Meta drops 5% on report it may raise billions for AI push
What's new: Meta lifted its 2026 capital spending forecast to as much as $145 billion, adding to investor worries over AI costs.
Meta shares fell more than 5% after the Financial Times reported the company is weighing a stock sale that could raise tens of billions of dollars to finance its artificial intelligence buildout. The report said Meta has not hired banks and may ultimately avoid issuing new shares. A company spokesperson called the report speculation but said Meta is focused on flexible ways to raise capital for AI. The pressure comes as Meta ramps up spending on data centers and related infrastructure. In April, the company increased its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to as much as $145 billion, up from a previous top end of $135 billion. Investors have grown more sensitive to heavy AI spending, especially as Alphabet also plans a large equity raise and has boosted capex guidance.