Meta Platforms (META): Stock Performance and What the Future Might Hold

Gene McCombs
May 28, 2025
3 min read

By Eugene McCombs - 5/28/25

Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) has come a long way since its early days as Facebook. Today, it’s not just a social media company—it’s a major player in artificial intelligence, digital advertising, and the evolving world of the metaverse. But what does that mean for investors and anyone keeping an eye on the tech world?

In this post, we’ll break down Meta’s recent stock performance, explore what’s driving growth, and look ahead to what the future could bring.

A Quick Look at Meta’s Stock in 2025

So far in 2025, META stock has been moving within a range of $380–$420. That’s a solid recovery from the tech-sector dip in 2022–2023, but it’s not without ups and downs. Let’s unpack the key drivers behind this movement.

What’s Pushing META Stock Up?

Advertising Rebound: Meta’s core business—digital advertising—is making a strong comeback. AI-driven targeting and improved ad tools have helped regain advertiser trust.
AI Advancements: Meta is doubling down on artificial intelligence, integrating generative tools across its platforms and making its models available to developers.
Cost Discipline: After major layoffs and operational streamlining in 2023, Meta is showing stronger margins. Plus, they’ve ramped up stock buybacks, which investors always like to see.

What’s Holding It Back?

Reality Labs Losses: Meta’s ambitious metaverse division continues to operate at a loss. While there’s future potential, the current financial drain makes some investors nervous.

Where Meta Is Betting Big

1. Artificial Intelligence

AI is everywhere in Meta’s ecosystem now—from content recommendations to ad creation. The company’s open-source models have gained traction, and Meta is competing with the likes of OpenAI and Google in shaping the future of AI.

2. Metaverse Vision

While the metaverse buzz has cooled, Meta is still investing in VR and AR through its Quest devices and Horizon Worlds. The use cases are expanding slowly, particularly in gaming and remote work.

3. WhatsApp = Untapped Goldmine

WhatsApp may not generate big bucks yet, but that could change. Business messaging, customer service bots, and integrated payments in key markets like India and Brazil could unlock a whole new revenue stream.

4. Social Commerce on Instagram & Facebook

Meta is making in-app shopping smoother with features like AI-powered product discovery and virtual try-ons. If successful, this could be a big e-commerce play.

But It’s Not All Smooth Sailing

Here are some risks to keep an eye on:

Regulation Woes: From privacy laws to antitrust investigations, Meta is under heavy global scrutiny.
Competition: Platforms like TikTok and YouTube are fierce rivals, especially when it comes to younger audiences.
Metaverse Uncertainty: Building a virtual world is expensive—and it’s unclear how long it will take (if ever) for users to fully embrace it.
Global Tensions: Geopolitical risks, especially related to China, could disrupt Meta’s plans in international markets.

What Do Analysts Think?

Most analysts still rate META as a “Buy” or “Strong Buy.” They see strong fundamentals, potential in AI, and room to grow in under-monetized platforms like WhatsApp. That said, they also note that heavy spending in Reality Labs could remain a drag on profits for a while.

Final Thoughts: Is META Still a Growth Stock?

Meta Platforms is a tech titan that keeps evolving. Whether it’s through cutting-edge AI or redefining digital interaction in the metaverse, the company isn’t standing still. For investors, it’s a mix of solid core business (ads and social media) plus high-risk, high-reward innovation.

If you're in it for the long haul and can stomach some volatility, META stock might be one of the more interesting plays in the market today.