Rockland Trust Co. lessened its stake in shares of Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META – Free Report) by 6.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 28,720 shares of the social networking company’s stock after selling 1,844 shares during the period. Rockland Trust Co.’s holdings in Meta Platforms were worth $20,827,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of META. Auto Owners Insurance Co raised its position in Meta Platforms by 76,587.7% in the fourth quarter. Auto Owners Insurance Co now owns 105,292,277 shares of the social networking company’s stock valued at $69,502,379,000 after purchasing an additional 105,154,977 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of Meta Platforms by 4.0% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 92,033,963 shares of the social networking company’s stock worth $51,841,811,000 after purchasing an additional 3,510,123 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Meta Platforms in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $22,152,075,000. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in Meta Platforms by 14.6% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 21,038,035 shares of the social networking company’s stock valued at $12,036,491,000 after buying an additional 2,673,494 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in Meta Platforms by 6.1% during the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 18,200,469 shares of the social networking company’s stock worth $12,013,948,000 after acquiring an additional 1,046,715 shares during the last quarter. 79.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Insider Activity
In related news, CTO Andrew Bosworth sold 7,848 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $558.00, for a total value of $4,379,184.00. Following the sale, the chief technology officer owned 828 shares in the company, valued at $462,024. This represents a 90.46% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Also, CEO Mark Zuckerberg sold 27,474 shares of Meta Platforms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $777.44, for a total value of $21,359,386.56. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 146,647 shares of company stock valued at $99,886,901. 13.53% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.
Meta Platforms Stock Up 2.2%
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 29th. The social networking company reported $6.18 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $7.19 by ($1.01). Meta Platforms had a net margin of 29.83% and a return on equity of 33.18%. The firm had revenue of $60.80 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $60.22 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $7.14 EPS. The company’s revenue was up 28.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts expect that Meta Platforms, Inc. will post 27.94 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Meta Platforms Dividend Announcement
The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 28th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 21st were paid a dividend of $0.5250 per share. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, September 21st. Meta Platforms’s payout ratio is 7.91%.
Analyst Ratings Changes
META has been the subject of several recent research reports. Truist Financial decreased their price target on Meta Platforms from $770.00 to $763.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 27th. Erste Group Bank raised Meta Platforms from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 7th. Citigroup restated an “outperform” rating on shares of Meta Platforms in a research report on Thursday, September 24th. New Street Research decreased their target price on Meta Platforms from $730.00 to $700.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 31st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Meta Platforms from $710.00 to $875.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, September 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, forty-four have given a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Meta Platforms currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $787.86.
Get Our Latest Report on Meta Platforms
Key Meta Platforms News
Here are the key news stories impacting Meta Platforms this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Meta’s advertising business delivered its strongest monthly stock performance in three years. Analysts see additional upside if ad growth, pricing and AI-driven monetization continue to support a higher 2027 valuation. Meta Stock Could Have Another Big Run Ahead
- Positive Sentiment: A bullish analysis awarded Meta a Buy rating, arguing that its large user base and advertising cash flow can fund AI investments. Revenue growth of 28% year over year has outpaced user growth, indicating better monetization through higher ad prices and engagement. Meta Platforms: The AI Spending Looks Crazy; The Economics Don’t
- Positive Sentiment: Commentary on Meta’s Muse AI launch suggests the technology could become a major catalyst for commerce and advertising, with one forecast envisioning a path toward $1,000 per share. The outlook is speculative but adds to the positive AI narrative. Meta Muse: Sparking the AI Revolution
- Neutral Sentiment: Meta executives are scheduled to testify before New York City officials about AI risks and possible legislation. The hearing could increase regulatory scrutiny, though no immediate financial impact was announced. AI Executives Set to Testify at NYC Council Hearing
- Negative Sentiment: Meta, TikTok and X are challenging Ofcom’s demands for information under the United Kingdom’s online-safety regime. The dispute highlights potential compliance costs and regulatory exposure. Meta, TikTok and X Challenge UK Watchdog
- Negative Sentiment: Meta’s planned AI infrastructure spending—estimated at $130 billion to $145 billion by 2026—raises execution and return-on-investment risks. Investors need evidence that AI monetization will justify the unusually large capital commitments. Meta AI Spending Analysis
- Negative Sentiment: Several lawsuits could create substantial liabilities and reduce Meta’s ability to spend on chips and data centers, presenting a direct risk to its AI strategy. Meta AI Plans Could Be Crippled by Lawsuits
- Negative Sentiment: Investor Steve Weiss said he reduced his Meta position as the 10-year Treasury yield approached 5.26%. Higher yields can pressure valuations for high-growth technology stocks and make Meta’s future cash flows less attractive. Analyst Sells Cisco and Trims Meta
Meta Platforms Company Profile
Meta Platforms, Inc is a technology company that develops social networking, messaging, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence products. The company operates a global family of apps that includes Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp and Threads, enabling users to connect, communicate, share content and discover communities.
Meta generates most of its business through digital advertising displayed across its platforms. Its products serve individuals, creators, businesses and organizations in markets around the world, while its advertising tools help businesses reach audiences based on factors such as interests, activity and demographics.
Through its Reality Labs division, Meta develops virtual and augmented reality hardware, software and services, including the Meta Quest line of headsets and related experiences.
Further Reading
- Five stocks we like better than Meta Platforms
- A Manufacturing Surprise Could Be a Big Win for These 2 Companies
- What a $1 Billion Chip Deal Says About Amazon’s AI Ambitions
- 3 Stocks Benefiting From AI Demand Just Announced Major Buybacks
- Insiders Are Selling These 3 Stocks, Should You?
Want to see what other hedge funds are holding META? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META – Free Report).
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