Arabic version: ميتا تشهد انخفاضًا في الأسهم بسبب زيادة خطط الإنفاق على الذكاء الاصطناعي

Meta’s shares fell by 7% in extended trading on Wednesday, as investors reacted to the company’s announcement of increased spending on artificial intelligence (AI) projects. The social media giant revealed plans to allocate billions more than previously anticipated, raising its capital expenditure forecast to as much as $145 billion, up from $135 billion. According to BBC News, this decision has sparked concerns about the sustainability of the current AI boom, especially given the high costs involved and the unrealized potential gains.

Meta’s Chief Financial Officer, Susan Li, explained that the company had underestimated its computing needs in prior years, necessitating the increased budget for AI initiatives. CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the scaling of these projects, stating, “I don’t think we have a very precise plan for exactly how each product is going to scale or anything like that.”

In contrast, other major tech firms, including Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon, reported more favorable outcomes in their earnings, showcasing tangible results from their AI investments. Alphabet’s stock rose following a strong earnings report, indicating a 30% profit increase, while Microsoft experienced a slight dip before recovering, reporting a 16% revenue growth.

Amazon also faced a stock decline but saw a 15% year-over-year profit increase, driven by its cloud business’s performance. CEO Andy Jassy emphasized the company’s significant investments in AI and the ongoing partnerships with major AI providers. As competition intensifies, tech companies are navigating the challenges of balancing substantial AI spending with the need for immediate financial returns.