Five things to watch in markets in the week ahead
On Thursday, Susquehanna analysts increased the price target for Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:META) to $800 from the previous $675, while maintaining a Positive rating on the stock. Currently trading at $676.49, near its 52-week high of $682.58, Meta’s stock has shown remarkable momentum, with a 70% return over the past year according to InvestingPro data. The adjustment follows Meta’s announcement of strong fourth-quarter results and a first-quarter revenue forecast that exceeded expectations at the upper end.
Meta’s management has expressed confidence in the company’s prospects for 2025, highlighting a focus on improving monetization efficiency and the promising potential from investments in artificial intelligence (AI). This confidence is supported by Meta’s impressive 81.5% gross profit margin and robust 23% year-over-year revenue growth. Susquehanna’s analysts have reaffirmed their favorable view of Meta’s opportunities and market positioning, anticipating that the company’s AI investments will yield significant benefits over time.
Despite the optimistic revenue outlook, Susquehanna has made slight revisions to its financial forecasts for Meta. The firm has kept its 2025 revenue estimate largely the same but has reduced its EBITDA projection by 4% and its earnings per share (EPS) estimate by 5%. Additionally, Susquehanna has introduced estimates for 2026, predicting an 11% year-over-year revenue growth, EBITDA margins of 57%, and non-GAAP EPS of $26.52.
The new price target of $800 is based on approximately 18 times the 2026 estimated enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) and around 30 times the 2026 price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. Currently, Meta trades at an EV/EBITDA of 21.28x and a P/E ratio of 31.05x. The analysts have adjusted their valuation multiples as they extend their assessment period to 2026. This revision reflects a blend of Meta’s current performance and its long-term growth trajectory as envisioned by Susquehanna’s analysts. For deeper insights into Meta’s valuation metrics and 17 additional ProTips, explore the comprehensive analysis available on InvestingPro.
In other recent news, Meta Platforms reported strong fourth-quarter results, with a significant 23% revenue growth. However, Needham analysts expressed concerns over Meta’s future financial outlook, maintaining their Underperform rating. The company’s guidance indicates a slowdown in revenue and earnings per share (EPS) growth, despite strong financial health and an 81.5% gross profit margin.
Simultaneously, Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), Bernstein, and Jefferies have all increased their price targets for Meta Platforms. Wells Fargo set a new price target of $752, citing the company’s robust fourth-quarter revenue growth. Bernstein analysts increased the price target for Meta to $800, focusing on the company’s key projects and strong financial position. Jefferies analyst Brent Thill raised the price target on Meta shares to $810, highlighting Meta’s AI investments and double-digit growth potential.
Meanwhile, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Meta Platforms have defended their significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) development amid spending concerns. JMP Securities maintained a bullish stance, reiterating its Market Outperform rating with a $750 price target, following Meta’s impressive year-over-year advertising revenue growth of 21%. These are the recent developments involving Meta Platforms.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.