our dedicated earnings academy.