Meta Q3 revenue rises 26% as legal charge weighs on earnings
Meta (META) reported third-quarter revenue of $64.60 billion, up 26% year over year, on October 21. Diluted earnings were $3.83 per share, with costs and expenses including a $9.89 billion charge related to its agreement with U.S. state attorneys general.[1]
Charge and spending outlook
Meta said diluted EPS would have been $7.40 excluding the charge. That company-provided comparison is distinct from reported EPS.[1]
The company expects fourth-quarter revenue of $73-76 billion. It narrowed its 2026 capital expenditure outlook, including finance lease principal payments, to $135-145 billion from $130-145 billion.[1]
What matters for shareholders
Analysis.The results pair strong sales growth with a substantial legal expense and a higher floor for planned investment. Investors assessing earnings need to keep the charge-excluded comparison separate from reported profit, while watching whether revenue growth supports the spending plan.[1]
Sources
- 1.Meta October 21 Q3 earnings release, SEC exhibitOct 21, 2026
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