Meta Platforms, Inc. has released its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. Revenue reached $51,242 million (approximately CZK 1,079 billion), an increase of 26% compared to the same period in 2024, when it totaled $40,589 million (approximately CZK 854 billion). This growth came despite challenges such as a one-time tax charge that affected overall profit.
The company's costs and expenses rose to $30,707 million (approximately CZK 647 billion), 32% more than last year, when they reached $23,239 million (approximately CZK 489 billion). Operating income climbed to $20,535 million (approximately CZK 432 billion), representing an increase of 18% compared to $17,350 million (approximately CZK 365 billion) in the previous year. The operating margin declined to 40% from 43%.
Net income fell to $2,709 million (approximately CZK 57 billion), a decrease of 83% compared to $15,688 million (approximately CZK 330 billion) last year. This dramatic decline was caused by a one-time, non-cash tax charge of $15,930 million (approximately CZK 335 billion) associated with the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Excluding this charge, net income would have been $18,640 million (approximately CZK 392 billion). Diluted earnings per share fell to $1.05 (approximately CZK 22) from $6.03 (approximately CZK 127), also a decrease of 83%.
The tax rate rose to 87% from 12%, but excluding the one-time charge, it would have declined to 14%. This charge relates to the valuation of deferred tax assets in the U.S. due to the corporate alternative minimum tax, which is expected to reduce future cash tax payments in the U.S.
Operating Metrics
Daily active people across Meta's family of apps averaged 3.54 billion in September 2025, an increase of 8% year over year. Ad impressions increased by 14%, while the average price per ad rose by 10%. Advertising revenue totaled $50,082 million (approximately CZK 1,055 billion), an increase of 26%.
Capital expenditures, including principal payments on finance leases, reached $19,370 million (approximately CZK 408 billion). The company repurchased shares for $3,160 million (approximately CZK 67 billion) and paid dividends and dividend equivalents totaling $1,330 million (approximately CZK 28 billion). Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities amounted to $44,450 million (approximately CZK 936 billion) as of September 30, 2025. Cash flow from operating activities was $30,000 million (approximately CZK 632 billion), while free cash flow was $10,620 million (approximately CZK 224 billion).
The number of employees rose to 78,450, 8% more than last year. In the Family of Apps segment (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and others), revenue reached $50,772 million (approximately CZK 1,069 billion), with operating income of $24,967 million (approximately CZK 526 billion). The Reality Labs segment reported revenue of $470 million (approximately CZK 10 billion), but an operating loss of $4,432 million (approximately CZK 93 billion).
Fourth-Quarter Outlook
For the fourth quarter of 2025, Meta expects revenue in the range of $56 billion to $59 billion (approximately CZK 1,179 billion to CZK 1,242 billion), assuming a 1% positive impact from foreign exchange rates. Full-year expenses for 2025 are expected to reach $116 billion to $118 billion (approximately CZK 2,443 billion to CZK 2,485 billion), up from the previous estimate of $114 billion to $118 billion (approximately CZK 2,401 billion to CZK 2,485 billion), representing growth of 22% to 24%.
Capital expenditures for 2025 are being raised to $70 billion to $72 billion (approximately CZK 1,474 billion to CZK 1,516 billion) from the previous estimate of $66 billion to $72 billion (approximately CZK 1,390 billion to CZK 1,516 billion). The tax rate for the fourth quarter is expected to be 12% to 15%.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's founder and CEO, commented on the results by saying that it was a strong quarter for both the business and the community. He mentioned the successful launch of Meta Superintelligence Labs and the company's leading position in AI glasses. According to him, the next few years could be the most exciting period in the company's history if it can capitalize on some of the opportunities.
For 2026, Meta expects capital expenditures to grow more significantly than in 2025, mainly due to the need for AI infrastructure. Expenses are expected to grow faster, driven by infrastructure investments, including cloud services and depreciation, as well as employee compensation costs, particularly in AI. The company is monitoring legal and regulatory risks in the EU and the U.S., including potential changes to the offering of less personalized ads in the EU, which could affect revenue, and litigation involving young users in the U.S.
Market Reaction
Meta shares fell due to the 32% increase in costs, signaling to investors that margins are under pressure despite strong revenue growth. The company plans to hold an earnings conference call where details will be discussed. Meta uses its website and Mark Zuckerberg's social media profiles to disclose important information.
The results reflect continued investment in AI and immersive technologies, while the family of apps remains the main revenue driver.
Sources: prnewswire.com and theinformation.com
