EL7.AI
StocksMediumUpdated×2•Originally published 30 July 2026•Updated 30 July 2026•
1 min read

Meta Shares Plunge 9% as Free Cash Flow Collapses 91% on AI Spending

Key Facts

1Mark Zuckerberg's fortune dropped by $18 billion as Meta shares slid due to investor concerns over increased capital expenditure guidance.
2Microsoft reported that its AI assistant, Microsoft 365 Copilot, has reached over 30 million paid users.

Amid intensifying scrutiny over the financial sustainability of the AI race, Meta shares plunged 9% following a staggering 91% collapse in free cash flow. This sharp decline reflects growing investor skepticism toward Mark Zuckerberg’s costly push into AI agents, as the massive capital outlays have yet to demonstrate a clear path to profitability or immediate financial returns.

The market's reaction highlights a divergence in the tech sector's AI monetization success; for instance, Microsoft reported its Copilot assistant reached 30 million paid users. Per market data, MSFT closed at $390.54 on July 29, 2026, while peer GOOGL stood at $336.71 on the same date, illustrating a selective investor focus on tangible AI revenue metrics over long-term infrastructure spending.

Meta shares closed at $585.61 as of July 29, 2026, having traded between a session low of $582.22 and a high of $599.97. Looking ahead, traders should monitor the Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index scheduled for July 27, 2026, which may provide broader context on the macroeconomic environment facing major U.S. technology firms.