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Meta (Q4 Results): strong quarter, AI investment grows

Meta delivered another strong set of results with ramping growth in the core business and no let-up on the investment in AI.
Meta - Profits stall, outlook tempered

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Meta reported a 24% rise in fourth-quarter revenue to $59.9bn ($58.6bn expected ).

The number of people using at least one of Meta’s apps on a daily basis rose7 % to 3.58bn. Ad impressions rose 18%, while average price per ad rose 6%.

Operating income was up 6% to $24.7bn ($24.0bn expected), and margins fell from 48% to 41%.

Free cash flow rose 7% to $14.1bn, with capital expenditure (capex) rising to $22.1bn as AI investment continues. Net debt, including leases, was $2.3bn.

First-quarter 2026 revenue is expected in the range of $53.5–56.5bn. Full-year capex guidance has been set at $115-135bn (2025: $72.2bn )

The shares were up 7.5% in pre-market trading.

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HL view to follow.

Meta key facts

All ratios are sourced from LSEG Datastream, based on previous day’s closing values. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn’t be looked at on their own – it’s important to understand the big picture.

This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by LSEG. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.

This article is not advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any investment. No view is given on the present or future value or price of any investment, and investors should form their own view on any proposed investment.

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Written by
Matt-Britzman
Matt Britzman
Senior Equity Analyst

Matt is a Senior Equity Analyst on the share research team, providing up-to-date research and analysis on individual companies and wider sectors. He is a CFA Charterholder and also holds the Investment Management Certificate.

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Article history
Published: 29th January 2026