Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META, XETRA:FB2A, SIX:FB) reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, powered by growth in advertising and its family of apps, while its Reality Labs division posted a wider-than-expected loss.
The social media and technology giant posted Q4 revenue of $59.89 billion, up 24% from a year earlier and above analysts’ estimate of $58.42 billion. Earnings per share came in at $8.88, up 11% year-on-year, beating the Street estimate of $8.19. Operating income rose 5.9% to $24.75 billion, with a 41% operating margin.
Daily active users reached 3.58 billion, a 7% increase from a year ago. Advertising revenue climbed to $58.14 billion, exceeding the projected $56.79 billion, supported by an 18% increase in ad impressions and a 6% rise in average price per ad. The Family of Apps division generated $58.94 billion in revenue, surpassing expectations, while Reality Labs revenue slightly missed estimates at $955 million, with an operating loss of $6.02 billion.
Meta forecast first-quarter 2026 revenue of $53.5 billion to $56.5 billion and full-year 2026 expenses between $162 billion and $169 billion. Capital expenditures are expected to rise to $115 billion to $135 billion, reflecting continued investment in infrastructure and technology. “We had strong business performance in 2025… I’m looking forward to advancing personal superintelligence for people around the world in 2026,” CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.
Zuckerberg added that the company anticipates 2026 operating income to exceed 2025 levels, despite higher infrastructure spending.
Shares rose 3.7% in after-hours trading following the results.