Meta outlook revised to negative by S&P on cash flow and capex concerns

S&P Global Ratings has changed its outlook on Meta Platforms from stable to negative. According to CNBC and CNBC Technology, the revision is driven by concerns regarding the company's heavy capital expenditures and free cash flow.

Investing.com reports that the agency cited uncertainty regarding how long elevated capital expenditures will last, alongside negative free operating cash flow. S&P Global projects Meta's capital expenditures will reach $140 billion this year and expects them to accelerate to over $225 billion in 2027 and $252 billion in 2028. This follows Meta's recent decision to raise its full-year 2026 capex guidance to a range of $135 billion to $145 billion.

The rating agency expects Meta to face free operating cash flow deficits of $22 billion in 2026 and $71 billion in 2027, noting that 2027 may be the peak for losses. While S&P Global previously anticipated a return to positive free operating cash flow in 2028, it now projects a $39 billion deficit for that year. S&P Global also stated that Meta's capacity to monetize its AI investments appears more limited than that of its peers.

Brief written by urgent.news from CNBC Technology, CNBC, Investing.com — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.