Meta CEO Zuckerberg sees AI returns ahead, new models on deck

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg laid out the returns he expects to see from his spending spree on AI and superintelligence. 

Zuckerberg spent much of 2025 blowing up and then rebuilding Meta's AI program. In 2026, Meta expects to see early returns as it automates much of its business and delivers new products and models. 

Meta's capital expenditures in 2026 will be between $115 billion and $135 billion, well ahead of Wall Street estimates. Meta spent $72.22 billion on capex in 2025. 

• Meta cuts Horizon Workrooms: So long metaverse meetings
• Meta hopes to accelerate its AI agent plans with Manus acquisition
• Meta Superintelligence Labs: A look of the challenges ahead

Here's a look at some choice quotes from Meta's fourth quarter earnings call. 

"We are now seeing a major AI acceleration. I expect 2026 to be a year where this wave accelerates even further on several fronts. We're starting to see agents really work. This will unlock the ability to build completely new products and transform how we work."

Takeaway: Meta plans to automate multiple business processes. 

"Over the coming months, we're going to start shipping our new models and products. I expect our first models will be good, but more importantly, we'll show the rapid trajectory that we're on. And then I expect us to steadily push the frontier over the course of the year as we continue to release new models."

Takeaway: Zuckerberg is managing expectations. The first new models from Meta are a first installment. 

"A lot of what makes agents valuable is the unique context that they can see. And we believe that Meta will be able to provide a uniquely personal experience... Today, our systems help people stay in touch with friends, understand the world and find interesting and entertaining content. But soon, we'll be able to understand people's unique personal goals, and tailor feeds to show each person content that helps them improve their lives in the ways that they want."

Takeaway: Meta has a moat of first party data. Actually, it's your data, but...

"We'll see an explosion of new media formats that are more immersive and interactive and only possible because of advances in AI. Our feeds will become more interactive overall. Today, our apps feel like algorithms that recommend content. Soon, you'll open our apps, and you'll have an AI that understands you and also happens to be able to show you great content or even generate great personalized content for you."

Takeaway: AI slop. Your way. 

"Meta Compute will be making long-term investments in silicon and energy. We will continue working with key partners while advancing our own silicon program. We're architecting our systems that we can be flexible in the systems that we use, and we expect the cost per gigawatt to decrease significantly over time through optimizing both our technology and supply chain."

Takeaway: Zuckerberg is tired of giving Nvidia so much money.