Meta (META) Stock Forecast & Price Target

Meta Platforms continues to demonstrate strong financial performance, with projected fourth-quarter revenues between $56 billion and $59 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 19% to 22%, and a robust growth in ad impressions by 14% alongside a 10% rise in average pricing. The company's EBITDA margins have significantly improved, gaining over 10 percentage points year-over-year, contributing to a substantial 194% increase in stock value. With a strong user base of approximately 4 billion monthly active users and an accelerating headcount growth of 3% quarter-over-quarter, Meta's core business remains resilient, showcasing solid fundamentals despite ongoing investments in its Reality Labs segment.

The financial analysis highlights significant concerns regarding Meta Platforms' cash flow, forecasting a decline in free cash flow from $52 billion in 2024 to an estimated $26 billion by 2026 due to a substantial increase in capital expenditures. Furthermore, the company reported a 54% year-over-year decrease in shareholder returns in the third quarter of 2025, signaling potential challenges in maintaining investor confidence. The potential stagnation or decline in Facebook's active user base raises red flags about market saturation and competition, particularly from platforms like TikTok, which could further strain Meta's financial performance and hinder return on invested capital for its R&D spending.