Core Viewpoint - Concerns regarding uncontrolled AI spending have negatively impacted Meta Platforms, despite a significant stock increase earlier in the year. The company's forecast of higher spending in 2026 led to a sell-off, resulting in a 12% decline in stock value by year-end [2]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Stock Reaction - Meta's stock rose by 35% in 2025 but ended the year with a total return of only 13% due to spending concerns [2]. - Following the announcement of the acquisition of Manus, Meta's shares increased by 1.1%, contrasting with slight declines in the S&P 500 and tech sector, indicating a positive market reaction to the deal [3][6]. Group 2: Acquisition of Manus - Meta acquired AI startup Manus for over $2 billion, which develops general-purpose AI agents capable of executing complex tasks [3]. - Manus achieved $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) within eight months of launching, marking a record growth rate for startups [4]. - The AI agent from Manus has created over 80 million virtual computers, demonstrating significant real-world application and task execution capabilities [5]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The acquisition aligns with Meta's ongoing focus on AI investment, despite plans to cut spending in other areas like the Metaverse [3]. - The complementary nature of the solutions provided by Meta and Manus suggests a strong potential for success in their collaboration [6].