Elevated capital expenditures of $130–145 billion for 2026 and a potential one-time $10 billion legal accrual are pressuring earnings per share expectations for Meta's third-quarter results, due after the close on October 21. Consensus revenue estimates center near $63.3 billion, reflecting about 24% year-over-year growth from advertising strength, yet EPS forecasts around $6–7 show compression relative to adjusted prior-year levels amid rising infrastructure and operating costs. The Q2 miss on EPS despite a revenue beat underscores ongoing margin sensitivity. Market-implied odds of 76% for missing consensus reflect trader focus on these spending dynamics versus ad demand, with the upcoming release and guidance serving as the immediate catalyst for any repricing.