Meta reports negative free cash flow, citing AI funding needs
Wall Street experienced volatility last week as investors grew concerned about the financing required for the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom. Meta Platforms reported negative free cash flow for the first time since its 2012 IPO, a disclosure that overshadowed its strong third-quarter earnings and guidance. The company warned in a regulatory filing that its long-term plans could…
Key points
- Meta reported negative free cash flow for the first time since its 2012 IPO.
- Meta warned long-term AI plans may require hundreds of billions in financing.
- CoreWeave fell 10% Thursday as investors scrutinized its debt-fueled spending.
The sell-off extended to other AI-related names. CoreWeave fell 10% on Thursday, continuing a weekly decline of more than 10% as investors scrutinized its borrowing costs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang acknowledged the challenge, stating that the demand for capital exceeds its availability. In response to these shifts, CNBC's Jim Cramer adjusted his portfolio, exiting Broadcom and trimming CrowdStrike, while buying GE Vernova on confidence in long-term power demand. He noted that the market is "circling the wagons" to focus on the strongest AI beneficiaries.
Despite the AI jitters, defensive stocks benefited from the rotation. Kimberly-Clark, Home Depot, and Johnson & Johnson all rose as investors sought safety. Apple also saw gains, with its new foldable iPhone Duo facing delivery wait times exceeding three months due to strong demand. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz highlighted the growing threat of AI-powered cyberattacks, noting they doubled each month from July through September.
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CNBC Technology · 24 October 2026
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