Meta Platforms (META) - Morning Edge

Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) is one of the world's largest technology companies, operating Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. The company has invested heavily in virtual reality through its Reality Labs division and is building toward a "metaverse" vision. Meta's core advertising business generates substantial cash flow, funding both AI research and VR/AR hardware development. The company has become a major player in AI, both for ad targeting and through open-source AI model releases (Llama). META stock experienced a dramatic decline in 2022 as investors questioned metaverse spending, followed by a strong recovery as the company demonstrated cost discipline and AI capabilities. The stock remains sensitive to digital advertising trends and social media competitive dynamics.