Meta awarded six executives stock options worth up to $921 million each, then laid off approximately 700 employees despite posting a record $56.3 billion quarterly revenue. The juxtaposition highlights a common pattern in corporate America where executive compensation grows while rank-and-file workers face job losses, even during periods of strong financial performance. This particular timing—bonuses awarded then mass layoffs announced—raises questions about how performance-based compensation aligns incentives between leadership and the broader workforce.