Why Tech Sector’s Debt Craze Won’t Last

The view from the corporate treasury office in many tech companies recalls the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Cash, cash everywhere and not a penny to spend.

As big tech companies continue to leave cash overseas rather than pay taxes to bring it back, they’ve increasingly resorted to borrowing money. This trend, fueled by record-low interest rates, highlights a broader comfort throughout the tech sector with debt—even among companies barely making money.

Now the question is whether the specter of rising interest rates—or hints that credit ratings could eventually come under pressure if debt levels keeps rising—will cause tech companies to pull back on debt raises.