Microsoft reported revenue growth in its Azure cloud-computing business that was only slightly above expectations. In contrast, AI bolstered ad targeting at Meta, boosting revenue by 24% in the December quarter and aiding a rosy first-quarter forecast. For Meta, the revenue growth underscored that its AI pivot was paying off and helping the company catch up to early leaders. Its revenue rose 24% in the fourth quarter, and Meta forecast growth to accelerate as much as 33% in the current quarter. Analysts said the results left some mismatch between corporate AI goals and investors’ demand for payoffs.