The Digester

Meta stock jumps after reports of possible 20% workforce cuts to fund AI spending

Mar 16th 2026

Meta shares rose about 3% after reports that the company asked leaders to plan large layoffs to offset $115–135 billion in AI capital spending this year, a move Meta called speculative.

  • Reuters reported executives told senior leaders to plan cuts exceeding 20% and Meta called the story speculative.
  • Meta had about 79,000 employees at the end of 2025, so a 20% reduction could affect more than 15,000 workers.
  • Meta projects $115 to $135 billion in AI-related capital spending for 2026, roughly double its 2025 level.
  • Shares fell nearly 4% on Friday and recovered about 3% on Monday as investors reacted to the reports and uncertainty.

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