Stock Analysis on Net

Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META)

$24.99

Debt to Equity
since 2012

Microsoft Excel

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Calculation

Meta Platforms Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, calculation

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).

1 US$ in millions


The long-term debt to equity ratio exhibited a significant transformation over the observed period. Initially, the ratio demonstrated a substantial decline followed by a marked increase in recent years.

Early Period (2012-2015)
From 2012 to 2015, the debt to equity ratio experienced a consistent and dramatic decrease. Starting at 0.20 in 2012, it fell to 0.00 by 2015. This indicates a period where equity growth significantly outpaced any increase in long-term debt, resulting in a progressively stronger equity position relative to debt obligations. Long-term debt also decreased during this period.
Period of Stability (2016-2019)
The ratio remained at or near zero from 2016 through 2019, suggesting a continued preference for funding operations through equity rather than debt. Long-term debt remained consistently low during this timeframe, and stockholders’ equity continued to grow.
Recent Increase (2020-2025)
Beginning in 2020, the debt to equity ratio began to rise. From 0.08 in 2020, it increased to 0.27 in 2025. This increase coincides with a substantial rise in long-term debt, particularly from 2022 onwards, while equity growth, although positive, did not keep pace. The increase suggests a shift in the company’s capital structure, potentially indicating increased reliance on debt financing for investments or share repurchases. The most substantial increases in the ratio occurred between 2023 and 2025.

Overall, the trend suggests a transition from a financially conservative position with minimal debt to a more leveraged capital structure in recent years. The magnitude of the increase in the debt to equity ratio from 2020 to 2025 warrants further investigation to understand the underlying strategic decisions and potential financial implications.


Comparison to Competitors

Meta Platforms Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to competitors

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).


Comparison to Sector (Media & Entertainment)

Meta Platforms Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to sector (media & entertainment)

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).


Comparison to Industry (Communication Services)

Meta Platforms Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to industry (communication services)

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).