Mark Zuckerberg says Meta will 'keep things lean,' going big in AI with a lid on hiring

In a recent announcement, Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared some key insights into the company’s future plans, revealing a focus on efficiency and an emphasis on developments in artificial intelligence (AI). Despite an initial reduction in its headcount, Meta saw significant success in the stock market, with its stock value almost tripling last year, reaching a record high and pushing its market cap over $1 trillion.

The company reported a 25% sales growth in the fourth quarter of last year, alongside a 201% increase in net income and more than doubling its operating margin to 41%. This demonstrates Meta’s ability to maintain healthy growth while effectively reducing costs. As a result, Meta authorized a $50 billion share buyback and announced its first-ever quarterly dividend of 50 cents.

Zuckerberg highlighted the company’s focus on investing in a “world-class compute infrastructure,” including substantial spending on artificial intelligence chips from Nvidia, data center design, and customized silicon. While total expenses are expected to increase, Zuckerberg emphasized that Meta’s hiring plans will remain relatively minimal compared to previous years, aligning with the company’s goal to maintain lean operations.

Despite projecting continued financial losses in its Reality Labs unit, which focuses on virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, Zuckerberg is committed to prioritizing long-term goals over short-term concerns. He emphasized a strategic shift towards stronger technology capabilities and the flexibility to pursue long-term objectives.

In conclusion, Meta’s approach under Zuckerberg’s leadership reflects a commitment to efficiency, strategic investment in AI, and a focus on long-term stability and growth.