Meta reports Q3 revenue up 26% YoY to $64.6B, operating income down 37% to $12.99B on a $9.89B AG settlement charge, and family DAP up 3% to 3.64B for September (Meta)

What happened

• Meta reported third-quarter revenue of $64.6 billion, up 26% year over year.
• Operating income fell 37% to $12.99 billion, including a $9.89 billion attorney-general settlement charge.
• Family daily active people rose 3% to 3.64 billion in September; capital spending nearly doubled year over year, according to Fortune.

Why it matters

The results show strong top-line growth but significant pressure on profitability and free cash flow from legal costs and rising AI investment. Meta also announced the establishment of a new Class C common stock.

Timeline

1. EarlierOct 19
   Here are Monday's biggest analyst calls: SpaceX, Nvidia, Apple, CoreWeave, Amazon, Meta, Eli Lilly & more
2. First reported by TechmemeOct 21
   Meta reports Q3 revenue up 26% YoY to $64.6B, operating income down 37% to $12.99B on a $9.89B AG settlement charge, and family DAP up 3% to 3.64B for September (Meta)
3. Variety reportsOct 21
   Meta’s Almost $10 Billion Legal Costs Take Huge Toll on Q3 Earnings, Wall Street Shrugs
4. Fortune reportsOct 21
   Meta’s revenue surges to $64.6 billion, but billions in settlements and skyrocketing AI spending turn screws on profit, free cash flow

Sources (3)

1. TechmemeOct 21
   Meta reports Q3 revenue up 26% YoY to $64.6B, operating income down 37% to $12.99B on a $9.89B AG settlement charge, and family DAP up 3% to 3.64B for September (Meta)
2. VarietyOct 21
   Meta’s Almost $10 Billion Legal Costs Take Huge Toll on Q3 Earnings, Wall Street Shrugs
3. FortuneOct 21
   Meta’s revenue surges to $64.6 billion, but billions in settlements and skyrocketing AI spending turn screws on profit, free cash flow

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