Meta Beats Q3 Estimates as Ad Revenue Jumps 26%

Meta reported third-quarter earnings that beat expectations, with revenue rising 26% to $64.6 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $7.40, driven by strong advertising growth and momentum from its new AI personal agent, Muse. The company's ad business saw impressions up 10% and average price per ad up 14%, while headcount fell 15% following layoffs. Meta also forecast narrowing losses in its AI-focused Reality Labs division and projected strong revenue growth through 2027. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said over 10 million North Americans have set up Muse agents, which he believes could eventually double revenue. Meta also announced its first stock split since its 2012 IPO, issuing a new Class C non-voting share as a 2-for-1 split effective January 19, 2027.