Meta earnings updates: Wall Street is focused on AI capex heading into Q4 results (www.businessinsider.com)

Meta Platforms is set to announce its fourth-quarter earnings, and analysts are particularly focused on the company's plans for increased capital expenditures on artificial intelligence infrastructure. This strategic investment is seen as pivotal, potentially overshadowing other financial metrics, such as revenue growth from its advertising business. Expected figures indicate Meta could generate around $58.41 billion in revenue for Q4, with significant contributions from its Family of Apps and a projected operating income of $23.94 billion, despite Reality Labs forecasted to incur a substantial operating loss. The emphasis on AI capital expenditure highlights Meta's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities amidst a competitive landscape. Wall Street is keenly observing how these investments will drive future growth and influence user engagement across its platforms. With the anticipated revenue and earnings-per-share figures, analysts are eager to gauge whether Meta's ambitious AI roadmap will yield significant return on investment and bolster its market position in the long term.