Why is Meta Platforms stock surging today?

Meta Platforms (META) shares rose despite a Facebook and Instagram outage, with over 17,000 and 5,000 reports respectively. The market focused on Muse, Meta's AI agent, which reached No. 1 on Apple's U.S. App Store. Analysts see potential in the consumer AI agent market and improving AI investment returns. The consensus rating is Strong Buy with a $759.43 average price target, suggesting 14% upside.

A German court ruled Meta liable for scam ads on Instagram and Facebook, ordering it to stop the practice, provide information, and pay damages. The case involved scammers using a finance expert's identity to promote fake investments. The court argued that Meta's algorithmic content ranking makes it a perpetrator, not just a host, under the Digital Services Act. Meta can appeal the decision, which could have broader implications for platform liability.

Meta's C$13 billion data center plan in Alberta has increased the province's appeal for hyperscalers, according to Capital Power CEO Avik Dey. Capital Power is in talks to supply electricity to potential projects. Alberta's abundant natural gas, available land, and cold climate make it attractive for data centers. BCE recently announced plans to expand its Saskatchewan data center to 1.2 gigawatts. Alberta is encouraging data center proponents to invest in new electricity supply.

Wells Fargo raised its price target on Meta Platforms to $796 from $640, maintaining an Overweight rating. The stock is currently trading at $665.75, with a 5-day change of -2.43%.

Pennsylvania will receive at least $500 million from a settlement with Meta (parent of Facebook and Instagram) over allegations of harming young users. The funds, to be paid over a decade, will support youth mental health and school programs. The state must now decide how to allocate the money, with debates over control and distribution.

Meta agreed to a $17.1 billion settlement with 51 state and territory attorneys general over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed to addict children. The company will pay $12.1 billion guaranteed, with the total potentially reaching $17.1 billion, and implement new protections for teenage users. Meta generated $201 billion in revenue in 2025, and the settlement represents about 6% of one year's revenue, payable over a decade.