META · 10-Q · 2026Q1 · Full report

Operating Expense Trends

Meta Platforms, Inc. · 2026-04-30 · Importance 83 · Surprise 74 · In source text

Research and development expense rose $5.55 billion, or 46%, to $17.699 billion in Q1 2026, driven primarily by higher employee compensation (including increased share-based compensation) and higher infrastructure costs for AI initiatives.,Marketing and sales expense increased $151 million, or 5%, to $2.908 billion, driven by higher marketing/promotional spend and professional services for platform integrity.,General and administrative expense increased $334 million, or 15%, to $2.614 billion, primarily due to higher legal-related costs partially offset by a reversal of the Canadian Digital Services Tax liability.

Key facts

• Research and development expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2026 were $17,699 million, an increase of $5.55 billion, or 46%, compared to the same period in 2025. source
• Total costs and expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2026 were $33,439 million. source
• Marketing and sales expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2026 were $2,908 million, an increase of $151 million, or 5%, compared to the same period in 2025. source
• General and administrative expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2026 were $2,614 million, an increase of $334 million, or 15%, compared to the same period in 2025. source
• Headcount was 77,986 as of March 31, 2026, an increase of 1% year-over-year. source

Impact estimates