META Stock Today, January 29: Jumps 10% on Q4 Beat, $115-$135B AI Capex
META stock surged about 10% today as META beat Q4 expectations and issued stronger Q1 sales guidance while outlining a 2026 AI capex plan of $115–$135B. Shares traded near $736.9602, up 9.51%, after-hours momentum carried into the session. Investors in Switzerland are weighing faster ad growth, new AI model releases, and productivity gains against margin pressure and ongoing Reality Labs losses. With valuations and technicals in focus, we break down what matters next for Swiss portfolios.
Q4 beat and guidance lifted sentiment
Meta Q4 earnings topped estimates, and management guided Q1 revenue above the Street, boosting confidence in ad demand and AI-driven product improvements. Today’s advance in META stock reflects that improved outlook. The earnings print arrived late on 28 January, and today’s session in Europe captured the full reaction. The company signaled continued investment in infrastructure to support upcoming AI models and better ad tools.
META stock traded around $736.9602, up 9.51%, with a day range of $712.55 to $744.00. Volume of 50,539,498 far exceeded the 19,329,204 average. The 52-week range is $479.80 to $796.25. Key trend markers include the 50-day average at $641.848 and the 200-day at $678.8974. TTM EPS is 22.61 and the P/E stands at 29.58, leaving valuation in focus.
AI spending plans and roadmap
Management outlined a 2026 capex range of $115–$135B to power frontier AI models, data centers, networking, and AI training clusters. The plan supports both ranking and generative systems that can lift engagement and advertiser ROI. The spending surge underscores a race with leading AI platforms, as reported by the Financial Times source.
Leadership flagged upcoming AI model releases and product upgrades aimed at better recommendations, safer content, and improved ad performance. Improvements to creative tools and assistants should flow through click-throughs and conversion quality. Meta’s AI budget may nearly double, according to the BBC, highlighting the scale behind the plan source. Swiss investors should watch for faster revenue per impression and higher automation adoption.
Profitability, Reality Labs, and efficiency
TTM operating margin is 43.23% and net margin is 30.89%. Free cash flow yield is 2.65% with price-to-free-cash-flow near 37.76. Debt-to-equity is 0.263 with interest coverage at 85.40, showing a strong balance sheet. Market cap is $1,685,590,884,623. Cash discipline will be key as capex ramps and management balances growth with returns.
Reality Labs continues to post losses, so visibility on timelines and unit economics matters. R&D stands at 27.67% of revenue, while SG&A is 4.86%, underscoring focus on product and infrastructure. Dividend yield is about 0.31% on $2.10 per share. Shares outstanding are 2,520,585,116. Efficiency gains and workforce productivity will help offset AI costs over time.
Swiss investor lens: access, risk, and signals
Swiss investors can buy U.S.-listed shares via global brokers. Returns will be in USD, so CHF-USD moves can amplify or reduce gains. Consider position sizing, time horizon, and diversification. For income, note U.S. dividend withholding may apply. Use limit orders around volatile prints, and review fund documents if using ETFs or structured products.
RSI sits at 49.15 and ADX at 28.20, indicating a strong but not overheated trend. ATR is 15.26, signaling active volatility. Price is well above the Bollinger middle band at 656.71 and upper band 670.68. Watch the 50-day average at 641.848 and the 200-day at 678.8974 for potential support tests.
Final Thoughts
META stock rallied on a clean Q4 beat, stronger Q1 guidance, and a bold 2026 AI capex plan of $115–$135B. For Swiss investors, the upside case centers on faster ad growth, AI-driven product gains, and strong balance sheet support. The bear case focuses on margin pressure, Reality Labs losses, and execution risk around large-scale infrastructure. Valuation near a 29.58 P/E keeps delivery front and center.
Action plan: track monthly ad trends, unit costs for AI training and inference, and progress on new model releases. Use clear entry levels around moving averages, manage CHF-USD currency risk, and size positions to volatility. Analyst backdrop is constructive, so updates to revenue guidance and capex pacing will be key catalysts.
FAQs
Why did META stock jump today?
META stock rose about 10% after Q4 results beat estimates and Q1 sales guidance topped expectations. Investors also accepted a larger AI budget because it supports frontier models that can improve engagement and ad performance. Strong volume and a move above key averages added to the positive reaction.
What is Meta’s 2026 AI capex guidance?
Management guided 2026 AI capex to a range of $115–$135 billion. The funds target data centers, networking, accelerators, and model training to support ranking and generative AI. Investors will watch pacing, procurement costs, and any savings from efficiency gains across software and in-house infrastructure.
Is Meta’s valuation stretched after the rally?
TTM P/E is 29.58, with EV-to-sales around 9.16 and price-to-free-cash-flow near 37.76. These levels require continued revenue growth and stable margins. If AI investments lift ad performance and engagement, multiples can hold. Any slowdown in ad demand or cost overruns could pressure the multiple.
How can Swiss investors get exposure to META stock?
Swiss investors can buy Nasdaq-listed shares through international brokers. Consider CHF-USD currency risk, fees, and order type. Some funds or structured products offer USD or CHF exposure, with or without hedging. Review product documents and costs before allocating, and use position sizing suited to your risk profile.
What do analysts think about META now?
Analyst sentiment is broadly positive: 2 strong buys, 51 buys, 4 holds, and no sells, with a consensus score of 3.00. The backdrop supports further upside if guidance stays firm and AI investments translate into better ad outcomes and revenue growth over the next few quarters.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
