Meta has announced plans to divest a substantial portion of its under-construction data centre assets, worth approximately US$2 billion. The move is part of the company’s strategic shift towards prioritizing collaboration and risk-sharing with external partners.
The decision comes as Meta reevaluates its approach to infrastructure investment in light of rising costs associated with scaling AI infrastructure. According to recent SEC filings, Meta has reclassified over US$3 billion worth of assets as “held-for-sale” due to their lower value compared to original estimates or current market values minus associated selling costs.
The sale is expected to close within the next 12 months and may involve a co-development arrangement with an external party. While specific details about the facilities being sold have not been disclosed, Meta’s development-stage assets suggest that the company may choose to lease these sites back once operational.
This move marks a broader trend among leading technology firms as they reassess their capital allocation strategies to support AI expansion. Reuters reports that Meta is seeking outside partners to help fund the massive infrastructure needed to power artificial intelligence.
The strategic shift highlights the evolving economics of hyperscale data centre builds, driven by intensifying compute demand and changing usage patterns. By opting for a collaborative approach, Meta aims to balance rapid capacity deployment with a more agile financial strategy.
As hyperscalers navigate AI demand, asset sales and strategic partnerships are likely to become increasingly common – especially for facilities still in the early stages of development.
Source: https://datacentremagazine.com/news/why-is-meta-selling-us-2bn-in-data-centre-assets