Meta Platforms Stock Price Rises 1.7% - Still a Buy?

Analysts Remain Bullish on Social Media Giant's Future Performance

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:22pm

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An extreme close-up of the intricate, industrial-looking mechanisms and gears of a high-tech financial trading system, conveying the power and complexity of modern finance without any text or identifiable elements.The sophisticated machinery powering Meta Platforms' financial performance reflects the company's technological prowess and ability to navigate the evolving digital landscape.Menlo Park Today

Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) saw its stock price rise 1.7% on Friday, trading as high as $691.52 per share. The company, formerly known as Facebook, has received positive ratings from analysts, with 38 Buy recommendations, 4 Strong Buy ratings, and 8 Hold ratings. Analysts have an average target price of $837.72 for the stock, indicating potential upside from the current trading level.

Why it matters

Meta Platforms' strong financial performance and continued growth in its core social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, have made the stock an attractive investment for many analysts. The company's focus on developing augmented and virtual reality technologies, as part of its rebranding to Meta, also presents potential long-term growth opportunities.

The details

Meta Platforms reported strong financial results in its latest quarter, with revenue of $59.89 billion and earnings per share of $8.88, both exceeding analyst expectations. The company has also been actively investing in its future, including the development of its metaverse initiatives, which aim to create immersive digital experiences. Despite some concerns about regulatory scrutiny and competition, analysts remain largely bullish on Meta's long-term prospects.

  • Meta Platforms shares traded up 1.7% on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The company reported its latest quarterly earnings on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Meta Platforms, Inc.

A global technology company that operates a family of consumer-facing products and services, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, which enable social networking, messaging, content sharing, and community building across mobile and desktop devices.

Evercore

A research firm that has issued a report on Meta Platforms, increasing its target price for the stock.

BMO Capital Markets

A research firm that has increased its price target for Meta Platforms' stock.

Canaccord Genuity Group

A research firm that has lifted its target price for Meta Platforms and maintained a Buy rating on the stock.

Royal Bank Of Canada

A research firm that has reissued an Outperform rating and a $810 price target on Meta Platforms' stock.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Meta Platforms' strong financial performance, continued growth in its core social media platforms, and focus on developing new technologies like the metaverse have made the stock an attractive investment for many analysts. Despite some concerns, the company's long-term prospects remain largely positive.