The global investment bank raised its price target for Meta from $690 to $803 – well above the market consensus of around $715-citing growing momentum across both its advertising and hardware strategies. Meta’s shares rose nearly 2 per cent following the announcement, closing at around $711. The stock is already up more than 20 per cent this year, making it the best-performing member of the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants in 2025.
Citi – short for Citigroup Inc. – is one of the world’s largest financial services firms, known for its deep expertise in global markets. Its investment research and stock ratings are closely tracked by analysts and institutional investors worldwide. The endorsement reflects growing confidence in Meta’s ability to lead the next phase of digital advertising through AI, while simultaneously scaling its ambitions in the consumer hardware space.
At the centre of Citi’s bullish outlook is Meta’s unveiling of a new “static-to-video” advertising tool. Introduced at Cannes Lions, the feature allows brands to automatically convert still images into short-form videos optimised for Reels on Facebook and Instagram. By stitching together product photos with dynamic transitions, overlays, and soundtracks, the tool aims to reduce production time and make mobile-first video content more accessible to advertisers – especially small businesses and agencies without in-house video teams. This aligns with Meta’s broader push towards visual-first storytelling and AI-led content automation.
Alongside its advancements in advertising, Meta’s hardware roadmap also drew praise. The company’s AI-integrated Ray-Ban smart glasses, developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, have seen encouraging early adoption. These glasses combine classic frames with built-in cameras, open-ear speakers, and Meta’s voice-activated assistant, allowing users to capture content and access information hands-free. Citi’s analysts described smart glasses as “a core AI device”, suggesting they could become central to Meta’s long-term innovation strategy.
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Building on the success of its Ray-Ban line, Meta also announced a new collaboration with Oakley. The forthcoming wearable is expected to include upgrades such as OLED microdisplays, improved video resolution, longer battery life, and deeper AI integration-pushing Meta further into the augmented reality and mixed-reality space. These developments, according to Citi, mark the beginning of a hardware-driven future that complements Meta’s dominance in social platforms.
Other major firms share the optimistic view. Jefferies, another global investment bank, maintained its $790 price target on Meta and highlighted the company’s enhanced ad capabilities and creative automation tools as key drivers for growth. With the digital advertising ecosystem becoming increasingly competitive, analysts believe Meta’s ability to streamline video creation through AI will help it maintain an edge with both large brands and emerging creators.
While the developments are global in scope, they carry particular relevance for India-Meta’s largest market for Instagram users. In a country where mobile-first content consumption dominates and short-form video continues to grow, tools that simplify video creation are expected to resonate strongly. AI-powered features like the static-to-video tool could prove especially valuable to Indian small businesses and digital creators looking to expand their reach. As Meta continues to roll out smart devices and AI tools tailored for a global audience, India is likely to remain a key focus for both innovation and adoption.
