Core Insights - Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading global technology and social media company with a market cap of $1.9 trillion, operating major applications like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger [1] Performance Overview - Over the past 52 weeks, Meta's shares have increased by 26.7%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index, which gained 18.1% [2] - Year-to-date, Meta's stock is up 28.4%, compared to a 17.2% rise in the S&P 500 [2] - Meta has outperformed the First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund's YTD return of 17.5%, but has lagged behind its 52-week surge of 29% [3] Financial Results - Meta reported Q3 results with a revenue growth of 26.2% year-over-year, reaching $51.2 billion, exceeding consensus estimates by 3.6% [4] - The adjusted EPS for Q3 was $7.25, which was 9.7% above analyst expectations [4] - A one-time income tax charge of $15.9 billion impacted the diluted EPS, but the company anticipates a significant reduction in U.S. federal tax payments due to President Trump's budget bill [4] Future Expectations - Analysts project an 18.2% year-over-year growth in EPS for the current fiscal year, estimating it to reach $28.21 [5] - Meta has a strong earnings surprise history, exceeding consensus estimates in the last four quarters [5] - The consensus rating among 57 analysts is a "Strong Buy," with 48 "Strong Buy," three "Moderate Buy," five "Hold," and one "Strong Sell" rating [5] Analyst Ratings - The analyst sentiment has become slightly more bullish, with 47 analysts suggesting a "Strong Buy" rating [6] - Truist Financial Corporation's analyst maintained a "Buy" rating on Meta and raised the price target to $900, indicating a potential upside of 19.7% from current levels [6]