META Stock Today: Soars on Q4 Beat, $115-$135B AI Capex (January 30)
Meta stock price spiked after-hours on January 30 as Meta Platforms (META) beat Q4 expectations and guided Q1 revenue above consensus. Management also previewed a massive 2026 AI capex plan of $115–$135 billion, aiming to scale data centers and model training. Investors in Japan are weighing record profits against heavier spending that could shape big-tech budgets through 2026. We break down the results, the AI investment path, and how Meta stock price fits into a Japan-based strategy.
Q4 Beat Spurs After-Hours Rally
Meta topped Q4 forecasts and signaled firm ad demand into Q1, sending shares up about 8% in after-hours trading. The move came alongside upbeat revenue guidance and confirmation of record profitability. Reaction centered on solid execution in the ads business and a clear AI roadmap. See the after-hours move detail on Yahoo!ファイナンス.
Investors pointed to resilient advertiser budgets, improving monetization, and disciplined cost control. Guidance implied momentum can carry into early 2026. Meta stock price responded as markets priced stronger earnings power, even as management set expectations for heavier AI investment. The balance of high margins with reinvestment helped bulls argue the profit cycle has runway, while bears focused on capex intensity and potential free cash flow pressure.
2026 AI Capex: Scale, Timing, Trade-offs
Management outlined 2026 AI capex of $115–$135 billion, which the Japanese press framed as up to about ¥20 trillion and as much as a 90% increase versus prior plans. The scale underscores a multi-year buildout of compute and infrastructure. Read the capex context in 日本経済新聞. Meta stock price will likely track how efficiently this spend converts to growth.
Such investment can compress near-term free cash flow but may expand capacity, improve latency, and boost AI product performance over time. Investors will watch unit costs per inference and training throughput as proxies for returns. Meta stock price could remain sensitive to updates on data center timing, custom silicon progress, and the pace of AI features that drive usage and ad yield.
Implications for Japan-Based Investors
For Japan residents, FX matters. A weaker yen can lift USD returns, while a stronger yen can cut gains. Consider whether to hedge USD exposure when position sizing. Meta stock price can also swing in the U.S. after-hours session, so placing orders near U.S. market open or using limits may help execution, especially around earnings and AI capex updates.
Keep single-name exposure disciplined, use staggered entries, and review stop-loss or alert levels. Track how capex ramps versus revenue growth and margins. For long-term holders, focus on product adoption and cost curves rather than daily moves. Meta stock price volatility can create opportunities, but risk controls and FX awareness are key in a yen-based portfolio.
Valuation, Technicals, and What Comes Next
On recent metrics, EPS is 23.47 and the P/E is about 31. Dividend yield sits near 0.28%. Return on equity is roughly 30.6%, with free cash flow yield around 2.48%. These figures suggest quality and growth at a premium multiple. Meta stock price will depend on whether revenue and operating leverage offset the heavy capex cycle through 2026.
RSI at 49 suggests neutral momentum, while ADX near 28 signals a strong trend. Bollinger Bands sit around 642.73 to 670.68 with a 656.71 middle, and Keltner Channels center near 654.76. MACD histogram is negative. Meta stock price pushing above upper bands may need follow-through volume to confirm, while dips toward mid-bands could test buyer conviction.
Analysts lean positive: 67 Buys, 6 Holds, 0 Sells, with a Buy consensus. Our model points to a monthly target of $680.73 and a yearly view near $707.99. The next earnings date is April 29, 2026. Meta stock price catalysts include AI feature rollouts, ad demand updates, and clarity on 2026 capex phasing and returns.
Final Thoughts
We see two forces at work. First, earnings momentum and higher Q1 guidance support a stronger profit base. Second, the $115–$135 billion AI capex plan is large enough to reshape cash flow timing. For Japan-based investors, focus on execution signals that show spend translating into faster product innovation and better monetization. Keep FX in mind, use staged entries, and watch upcoming earnings on April 29, 2026 for updates on infrastructure build and AI-driven revenue. If margins hold while capacity scales, Meta stock price can sustain leadership into 2026.
FAQs
Why did Meta stock price jump after hours?
The company beat Q4 expectations and guided Q1 revenue above consensus, signaling healthy ad demand. Management also detailed a clear AI roadmap. The combination of record profits, confidence on near-term growth, and a plan to scale infrastructure lifted sentiment. Traders bid shares up about 8% in after-hours, according to Japanese market coverage.
How big is Meta’s 2026 AI capex in yen?
Management outlined $115–$135 billion for 2026. Japanese media framed this as up to about ¥20 trillion and as much as a 90% increase versus earlier thinking. The figure reflects data center expansion, compute, and model training investments that aim to power future AI products and advertising performance at scale.
Is Meta stock price expensive now?
Recent metrics show a P/E near 31, EPS of 23.47, dividend yield around 0.28%, and strong ROE near 30.6%. That is a premium to the market, which investors may accept if revenue growth, AI-driven engagement, and operating leverage stay strong. The main risk is near-term free cash flow pressure from heavy capex.
What should Japan investors watch next?
Focus on April 29, 2026 earnings for capex phasing, AI feature updates, and ad demand. Track margins, free cash flow, and commentary on data center timing. Consider FX exposure on USD assets, and use limit orders around volatile periods. Meta stock price may react quickly to any changes in guidance or AI execution milestones.
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.
