Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently addressed investors during the Meta Connect event in Menlo Park, California, as the company announced its fourth-quarter earnings, which surpassed analyst expectations both in revenue and earnings per share.
For the fourth quarter, Meta reported earnings per share of $8.02, exceeding the anticipated $6.77. Revenue reached $48.39 billion, outperforming the expected $47.04 billion. Notably, sales surged 21% compared to the previous year, contributing to a net income of $20.8 billion, a substantial increase from $14 billion a year earlier.
Looking ahead, Zuckerberg expressed optimism about 2025, particularly regarding the company’s relationship with the U.S. government. He highlighted a supportive administration that champions American technology, which he believes will enhance innovation and progress in the sector. “I’m optimistic about the progress and innovation that this can unlock,” he stated.
Meta projected its first-quarter revenue to range between $39.5 billion and $41.8 billion, which narrowly falls short of analysts’ expectations of approximately $41.73 billion. Nonetheless, the company reported significant growth in its AI segment, with the Meta AI chatbot now boasting over 700 million monthly active users, an increase from 600 million in December. Zuckerberg is confident that this user base will reach one billion within the year, asserting, “Once a service reaches that kind of scale, it usually develops a durable, long-term advantage.”
Zuckerberg also discussed Meta’s commitment to an open-source approach to AI. He mentioned the emergence of DeepSeek, a competitive large language model developed by a Chinese lab at a lower cost than similar American technologies. This development reinforces Meta’s strategy of promoting its Llama-branded language models as open-source alternatives, positioning itself favorably in the global AI landscape. He insisted on the importance of establishing an American open-source standard for national interests.
Furthermore, Meta has successfully completed the training of a mini version of Llama 4, while progress continues on a larger version of the model.
In summary, Meta’s recent financial performance demonstrates robust growth and a promising future for its AI initiatives. The company’s strategic focus on open-source technology could solidify its position in the competitive landscape of AI development. As the tech sector evolves, Zuckerberg’s proactive stance and commitment to innovation could play a pivotal role in shaping the industry moving forward. This positive outlook reflects a broader hope for advancements in American technology and its global standing.