Meta Platforms

Connecting the world

A smartphone, with the icons of the companies belonging to Facebook Metaverse, on the screen, held in front of a backdrop of the Metaverse logo.
Image credit - © Shutterstock/Melnikov Dmitriy

What does it do?

Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, is a global company that primarily operates a range of social media platforms and communication services, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. With over 3 billion users worldwide, Meta's platforms underpin much of the world’s communication and online experience.

Why do we invest?

Meta Platforms is a leading global communication and technology company with a vast user base and significant revenue potential. The company's competitive advantage lies in its scale, extensive user data, and advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. Meta's core business generates substantial advertising revenue, and its ongoing investments in AI are expected to improve ad targeting and user engagement. Over our investment horizon, we would see the value in Reality Labs start to be realised or the losses to be eliminated, which, combined with a renewed focus on costs, should widen margins.

Who is key?

Mark Zuckerberg is an engaged founder-CEO who is ruthlessly competitive. Zuckerberg has demonstrated his ability to admit mistakes and course-correct in recent years, while still betting big when he sees a significant opportunity. Meta platforms has maintained a core group of leaders with the return of Chris Cox and the Andrew Bosworth moving into the role of CTO.

When

Founded in: 2004

Invested in: 2012. sold 2020, repurchased 2023

Where

Headquartered: U.S.

Important information

The company showcased on this page is part of a diversified portfolio. The commentary should not be taken as advice on an individual stock.

Investment trusts are UK public companies and are not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You may not get back the amount invested and please bear in mind that past performance is not a guide to future performance.