Meta Platforms, Inc. has reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, with revenue increasing 33% year-on-year to $56.31 billion, compared to $42.31 billion in the same period last year.
The company has posted operating income of $22.87 billion, up 30% year-on-year, while maintaining an operating margin of 41%. Net income has risen 61% to $26.77 billion, and diluted earnings per share has increased 62% to $10.44.
Advertising has remained the primary revenue driver, contributing $55.02 billion during the quarter, compared to $41.39 billion in the same period last year. Ad impressions across Meta’s Family of Apps have increased 19% year-on-year, while the average price per ad has risen 12%.
Daily active people (DAP) across its platforms reached 3.56 billion in March 2026, reflecting a 4% year-on-year increase, despite a slight quarter-on-quarter decline attributed to internet disruptions in Iran and restricted access to WhatsApp in Russia.
Total costs and expenses have increased 35% year-on-year to $33.44 billion, while capital expenditures for the quarter have stood at $19.84 billion. The company has reported cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $81.18 billion as of March 31, 2026.
Cash flow from operating activities has reached $32.23 billion, with free cash flow at $12.39 billion. Headcount has increased marginally by 1% year-on-year to 77,986 employees.
For the second quarter of 2026, Meta has projected total revenue to be in the range of $58–61 billion. The company has maintained its full-year 2026 expense outlook between $162–169 billion and expects operating income for the year to exceed 2025 levels.
Meta has also revised its capital expenditure guidance for 2026 to $125–145 billion, citing higher component pricing and additional data centre investments to support future capacity. The company has said it continues to monitor regulatory and legal developments, particularly in the US and EU, which could impact its business and financial performance.
“We had a milestone quarter with strong momentum across our apps and the release of our first model from Meta Superintelligence Labs,” said Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO, Meta. “We’re on track to deliver personal superintelligence to billions of people.”
