Meta raises 2026 capex forecast to $135B-$145B and creates new nonvoting stock class
The social media giant boosted its capital spending outlook for next year while introducing a new equity structure, sending shares higher in after-hours trading.
Key points
- Meta Platforms increased its 2026 capital expenditure guidance range.
- The company announced the creation of a new class of nonvoting stock.
- Q4 revenue forecasts remain largely aligned with analyst estimates.
Meta Platforms Inc. announced an increase in its expected capital spending for 2026, setting a new range of $135 billion to $145 billion. This adjustment raises the previous outlook of $130 billion to $145 billion, according to Riley Griffin at Bloomberg. The social media giant also revealed plans to introduce a new class of nonvoting stock as part of its corporate structure changes.
What changed in the financial outlook?
The primary shift involves the lower bound of the capital expenditure forecast for 2026. Meta moved this figure up from $130 billion to $135 billion, while the upper limit of $145 billion remains unchanged. This indicates a more aggressive baseline for infrastructure investment than previously communicated to investors.
The company also provided its revenue forecast for the fourth quarter. Meta expects Q4 revenue to fall between $73 billion and $76 billion. Analysts had previously estimated revenue at $73.6 billion, meaning the company's guidance aligns closely with market expectations for that period.
Why does the stock class matter?
Meta announced it will create a new class of nonvoting stock. This structural change allows the company to issue equity that does not carry voting rights. Such moves are often associated with maintaining control over corporate governance while raising capital or offering equity-based compensation to employees without diluting voting power.
How did the market react?
Shares of Meta jumped more than 3 percent in after-hours trading following the announcements. The market response suggests that investors viewed the updated capital spending guidance and the new stock class positively, despite the increased commitment to capital expenditures.
Questions to ask your suppliers
Security teams should evaluate whether changes in vendor ownership structures or capital allocations impact service continuity. Ask procurement and legal departments to review contracts for clauses related to corporate restructuring or equity changes. Determine if the vendor’s financial shifts could affect their ability to maintain security certifications or support levels. Ensure that risk assessments account for potential changes in vendor stability or strategic direction.
What to do and how to stay safe: Meta
- Monitor vendor financial reports for signs of instability or strategic shifts.
- Review contractual obligations regarding corporate restructuring and equity changes.
- Update risk registers to reflect changes in vendor ownership or governance.
- Verify that security certifications remain valid despite corporate changes.
Step-by-step guide: Browser Security Settings for Small Business Teams
General security guidance from the TechSec Feed newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
What is Meta's new 2026 capex forecast?
Meta expects its 2026 capex to be between $135 billion and $145 billion.
Did Meta change its Q4 revenue forecast?
Meta forecasts Q4 revenue of $73 billion to $76 billion, close to the $73.6 billion estimate.
What new stock class is Meta creating?
Meta plans to create a new class of nonvoting stock.
