Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Meta raised the low end of its 2026 capital-expenditure forecast to $135 billion, from $130 billion, while keeping the high end at $145 billion. The company also forecast fourth-quarter revenue of $73 billion to $76 billion. The midpoint, $74.5 billion, is above the $73.65 billion analyst expectation cited by the Associated Press. AP reported that Meta shares rose 2.9% in after-hours trading after the October 21, 2026 results—not that they gained that amount during the regular session.
What changed in Meta’s 2026 capex forecast?
Meta’s October 21, 2026 outlook puts full-year capital expenditures, including principal payments on finance leases, at $135 billion to $145 billion. Its prior outlook, issued with its July 29, 2026 second-quarter results, was $130 billion to $145 billion. In other words, the company lifted the lower end by $5 billion and left the upper end unchanged.
| 2026 capex outlook | Low end | High end | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 21, 2026 | $135 billion | $145 billion | Current forecast; includes principal payments on finance leases |
| July 29, 2026 | $130 billion | $145 billion | Prior forecast; includes principal payments on finance leases |
These figures are forecasts, not a report of completed spending. Meta said the investment supports its AI efforts and core business. The company’s stated rationale does not establish that the spending will produce a particular return.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Is Meta’s Q4 revenue forecast above expectations?
Meta forecast total fourth-quarter 2026 revenue of $73 billion to $76 billion. The midpoint is $74.5 billion, which is $850 million above the $73.65 billion analyst expectation AP cited on October 21. That comparison is between a company forecast midpoint and an analyst estimate reported by AP; the estimate is not Meta guidance.
Popular on Amazon
Meta said its forecast assumes foreign currency will be an approximately 1% headwind to year-over-year revenue growth. The company reported Q3 2026 revenue of $64.601 billion, up 26% year over year, providing recent context for the outlook but not a guarantee of fourth-quarter growth.
Why did Meta stock rise after earnings?
AP reported that Meta shares gained 2.9% in after-hours trading following the results. That is a time-specific after-hours move, not a regular-session return. The cited reporting does not identify a definitive reason for the price change, so it is safer to treat it as the market’s reported reaction rather than claim that one forecast or announcement caused the gain.
Also popular on Amazon
How should investors read Meta’s Q3 operating income?
Meta reported Q3 income from operations of $12.988 billion. The quarter included a $9.89 billion charge related to an agreement with state attorneys general, which Meta said affected reported costs and operating results. Meta said operating income would have been $22.88 billion excluding that charge; that is a company-provided adjusted comparison, not the reported figure.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The distinction matters when interpreting the quarter: revenue rose 26% year over year, while the legal charge substantially affected reported operating income. The figures describe different measures and should not be conflated.
Also popular on Amazon
What did Meta say about its AI plans?
CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Meta had reached milestones toward what he called “personal superintelligence for everyone,” including launching Muse and Muse Wonder, described in the company release as its first frontier model. This is management’s characterization of its AI work, not independent confirmation of the products’ capabilities or evidence of future financial returns.
Meta’s outlook and comments about future growth are forward-looking statements. The company said it undertakes no obligation to update them as a result of new information or future events.
Also popular on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Meta include in its 2026 capex figure?
The $135 billion to $145 billion outlook includes principal payments on finance leases, as Meta specified in its October 21, 2026 release.
How much did Meta spend on capex in Q3 2026?
Meta reported Q3 capital expenditures of $34.91 billion, including principal payments on finance leases. One quarter’s spending does not determine the full-year total.
Also popular on Amazon
Was Meta’s 2.9% stock gain during regular trading?
No. The 2.9% figure AP reported was an after-hours move following the earnings release; it should not be presented as a regular-session return.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
