Earnings Special: Meta Boosts Bet on AI With Spending Outlook, New Stock Class
Meta Platforms boosted its capital spending outlook and announced plans for a new class of nonvoting stock, escalating its already-stratospheric bet on artificial intelligence. Capital expenditures will be $135 billion to $145 billion in 2026, the social-media giant said during its quarterly earnings report Wednesday, raising the bottom end of the range from $130 billion. The moves show that Meta has confidence that its spending on artificial intelligence will bear fruit. Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has struggled to persuade investors to accept the company’s ballooning expenses for ambitious AI bets. But in recent months, Meta has made headway with its technology. Meta shares rose in after-hours trading on Wednesday. They had gained about 6% this year through the close in New York. For instant reaction and analysis, Bloomberg Businessweek Daily hosts Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec speak with Ed Ludlow, Bloomberg Tech co-host. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.