Meta launches non-voting Class C shares to fund AI and address California wealth-tax proposal
On 22 October, Meta announced a board-approved plan to issue non-voting Class C shares that CEO Mark Zuckerberg can sell to fund a potential California billionaire wealth-tax bill, while committing to remain a state resident for eight years. Meta reported third-quarter results on 14 October, showing $63. 3 billion in revenue and earnings of $3. 56 per share, with higher AI spending and larger losses at its Reality Labs unit, according to Yahoo Finance.
The company said it would create a non-voting share class to finance AI projects without reducing Zuckerberg’s voting control, as noted by Semafor. Reuters later reported that the new shares would also be used to address a possible California wealth-tax liability. Fortune added that the one-for-one distribution of the Class C shares was intended to raise capital while preserving control. Fox News said Meta’s stock slipped about 3 % after the announcement.