Meta sends mixed signals as Q4 sales beat estimates but outlook muted

Meta Platforms fourth-quarter revenue beat Wall Street expectations on Wednesday but the company predicted sales in the current first quarter may not meet forecasts, sending mixed signals about how bets on pricey artificial intelligence-powered tools are paying off.

The Facebook and Instagram parent company expects first quarter revenue between $39.5 billion and $41.8 billion, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $41.72 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.