Meta revenue surges to $64.6B as legal charge weighs on operating profit
- Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $64.60 billion, up 26% year over year, according to the supplied financial figures.
- Operating income declined 37% to $12.99 billion, while operating margin narrowed to 20% from 40%, reflecting a sharp increase in costs, including a $9.89 billion legal charge.
- Meta projected fourth-quarter revenue of $73 billion–$76 billion, full-year capital expenditures of $135 billion–$145 billion and a proposed distribution of non-voting Class C shares, subject to further corporate steps.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $64.60 billion, up 26% year over year.
Operating income declined 37% to $12.99 billion, while operating margin narrowed to 20% from 40% as quarterly expenses increased sharply.
Total costs and expenses rose 68% to $51.61 billion, including a $9.89 billion legal charge that significantly affected reported operating profitability.
Net income increased 264% to $9.86 billion, while diluted earnings per share rose 265% to $3.83, despite weaker operating income.
Operating cash flow totaled $32.79 billion, although free cash flow turned negative at $2.12 billion amid substantial investment in infrastructure.
Meta forecast fourth-quarter revenue of $73 billion–$76 billion and full-year capital expenditures of $135 billion–$145 billion, reflecting continued spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The board also approved a proposed non-voting Class C share structure, with a conditional one-for-one stock distribution that would leave existing shareholder voting power unchanged.
