Meta’s Metaverse Division Books $4bn Loss
By Laxmikant Khanvilkar
Meta suffered a nearly $4 billion loss from its metaverse unit with Reality Labs in what was otherwise a solid first quarter for the Mark Zuckerberg-led social media empire, which posted a final profit of $5.7 billion.
While the $4 billion loss follows a $14 billion loss in 2022, Zuckerberg explained in the earnings report that Reality Labs will likely suffer more losses in the remainder of 2023.
“We continue to expect Reality Labs operating losses to increase year-over-year in 2023,” predicted Zuckerberg.
The losses suffered by Reality Labs were, however, negated by the firm’s developments in its artificial intelligence segment, the firm’s CEO Sai.
“Our AI work is driving good results across our apps and business. We’re also becoming more efficient so we can build better products faster and put ourselves in a stronger position to deliver our long-term vision.”
While Zuckerberg recently labeled AI as the firm’s “single largest investment,” he said Meta’s metaverse ambitions remain a top priority for the firm.
Meanwhile, things remain pretty optimistic for the Facebook parent company Meta. The company beat revenue expectations, reporting an increase in year-over-year revenue for the first time in three quarters. However, there are some moments of anxietywith the company deciding to eliminate 10,000 jobs this yearwhile trying to live up with the harsh reality.
Meta isn’t expecting Reality Labs to make money yet, but investors have voiced concerns that this hefty investment might not pay off.
Mark Zuckerberg was careful to remind investors on Wednesday that Meta is very much invested in the AI arms race underway in the tech industry.
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