Meta approves Class C shares. Meta Platforms stock is valued at USD 1.8 trillion
Published on 10/22/2026 at 11:58 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSQuarterly revenue and capital plans
- Meta approved a non-voting Class C share class with an intended January 19, 2027 effective date.
- Third-quarter revenue rose 26 percent to USD 64.60 billion for the period ended September 30, 2026.
- Meta Platforms stock was trading at EUR 611.75 at Lang & Schwarz on October 22, 2026 at 11:50 a.m. CEST.
Meta Platforms (ISIN US30303M1027) approved a non-voting Class C share class on October 21, 2026, alongside third-quarter revenue of USD 64.60 billion. The Class C shares are intended to support capital raising, employee compensation and potential acquisitions, while Meta's Class A stock remains listed on Nasdaq, according to Meta.
Class C shares alter capital plans
Meta plans to establish the new class through an amended certificate of incorporation with an intended effective date of January 19, 2027. The board also declared a one-time dividend of one Class C share for each outstanding Class A and Class B share, conditional on that amendment taking effect.
The new structure is designed to preserve the founder-led model while giving Meta another financing instrument for its artificial intelligence expansion. The company said the Class A market price is expected to reflect a two-for-one stock split after the dividend payment date, while voting power will remain unchanged.
What does the legal charge change?
Third-quarter GAAP operating income fell 37 percent year over year to USD 12.99 billion, and operating margin narrowed from 40 percent to 20 percent. Meta included a USD 9.89 billion charge tied to its August 2026 agreement with U.S. state attorneys general in general and administrative expenses.
The charge separates the headline earnings figure from the underlying advertising performance. Revenue increased 26 percent year over year, advertising impressions rose 10 percent and average price per ad increased 14 percent in the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. Diluted earnings per share came to USD 3.83, compared with USD 1.05 in the year-earlier quarter.
Dates for the new share class
The next dated corporate milestone is January 19, 2027, when Meta intends the amended certificate to become effective. The record date and payment date for the Class C dividend will be set by the board later, according to Meta.
Meta's fourth-quarter revenue outlook is USD 73 billion to USD 76 billion, while its 2026 capital expenditure outlook is USD 135 billion to USD 145 billion. The range was narrowed from USD 130 billion to USD 145 billion, raising the lower end as the company builds infrastructure for artificial intelligence products.
Analyst target reflects legal costs
TD Cowen lowered its price target from USD 865 to USD 850 while maintaining a Buy rating on October 22, 2026, citing the legal charge and higher investment demands, Investing.com reported. Meta's market capitalization was USD 1.8 trillion as of October 21, 2026, and its 52-week range was USD 520.26 to USD 779.82.
Meta stock after quarterly results
Meta Platforms stock was trading at EUR 611.75 at Lang & Schwarz on October 22, 2026 at 11:50 a.m. CEST. The Nasdaq-listed company reported USD 32.79 billion in operating cash flow for the third quarter, while free cash flow was negative USD 2.12 billion after USD 34.91 billion in capital expenditures. The further course of trading is shown by the continuously updated real-time quote of Meta Platforms stock.
Meta Platforms stock facts
- Company: Meta Platforms, Inc.
- ISIN: US30303M1027
- Ticker: META
- Primary exchange: Nasdaq
- Price Lang & Schwarz (as of October 22, 2026, 11:50 a.m. CEST): EUR 611.75
- Market capitalization: USD 1.8 trillion (as of October 21, 2026)
- 52-week range: USD 520.26-779.82 (as of October 21, 2026)
- Sector / Industry: Communication Services / Internet Content and Information
Market context: Market report S&P 500.
