Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META), the technology giant headquartered in Menlo Park, California, is preparing to release its financial results for the fourth quarter after the market closes on Wednesday, January 28. Market participants are closely watching the company’s anticipated earnings report, which holds significance given Meta's position in the digital advertising and social networking sectors.
Current analyst projections signal that Meta will deliver earnings of approximately $8.18 per share for the quarter. This estimate marks a moderate increase compared to the $8.02 per share reported in the same period last year, reflecting expectations of earnings growth. Additionally, the consensus estimate for quarterly revenue stands at $58.41 billion, a notable rise over Meta’s reported $48.38 billion from the previous year’s quarter, indicating an anticipated expansion in business activity.
Meta Platforms has demonstrated a robust track record with its revenue performance, having surpassed analyst forecasts for 13 consecutive quarters. Such a consistent streak underlines the company’s operational strength and its ability to outperform market expectations regularly.
In market trading leading up to the earnings announcement, Meta’s shares showed minimal movement, closing modestly higher by 0.1% at $672.97 on Tuesday. This price behavior suggests investors are awaiting additional data from the upcoming report before making substantial moves.
Several top Wall Street analysts have recently adjusted their outlooks on Meta, each maintaining positive investment stances while revising price targets downward, signaling a nuanced view of Meta’s near-term growth potential.
- Rohit Kulkarni of Roth Capital reiterated a Buy rating for Meta but lowered his price target from $845 to $800 on January 26, 2026. Kulkarni’s analytical track record boasts an 83% accuracy rate, lending credibility to his forecast adjustments.
- Justin Patterson from Keybanc kept his Overweight rating intact yet decreased his price target from $875 to $835 as of January 26, 2026. Patterson’s accuracy stands at 65%, indicating moderate reliability in his assessments.
- Ken Gawrelski at Wells Fargo also preserved an Overweight rating but reduced the price target from $795 to $754 on January 23, 2026. Gawrelski holds a 64% accuracy rate, reflecting a cautious recalibration of expectations.
- Mark Kelley of Stifel maintained his Buy rating, lowering his price target from $875 to $785, as noted on January 23, 2026. Kelley’s forecast accuracy is registered at 83%, affirming his informed perspective.
- Brent Thill at Jefferies upheld his Buy rating with a price target of $910 as of January 22, 2026. Thill’s accuracy rate is 73%, indicating a relatively strong track record among analysts covering Meta.
The range of adjusted price targets presents a spectrum of opinions, although all analysts recognize underlying strengths in the company’s outlook. The downward adjustments could imply market participants are factoring in short-term uncertainties or heightened competitive pressures even as fundamental growth remains on track.
Investors evaluating Meta’s stock ahead of this critical earnings announcement can consult the latest analyst ratings and detailed data available through platforms specializing in market analytics. Such resources offer comprehensive insights sorted by ticker, analyst firms, rating changes, and additional variables, facilitating informed investment decisions.
Meta Platforms continues to sustain investor interest with ongoing revenue outperformance and anticipated earnings growth, but recent analyst revisions underscore the dynamic nature of market expectations as the company navigates evolving sector challenges and opportunities.