Meta May Launch $40 Billion Equity Raise for AI Spending; Berkshire Seen as Potential Buyer

Meta Platforms (META) could launch an equity offering of at least $40 billion in the coming weeks to fund artificial intelligence infrastructure, Barron's reported Thursday, moving ahead of rival technology companies seeking capital. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), which holds more than $350 billion in cash, is viewed as a potential buyer, though no talks or commitment have been reported. Meta's 2026 capital expenditure is estimated at about $140 billion, and long-term debt has risen $22 billion this year to $80 billion, alongside large off-balance-sheet financing commitments. The company's 30-year bond yield has topped 7%, high for an AA-rated issuer. Meta said in a Wednesday filing it may need to raise hundreds of billions of dollars over the coming years, potentially starting as early as fall 2026, and described capital-raising conditions as "increasingly challenging." Meta announced non-voting Class C shares on Wednesday, to be distributed in January 2027 at one share per existing share. CEO Mark Zuckerberg holds about 60% of voting power and roughly 14% economic interest. JPMorgan analyst Doug Anmuth said earlier fundraising would ease concerns about new share supply. Meta shares fell 6.98% Thursday to $648.85.