Bernstein Sets $800 Price Target for Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) Amidst AI Investment Scrutiny

• Bernstein analyst Mark Shmulik has set an ambitious new price target of $800.00 for Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), indicating a potential upside of 36.61% from its previous stock price of $585.61.
• Despite this optimistic outlook, Meta Platforms recently experienced a stock drop of nearly 9% following its second-quarter report, where revenue grew 28% to $60.80 billion but net income decreased 14% to $15.90 billion, and earnings per share (EPS) missed expectations at $6.18.
• Investors are closely watching Meta Platforms' substantial spending on artificial intelligence, with analysts like Jefferies' Brent Thill maintaining a positive stance, anticipating that these AI investments will eventually drive profitable new business areas beyond advertising.

On July 30, 2026, Bernstein analyst Mark Shmulik set a new price target of $800.00 for Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META). Meta Platforms is a technology company that operates social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. At the time, Meta Platforms' stock price was $585.61, meaning the new target represents a potential increase of about 36.61%.

This optimistic target comes as Meta Platforms faces market pressure. The company's stock recently fell nearly 9% after its revenue guidance did not meet expectations. This contrasts with competitor Microsoft, which saw its stock rise on strong AI-related growth, as highlighted by CNBC. This shows the market's focus on successful AI investments.

The stock drop followed Meta Platforms' second-quarter report. The company's revenue grew 28% to $60.80 billion, but its net income decreased by 14% to $15.90 billion. Its earnings per share (EPS), which measures profitability per share, was $6.18, missing the expected $7.19. This news caused the stock to fall as much as 10% in after-hours trading.

Investors are concerned about Meta Platforms' rising costs, especially its large spending on artificial intelligence. While advertising revenue increased 27% to $59.40 billion, the market is looking for proof that the company's significant investments in data centers and computing power will create new, profitable business areas beyond advertising.

However, some analysts remain positive. Jefferies' analyst Brent Thill keeps a buy rating on Meta Platforms, stating the company has "more gas in the tank" for revenue growth. He expects Meta Platforms to "change the narrative" over the next year as it works to make its AI investments profitable, supporting a more positive long-term view.