GermanyMeta reported weaker-than-expected revenue growth and a decline in net profit during its second-quarter results, disappointing investors. CEO Mark Zuckerberg attempted to frame the numbers positively, emphasizing AI initiatives as drivers of core business growth. The stock price fell over 11% after hours, continuing a downward trend since the start of the year. Revenue grew by 28% to $60.8 billion, slightly above analyst expectations, but this followed a stronger 33% increase in the first quarter. The company now expects further slowdown in growth, projecting 19-25% revenue growth for the third quarter. Net profit dropped 14% to $15.8 billion, below expectations, driven by sharply rising costs, including a 67% increase in R&D spending and legal expenses related to youth protection lawsuits. Meta faces multiple lawsuits over risks associated with its platforms for minors, including a $375 million judgment in New Mexico and a $4.2 million ruling in California over social media addiction risks. The company warned of potential significant financial burdens from youth-related issues and announced plans to cut 8,000 jobs and leave 6,000 positions unfilled.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual economic data and legal challenges faced by Meta without overt ideological slant. While it highlights regulatory scrutiny and corporate responsibility concerns, which could be seen as having a slight left-leaning angle, the overall tone remains neutral, focusing on the客观
