Facebook Inc. delivered better-than-projected sales and steady user growth in its third quarter, proving that its business can endure increasing regulatory scrutiny and criticism over its immense reach and influence.
The social media giant's monthly global user base grew by 35 million — including 3 million new users in the lucrative North American market, which had looked like it reached a plateau in recent years. Facebook added as many new users in the U.S. and Canada last quarter as it did the previous five quarters combined.
"We are building products that people want to use all over the world," Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said in an interview late Wednesday following the company's earnings report. "Importantly, the Facebook core app is growing, including in the United States."