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Oracle Founder Larry Ellison Abandons Massive $7.5 Billion Stock Sale
Technology Services · Packaged Software · cnbc · 2026-09-12
PSKY, WBD, ORCL
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has officially canceled a planned sale of 50 million company shares, opting to retain his significant stake in the tech firm.
What Happened
Cancellation of Trading Plan: Oracle founder Larry Ellison has officially scrapped a 10b5-1 trading plan that would have allowed for the liquidation of up to 50 million shares. The proposed sale, valued at approximately $7.5 billion, was abandoned just one day after its initial disclosure in a regulatory filing.
Ownership and Strategic Role: Ellison remains a dominant force at Oracle, maintaining control over more than 40% of the company he established in 1977. His continued commitment to the firm comes as Oracle aggressively pivots its business model toward artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Financial and Market Context: The company has faced significant headwinds recently, including a substantial debt burden and a stock price decline of roughly 23% year-to-date. Despite these pressures, the decision to halt the share sale suggests a continued long-term alignment between the founder and the company's future performance.
External Business Interests: Beyond Oracle, Ellison is actively involved in financing media ventures, including the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount. His support for these high-profile deals, such as the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, highlights his broader influence in the entertainment and technology sectors.