So, 2025 happened. And for Meta Platforms (META 1.41%), it was… a year. Like being stuck behind someone going 5 mph in the fast lane, while everyone else is trying to get to the future. Everyone was hyping AI, and Meta had the AI, but the stock? Let’s just say it didn’t exactly launch into orbit. It’s like bringing a perfectly good casserole to a potluck where everyone else brought unicorn steaks.
But here’s the thing: the company actually did pretty well. Revenue was up a robust 22% to $201 million. Q4? Even more enthusiastic – 24% growth. And they’re forecasting even more enthusiasm in Q1 – between 26% and 34%. Which, in the current market, is basically a victory parade. They’re predicting more growth, which, frankly, feels a little… optimistic? Like ordering a size small after Thanksgiving.
AI Powers Meta’s Ad Revenue Growth (Or, How They’re Still Tracking You)
Okay, so the secret sauce is AI. Meta’s been using it to keep you scrolling, which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly a public service. More time on the site = more ads. Groundbreaking, I know. They’ve also developed this thing called GEM – a generative ads recommendation model. It basically figures out what you’re thinking before you do. I searched for “Yellowstone National Park,” watched a Reel about photography, and suddenly I’m getting ads for camera lenses? It’s like they’re reading my mind. Or, more accurately, mining my data. And retailers are loving it. They can bid more aggressively, tailor ads specifically for you. It’s a beautiful, slightly creepy, ecosystem.
This all translates to more revenue for Meta – both ad impressions and pricing are climbing. And they’re just starting to roll out ads on WhatsApp and Threads. It’s like they’re determined to monetize every waking moment of your life. Which, as a strategist, I respect. As a human? Slightly unsettling.
Time to Buy Meta Stock? (Or, Is This a Trap?)
Meta’s revenue is up, but the stock underperformed in 2025, mostly because of… spending. They’re not exactly reigning in the expenses, though. In fact, they’re doubling down. Capital expenditure is going to be somewhere between $115 billion and $135 billion in 2026. That sounds… ambitious. But here’s the twist: they’re shifting the spending toward AI, where they’re actually seeing returns, and away from the metaverse. Apparently, virtual reality headsets aren’t selling like hotcakes. Who knew? They’re recalibrating toward AI-integrated hardware, like smart glasses. Which, let’s be real, sounds like a dystopian sci-fi movie waiting to happen.
I like a company with conviction, even if that conviction is slightly terrifying. Meta isn’t letting a little stock underperformance derail its long-term plans. It’s trading at a forward P/E ratio of under 25 times 2026 estimates and has strong growth ahead. So, is this a buy? Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. But it’s definitely… a thing. And in the current market, sometimes that’s enough.
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2026-02-03 13:22