Meta Platforms stock slips as investors weigh earnings and capex

Published on 09/07/2026 at 16:01 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Meta Platforms stock trades near USD 616 after a July 29 earnings report that missed EPS estimates, even as revenue rose 28.0 percent year over year and analysts kept a moderate buy view.

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Meta Platforms stock (ISIN US30303M1027) closed at USD 616.77 on September 4, 2026, after rising 0.72 percent from the prior session. The same session ranged between USD 605.27 and USD 617.46, while after-hours trading later showed USD 615.20 on CNBC.

July 29 still matters

The last reported quarter remains the main operating anchor: on July 29, 2026, Meta said revenue reached USD 60.80 billion and earnings per share were USD 6.18, below analysts' consensus of USD 7.19, according to MarketBeat. Revenue was up 28.0 percent year over year, which gives the miss a sharper contrast for investors than the top line alone.

MarketBeat also said the business posted a net margin of 29.83 percent and return on equity of 33.18 percent for the quarter. That mix explains why the stock can trade close to its highs even after an EPS shortfall.

Consensus stays constructive

On September 7, 2026, MarketBeat reported an average rating of Moderate Buy with a consensus price target of USD 785.22 for Meta Platforms. The same update counted four Strong Buy ratings, 34 Buy ratings and nine Hold ratings, a spread that still leans clearly positive.

For investors, the debate is now less about demand and more about whether higher spending can keep pace with earnings growth. The stock's 52-week range and market value frame that debate better than a simple day-to-day move.

AI spending stays central

Meta's AI push and the related capital spending remain the product and strategy angle that the market keeps pricing in. A recent commentary on the July quarter pointed to capex of USD 130 billion to USD 145 billion and free cash flow of USD 784 million as the figures that sharpen the question around return on investment.

Price and trading view

The Nasdaq close of USD 616.77 on September 4, 2026, leaves Meta Platforms stock near the high end of its recent range, with the after-hours quote at USD 615.20. That keeps the chart tight around the same zone while the next reporting date is expected later in October, according to CNBC.