On Friday, Truist Securities upheld a Buy rating for Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:META) with a steady price target of $700.00. With Meta currently trading near its 52-week high of $638.40 and showing strong financial health metrics according to InvestingPro, the firm's analysts are optimistic about the company's upcoming earnings report, scheduled for January 29, 2023. They anticipate Meta will hit the upper range of its revenue guidance, estimated between $45 billion and $48 billion. This forecast aligns with the consensus of approximately $47 billion, marking a year-over-year increase of 17%, building on the company's impressive 23% revenue growth over the last twelve months.
Meta's investments in artificial intelligence (AI) have been instrumental in improving content ranking and suggestions for both users and advertisers, which in turn has bolstered continuous advertising expenditure, particularly in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and across various stages of the marketing funnel. This success is reflected in Meta's robust gross profit margin of 81.5% and strong return on equity of 36%. Despite the more challenging year-over-year comparisons in the first quarter, Truist Securities expects Meta to provide a revenue guidance ranging from $41 billion to $43 billion, translating to a 13% to 18% growth, albeit a quarter-over-quarter deceleration (with the consensus at +15%). For deeper insights into Meta's financial metrics and growth potential, InvestingPro offers comprehensive analysis with 15+ additional ProTips and detailed valuation models.
For the fiscal year 2025, the consensus on Meta's capital expenditures is set at $51.4 billion, reflecting a 34% increase from the previous year. With a market capitalization of $1.61 trillion and a P/E ratio of 28.96, Truist Securities regards Meta as a primary beneficiary of challenges faced by competitors like TikTok and identifies the company as one of their top picks for 2025. The positive outlook is based on the sustained demand momentum propelled by robust products and execution that are expected to capture market share and improve margins, despite significant investments in AI and machine learning (ML).
Meta's performance in 2024 was noteworthy, as the stock surged by 66%, outperforming both the TSI Index, which rose by 32%, and the S&P 500's 23% increase. The firm's analysts maintain a favorable view of Meta entering 2025, citing the potential contributions from AI agents and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) products over time as additional factors supporting their positive stance.
In other recent news, Meta Platforms has been in the spotlight due to a series of significant developments. BofA Securities has lifted Meta's price target to $710 and maintained a Buy rating, following a year of impressive performance. The company's advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have been a significant factor, contributing to higher-than-expected revenues and a surge in stock performance.
Meta has also participated in Databricks' Series J funding round, which has set the company's valuation at $62 billion. The funds raised will be allocated for the development of new AI products, potential acquisitions, and expansion of Databricks' international operations.
In terms of analyst feedback, Cantor Fitzgerald has adjusted its price target for Meta to $720, maintaining an Overweight rating. Despite a slight decrease from the previous target, the firm remains positive about Meta's prospects. Jefferies has maintained a Buy rating on Meta's stock, stating that despite the stock being slightly overvalued, its long-term potential remains solid.
In addition to financial news, Meta is actively developing its line of smart glasses and exploring the creation of new wearable devices. The company's Reality Labs plans to introduce Oakley-branded smart glasses designed for athletes within this year, and a more advanced "Hypernova" model of Meta's smart glasses is anticipated for launch. These are the recent developments surrounding Meta Platforms.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.