Meta Revenue Rises 26% as Legal Costs Cut Operating Profit

Meta's third-quarter revenue jumped 26% to $64.6 billion, but a $9.9 billion legal expense helped push operating income down 37%, while the company lifted the low end of its 2026 spending outlook.

Operating income was $12.99 billion. Net income reached $9.86 billion, up 264% from a year earlier, and diluted earnings per share were $3.83.

Meta's September daily active people (DAP) averaged 3.64 billion, an increase of 3% year over year. The company projected fourth-quarter revenue of $73 billion to $76 billion.

Meta now expects 2026 capital spending of $135 billion to $145 billion, compared with its prior range of $130 billion to $145 billion. The revision raises the low end by $5 billion while leaving the ceiling unchanged.

The company expects to continue substantial investment in its core business and AI plans in 2027. It also expects losses at Reality Labs to narrow to about $15 billion.