This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Meta will start using public posts and comments by its European users to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) models from May 27, unless users opt out of the data-mining project. Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, said earlier this week that it would develop its AI mo ...

Group 1 - Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) stock has experienced a significant correction after reaching its peak in mid-February, reflecting similar trends observed in other major technology stocks amid recession fears [1] - The technology sector has been volatile, with insights gained from over four years of experience in the industry, including work with established companies like IBM [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide any specific financial data or performance metrics related to Meta Platforms or the broader technology sector [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts have been reducing their price targets for Meta Platforms, with an average decrease of 14% since early April, primarily due to concerns over new tariff policies impacting the business [1][2]. Price Target and Analyst Ratings - Despite the lowered price targets, analysts maintain a Buy or Overweight rating for Meta, indicating a potential upside of over 23% compared to the stock's closing price on April 14 [2]. - The current price target averages $690.79, suggesting a 35.75% upside from the current price of $508.86 [10]. Impact of Tariffs - Tariffs have a limited direct impact on Meta, as the majority of its revenue comes from advertising, which is not tariff-affected. However, costs related to virtual reality hardware and data center buildouts could be negatively impacted [3][4]. - The indirect effects of tariffs may be more damaging, as increased costs for companies could lead to reduced advertising budgets, directly affecting Meta's revenue [5]. Specific Advertising Revenue Concerns - Meta derives significant advertising revenue from platforms like Temu and Shein, which may face increased costs due to the removal of the de minimis exemption, leading to a potential decrease in their advertising spend [6][7]. - Analysts estimate that Temu and Shein contribute 2% to 4% of Meta's overall ad revenue, with 11% of Meta's Family of Apps revenue coming from Chinese companies in 2024 [7][8]. Competitive Positioning - Meta may outperform other advertising platforms during periods of reduced spending, as advertisers are less likely to cut budgets for Meta and Google Search, which are seen as effective platforms for ad spending [9]. - Meta captured 21.3% of total ad spending, significantly higher than YouTube's 5.6%, indicating a strong preference among marketers for Meta's advertising effectiveness [11].

Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with an OUTPERFORM rating [1][2]. Core Insights - Meta Platforms is positioned to leverage AI-driven advertising in the 3.0 era, targeting a growth potential with over 3 billion users [1][3]. - The company has a strong monetization model, with advertising revenue accounting for 97% of total revenue, and is expected to see significant growth driven by AI technologies [3][4]. Company Overview - Meta Platforms, originally Facebook, has evolved into a leading global social media giant with over 3 billion monthly active users across its applications, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger [3][9]. - The company is undergoing a strategic transformation towards the metaverse and generative AI, with substantial investments in AI infrastructure and GPU procurement [5][10]. Application Family Business - The Family of Apps segment includes major platforms that collectively cover over 3 billion users, with Facebook and Instagram being the core drivers of advertising revenue [26][33]. - The introduction of features like Instagram Reels has helped Meta regain user engagement, particularly among younger demographics, countering competition from TikTok [28][32]. AI Strategy - Meta's AI initiatives focus on enhancing advertising efficiency through generative AI technologies, which have significantly improved ad creation and targeting capabilities [4][49]. - The company plans to invest heavily in AI infrastructure, with capital expenditures projected between $60 billion and $65 billion for 2025, reflecting the competitive landscape in AI [5][59]. Financial Projections and Investment Recommendations - Revenue forecasts for FY25-27 are projected at $188.4 billion, $214.9 billion, and $244.4 billion, respectively, with net profits expected to reach $69.4 billion, $79.4 billion, and $90.3 billion [6][69]. - The target price is set at $664.03 per share, based on a P/E ratio of 25x for FY2025, indicating a strong investment opportunity despite competitive challenges [6][69].

研究报告 Research Report 16 Apr 2025 Meta Platforms (META US) 首次覆盖：Meta 推陈出新：AI 驱动广告 3.0 时代，掘金 30 亿用户红利 Meta Refreshes: AI-Driven Advertising 3.0 Era, Tapping into Growth Potential with 3 Billion Users: Initiation [Table_yemei1] 观点聚焦 Investment Focus [Table_Info] 首次覆盖优于大市 Initiate with OUTPERFORM 评级 优于大市 OUTPERFORM 现价 US$521.52 目标价 US$664.03 市值 US$1,321bn 日交易额 (3 个月均值) US$11,346mn 发行股票数目 2,190mn 自由流通股 (%) 100% 1 年股价最高最低值 US$736.02-US$428.61 注：现价 US$521.52 为 2025 年 04 月 15 日收盘价 资料来源： Factset 1mth 3mth 12mth 绝对值 ...

President Donald Trump's import tariffs have been the big subject for investors in recent weeks, with any new announcement guiding the market's direction. And technology stocks such as the "Magnificent Seven" have been particularly vulnerable to the news since they rely a great deal on international production of raw materials and finished goods. In fact, their cost structure depends on manufacturing in countries that have specific infrastructure and a particular economic backdrop. This offers U.S. tech gia ...

Core Insights - Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg considered spinning off Instagram in 2018 due to potential antitrust issues, suggesting that companies often perform better after being split [1] - Zuckerberg acknowledged that he acquired Instagram because it had a superior camera compared to Facebook's own development efforts, reinforcing claims that Meta employed a "buy or bury" strategy against competitors [2][4] - The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is attempting to reverse Meta's acquisitions of Instagram for $1 billion and WhatsApp for $19 billion, marking a significant legal challenge against the company [3] Group 1: Acquisition Strategy - Zuckerberg's testimony revealed that Instagram was perceived as a rapidly growing threat, leading to the decision to acquire rather than build a competing product [2][4] - He admitted that many of Meta's attempts to create new apps have failed, with most not gaining traction [5] Group 2: Legal Context - The FTC's case against Meta is seen as a test of the Trump administration's commitment to regulating large tech companies [3] - The FTC claims that Meta holds a monopoly in social media platforms, with competitors including Snap's Snapchat and the smaller MeWe [7] Group 3: Market Competition - Meta argues that the FTC has misdefined the social media market, not adequately considering competition from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Apple's messaging app [6]

Instagram stands to gain a lot if TikTok is banned. A chart featured in Meta's opening statement during its FTC antitrust trial showed just how much Instagram could benefit.The Meta-owned platform reported a spike in usage when TikTok went dark for roughly 14 hours in January. "People went to Instagram," Meta's lawyer, Matt Hansen, said this week while pointing to the chart. "Boom almost instantly." This slide was included in Meta's 88-page presentation that accompanied its lawyer's opening statement. ...

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman US Court House on April 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Social media titan Mark Zuckerberg testified for a second day Tuesday in a landmark US antitrust trial, defending his conglomerate Meta against accusations it took over Instagram and WhatsApp to devour budding c ...

About this content About Angela Harmantas Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government ...