Meta stock turns positive on the year on data center plans, new AI model pricing

July 11, 2026 - 04:38

Shares of Meta Platforms climbed more than 5% on Friday, erasing earlier losses and pushing the stock into positive territory for the year. The rally followed comments from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who signaled that the company is exploring the option of renting out computing capacity from its sprawling data center network.

Speaking at a company event, Zuckerberg outlined plans to monetize the massive infrastructure investments Meta has made in recent years. Instead of keeping all that capacity locked up for internal use, the company is considering offering it to outside businesses, similar to how cloud providers like Amazon Web Services operate. This shift could turn a major cost center into a new revenue stream.

The move comes alongside fresh pricing for Meta's latest AI models, which the company has been releasing to developers. By charging for access to its large language models and image generation tools, Meta is looking to compete more directly with OpenAI and Google. The dual strategy of renting out hardware and selling AI software appears to have resonated with investors, who have been watching Meta's spending closely.

The stock had been under pressure earlier in the year due to concerns over ballooning capital expenditures. But Friday's gains suggest the market is starting to see a clearer path to returns on those billions. Analysts noted that the data center rental plan could provide a steady, recurring income stream, while the AI pricing model helps validate the technology's commercial value.

Meta's shares are now up roughly 2% year-to-date, recovering from a double-digit decline earlier in 2025. The company is expected to provide more details on both initiatives during its next earnings call.