Meta Raises 2026 Capex to $125–145B as Q1 Revenue Jumps 33%
Meta is developing consumer AI agents, including an Instagram shopping assistant and internal “Hatch” agent, to compete with Google, Amazon and TikTok Shop. In Q1, revenue rose 33% year-over-year while a one-off $8.03 billion tax benefit boosted reported earnings, and the company raised 2026 capex guidance to $125-145 billion.
1. Q1 Financial Performance
Meta's Q1 revenue increased 33% year-over-year, while an $8.03 billion tax benefit inflated reported earnings; adjusted EPS growth was 14%. The company raised 2026 capital expenditure guidance to $125–145 billion, nearly double its 2025 spending, signaling ramped investment in infrastructure and AI.
2. Consumer AI Agent Strategy
Meta is developing consumer AI agents, including an Instagram shopping assistant and internal agent “Hatch,” aiming to challenge Google, Amazon and TikTok Shop. These initiatives build on Meta’s recent surge in AI investments to expand its AI ecosystem and enhance user engagement on its platforms.