Meta $META ( ▼ 2.95% ) and Tesla $TSLA ( ▲ 3.33% ) are pouring billions into AI-driven futures that have yet to fully arrive. But while both companies talk about robots, autonomy, and next-generation platforms, their current businesses are telling very different stories.
Same AI dream, different present
Tesla is ramping capital spending to build out self-driving tech, robotaxis, and humanoid robots. Meta is funneling massive sums into AI infrastructure and models that it hopes will power new consumer and business tools down the road.
The key difference is what’s happening right now. Meta’s core ad business is still expanding, with AI helping improve ad targeting and engagement. Tesla, meanwhile, is dealing with softer vehicle sales that are dragging down its main revenue engine.
AI is helping one balance sheet more than the other
Meta’s recent revenue growth shows AI is already supporting its existing model by making its advertising machine more effective. Tesla says its AI investments will eventually unlock fully autonomous driving and new revenue streams, but those breakthroughs are still largely theoretical.
For now, Tesla’s automotive revenue has declined, even as it pushes Full Self-Driving subscriptions and other higher-margin services. That makes its AI-heavy spending feel more like a long-term gamble rather than an immediate growth driver.
Investors are rewarding the here and now
Both CEOs are selling a vision of an AI-powered future, but markets are responding to present-day performance. Meta’s business is still growing while it invests, giving investors more confidence that its spending can be absorbed. Tesla’s slowing core business makes its ambitious AI roadmap look riskier in comparison.
The result: Meta $META ( ▼ 2.95% ) is getting credit for funding the future with a still-expanding present, while Tesla $TSLA ( ▲ 3.33% ) is being asked to prove that its big bets will pay off before patience runs thin.