The $35 Billion Quarter: When Profit Isn't Cash

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Thursday, October 22, 2026 00:00 — Opening Meta reports nearly $10 billion in profit and negative free cash flow. Where did the cash go? 01:05 — On This Date: The Cuban Missile Crisis Kennedy tells America about Soviet missiles in Cuba—and the people listening do not yet know how the crisis ends. 03:45 — General News Possible Ukraine talks, Gaza food cuts and the UN's Abyei response. Plus Hormuz bargaining, Canada's industrial package, campaign-money transfers, a UN leadership bid and the ruling behind Justice Kagan's criticism. 13:10 — Sports Atlanta takes control of the WNBA Finals; Anthony Edwards spoils Giannis Antetokounmpo's Miami debut. Plus Brewers–Rays title stakes, Charbonnet's practice progress and Edmonton's birthday overtime winner. 18:05 — Market Review + The Nuts and Bolts Wednesday's technology rally meets earnings from Texas Instruments and Tesla. Meta rises after its report, AT&T adds customers while its shares fall, and insurance costs and housing contracts complicate the picture. 26:55 — Look Ahead Lockheed Martin, Comcast and Procter & Gamble: orders, competition and whether customers are buying more—or simply paying more. 27:50 — Deep Dive: When Profit Isn't Cash Follow Meta's operating cash through the equipment and lease-principal bill. Add its legal charge, cash holdings and long-term debt to the picture: how much patience does the buildout deserve? 37:20 — Close + Hot Mic Keep your boots muddy and your bills paid—then hear why the board finally trusted its artificial intelligence. Selected sources: Meta results — https://investor.atmeta.com/investor-news/press-release-details/2026/Meta-Reports-Third-Quarter-2026-Results/default.aspx WNBA Finals — https://www.wnba.com/news/live-updates-2026-wnba-finals-game-3 JFK Library — https://microsites.jfklibrary.org/cmc/oct22/ Rucho decision — https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/18-422 Questions or comments: [email protected] This program is general commentary, not personalized financial or investment advice. Accounting and financial examples are explanatory, not investment recommendations. Check original sources and your own circumstances before acting. Made by AI. Don't trust it.