Jan 18, 2026 2 min read 0 views

Meta Platforms Continues Heavy AI Spending as Stock Performance Remains Strong

Meta Platforms is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, with capital expenditures rising significantly. The company reported strong user engagement and ad revenue growth in Q3 2025, while maintaining solid earnings projections.

Meta Platforms Continues Heavy AI Spending as Stock Performance Remains Strong

Meta Platforms continues to allocate substantial funds toward artificial intelligence development. The company spent $39 billion on capital expenditures in 2024, with projections indicating that amount could reach approximately $71 billion last year. CFO Susan Li stated that capital expenditure growth is expected to be notably larger in 2026 compared to 2025.

These investments are directed toward strengthening Meta's technical infrastructure. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed strong belief in AI's potential through these financial commitments.

The company maintains a dominant position in the technology sector. During the third quarter ending September 30, Meta reported 3.54 billion daily active users across its social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads.

Financial results show Meta generated $141.1 billion in revenue during the first nine months of 2025, with net income reaching $37.7 billion. This performance creates significant free cash flow that supports the company's AI investment strategy.

Management indicated during the Q3 2025 earnings call that artificial intelligence is increasing engagement across Meta's applications. Advertising remains the company's primary revenue source, accounting for 98% of total revenue with $50 billion generated in the third quarter alone.

Meta's Advantage+ AI tools are reportedly reducing costs for advertising customers. Zuckerberg previously suggested that improved AI advertising capabilities could increase advertising's share of global GDP.

Despite its substantial market capitalization of $1.6 trillion, Meta continues to demonstrate growth. Earnings per share are projected to increase at a compound annual rate of 11.6% between 2024 and 2027.

The company's stock currently trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 21.1. Since its initial public offering in 2012, Meta shares have increased approximately 1,520% as of January 14, outperforming the S&P 500 index during that period.

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