Meta Platforms () will announce fourth-quarter results after markets close on Thursday and analysts predict that the Facebook parent will post strong improvement in earnings per share (EPS)and revenue as advertising remains strong and the company integrates artificial intꦆelligence (AI) technology into its existing—and now leaner—operatio𝔍ns.

According to analyst consensus compiled by Visible Alpha, Meta is forecast to report 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:diluted EPS of $4.90 for the final quarter of 2023, versus $1.76 in the prior-yea♛r quarter. Net inc꧅ome is pegged at $12.89 billion, also up significantly from $4.65 billion a year ago.

Revenue is expected to come in at $38.9 billion, up 21% from $32.2 billion in the last quarter of 2022. This growth is driven primarily by Meta's advertising revenue, which analysts expect to rise to $37.92 billion and hit a record high for the third consecutive quarter.

Key Metric: Monthly Active People

Meta defines monthly active people (MAP) as users who visited at least one of Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp within a month-long period of measurement. This is as opposed to 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:monthly active users (MAU), which includes users active only on Face🦹book or Messenger.

Growing its MAP base is essential for Meta to continue to garner 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:new int🥃eres🔯t and revenue from advertisers. It is also a general reflection of the health of the company's overall suite of social media 🎃products and services.

Analysts expect Q4 MAP figures to reach 3.97 billion, eking out a record high for the company and an improvement of more than 6% year-over-year. Growth in MAP has accelerated in recent quarters, likely in part because of Meta's integration of AI capabilities into its pre-existing offerings. Rather than launch a new AI-based product, Meta has so far opted to enhance its existing lineup with 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:new AI features and tools.

Business Spotlight

Despite Meta's success in the last several quarters, the company is also under intense scrutiny over the way it engages with users. In October, more than 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:30 states sued the company over allegedly unfairly ensnaring children and deceiving users about the safety o✨f its offerings.

Meta shares have skyrocketed inܫ the last year, climbing by about 162%.