Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) enters the final quarter of 2026 with its advertising business delivering strong revenue growth, a newly launched AI assistant attracting millions of users and a capital investment program that is putting increasing pressure on cash flow.

Meta shares last closed at $718.67 on October 9, declining 0.31% during the session. The stock had fallen 0.06% on October 8 after a 2.38% decline the preceding day, extending a pullback following September’s 26.79% rally, its strongest monthly performance since 2022. That September advance had lifted year-to-date gains to 10.13%.

• Meta Platforms shares closed at $718.67 on October 9, 2026. A move to $1,000 would represent 39.1% upside, while the average…