Highlights

  • Meta reported third-quarter 2026 Revenue of USD 64.60 billion, increasing 26% year-on-year.
  • The company launched Muse and Muse Wonder as part of its frontier AI model development programme.
  • Reported Operating Income declined 37% to USD 12.99 billion after a USD 9.89 billion litigation charge.
  • Meta forecast fourth-quarter revenue between USD 73 billion and USD 76 billion, with higher planned full-year expenses.

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is advancing its Business through a set of recently disclosed financial and operational developments. Meta reported USD 64.601 billion in revenue for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, an increase of 26% year-on-year. The company’s shares closed at USD 641.37 on November 9, 2026, moving +5.12% for the session and carrying an indicated Market Capitalisation of USD 1.64 trillion. The latest reporting period and planned next steps present different milestones that require separate consideration.

Advertising Growth Meets Higher Costs

Meta reported USD 64.601 billion in revenue for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, an increase of 26% year-on-year. The company’s average daily active people across its Family of Apps reached 3.64 billion in September, up 3%. Ad impressions grew 10%, while the average price per advertisement increased 14%.

Operating income decreased 37% to USD 12.988 billion and Operating Margin fell to 20% from 40%. Meta included a USD 9.89 billion legal charge relating to an agreement with US state attorneys general. Excluding that charge, it calculated operating income of USD 22.88 billion.

Muse Models Mark Another AI Milestone

Meta introduced Muse and Muse Wonder as its first frontier AI models in the quarter. Management described the releases as milestones toward its personal superintelligence programme. These launches took place within a business still deriving substantial revenue from its Advertising operations.

The company continued to invest in compute capacity and related infrastructure. Capital expenditure, including principal payments on finance leases, amounted to USD 34.91 billion for the quarter. These expenditures are separate from operating costs and the litigation charge.

Cash Position and Litigation Affect the Financial View

Meta reported Net Income of USD 9.86 billion, compared with USD 2.71 billion a year earlier, while Diluted Earnings per Share reached USD 3.83. The prior-year tax provision affects comparisons of net income.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were USD 82.45 billion at quarter-end. Operating Cash Flow reached USD 32.79 billion, while free cash flow was an outflow of USD 2.12 billion. The company also paid USD 1.36 billion in dividends and Dividend equivalents.

Revenue Guidance and 2026 Spending Outlook

Meta anticipates fourth-quarter revenue of USD 73 billion to USD 76 billion. It raised its full-year 2026 total expense outlook to USD 175 billion to USD 179 billion to reflect the litigation charge recorded in the third quarter.

Management also expects Reality Labs losses of USD 18 billion to USD 19 billion for 2026. Those figures are projections rather than reported annual results. Future disclosures will provide the definitive full-year comparison.