Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META, XETRA:FB2A, SIX:FB) is offering stock options to top executives for the first time since its 2012 initial public offering, in a bid to retain key talent as the company intensifies its push into artificial intelligence, according to a company spokesperson.
The new equity awards will only be triggered if Meta achieves “massive future success,” the spokesperson said, citing performance thresholds that could include nearly doubling the company’s share price to above $1,100.
The move comes as the social media giant ramps up spending on AI initiatives while also reportedly considering significant workforce reductions as part of broader cost controls.
Separately, a jury in New Mexico has found Meta liable for violating state consumer protection laws in a civil case involving allegations related to child safety on its platforms, ordering the company to pay $375 million in penalties.
The case, brought by the New Mexico Attorney General in 2023, alleged that Meta misled users about the safety of its services and failed to adequately protect children from exploitation and mental health harms.
Jurors found Meta liable on all counts, concluding that the company violated consumer protection laws by misleading residents about risks associated with its platforms. The penalty represents the maximum allowed under state law based on the number of violations, according to the ruling.
In a statement, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the company plans to appeal the verdict.
“We respectfully disagree with the verdict and will appeal. We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and are clear about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors or harmful content,” Stone said. “We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online.”