Meta's Ad Engine Is Working—Why Is Cash Flow Going Backward?
Meta fell 6.98% as investors weighed strong revenue against AI spending. Revenue rose 26% to $64.60B, beating estimates; Q4 guidance also edged above consensus. Ad impressions and pricing each grew 11%, but free cash flow was negative $6.22B against $34.91B in capex, with higher spending expected in 2027. Bulls cite ad strength; bears see investment outpacing cash generation. Google Search and Amazon cloud are benchmarks. What would show ad cash flow is catching up?