Meta Platforms: Long-Term AI Upside and Advertising Strength Justify Buy Rating Despite Near-Term Spending and Regulatory Risks

Monness analyst Brian White has maintained their bullish stance on META stock, giving a Buy rating today.

Brian White has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors that balance Meta’s strong fundamentals against near‑term concerns. He sees the company as structurally well positioned to capitalize on ongoing growth in digital advertising, supported by solid top-line expansion and resilient profitability, even as growth moderates from prior quarters. Despite recent share price volatility linked to investor worries about elevated AI-related spending, he notes that the stock still outperformed his coverage universe in 2025, and he views current levels as an attractive entry point relative to Meta’s growth profile. In his view, Meta’s dominant platform reach and ability to monetize engagement provide a durable foundation for long-term value creation.

At the same time, White acknowledges key risks, including intensifying regulatory scrutiny, macroeconomic uncertainty, and a significant step-up in operating expenses and capital expenditures tied to Meta’s AI roadmap. He highlights the company’s aggressive investment plans for 2026, including outsized capex growth, as a source of pressure on near-term margins but ultimately a strategic move to strengthen Meta’s technology and competitive edge. Initiatives such as Meta Superintelligence Labs, the acquisition of Manus, and broader AI model development are viewed as critical to enhancing products, automation, and advertising capabilities over time. Taking these factors together, he concludes that Meta’s robust revenue outlook and long-term AI opportunity outweigh the spending and regulatory headwinds, justifying a Buy recommendation.

In another report released today, Bank of America Securities also maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a $810.00 price target.

Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 252 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is positive on the stock. This means that over the past quarter there has been an increase of insiders buying their shares of META in relation to earlier this year.