META Stock Today: December 24 Analyst Split on AI Spend, 2026 Outlook
META stock today is steady as the analyst debate sharpens into 2026. Meta Platforms (META) trades at $667.55, up $2.61 (+0.39%) on light volume. Bulls see AI-driven ad gains and strong cash, while bears point to heavy capital needs and valuation risk. We map the core arguments, the numbers that matter, and the levels to watch. This helps US investors weigh near-term risk and the 2026 outlook without the noise.
Why views diverge on Meta into 2026
Bulls argue META stock today reflects improving ad relevance from AI models and stable user engagement. Barron’s highlights calls to be opportunistic buyers into the new year as product improvements support spend mix and pricing. Strong cash generation and a clean balance sheet support this view. See the summary from Barron’s here: source.
Skeptics say META stock today faces a valuation ceiling if AI spending stays high. A price target trimmed with talk of “wounded sentiment” shows patience could be needed as investors seek proof of returns. Watch capex discipline and Reels monetization. Coverage from IBD outlines the bear case: source.
The numbers US investors need now
Shares trade at $667.55 within a day range of $662.20 to $668.18. The stock sits above its 50-day average of $658.49 and just below its 200-day at $672.09. Volume is 5.63 million versus a 18.50 million average. With EPS of $22.61 and a P/E of 29.52, META stock today carries a premium to many peers. Market cap is about $1.68 trillion.
Margins are robust, with gross near 82%, operating near 43%, and net near 31%. Free cash flow yield is about 2.67%, dividend yield about 0.31% on $2.10 per share. ROE is near 31%. R&D equals about 28% of revenue and capex runs near 33% of revenue, a key point in the Meta AI spending discussion. META stock today depends on visible returns from that spend.
Technical setup for the week
RSI sits at 56.9, MACD is positive, and ADX near 34 signals a strong trend. Price is below the Bollinger upper band at 675.10 and above the middle band at 654.31, with ATR at 17.43 suggesting moderate daily swings. This places META stock today in a constructive but not stretched zone.
The 50-day at 658.49 is first support, then today’s low near 662. A close above the 200-day at 672.09 and the upper band near 675 could invite momentum flows. One-month change is -10.43% and three-month is -17.51%, while YTD is +5.43%, hinting at a base forming if buyers defend dips.
2026 outlook and what could move the stock
We will watch ad revenue growth, Reels monetization, and any updates on AI infrastructure spending. META stock today also hinges on operating efficiency as AI tools scale. Free cash flow trends, buyback pace, and Reality Labs progress can shape sentiment. Clear signs that higher capex is improving ad performance would ease concerns into 2026.
Street views tilt positive: 3 Strong Buys, 55 Buys, and 3 Holds. Median target is $825, with a consensus near $829 and a range of $670 to $1,117. Our stock grade model is A with a Buy suggestion. Next earnings are scheduled for January 28, 2026, which will guide the 2026 outlook for META stock today.
Final Thoughts
Analysts split on Meta’s path into 2026, but the scorecard is clear. The stock trades near $667 with strong margins, stable cash generation, and a heavy but purposeful AI investment cycle. The near term hinges on proof that spend lifts ad yield and monetization. Technically, a push above the 200-day and 675 could improve momentum, while support sits near the 50-day. For positioning, we prefer staged entries, add on strength above resistance, and reassess if the stock loses the 50-day on volume. Monitor capex commentary, ad trends, and January updates. As always, this is not advice. Do your own research.
FAQs
It depends on your time frame. The Street skews Buy with a median target of $825 and no Sells, but the P/E near 29.5 prices in execution. If you want 2026 upside, scale in. If you need near-term certainty, wait for a close above the 200-day.
AI infrastructure lifts capex, which runs near 33% of revenue. In the short run, this caps free cash flow yield near 2.7%. Over time, better ad relevance and automation can support revenue per user and operating leverage. We want clear evidence that ad performance improves as spend continues.
Into 2026, the market wants proof that AI tools boost ad returns and that Reality Labs losses narrow. Analysts lean positive, with targets centered around $825. Clear beats on ad growth and disciplined capex could expand multiples. Misses on either could keep the stock range-bound.
Watch $658.49 as 50-day support and $672 to $675 as resistance near the 200-day and the upper Bollinger band. A close above $675 with rising volume can open room toward prior highs, while a break below the 50-day risks a retest of recent lows.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
