Meta Halts Q1 Buybacks to Zero After $125–145B AI Spending
META•Meta cut Q1 2026 share buybacks to zero after boosting AI investment to $125–145 billion, versus $12.8 billion repurchased in Q1 2025. Alphabet likewise halted $15.1 billion in repurchases as AI spending climbed to $180–190 billion, removing up to $27.9 billion of buyback support.
1. Surge in AI Investment
In Q1 2026, Meta escalated its AI expenditure to a range of $125–145 billion, marking one of the largest technology investments in the sector. This follows a broader industry trend led by Alphabet, which deployed $180–190 billion into AI initiatives over the same period.
2. Suspension of Share Repurchases
Meta did not execute any share buybacks in Q1 2026, contrasting with $12.8 billion repurchased in Q1 2025, and Alphabet halted $15.1 billion in stock repurchases. Eliminating these buybacks removes a significant support mechanism for the stock just as AI spending commits more capital to long-term research and infrastructure.
