Meta set to report earnings: Update on revamped AI strategy is key to fourth quarter

Core Insights - Meta Platforms Inc. is set to report its fourth-quarter earnings, with a focus on the impact of its revamped artificial intelligence strategy for 2026 [1] - The company invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI to enhance its AI capabilities, particularly under the leadership of founder Alexandr Wang [1][2] AI Strategy and Investments - Meta's AI unit, TBD, was established following a lukewarm reception of its Llama 4 model, and it is currently developing a new model code-named Avocado, expected to launch in the first half of the year [2] - The company is also investing heavily in data center infrastructure, committing up to $6 billion to Corning for fiber-optic cables through 2030 [3] - CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the necessity of these investments in AI, despite concerns from investors regarding costs [3][4] Financial Projections - Meta's capital expenditures related to data centers are projected at $21.97 billion for the quarter, with expected online advertising sales of $56.98 billion [4] - Analysts predict that the number of daily active users will reach 3.58 billion in the fourth quarter [5] Reality Labs Unit - The Reality Labs unit, which focuses on virtual and augmented reality, is expected to report an operating loss of $5.67 billion on sales of $940.8 million for the fourth quarter [6][7] - This unit has accumulated over $70 billion in total operating losses since late 2020, raising concerns about its future viability [7] Earnings Estimates - Analysts estimate earnings per share at $8.21 and revenue at $58.35 billion for the upcoming report [8]