Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, is a global leader in social media and technology. Founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, the company has since evolved into a conglomerate that owns and operates some of the world’s most popular social networking services, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. Meta’s mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together through its suite of apps and technologies.
Over the years, Meta has expanded its focus beyond social networking. The company has made significant investments in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) through its Reality Labs division, which develops products like the Oculus VR headset. Meta is also exploring advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance user experiences across its platforms. This diversified approach has solidified Meta’s position as a leading player in the tech industry.
Meta Fiscal Q4 2025
Meta Platforms (META) reported Q4 earnings of $8.88 per share on $59.9B in revenue, beating expectations, while Reality Labs continued to generate large losses.
The company is pouring money into AI, from major data‑center expansion to high‑profile talent hires, even as it deals with delays in new AI models and considers moving away from its open‑weights approach.
Highlights
- Family daily active people averaged 3.58B in December 2025, up 7% year over year.
- Ad impressions rose 18% in Q4 and 12% for the full year.
- Average price per ad increased 6% in Q4 and 9% for the full year.
- Revenue reached $59.89B in Q4 and $200.97B for 2025, up 24% and 22% year over year.
- On a constant‑currency basis, revenue grew 23% in Q4 and 22% for the year.
- Total costs and expenses were $35.15B in Q4 and $117.69B for 2025, rising 40% and 24% year over year.
- Capital expenditures were $22.14B in Q4 and $72.22B for the full year.
- Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities stood at $81.59B at year‑end.
- Long‑term debt totaled $58.74B at the end of 2025.
- Headcount reached 78,865, up 6% from the prior year.
Outlook
Meta expects first‑quarter 2026 revenue to be between $53.5B and $56.5B, helped by a 4% currency tailwind.
Full‑year expenses are projected to reach $162B to $169B. Most of the cost increase will come from infrastructure spending, including cloud services, depreciation, and operating costs. Employee compensation will also rise as the company continues hiring technical talent, especially for AI.
Expense growth will mainly come from the Family of Apps, while Reality Labs losses should stay similar to 2025. Capital spending is expected to rise to $115B–$135B as Meta invests more in its Superintelligence Labs and core business. Despite higher spending, the company expects operating income in 2026 to be higher than in 2025.
Meta anticipates a 2026 tax rate of 13% to 16%. The company is rolling out changes to its Less Personalized Ads offering in Europe, but continues to face regulatory risks in both the EU and the U.S., including youth‑related legal challenges that could lead to financial losses.
Board Statements
Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta, said META delivered a strong business performance in 2025. Also, Meta is looking forward to advancing personal superintelligence for people around the world in 2026.
Impact on the Stock Market
Meta’s stock jumped after the company beat expectations in Q4, reporting stronger‑than‑expected earnings and revenue.
The company also revealed a major increase in planned 2026 capital spending, projecting $115B to $135B compared with $72B in 2025.
Shares rose as much as 10% after the announcement and were still up nearly 9% in pre‑market trading. Meta posted Q4 EPS and revenue ahead of forecasts, while Reality Labs continued to post heavy losses.
The company is investing aggressively in AI, including major data‑center spending and high‑profile talent acquisitions, even as it faces delays with new AI models and considers shifting away from open-weight development.
