Meta Cuts Employee Stock Options Amid Record-High Shares

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) has reduced its annual stock option distribution by about 10% for tens of thousands of employees, despite its shares hitting record highs, according to the Financial Times.

Employees at Meta receive equity refreshers yearly, which make up a significant portion of their compensation alongside base salaries and bonuses. These stock options vest every three months over four years. The reduction, which varies by location and job level, will impact most employees.

Meta's stock has surged since January 17, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a TikTok ban, despite former President Donald Trump delaying its enforcement. The rally was further fueled by CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement that Meta plans to invest up to $65 billion in AI infrastructure this year.

Despite this bullish momentum, Meta’s stock dropped 1.3% to $694.80 on Thursday. In January, the company also announced plans to cut about 5% of its lowest-performing employees, with plans to rehire for affected roles. Zuckerberg has signaled further job cuts in 2025 to boost performance standards.

While Meta exceeded Wall Street’s expectations for Q4 revenue, its forecast for Q1 sales raised concerns about the profitability of its AI-driven initiatives. The company’s cost-cutting moves highlight its ongoing efforts to balance aggressive AI investments with financial discipline.