Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, expects a 30% revenue growth in the first quarter, with advertising revenue potentially surpassing Google Search this year. Revenue for the company jumped 24% in the fourth quarter to $59.9 billion. Meta’s strong performance is attributed to AI-driven improvements in its ad business. The company issued better-than-expected revenue guidance for the first quarter, forecasting $53.5 billion-$56.5 billion in revenue, up 30% from the previous year. Meta’s advertising revenue could reach $251.1 billion in 2026, potentially outpacing Alphabet’s ad revenue.

Meta’s advertising business, driven by Facebook and Instagram, accounted for $196.2 billion of its $201 billion revenue in 2025. The company’s AI-driven ad improvements are expected to accelerate growth in 2026. While Alphabet may have a larger ad revenue with YouTube and Google Network, Meta’s advertising model is showing a significant edge in the AI era. Meta’s rapid growth in advertising is making it a market leader, with AI serving as a tailwind for the company’s core business. Despite Alphabet’s growth in various businesses, Meta’s advertising sector is poised for success.

Investors considering buying stock in Meta Platforms should note its potential for growth in the advertising sector. While Meta wasn’t included in the Motley Fool’s list of the top 10 stocks to buy now, the company’s performance in the AI era suggests it could be a market-beater. Meta’s focus on AI-driven ad improvements on Facebook and Instagram positions it well for continued growth in the advertising market.

(Note: All figures and statistics mentioned in the news article have been included in the summaries.)

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